Another Take on Tuscumbia City Council

 

A long-time reader and contributor has another take on the Tuscumbia council elections:

In Tuscumbia, I want to tell you about two people who are running for city council unopposed. They are Len Gregory and Krista Stanley. I know both of them personally and they aren’t going to be playing around. The clique among the current mayor and city council is going to end. Len and Krista have been talking about some major plans that they are working on as well as having an audit done to find out where all of Tuscumbia’s money has been going to. 

They have said that these people who are constantly wanting something from the mayor and city council can keep their hands in their pockets because those people are not going to be getting any more money, or grants for things that only benefit a handful of people. I’m not sure what some of the other people who are running for city council have in mind but I am certain that Len and Krista are going to be a strong arm for things that benefit everyone in Tuscumbia and not just a select group of people. 

Something else for you to think about, Katie Logan is married to Tony Logan who is the chief of police in Tuscumbia and he is always at the city council meetings. I have heard some people say that this is, and would be a conflict of interest if Katie wins the mayor election.

Tuscumbia? Katie Logan!

 

We've previously endorsed mayoral candidates Billy Hudson in Muscle Shoals and Penny Freeman in Sheffield. That leaves Tuscumbia in Colbert County; who is the best candidate among the three seeking office?

Little is known of T. W. Billings, and he's failed to utilize many of the standard campaign avenues to make himself available to the public. That leaves appointed mayor William Foster and Katie Logan.

If Foster hasn't proved himself ineffectual with the Singing River statue debacle, he's certainly done so with his handling of the recent major storm damage in his city. In contrast, Katie Logan has made herself available to the public.

It's easy to say "transparent," but Logan has actually put herself out there to serve the public. Katie Logan for the win!

Tuscumbia Statue Part I - Theft or Misunderstanding?

 

Around 2009, the four towns comprising the Quad-Cities decided, in their finite wisdom, to erect statues depicting the area's music heritage. Things went fairly well at first. The Sheffield artwork, NOT ELVIS PRESLEY, and the Muscle Shoals entry, NOT DAVID HOOD, were designed and completed by Florence sculptor Audwin McGee. Both are reasonably compelling works of art and an asset to the towns.

Then things began to go wrong. Due to increased production costs, Mr. McGee needed more money for his Florence sculpture, presumably to be called NOT LOUIS ARMSTRONG. The city balked and quickly signed a contract with a second artist. Things didn't go well there either, so Craig Wedderspoon of Tuscaloosa wound up with the final commission. It was 2024 before the final product was erected near O'Neal Bridge. No comment on the amount of aluminum wasted on that one. Three down and one to go.

It's now been at least 15 years, and Tuscumbia's artwork is still missing in action. This week, Mayor William Foster gave an update on the status of the Indian pipe player. There was good news and bad news.

To be continued (If sculptor L. S. would like to comment for the blog tomorrow, we will be happy to publish his side of the brouhaha)...

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A Double Fail for Tuscumbia

 

Florence isn't the only Shoals town to eradicate comments on Facebook posts. We know Florence's excuse; what's Tuscumbia's?

If you look at the Tuscumbia seal, you would think Spring Park is of paramount importance to the town. Yet this blog receives almost weekly criticism of the state of the park.

Thursday and Friday are predicted to bring heavy rains to the area. At least one Tuscumbian believes the park isn't ready. Here's a snap of a clogged park drain pipe:

Why hasn't the city responded to the problem?

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Looking at Tuscumbia's FB page, we see citizens are encouraged to take part in semi-annual park cleanups. Hmmm, first citizens pay taxes to fund park employees and then they're asked to do the employees' work.

What's wrong with that picture?

"The Devil of Christmas" is Coming to Tuscumbia

 

If you've never heard of Krampus, you're probably not of German descent or a fan of Inside No. 9 (we never saw that ending coming). Who is Krampus?

He visits bad children each December 5th (Krampus Night) and leaves them wooden rods that will ostensibly be used to beat them. Better than the threat of coals, eh?

For some reason, this cheery Christmas story never picked up much traction in England, the home of Charles Dickens. You remember Dickens, don't you? The adulterer who left his own children to starve. Ah, good times, good times.

Tuscumbia has had a Dickens themed festival for quite some time. We admit we love it. That doesn't mean we love the man who was Dickens. How about Krampus, the Devil of Christmas? This year, he's coming too.

Krampus will be a part of a Yule Festival set to take place December 3rd in Tuscumbia. For those of you descended from Druids, there will be a Yule log and more. Is this more pagan than Halloween?

Remember, Halloween is the old Celtic New Year's Eve - that's pretty straight forward. Krampus? Hmmm. Perhaps we should mull this over.

If you're sure you're opposed to Krampus coming to Tuscumbia, you may wish to contact city hall. We apologize for being late in reporting this, but we've been out of the loop getting our Nick Saban voodoo dolls ready.

Tiresome Problems for Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia has had its share of critics recently, as all cities do. Here's an interesting take on a 21st Century problem:

Hook Street Warehouses 

The approximately 250,000 tires stored by Mr. Hines at the warehouses on Hook Street, which are currently being demolished by the City of Tuscumbia with local tax dollars and federal funds, are tires that were illegally stored by Mr. Hines. Mr. Hines, the Owner of Hines Tires on 6th street in Tuscumbia, had customers pay a disposal fee for their old tires to Mr. Hines when they bought new tires. ADEM regulations require that tires are properly disposed of and the fee is issued to cover the costs of proper disposal. Mr. Hines pocketed the disposal fee and stored the tires secretly on his property. 

Over the years the tires have accumulated at multiple illegal storage sites in Colbert County. The City of Tuscumbia has elected to utilize tax payer’s dollars to clean up Mr. Hines' tires instead of imposing the ADEM regulations on Mr. Hines to clean up his own property. Why should the citizens of Tuscumbia pay to clean up Mr. Hines’ tires? The City of Tuscumbia, State of Alabama and the Environmental Protection Agency all have rules and regulations to govern proper tire disposal. 

Why are these regulations not being imposed on Mr. Hines? Which one of the Super 6 is friends with Mr. Hines? Furthermore, once the property is cleaned up by the City, Mr. Hines will have full use and ownership of the property. Why should your tax dollars be used to help Mr. Hines? Do you need the city to clean up your property for free? Just call them and ask and see what they say!

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We realize that lawsuits cost money; however, anyone who lives within the city limits of Tuscumbia and who has used Hines Tire Company (paying them to dispose of used tires) could join forces and file a suit.

Several years ago while traveling, we had an almost new tire go bad. It obviously had to be replaced then, and the only dealer in this small town charged an outrageous price for a new one (we strongly suspect he'd spotted our out of state tag). And the cost to dispose of the ruined new tire? $10.00. We told him to place in the trunk of the car...where it stayed for months before we could find a place to dispose of it legally. Sometimes it's the principle of the thing, and we say Hines Tire Company should reimburse the citizens of Tuscumbia. 

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Who is the masked man? Tune in tomorrow...

The Midnight Rider Rebuts the Tuscumbian

The Rider Sets the Record Straight on Tuscumbia

By: The Midnight Rider

It’s summer time here at the ranch. That means that there is hay to be baled, cows to be fed and other things that have to be done on a daily basis. I haven’t been reading Shoalanda Speaks because I have been busy at the ranch. However, last night I was reading the site to get caught up in the world.

I came across an article that was published by a “Concerned Tuscumbian.” The article was negative toward the City, Mayor and City Council. I read the article several times before I realized there are somethings published that is not true. While there are some items listed or questioned I don’t have an answer for, I have an idea on how to get an answer. I will explain that shortly.

First let’s talk about this quote/question:

The mayor and council just voted to purchase 11 vehicles for the police department from State Troopers. Last time I checked we only have 3 or 4 officers and that number can change depending on whether a sister city is hiring. So what are we going to do with 11 police cars? Does each officer get 3 vehicles to interchange so the mileage is kept low.

I am going to have to call BS on this one. I didn’t know the answer to how many Officers the Tuscumbia Police Department had so I figured I would find out. I picked up the phone and called. I was told there are 21 Officers including the Chief. It is amazing what you can find out if you just ask. It’s called Public Information.

So this blows the theory of 3-4 Officers working at Tuscumbia Police Department out of the water. So if you have 21 Officers working at the Police Department, that means that that 2 officers will be sharing a car. I even went further and looked up some information on the internet. I found out that most Police Departments want a single car per person. They have found that with that program, the single Officer takes better care of the vehicle and there is less maintenance.




Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan


Okay, let’s go with the next quote/question:

We still have some of the lowest paid city employees in the area.

I don’t believe that. However I can be proved or disproved by making a few phone calls, because you not what? It’s Public Information. I didn’t have time to call around to the various Cities to check on the pay scale. But what I did do, is call two people I know. One works for the Tuscumbia Police Department and one for Sheffield Fire Department. The Fireman had 2 years of Service more than the Police man. Guess what I found out. Tuscumbia makes more. Don’t get me started on the City of Sheffield.

Yes Tuscumbia used to be the lowest paying City but not anymore. One thing people don’t seem to understand is a City can only pay or give raises according to the tax base. If the tax base is down, then raises are not there.

No streets have been paved!

Let’s talk about the street paving issue. There was a recent article in the Times Daily and the Quad Cities Daily outlining the situation of the street paving. If you didn’t read them, let me summarizes them. Basically, the City of Tuscumbia has received a Grant for paving of the streets. The City matched a portion of the grant. There were meetings to determine which streets need to be paved. Now there is a bid process on who will get to do it. You want to get the most for your buck.

So that kills the theory of the street paving. The Mayor cannot just say “go pave a street” There has to be State approval as well as tests on these roads. The paving is coming, the money has been promised. It just takes time.




Tuscumbia Mayor Kerry Underwood


There are other things in the article that I do not have an answer for. But I have an idea. Why don’t you attend a City Council meeting and ask these questions. From my understanding and watching on Facebook, very few people attend the meetings. Let your voice be heard

I don’t live in the City of Tuscumbia. I live in the County. I don’t know anyone on the Council, the Mayor or Chief of Police. But from what I hear from talking to my friends that do live in the City of Tuscumbia, they are glad the current Council is doing something. The last Council didn’t seem to want to do anything. Is the new Council doing everything correct, probably not but at least they are trying.




Tuscumbia City Council


That’s it for now. But remember, the Midnight Rider will always be around to voice his/her/their (?) opinion.

I am and always will be, the Midnight Rider.

What's Going On in Tuscumbia?

From a Tuscumbian:

The City of Tuscumbia refinanced bonds to get money for much needed things such as infrastructure and paving of streets. That’s all well and good but just a few questions for our Super Six…

Would you truthfully tell us where the money is really going please?

Since taking office:

1) The mayor and council had to borrow $400,000 from a local bank to pay the city’s bills.

2) The mayor and council approved a deal with Sheffield Mayor Sanford to spend six thousand dollars, (yes that’s $6,000 dollars) for a corridor study on Hook Street to benefit Sheffield’s proposed Inspiration Landing (which is there but you can’t see it).

3) The mayor and council hired a Mr. Edwards to maintain the city website supposedly at $600 per month. Edwards has now convinced the Super Six to allow him to hire 2 PAID, (yes PAID) interns to help him. Either local college could have provided a website director and interns at NO COST to the taxpayer. What’s really going on here? Isn’t Mr. Edwards the man who was the mayor’s campaign manager in 2016? So now, we as taxpayers, are having to pay him back. Shameful! 

4) The mayor and council have now hired a firm to attract business to the city for a nominal fee of $40,000 per year. When campaigning for the mayor position, Mr. Underwood touted his ability to bring businesses to the city. Well, where are all these new businesses? 

5) The mayor and council just voted to purchase 11 vehicles for the police department from State Troopers. Last time I checked we only have 3 or 4 officers and that number can change depending on whether a sister city is hiring. So what are we going to do with 11 police cars? Does each officer get 3 vehicles to interchange so the mileage is kept low.

6) We still have some of the lowest paid city employees in the area!

7) No streets have been paved!

8) No new infrastructure! Although, the mayor did have brick crosswalks at some intersections, so maybe that could be counted as infrastructure.

9) The mayor and council have purchased a bus for the city to transport the hundreds of daily tourists who flood the streets of Tuscumbia. Those elusive tourists are as invisible as the “Inspiration Landing”.

10) The mayor and council have now voted to give $2500 for a Music Cities Study that will benefit a development in Huntsville known as Mid City Huntsville.

Mr. Mayor and Honorable City Council, where are your priorities? We have a spending problem in our quaint little town. This 2.4 million you have garnered from the bond issue will soon be gone so what’s your solution then? It’s embarrassing to say the least how you SIX are handling the finances and needs of our city. We expected more from your Mr. Underwood. We expected more from you Mr. Foster. We expected more from you Mr. Smart. And we definitely expected more from you Mr. Isom. For the other two, oh well…

Thank goodness our dear friend Mayor Bill Shoemaker is not here to see what you Super Six are doing to this town. Bill was a man who cared about the needs of the people but he was also an honest man who would tell you that the town just didn’t have the funds to blow on foolish things such as a city website director, paid interns, studies to benefit other towns, buying more police cars than you have officers when you can’t pay the officers a decent wage, buying a bus or paying $40,000 for a recruiting firm who says it can bring business to your city. Sad but true and to say we are truly disappointed in the mayor and the council is a gross understatement. Have you forgotten who you were elected to serve? 

We’ll remind you in 2020 if things don’t change! 

 

The Return of the Muskrat/TVA Plays Grinch?

Yes, the Tuscumbia Muskrat is alive and well and has honored us with a holiday message:

I’m back … The Tuscumbia Muskrat hiatus has ended. I return at the end of the year to applaud the changes occurring within Tuscumbia’s Spring Park. For example: Spring Park’s Christmas lights went up EARLY this year and it looked MARVELOUS. Every light bulb matched perfectly with its image depiction. Even the downtown Christmas Wreath lights were perfectly displayed with green and red lights. Before this year it was becoming difficult to make out the image of the Christmas light displays. Bad or broken light bulbs were lazily replaced with random color light bulbs or clear light bulbs - so basically it just looked crappy. 

So who was responsible for the Christmas light display overhaul? Was it the new Mayor or was it the new park committee? I think it was both the new Mayor and his new park committee. And I say BRAVO!!! I know for some people an overhaul on Christmas lights may seem minor, but for me it shows that this new administration cares about everything – including the little things. Tuscumbia has been unmanaged and unmaintained for far too long. Now change is in the air and I LOVE IT. 

It was so nice not to have our annual Times Daily article with our Park Manager blaming vandals (aka excuse) for Spring Park’s poor Christmas light displays. Speaking of Park Manager - I often ponder on his job status. I have heard that the new committee has taken the reigns and thus they were mainly responsible for the Christmas light display facelift. I am excited and highly anticipate what other changes loom as 2017 approaches. 

Will the carousel horses be re-painted? Will the train have all the passenger carts in operation? Will the rollercoaster be overhauled? Will Azaleas return to the park? Much will be answered very soon. If the new committee continues to take charge then I think Tuscumbia and Spring Park will once again shine as the crown jewel of Colbert County. Things are changing and I will always be watching – stay tuned!

Tuscumbia Muskrat

(The image we've used to illustrate the holiday message is real, so if you would like some muskrat themed ornaments for next year, simply Google "muskrat Christmas."

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Most government entities purchase things such as fuel months, if not YEARS, in advance in order to get a good price locked in. Apparently TVA doesn't subscribe to such practice.

We've all seen 'fuel adjustments' added to our monthly utility bills over the years. They usually run between $7-$8, but occasionally have been as high as $12-$14. But $54.81???? THAT is the amount of the 'TVA fuel adjustment' fee added to my utility bill this month. If every TVA-serviced household is being HIT (And that is exactly what this is. A HIT!) with the same $54.81 'fuel adjustment' fee, TVA is making out like the proverbial bandit. Something stinks...

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Many remember the nefarious exploits of Trent Townsend and Steve Murphy, but even if you don't, be sure to check out the latest Shoals Crime:

Steve Murphy: The Forgotten Felon

Return to Tuscumbia & Lexington

We've previously endorsed Sandra Killen-Burroughs for mayor of the uber small Lauderdale town of Lexington. We're also going with the gals for the two contested town council seats. Peggy McGee and Carla McGee are sure winners!

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Tuscumbia? Similarly we've previously endorsed Kerry Underwood for mayor. The small Colbert County town has a number of council seats up for grabs. Choose wisely.

District 1 – Katherine Logan, Robert Polk: We endorse Katie Logan. She has what it takes!

District 2 – George Johnson, Geraldine Tompkins: No recommendation

District 3 – Dave Couch, William Foster, Tom McCormack: Dave Couch has the business acumen. A winner for everyone!

District 4 – Richard Coates, Paul Haley: Paul Haley.

District 5 – Mike Isom, Terry Willis: This election has already been decided since the Ethics Commission barred Terry Willis from running. Congrats, Mr. Isom!

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A comment about comments: Comments with profanity or vulgarity will not be published either here or on Facebook. We also refuse to publish comments which encourage violence. We had one of those in support of Ashley Reaves, but it was removed before we could delete it. We're happy to publish comments not in support of our views, but please remember our guidelines.

Important: On extremely rare occasions, a comment will unfairly hurt a bereaved person or family and we will not publish for that reason. We received such a comment a few days ago from someone we believe to be L.V. We will be happy to speak with you via our e-mail: Shoalanda.Speaks@gmail.com. 

Muskrat Musings/Tim Staggs has Cojones

Late last night news broke on the conviction of Alabama House Speaker Michael Hubbard on 12 Felony Ethics Charges. Attorney General Luther Strange (whose office prosecuted Hubbard) said in a statement --"This should send a clear message that in Alabama we hold public officials accountable for their actions."

With the local mayoral election heating up in Tuscumbia, maybe the candidates should adopt "accountability" as their new slogan. Would you vote for a mayoral candidate who would hold city employees and officials accountable for their actions or non-actions? I sure would!!!

Case in point, who is accountable for Spring Park? The recent unearthing of the old Spring Park Fountain left engineers scratching their heads. Majority of the 150+ light heads (sockets) were shot and/or badly patched together. Now that's not a shock since the fountain hasn't worked properly for years. What's puzzling is why the broken light heads were never replaced? If the light heads were replaced timely and consistently then would there be a need for a complete fountain overhaul?!? Bad management is costing the city a lot of money! 

Also a couple of years ago Tuscumbia needed to replace the two man-made waterfall pumps that had been in service for 6-7 years. The newly installed pumps burned out in less than 6 months. Apparently the new pumps were installed incorrectly. Once again more money down the drain due to incompetence. 

Both mayoral candidates would be smart to learn from the current mayor's failures and faults. Our present mayor (Shoemaker) would rather look the other way and thrust blame for present park issues on muskrats and other scapegoats. And don't be shocked when Shoemaker approves that the Depot Museum be named after his right hand man and park director, Joel Kendrick. This type of buddy-favor system is what got Michael Hubbard convicted on ethic violations. (You scratch my back and I'll scratch your back.) 

Speaking of ethic violations ... Can a city employee use a city vehicle with city gasoline to transport family members? Can a city employee transfer city lawnmowers to the scrap metal recycling yard then turn around and buy the lawnmower back for personal use? Can a city employee use city maintenance labor to repair personal property? Whoever is elected as the new mayor better have a big mop because there's a big mess in Tuscumbia!

The Tuscumbia Muskrat

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We've recently received two communications via Facebook which were unanswerable due to the senders' settings. One concerned the Matthew Tidwell plea bargain, and we will address that tomorrow. The second concerned one of our regular critics who has apparently just come out of the closet. We can assure our reader that any criticism we have focused on this young man had nothing to do with his sexual orientation. We've never met the man, had no idea he was gay, and have never made any criticism in any of our blogs which relate to anyone's sexual preference.

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Timothey Wylie Staggs, soon to be 84, is looking at what may be for him a life sentence if convicted of human trafficking charges. He obviously needs a good attorney. We understand he has hired two good attorneys--John Saylor and Rodney Slusher; however, both these Florence lawyers specialize in civil litigation, not criminal.

Now Staggs is seeking to have his 300K cash bail reduced. This motion comes after the Attorney General's office produced evidence that Staggs was planning to skip the country for a more peaceful life in the Philippines. We don't know if Staggs' request has been ruled on yet, but as one of our favorite readers said, "Pass the popcorn."

Tuscumbia Park Department Investigation

Below is a guest editorial. We have edited the material in order to remove names of employees that have not as yet been charged...or may not be charged.

  The spring of 2014 was the first time ***** had complete control of Tuscumbia’s Spring Park including the rides.  During the winter, he put up a nice sign in Spring Park telling everyone that the park and rides would open on March 1, 2014.

  Visitors to Spring Park were to be surprised when they came to the park for that first weekend. The waterfall was not working, there was no light and water show, the lake level was too high so the fountain did not work correctly during the day.  The railroad, carouse, and train were also in need of repair. (Maybe all of this can be blamed on Muskrats!?!)

   Next, Spring Park’s restrooms had many complaints from park visitors. One teacher this spring told her kids to go to the bathroom in town because they did not want to use the bathrooms in the park. (Also see attached Times Daily Letter to the Editor about another visitor’s complaint regarding Spring Park’s restrooms)

  This was the first year that Joel was in charge of the rides and the first year the rides were not ready to open on opening day.   (An employee wrote a letter to the mayor in September 2013 describing the deteriorating condition of the park rides (etc.) explaining how Joel was not keeping ($) the park rides repaired.)

   The next week, Spring Park’s rides were open for operation.  (The fountain and waterfall were still not working and the carousel and bridge were still in need of repair)  The rides did well financially that weekend. The money was taken from the park and placed in the safe in the depot museum.  ***** and ***** would then count the money, complete the paperwork and take the money to city hall.

   One problem arose.  Approximately $2,000.00 did not make it from the park to city hall.  

  Mayor Shoemaker ordered an investigation with a promise to prosecute the guilty to the fullest extent of the law. The Tuscumbia Police Department was called to investigate. Tuscumbia Police included the assistance of the Sheffield Police Department and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (A.B.I.)

   The police investigated the incident finding that the money made it from Spring Park to the depot museum safe but did not make it from the museum to city hall.  This pointed to money disappearing in the control of ***** and *****  The mayor did not allow the charges to proceed since it involved his park *****.  

Facts:  

• Approximately $2,000.00 missing from Spring Park
• Tuscumbia Police Department, Sheffield Police Department, and Alabama Bureau of Investigation (A.B.I) is investigating.

Questions:    

• The question asked by many in Tuscumbia today is why anyone who is investigated for mishandling city funds still be handling the money today?

We welcome comments.



Shoalanda

Tony Logan: It Ain't Over Yet

No, apparently the fat lady has not obliged us with a swan song for Tuscumbia Chief of Police Tony Logan. If you came in late, here's the skinny on his alcohol related arrest:

All You Ever Wanted to Know about Tony Logan

Looking over all the posts concerning just one arrest, Tony Logan should have his own blog...

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While searching for an exact percentage of Chinese who eat dogs and cats (we've so far found only that they are "in the minority"), we came across the name of one that country's top food businesses: Meaty Dog.

You need to think about that, folks.

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1902 Christmas catalogue from Davis Jewelry in Tuscumbia. Warning: Prices may have gone up some since publication. You may purchase this little bit of Colbert County history on eBay. Link

Shoalanda

Exclusive with Tuscumbia's Carol Burns

Note: Our series on Shoals area forums will continue tomorrow.

Earlier this week Tuscumbia Mayor Billy S. Shoemaker dismissed City Clerk Carol Burns, ostensibly due to misconduct. I spoke with Mrs. Burns today, finding her an articulate and charming lady. Obviously due to legal constraints, Mrs. Burns isn't able to comment on these charges directly, but she did relate her feelings on the current situation in Tuscumbia.

Mrs. Burns served in the Tuscumbia Police Department for sixteen years and hoped to retire there. As a major in the department, she was state president of D.A.R.E. and immensely enjoyed her work with the community. Mrs. Burns commented that making Tuscumbia safe was always her top priority.

While making plans for the future, life often gets in the way, and the retirement of former clerk Flora Hanback offered Mrs. Burns an opportunity she couldn't ignore. Despite her desire to serve in the police department, she realized the clerk's office provided safety and security that was lacking in law enforcement. The position had not been open for 34 years, and Mrs. Burns considered it a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and accepted the lateral transfer.

Asked about the charges and her reaction to them, Mrs. Burns wants the community to know that she did nothing wrong and she hopes the upcoming investigation will prove that. Throughout our interview, Mrs. Burns made her faith in God and His providence clear, and I wish her well in her future endeavors.

I will note here that Carol and her husband Wayne own and run the Thunderhill Race Track in Summertown, Tennessee. Carol wanted me to invite the public to its annual Christmas race in December. Admission is one item of non-perishable food and a gift for a child under the age of 14. Local ministries help the Burnses distribute these items to needy families in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Last year the Christmas race enabled them to help 135 families. For more information, you may call 931-964-2120.

Thank you, Mrs. Burns, for what you do for our community. I wish you well in your future efforts.


What's up with this: It seems the town of Killen is now providing scoops to the local papers concerning its council members--As the Sewage Turns?