Why Rogersville Had a 20% Increase in Water Rate?

 

Previously: Water Board Complaints

Now another reader has sent us the rationale behind this increase:

The reason Rogersville Water went up 20%, plus fees to pay with a debit card, is that the town is trying to lure Walmart into building a store in Rogersville. It has been the goal of Mayor Herston to bring in a Walmart. He doesn't care if it causes local businesses to close. Supposedly it is to raise money in order to beef up the sewer system.

That begs the question of Walmart actually considering Rogersville as a viable location. The latest information available indicates the smallest town to be home to a Walmart is Chelan, Washington, with a population of around 3,900. Latest totals for Rogersville indicate a population of 1,336.

Taking the above statistics into consideration, there are only two chances that Mayor Richard Herston will get his wish, especially in an economy that continues to take a downturn.

Rogersville Called One of Dozen Alabama Speed Traps

 

What is a speed trap? According to proposed new legislation, such morally questionable towns earn over 10% of their income from traffic fines and related fees. Research shows there are only 12 or fewer towns in the state to fall into this category. One such town is Rogersville in extreme eastern Lauderdale County.

Now Senate Bill 282 could cause Rogersville and other small towns to change long standing policy on citations. Time is growing short in this legislative session, so it's possible this bill will not pass until as late as next year. With the current fallout from the Brookside revelations, this seems more a definite when than if.

While we've heard Rogersville dubbed a speed trap for years, this is the first instance we can recall of it being officially called out by lawmakers. Now we can add it to the problem list of alleged teacher sex clubs, alleged use of confiscated vapes, and documented drag racing previously enumerated for this city.

Rogersville Bomb Target was a Fridge?

 

Late last week, there were numerous complaints of bombs just south or Rogersville. An informant has told us it was a substance called Tannerite (registered trademark) set off by some bored young boys in an attempt to take out a refrigerator.

Only two states ban Tannerite - California and Maryland. Others set age limits on the purchase. The Tannerite company suggests that it's not suitable for anyone under 21, and Academy Sports won't sell to anyone not yet 18.

We have no reports on how the fridge fared, but at least the boys weren't hurt. Well, at least not hurt until the Rogersville police came knocking at their doors to inform the parents of what was going on.

Breaking: Bombs in Rogersville?

 

One of our bloggers located in the Rogersville area has reported several explosions just south of the small town. Authorities have speculated these explosions are located near Highway 70.

The explosions could be felt for a 15 mile radius, from Anderson to Elgin. Local law enforcement is investigating and not ruling anything out at this time. 

We'll update this report when more information is available. 

A Porn Star in Rogersville?

 

We recently received the following letter (edited):

Have you heard the news? This Saturday, those at XXX in Rogersville will be treated to a rare occurrence: a genuine celebrity encounter! Scott Schwartz, known for his role as Flick in the Christmas classic A Christmas Story, will be on hand to meet-and-greet the good and pious folks of Rogersville. 

Say what you will about (the business owner), but he certainly has a lot of D-list celebrity clout.

Do you think anyone in (the owner's) orbit considered the wisdom of paying for a porn industry professional to fly to Alabama, gladhand starstruck yokels, have his picture taken, and assist in the peddling of overpriced confections?  

I wonder.

Since we're not overly familiar with porn stars other than reading about those involved in law suits, we weren't too sure what to think. We checked, and apparently it's true.

Scotty (the Toy) Schwartz

We're just going to leave this right here for parents and the ever oblivious Mayor Herston to contemplate...

Campaign Against Rogersville Speed Limit

 

There's now quite a campaign against the 45 mph speed limit just east of Rogersville. If you're interested in knowing more about the move to raise the limit or make other changes in Rogersville, you may wish to contact Steve Modas on Facebook. Mr. Modas is the father of the Rogersville store clerk injured in a recent incident with a wanted felon.

We've mentioned this speed limit several times in previous blogs. We've always used it as an example of an inane law that should be followed simply because it's the law. We remain firm in that belief. Laws are not ours to pick and choose from.

That brings us to the UTV issue again. We'll be addressing it in the next few days.

Does Rogersville Have a New Police Chief?

The small Eastern Lauderdale County town of Rogersville recently advertised for one patrol officer and a chief for its oft maligned constabulary. Many considered it odd wording, since the two employees to be replaced were chief and assistant chief. At that time, we asked if the new assistant chief had already been picked from current members of the force. No answers were forthcoming from any quarter.

We were also told by many that Chief Terry Holden was not leaving until a replacement was found. On Friday, Holden had his official going away bash. 

So does the fair city of Rogersville have a new chief? So far no announcements. 

Meanwhile in Wayne County, Tennessee, the sheriff upped the number of pot plants found in an illegal grow from around 350 to over 500. Just how does that happen? His officers can't count? Ownership of 350 plants will bring you 30 years. Ownership of 500 or more will bring you Life. How convenient for law enforcement that this number increased...especially if you want to confiscate the old warehouse. Merely an observation, of course.

Meanwhile in Muscle Shoals...

Roundabout in Rogersville

So no officers are being investigated in Rogersville? That is good to hear. Surely no one was hoping it was true? 

The more that I have thought about the school sex scandal the more I realize that I am just imagining a porno movie in my head.

This made me stop for a moment and think to myself, who is the pervert now...?

 

I have always said that the S.S. Blog is great! It offers a much needed service to all members of the Shoals area. The Pen and Sword, on the other hand, needs to drink more Limu! 

Like I have always told you Ms. S, When the mess hits the fan it goes everywhere.

The only details that I really needed to hear was that no child was a witness to any of the goings on, that those who have no self control are dismissed, and that no officer went all Chuck Norris up on someone's face. Even if that person was on top of his wife, and I don't even know if he was?

Should Superintendent Hatton have at least said something? Yes, he should have. But really what could he have said? What do people want Ronnie Owens to say? Give a play by play? 

When an employee quits a job they do not owe an explanation as to the reason why. If you don't believe me ask that former cook at the Fish Creel.

I don't even know if a state employee can be fired without first doing an investigation? It is not like the school board could force the former teachers to not resign, sparing themselves and their families humiliation.

Calling it a sex club was a bit of a stretch.  A Sex Ring was more accurate to this situation, in a round about way.

But that too is nothing new. Every church staff in Lauderdale County has had a sex ring at one time or another.

Speaking of roundabout ways. How many roundabouts do they now have in Florence? Just in time for last minute holiday shopping they have one at the Mall.

I wrecked my car going through it on my way to buy extra Facebook minutes just to send you this message.

Keep up the good work Ms. S. and if I don't see you before Santa is at your door, Merry Christmas!

Your good bud,

 ZAR

Advanced Driver's License Required to Navigate?

East Lauderdale News Investigates & Finds Answers

In what may be the end, or at least temporary suspension, of the ongoing Lauderdale County High School saga, BOE members and Rogersville police provided at least some answers today. First, according to the East Lauderdale News which interviewed Rogersville chief Terry Holden, no member of the town's police department has been either suspended or terminated. It would appear that Holden is also still chief (his retirement date having been reported to us as the end of November). Holden went on to call the rumors concerning the department "bald faced lies."

Also today, one stakeholder in the Lauderdale school system was told she would not be allowed to speak without prior three day approval. She was told that a member of the board would discuss any of her concerns privately.

As for the board meeting itself or any statement to clarify seven recent resignations, we have received no more information. If any readers have any pertinent information concerning the meeting and wish it published, we will be happy to do so.

As of now, we merely look forward to more commentary from the Lauderdale Luminary and ZAR...

Rogersville Driving School

Rogersville, in its vapid wisdom (yes, that was a very bad pun), has been reorganizing its driving school requirements. Get a ticket in the city to the east and be allowed to go to driving school instead of merely paying and having points on your record? 

In case that sounds good, you might want to reconsider. Several local municipalities use a professional driving school that costs $35.00. Rogersville also uses this school, but the offender must pay the town the sum of $180.00; from that amount, Rogersville pays the school the $35.00 fee. Nice work if you can get it.

Think there's no money in speeding tickets in Rogersville? Think again...