How About $11.00 an Hour to Risk Your Life?

After we published our blog on local wages, we received this from Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan:

A man or woman with a 4 year degree and not academy certified starts at my department for $11.01 per hour. Once certified that person goes to $11.37 per hour. After 5 years with my department and a 4 year degree that officer makes $11.97 per hour for the next 10 years when they receive a $600 per year increase and will retire at that rate. The only way they move from that rate of pay is to be promoted which opportunities are limited by budgeted positions or cost of living raises which none of Tuscumbia's employees have received in the last 3 years. A classic example is a current Captain in with my department with 27 years with the City makes $14.37 per hour and has a 4 year degree.

I applaud Sheriff Singleton is his efforts to call out salary shortcomings for the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to keep the Shoals one of the safest areas in the state and the southeast. He and I talk on a regular basis of ways to try and improve the pay for our officers.

Thanks for keeping important concerns in the public eye!

We're going to add that Chief Logan has recently required his department to obtain supplemental training on professional ethics. We feel 99% of those who serve start out to help the community. Unfortunately, many become jaded or even, pardon the analogy, turn to the dark side. Many thanks to all those who hang in there.



Shoalanda

Tuscumbia Employee Salutes Park Patron?

The TimeDaily recently offered us its version of muskrat love...er, hate, but muskrats and the light show at Spring Park aside, there seem to be many problems with the park that are being glossed over. We're publishing a new guest editorial today; it's accompanied by photos, so we can say that most of this is documented. Did a City of Tuscumbia employee direct an obscene gesture at our writer? If any employees wish to make a rebuttal, they are always welcome.

From our guest editorialist:

We had an article on muskrats in the newspaper on March 22, where the rec. director told the public, "creek will most likely be down for two weeks" After a period of three weeks, we get another lesson on muskrats, where we are informed that it will take another two to three weeks for repairs to be completed. Again all blame was on the muskrats Might I assume from this that if the rec. director fails to have it ready in two more weeks, we will get another article on muskrats, and how we are having FEW complaints. 

The nice picture in the newspaper shows three people working while the rec. director watches I have been in Spring Park most every day this last month, and have seen the rec. director there only three times, never helping.

Saturday`s newspaper says, "Kendrick said that the other park rides , including the carousel, small roller coaster, and train are up and running. For the most part, we`re full steam ahead right now." The truth is the train is in operational condition only with three cars, The other three are inside in shambles, being used for PARTS.

The huge drive wheels are not on the engine and have not been for three years. The railroad bridge is a total embarrassment from missing boards and the crossing gates are not working properly.

The park was scheduled to open the first weekend in March. Six weeks later the lights on the carousel STILL are not working, still no music. I think I can say that the lights, or lack thereof, is not a muskrat problem. {management, maybe?} It also safe to say that the rusted bathroom door is not muskrat related.

The rec. director believes that the waterfall will be repaired "by the time the light show repairs are done" I suppose TWO to THREE weeks? Now if our rec. director is proud of his part in this, and willing to say the rides are up and running," and for the most part are full steam ahead", we may have an understanding as to why things are in the shape they are.

PS= I was siting in my truck today, enjoying the scenery, when I received an obscene hand gesture from the engineer and conductor. CLASS?

*****

On the bright side in Tuscumbia, we believe that city has the honor of having the most adept police chief. We understand there may be some news in the Elbert Farley Davis Jr. murder investigation in the immediate future. Prayers for Chief Logan and all involved in bringing this murderer to justice.

Shoalanda

A Word From Chief Tony Logan

Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan has offered us an update on the search for Mr. Elbert Farley Davis Jr's killer. We should have more on this next week:

About a year and a half ago we assembled all of the investigators, chiefs, and the sheriff of Colbert County for a day long summit to discuss the case. I felt it was important to have fresh eyes look at the case. We did not share our suspect list early in the day so that we did not influence their conclusions. At the end of the day the group had pretty much come to the same conclusions and suspect list that we had which at least made me feel that we were working in the right direction.

Most recently I asked Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly to have his cold case squad to review the case. About 2 months ago his squad along with Dr. Greene of Alabama Forensics and our staff met at Mr. Davis residence to go over the scene along with reports and photos of the scene. I felt important because the residence was sold and the new owners were about to move in so it would be our last opportunity to go into the residence with it in much the way it was when Mr. Davis was attacked.

I am in constant contact with his (children). We meet each Wednesday to discuss where we are with the case. Ever since it took place anytime the investigators have someone in to interview on any crime they always ask if they have any information on the Davis case.

Please feel free to share any suggestions you might have that would assist us in this case. I just want to be able to give closure to the family and bring to justice those responsible for his death.

*****

This week Mark Montgomery pleaded Not Guilty to shooting two women and a pet dog dead. He will now stand trial in Lauderdale County and waste countless dollars of taxpayer money. Let's see...he told his sister he killed them, he had their blood on his clothes and shoes...yep, a jury should buy the not guilty plea.

Shoalanda

"Undercover Agents" in Leighton

Okay, we promise no more jokes. We just think prostitution stings could come up with a better name for those officers making the supreme sacrifice...be they male or female. In case you're totally lost here...

It seems Tony Logan has just led a group of ABI undercover agents into the dangerous world of Leighton/Colbert County prostitution...and beyond. The Tuscumbia chief has announced the arrests of four females and one male on misdemeanor charges related to soliciting sex. Logan went as far as to say there had been unusual activity at local hotels recently. Fill in your own joke here since we promised only the one attempt at humor.

Backpage.com? Never heard of it. We did visit so that you, gentle readers, will not have to be bothered. Only one ad seems to be local. From Muscle Shoals:

Click to Enlarge

And the murderer of Mr. Elbert Farley still walks the streets.



Shoalanda

More Comments on Chief Tony Logan

Comments on Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan seemed to be running 3:1 in support of the former Florence officer, but that was hardly surprising. Individuals will usually post a comment to refute an opinion much more often than to support it.

The one thing missing from most comments? Logic. No, Logan is not a private person due to his salary being paid by the taxpayers of Tuscumbia. Nor would Logan be off limits if he worked in the private sector--he's currently the defendant in a criminal case. The original case may be old, but it is Logan himself who has prolonged it all these years.

Have any of us here ever met Logan? We can't speak for other team bloggers, but Shoalanda herself has never met him.We do know he's taking up valuable Lauderdale County tax dollars by continuing to appeal his Florence DUI conviction on a legal technicality.

We're at a little loss as to why someone who believes in following rules has low self esteem. We're going to put that comment in the same file as those which inform us an 11 year-old girl seduced her rapist. Narcissism should never be mistaken for self-esteem.

*****

Is a police chief ever above the law? Hmmmm. Perhaps we should ask former Florence Chief Rick Thompson.

*****

We have an interesting addendum to our list of cremains locations. One friend thinks Matthew Fox's remains should be scattered at Arx Mortis where he stored the tools he used to dismember Amanda Taylor.



Shoalanda

Chief Logan, It's Not All About You

If you know the saga of Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan, you know he was once a deputy chief in Florence. He lost that job presumably because of some bad choices. These choices didn't bring Logan any ill gotten gain or harm any ex-girlfriends; they were just to help friends, but they were still unethical, and he paid the price. Anyone wonder why someone of his intelligence made those choices?

Anyone wonder why he continues to fight a DUI conviction that he without a doubt deserved? How many thousands of dollars has Logan spent in order to prove he's above the law, and why does he think he's special?

Some months ago a person whose veracity is beyond question told us of attending a funeral visitation at which Logan was present. Many in attendance related fond memories of the dear departed, but Logan's tales all revolved around himself.

Now we have the investigation into the murder of Brioni Rutland. Chief Logan stated it was the "craziest three days of my life." We have news for Logan; the three days were hardly any better for Rutland's family and friends. So why is it always about Logan?

More importantly, what does that bode for Tuscumbia? Narcissists come in all socio-cognitve groups, but one in power just might be one to watch rather than to laugh at.



Shoalanda

Tuscumbia Makes Daily Mail/Dumb & Dumber

"Well, it is Alabama."

The above was one comment concerning an article in the internationally popular Daily Mail. What was the article? If you guessed an item detailing the mock alien invasion turned bomb threat, you would be correct.

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Tony (Dumber) Olivis

Let's see...someone, quite possibly a bored teenager, decided to tell his/her friends on Facebook that a radio promotion had implied a bomb threat for local schools. Yes, and Paul is dead. Not to mention we're all getting microchipped next week. Who believes these things?

If someone were going to bomb anything, would they announce it on the radio? Wouldn't the hacked radio station just possibly call police with this little bit of news? But Dumb and Dumber, otherwise known as Tony Logan and Tony Olivis, blame the radio station for this...ummm, fiasco?

Let's talk (Tony) Turkey. It's men like Logan and Olivis, particularly the latter who should at least claim some measure of education, who hold Alabama back. We can't logically expect every citizen of Alabama to be MENSA material, but we can expect our elected school officials to demonstrate at least a modicum of common sense.

Olivis called the Star 94.9 ads in "bad taste" and added that school safety was no laughing matter. We're guessing he didn't even listen to the ads...either that or he intentionally lied. Just remember that at election time.

And Chief Tony Logan? He says he had to add extra patrols to placate parents. How about placating all Tuscumbia citizenry by repaying the salary you've taken while wasting time in court fighting a DUI charge?



Shoalanda

Sins of the City?

Muscle Shoals City Hall

It's unfortunate the Muscle Shoals Civil Service Board didn't allow Billy Underwood and Johnnie Franks to call their eight witnesses in an attempt to show selective prosecution in today's Deerslayer hearing. While we don't think this defense would have produced a different verdict, the testimony would have been very enlightening...and entertaining.

And just what other "sins of the city" was Mr. Underwood referring to? Would they have called Mayor Bradford? Would they have questioned the exact number of killer turtles the former police officer has slain while on duty?

Now that Greg Scoggins is headed for circuit court, perhaps his attorneys will advise him that a windbreaker isn't exactly proper attire for such legal proceedings. Or maybe after paying his attorneys' fees the unemployed Scoggins couldn't afford a new suit?

*****

That pesky Sunshine Law has again popped up. More lawsuits against Muscle Shoals. This one seems much more winnable for Scoggins, assuming he would be entitled to punitive damages for the board's faux pas.

Do you wonder if certain elected officials and/or boards just do what they want on the grounds that they mean well? And after all, why would the Sunshine Law apply to them; they're so special.

*****

A commenter has brought up the DUI conviction of Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan. Logan appealed his conviction not on his claim of innocence, but on the claim of a questionable law. Not a very good example, but as far as we know he hasn't  been shooting any innocent turtles either. Sadly, if Logan's legal battle is any indicator, we'll be reading about the Scoggins case for years to come.

Shoalanda

Tony Logan's Long Legal Quest Over Today?/PYSIH

It's been a long road for Tony Logan, former Florence Deputy Police Chief and current chief of the Tuscumbia Police Department. Who's to blame? No one but Logan himself. Chief Logan has never denied guilt relating to his December 2009 DUI arrest, but has instead danced around the legal system chanting nebulous laws, persecution, and other various possible loopholes.

What will happen if a Gadsden jury finds Logan guilty as charged? At best Logan will have been out a lot of money for nothing, and at worst he may again be suspended from his job. No one has ever accused Logan of not being a great police officer. Everyone makes mistakes. The difference in Logan's case is he has chosen to evade punishment for his shortcomings and consequently cost the taxpayers of Lauderdale County thousands of dollars in doing so.

Related posts: Tony Logan Blames the Media

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We've previously mentioned People You'll See in Hell both here and in Shoals Crime. Due to health problems of the publisher, PYSIH has been in hiatus for some months, but is now back with new articles.

Be sure to catch "Tiffany's" article: Weems, Pruett, Greenhill, & Fox



Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity. No vulgarity. No libelous statements. Get it? Got it! Good...

Our Naughty List (Some Much More Than Others)

"Naughty Lists" seem to be a trend among local bloggers this year, so we're happy to jump on the bandwagon. Here's our version, in no particular order...

1. Terry Bowden - He didn't even bother to say goodbye.

2. Wal-Mart - What? They've made so little money over the years that now they're worried about Publix? Please...

3. Florence City Council - Most of them truly care about the town. Standing one's ground can be courageous, but failing to find a solution for our garbage woes is not a great example of placing the city first. Santa may not leave any trash in their yards, but by February Cupid may consider doing so.

4. Cherokee Mayor Chuck Lansdell - If you don't play his way, he won't play at all, while blaming others for his leadership problems.

5. Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan - We're about to begin year three of this ongoing saga, all paid for by Lauderdale County taxpayers. He's not even appealing his DUI conviction on claims of innocence, but on a nebulous law. Great example there, Chief.

6. Brian Keith McGuire - Another less than upstanding citizen costing Alabama tax payers unnecessarily to appeal the loss of his teaching license. A Lauderdale jury may have found him not guilty of rape, but the Alabama Board of Education pronounced him guilty of that plus a lot of other seedy doings. Does he think anyone would hire him to teach Alabama youth even if he got his license back?

7. "Christians" who bash atheists - It doesn't speak well of their religion or their IQ. After all, we haven't seen any Methodists trash talking Baptists recently. Calling an atheist harsh names isn't going to make him want to sit by us in church on Sunday morning.

8. Florence and Colbert Animal Shelters - Neither can see the forest for the trees. We hope in 2012 both entities will concentrate on promoting animal adoption. It's about time...

9. Steve Pierce - If we can blame one man for UNA now residing in the purgatory that lies between Division I and Division II, it's Steve. We have to ask why he prefers UNA to be a very small frog in a big pond to being a very large frog in a medium pond.

10. Susan Leigh Smithson & the Sweetwater Gang - It's been over two years now since the owner of Sweetwater mansion and a few locals began their efforts to restore this once stately home. During this time, the director and her various committee members have alienated almost anyone who has volunteered to work on the property. Here's hoping Smithson finds a buyer in 2012,

11. Red Bay Police Chief Jana Jackson for commenting prematurely on the death of David Andrasik. No, no one knows how a Franklin County grand jury will rule in January, but we highly suspect Jackson will have some thoughtless words to eat.

We could add more, but the sound of tiny hooves approaching needs immediate investigation. Here's hoping all readers are careful out there this weekend.





Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity. No vulgarity. No libelous statements. Get it? Got it! Good...

Susan Smith Asks Why Logan Trial Was Moved

Today's TimesDaily has a thoughtful letter from Susan Smith, questioning why Tony Logan's DUI trial was moved from Lauderdale County while other high profile cases have not been similarly relocated. If we had the answer, we would be happy to provide it, but we do not.

We have seen a comment by a local attorney questioning just how far Logan's trial will have to be moved in order to avoid a contaminated jury. This particular attorney felt that such a move would not need to be far; yet another attorney to whom we spoke felt it would need to be moved beyond the viewing area of Huntsville television stations--that could be quite a distance.

In the end, it may not be whether Tony Logan wins or loses his appeal, but will he still have the respect of those who work for him and those who reside within his police jurisdiction? Whether you prefer to call it a can of worms or a Pandora's box, Logan has opened it, and it may now be impossible to close.

Related Post: How Much to Move Tony Logan Trial?

*****

Let's now turn to the Daily Disappointment, the Times Faily, the Tricycle Daily, the Totally Decatur...you know, the local rag that reports everything but news from the Shoals. Where did you read one of the first expose's of the National Alabama Corp.? We hope you answered the Shoals Insider or Shoalanda, because you didn't read it in the TimesDaily.

Where did you read the investigative report on the missing Cherokee diesel fuel? Again, we hope you didn't answer the TimesDaily, because it was published only in The Connection. In what publication did you read of the latest conviction of the Reedtown Rapist? Well, it wasn't the TimesDaily, but the Franklin County Times and Shoalanda.

And now the TimesDaily has failed to report on the death of local author Beverly Barton, just as it overlooked the passing of Margaret Phillips some months ago. It must be nice to have a hometown newspaper...we say "must" since we in the Shoals have not had one in a long time.



Shoalanda

How Much to Move Tony Logan Trial?

Judge Gil Self has now ruled on a change of venue for Tony Logan's Circuit Court DUI trial; however, the site has yet to be selected. Just how much will it cost the taxpayers of Lauderdale County? Remember, this is originally a Florence Municipal case that has been appealed to circuit court. Citizens of Florence have already paid for the Tuscumbia chief's first trial, albeit a short one.

Sources with the court system indicate that for a change of venue to be effective it would require a location far away enough from the Shoals to preclude most participants from driving each day, assuming the trial lasts over one day--and it has been predicted that it will.

Lauderdale County would be responsible for travel, food, and lodging for the judge, prosecutor, investigator(s), and witnesses. It could also be responsible for providing an extra suite or similar rented facility for the prosecution to work on the case after the courthouse closes. Our source stated that if the prosecution calls enough witnesses, the charges could reach 5K a day.

One would think the trial would not last over two days, but many of those involved would also need to remain during the jury deliberations. So, just how much are we looking at? Expenses over 10K would not be unheard of for such a trial, although we hope they would be considerably less. If Logan were proclaiming his innocence, we could understand his need for vindication, but an appeal over a technicality? Tuscumbia seems intent on keeping Logan as chief no matter the outcome; does this mean Tony Logan himself is preparing to change jobs and wishes to have an unencumbered record?

*****

We have an addendum from Tiffany Potts Evans whom we featured yesterday:

Also let me add the vote to see if such and such is going to hell is only to see if their crime is hell-worthy and is more symbolic than anything. We do know that we can't send anyone to hell. Sorry about forgetting that but it is important because a lot of people tell us who are you to judge? We are just judging if your crime is hell-worthy or not.



Shoalanda

Case & Logan Don't Know?

Those who have been following the ongoing alcohol fueled antics of Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan are aware that the long-time officer has asked for a trial in Lauderdale County Circuit Court to determine guilt or innocence in his DUI arrest. Unfortunately, the Chief and his defense attorney Tim Case don't seem to know as much as the lay people keeping tabs on the situation. Quoted in Today's TimesDaily, Case offered these words in Judge Gil Self's courtroom:

Defense attorney Tim Case declined to enter a plea for Logan during an arraignment hearing Tuesday, arguing the charges against the police chief are vague. “We don’t know what we are charged with at this time,” Case said.

Sad, isn't it, when a veteran law enforcement officer and a juris doctor can't fathom simple DUI charges. Perhaps Case's strategy may get Logan off, but this prolonged theatre of the absurd isn't garnering any respect for Tony Logan. If Logan should win his case, just imagine the resulting chaos in Florence Municipal Court for all future DUI trials.

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Sources tell us that Randall Scott Shook was a second cousin to Kenny Strickland, convicted murderer of Rusty Earnest. According to other sources, Shook had approximately 15 felony convictions, as well as an extensive juvenile record. He was also awaiting trial for a recent assault conviction.

We suspect, like Tony Logan, Scott Shook had a serious problem with alcohol. While we have heard rumors that responsible drinkers are out there, they don't seem to live in the Shoals.

*****

Apparently, the e-mail sent to Colbert County Bar Association members concerning Tim Milam's move back to Mississippi was all in fun. Milam has a new Facebook page where he touts his expertise. A reader tells us one post on DUI defense was hastily removed.

See the last statement in the Scott Shook update...

Shoalanda

Tony Logan Blames the Media

Especially after the municipal court trial, there was an inordinate amount of media coverage, television coverage and newspaper print coverage. Likewise, there have been numerous Internet blogs as well as just word of mouth. - Tim Case, Defense Attorney for Tony Logan


Florence attorney Tim Case is seeking to have Tony Logan's second DUI trial moved to a county outside Northwest Alabama. We won't attempt to guess how much more this will cost the taxpayers of Lauderdale County, if anything. Since a special prosecutor is still in place from Logan's March trial in Florence Municipal Court, we assume the only participant forced to travel to the wilds of South Alabama would be the judge, and that wouldn't be a given since Gil Self and the the other two circuit court judges may recuse as well.

Will the evidence against Logan not play as well in an area in which he is an anonymous law enforcement officer? A blood alcohol level of .272 three hours after the Tuscumbia chief's arrest should smell as sour in any venue. We have every confidence that other areas of Alabama will realize that Tony Logan's blood was over one-fourth gram per decalitre alcohol. We think any confusion the jurors may have will involve the logistics of Logan even being able to start an ignition in such an inebriated state.

As for Internet blogs, we weren't aware our friend at Osborne Ink had commented on this local case. Should any of our readers have missed our views on the former Florence Deputy Chief, we'll happily provide links.

Tony Logan Pulls a "Rick Thompson" - 12/06/09

What Tony Logan Did Next - 12/07/09

Tony Logan Takes Tuscumbia - 12/08/09

Tony Logan Was DUI? Apparently, Very Much So - 12/09/09

Tony Logan's Blood Alcohol Count--No Mistake - 03/12/10


Shoalanda

Odds, Ends, & Infamous DUIs

One must wonder how Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan expects the citizens of that town to respect the law when he so obviously does not. While he may overturn his DUI conviction in Lauderdale Circuit Court, it will be on a technicality, not because he's innocent. Not a very good example, is he?

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We wish to correct a statement concerning Dr. William Roddy made in a recent blog. While Dr. Roddy has treated private Medicaid patients attending the Sara Dinsmore Center in Franklin County, he did not treat those who resided in Scope 310 group homes. We regret this error; Scope 310 (Shoals Cope for the Mentally Retarded) provides excellent services for their clients, and we encourage everyone to patronize their Blue Door Thrift Stores in Florence and Russellville.

*****

Thanks to Whippoorwill Hollow Films for this wonderful video. Steve and Sheri Wiggins do a fantastic job in promoting the Shoals...

Shoalanda

Tuscumbia Police: The New Keystone Kops?

When Tony Logan arrives at the Tuscumbia Police Department tomorrow, presumably riding a bicycle, he may not have a good day. It seems Tony could be spending at least part of tomorrow interviewing replacements for a TPD employee recently terminated for stealing city gasoline. That's only if he isn't attacked by another disgruntled and spurned female officer. Well, variety is the spice of life, but one would think the city of Tuscumbia might at some point prefer their chief to do some routine police work and leave the drama for the courtroom.

We wonder if those who once criticized Florence Chief Rick Singleton for sacking Logan still feel he made the wrong decision. The FPD is extremely fortunate to have a chief who is able to weed out rogue officers and maintain a department with at least some semblance of integrity.

*****

Judging by comments on local forums, many don't understand the Alabama ban on the sale of so-called sex toys. The highly controversial ban didn't originate because of any crusade by area churches or self-appointed keepers of morality. It seems at last look the states of Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Virginia, and Louisiana also have such bans. In fact, Alabama's 1998 ban on sex toys was taken directly from Georgia law. Further it was taken from Georgia law by mistake.

It seems a Huntsville legislator sought to curtail drug use and other illegal activity at a so-called gentleman's club in the city of Madison. His idea was to outlaw topless dancing and, being either frugal with his time or just downright lazy, he lifted Georgia's law word for word. The legislator failed to read the entire law, and thus Alabama's ban on so-called sex toys came into effect as an addendum to the State's obscenity law. The fact that the ban was accidental has done nothing to prevent Troy King from stringently enforcing the sex toy clause. This would be the ideal place to insert a bon mot about Mrs. TK's feelings concerning the law, but obviously the poor woman has suffered enough.


What's up with this: Florence's One Luv shop had over 3,500 MySpace friends before it even introduced sex novelties; can we say mail order sales?

Shoalanda

Tony Logan's Blood Alcohol Count--No Mistake

The photo on the front page of Thursday's TimesDaily showed a laughing Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan, puffy face and all, talking and joking with others seated in Judge James Hall II's Florence Municipal courtroom. Yes, it's a real fun place--crying babies, body odors, amateur tats, and stopped up toilets. Perhaps Logan missed the courtroom's full effect since he was apparently tried in special session to accommodate the city's appointed special prosecutor.

For any who may have missed it, Logan was convicted, with testimony indicating his blood alcohol level was .272 three hours after the incidents that precipitated his arrest. No, that's not a typo, his bac was more than three times the legal limit for the State of Alabama. Defense attorney Tim Case is appealing Logan's conviction, stating there were problems with the chain of custody.

Each institution may have a different procedure for handing specimens, but in every case, once the blood is drawn, it is sealed and not opened again until it reaches the lab tech who will do the actual testing. So...we're to assume not only someone at the FPD has it in for Logan and tampered with his blood sample, but the lab tech was in on it as well? Sounds good, after all, why should crazy conspiracy theories be wasted on only national events. The Shoals is entitled to create its own.

Now, Case will be taking some more of Logan's money to appeal to Lauderdale County Circuit Court. The two of them will also be taking tax money from Lauderdale County citizens in order to perpetuate this farce. Logan and Case--prime examples of the Peter Principal; the television series should be coming soon.


FYI: Some years ago we heard of an individual who lost a case in Florence Municipal Court and then sought to appeal to Lauderdale Circuit Court. When the defense attorney told the client it would be useless and a waste of money, the defendant searched until finding one that would take the case--Yep, good guess. Case is always on the case.

Shoalanda

Jeff Redcross--A Friend to UNA

On Monday, Florence Police Chief Rick Singleton officially discharged Sgt. Jeff Redcross for policy violations. Redcross has retained Florence attorney Tim Case to represent him in an appeal; Case is also currently representing Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan, a former Deputy Chief to Singleton.

Whatever the outcome of Redcross' current problems, he has always been a staunch supporter of University of North Alabama football. A 1990 graduate of Sparkman High, Redcross played four seasons as a defensive end for Coach Bobby Wallace and was voted the Most Valuable Defensive Player of 1993. He is currently a sidelines/color commentator for Lions' football. Redcross is also a former member of the Marine Reserves, having served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and completed his degree in Criminal Justice at UNA in 2001.

Thanks, Jeff, for your continued support of UNA.

*****

This week we will be paying tribute to family and friends that we and our readers lost in 2009. If you have anyone you would like remembered, please forward the information as soon as possible.


Shoalanda

Tony Logan Was DUI? Apparently, Very Much So

Part IV in our series on Tony Logan

Like many others last Saturday afternoon, Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan was eager to arrive home in time to watch the SEC football championship on television. Perhaps too eager considering his blood alcohol content.

Logan lives in the western part of North Wood Hills, an older subdivision situated off Cloverdale Road near the small community of Petersville. Drivers in the area reported seeing Logan's Honda driving erratically shortly before three o'clock and reported their observations to police who quickly responded. By 3:10 p.m., Logan had run a stop sign at an intersection near his home on Castleton Road. Most streets in that residential area are posted with a 20 mph limit; observers estimated that the Tuscumbia Chief was traveling at least 50 mph. As Logan approached his home, he hit his mailbox, bounced into his parked Tuscumbia police vehicle, and then careened across the street to come to rest against his neighbor's now badly damaged car.

When Florence officers arrived immediately afterward, Logan refused to take a sobriety test. Such a refusal in Alabama automatically suspends one's license for 90 days. Logan was still lucky, in some states the suspension can last a year. The responding officers declared Logan "drunk" and took him to the Florence-Lauderdale Detention Center where he spent the next 12 hours. One Florence Police officer has been quoted anonymously as stating Logan has been detained previously for DUIs and let go without charges.

Tuscumbia city fathers are refusing to comment on the issue, stating there will be no attempt at a resolution of the matter until Tony Logan's legal problems are cleared up in Florence. Ironically, Terry Sherron is again acting Chief of Police for the small Colbert County town of Tuscumbia.

Photo courtesy of WHNT


Reminder: Heart's Cry Thrift Store in Elgin still has approximately 20 names on its Grandparents' Tree. Making someone else happy is the best part of Christmas. Won't you consider adopting one of these nursing home residents?

Shoalanda

Tony Logan Takes Tuscumbia

Part III in our series on Tony Logan

In June 2008, the city of Tuscumbia decided a new police chief was in order. For many months, Terry Sherron had been acting chief, but observers noted that department morale was low, with many officers openly criticizing the acting chief.

Besides Sherron, four others also vied for the position: Scott Wallace, Lee Smith, Ronald Dollar, and Tony Logan. By July, the Tuscumbia City Council unanimously voted to hire former Florence Deputy Chief Tony Logan, offering him the salary of $38,000.00 a year. Logan accepted the job, but not without even more controversy. Logan, who holds a Masters Degree from the University of North Alabama, was also working on a PhD from an online university. Would Logan be willing to work with Tuscumbia on a long term basis for such a meager salary?

Once in office, Logan began to receive wide praise for his work with the department, but not without further notoriety. While revamping the small police force, Logan chose to terminate some employees whom he perceived as either under performing or otherwise unneeded. Darlene Webb was one such employee. Upon being terminated, Webb immediately left Logan's office and attempted to return with a gun. Making it as far as an outer office, Webb fired into the ceiling, ran from the building, and was later apprehended in nearby Spring Park. Logan announced at the time that he was unaware of the gun play so near his office and wished his former employee well.

By November 2008, Tony Logan's name was again involved in controversy. During the initial interviews for the Tuscumbia Police Chief position, City Clerk Carol Burns handled the phone surveys, a process Mayor Billy Shoemaker claimed Burns used to rig the initial selection of candidates. Besides her duties as town clerk, Carol Burns had long been affiliated with the Tuscumbia Police Department.

By December, Burns had decided to retire from her position, while still vehemently denying that she had falsified any references or other information in Tony Logan's initial telephone interview. With the removal of this lone remaining impediment to his reputation and authority, Logan was now ready for smooth sailing as Tuscumbia's Police Chief. Apparently the smooth sailing has lasted only a year.


Note: For our exclusive interview with Carol Burns and her views on her job with the city of Tuscumiba, please visit this link.

Shoalanda