The Railroad, the County Commission, & Larry Stutts

We've certainly gotten the comments concerning the proposed $120,000.00 study on a railroad overpass in Sheffield. Many mentioned past projects. While we were aware of several attempts to circumvent traffic problems in the Sheffield/Tuscumbia area, we were fuzzy on specifics. Here's three interesting facts:

1. When state senator Larry Stutts took office in 2014, he stated that an overpass or something similar would be one of his top priorities. That was six years ago. In fact, it was not long before Inspiration Landing was announced. It's hard to say which project is moving faster...or should that be slower.

2. Circa 2003 saw a plan for moving/relocating the rail tracks to bypass any towns. After seven years or so, it was finally buried due to several factors including the Colbert County Commission stating it had no business becoming involved in the matter and refusing to support it. Now the commission is all over the latest overpass pipe dream. What changed? (Note: Many Colbert citizens were opposed to this project due to the property confiscation that was predicted.)

3. Everyone should sit up and take notice of this point! During the study and pre-planning for track relocation, U.S. Sen. Shelby secured five million dollars for the project. Local government was to have provided the remaining almost four million. Just what will taxpayers have to pay to build this overpass? 

Below is a rendering of a proposed overpass from a previous study. To paraphrase Alvin Holmes, what's wrong with the plans we got?

Why Is Colbert County Agin Everything?

We've certainly seen the new Florence hospital many times travelling north on Singing River Bridge, but until the other day, we'd never really seen it. We'll have to thank the new roundabout for making us travel east on Veterans Drive to make a meeting on time.

We topped a hill, and there it was. It appeared to hang low in the sky like Shangri la. To say it's a thing of beauty is quite the understatement. Yet, Florence almost didn't have this wonder. We still wouldn't if Colbert County had its way. The powers that be were agin it.

They've been agin several new Colbert County Jail concepts as well. Now they're agin any increased funding of the county animal shelter. Is there anything the Colbert County Commission is actually for?

That is, not counting re-election?

Charles Hovater's Latest Publicity Shot

Colbert County Commission Twiddles Thumbs as Frankfort Road Slides Away

Is everyone happy with how the new Colbert County jail is coming along? Oh, wait, we forgot. It's not coming along, is it? Well, the commission has other pressing matters.

Animal control is serious business, and the commission is on top of that, right? No? Afraid not. The county won't even consider updates to an almost 20 year old budget.

Well, roads! Yes, they're on top of the road conditions, right? What do you really think?!!!

Our blogger J. Redmon recently published a short article on the difficulties New Bethel School is experiencing due to its main access road being closed. We certainly got complaints from readers who seemed to think we blamed New Bethel for the problem. No, we can blame the flooding from last February...and the Colbert County Commission.

Approximately 300 feet of Frankfort Road was washed away or slipped from its base during the heavy floods from last winter. That section of road has remained closed to all traffic since the third week in February. After the flooding cleared, the county engineer announced that his department was "aggressively assessing" the damage. Just how does one aggressively assess something? Does one do a Maori war dance while viewing the damage? We're going to surmise that John Bedford meant "thoroughly," but for some odd reason thought "aggressively" sounded more gung ho. 

Bedford also announced that the county was attempting to secure emergency relief funds from the state department of transportation in order to do the work. We understand that asphalt/road work is comparable in cost to platinum, but the county doesn't have the emergency funds on hand to repair 300 feet of a two-lane road?

So here we are over three months later and the county is now beginning to consider bids on the project. Think about that. Your county commission in action. We sincerely hope that every resident of the Frankfort area, as well as every parent/teacher of New Bethel School, votes District 6 commissioner Charlie Hovater out of office...and that the rest of Colbert County follows suit with the other commissioners.

Who Needs a Border Wall When You Have the Colbert County Commission?

Colbert County Gets Hip (Monument to Honor Sontarans Coming Soon)

In a daring yet calculated move, the Colbert County Commission has voted to place a monument honoring Sontarans on the court house lawn. One commissioner was even rumored to have claimed direct descent from this legendary race. 

Pictured below is an actual Sontaran:

Pictured here is an artist's conception of what the proposed monument will look like:

When asked how the Shoalanda blog uncovered the scoop, one writer allegedly quoted Hans Gruber's remarks on a classical education...

Disclaimer: We at SS greatly admire all public safety officers and feel they deserve more honor and respect than they usually receive. Firefighters should be more than a tourist joke.

Can't the Colbert Commission come up with something just a little more dignified?

From Bad to Worse at the Lauderdale BOE

Today we're presenting the first in a series by the Colbert Cavalier, but first a short thought on the Lauderdale County Board of Education from one very irate taxpaying citizen:

Your LCBOE Chairman for 2019 has been named. It will be your board member with no bio who thinks CDB oil is as dangerous as heroin. LOL! As usual, the joke is on the citizens of Lauderdale County.

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Who was it that said "Republicans will take over Colbert County when pigs fly"? 

Welllllll, 14 pigs are flying over the swamp after this last election: Circuit Clerk Eady, Judge Brown, Probate Judge Rosser, Revenue Commissioner Oswalt, Commissioners Barnes, Bendall, Black, Coroner Gasque, School Board Members Yarber, Barnes, Saint, State Senator Stutts, and State Representatives Sorrell and Kiel. 

The pot is boiling after the Red Tsunami in November with popular Probate Judge Daniel Rosser looking to unseat the powerful Incumbent District Judge Chad Coker.

On Tuesday, November 27th, a Bar-B-Que lunch honoring the newly elected Republicans took place in the Court House. While onlookers watched the political posturing, Rosser appeared confidant in his surroundings.

The coffee house chatter has it that there is no secret that Rosser’s father is very close to the west end Bar-B-Que king of pork.

That's a lot of fat to chew on.

Only 2 short years ago, David Black courted Judge Rosser to bring him in to the Republican fold. So, what is David Black’s underlying motive for courting Democrats to switch to the Republican party? Rumor has it that Dr. Jimmy Gardiner may be next. 

If the pundits are calling this one correctly, what happens to one prominent attorney in particular if his county commission brother joins the Republican party?

Again, Who said "Republicans will take over Colbert County when pigs fly"? 

Right now, those flying pigs are circling the Court House.

The Colbert Cavalier

Colbert County Commission Meeting July 3rd

We've been told that during the last Colbert County commission meeting only one citizen was in attendance. Perhaps there was nothing on the agenda of great importance or perhaps people genuinely don't care unless sex offenders are involved.

We've also received complaints that the commission doesn't answer inquiries from citizens. We don't believe this is unusual. Several years ago, we personally contacted members of the Lauderdale County Commission in writing and failed to hear from any of them. We did later encounter MC (no longer on the commission) who asked for our vote for another office. We just laughed.

There are to be some interesting questions asked at the next commission meeting on July 3rd. If you live in Colbert County, you should attend if your schedule permits. You pay taxes and you deserve answers.

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We've seen comments that the Colbert administrator doesn't forward messages. This may or may not be true.

We're going to make one suggestion here to any administrative personnel who takes messages/open mail. Divide the correspondence into three stacks: One for messages that you know are important to your supervisor, a second for those you have no idea about, and a third for those you're pretty sure your superior won't care diddly about. You've done your job, let your boss do the rest.

Who Supports Brian Lindsey?/Let's Get Cherokee a Grocery Store!

We've had several write us that one or more Colbert County commissioners specifically supported an increased county tax in order to help Muscle Shoals City Schools. True or not, our mail is running 10 to one against any new tax in Muscle Shoals.

Make no mistake, we support schools in Alabama. Period. What we do not support is waste and graft. If either is present in Muscle Shoals, it's time to change leadership.

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A little humor from Southern Son:

Breaking News: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned President Trump's decision to cut down Andrew Jackson's Magnolia tree at the White House.  The 9th Circuit issued a temporary ban on Trump's Executive Order.  In their decision they ruled that if Trump had intended to burn the tree down it would probably pass constitutional muster.  They added that burning the tree might constitute cruel and unusual punishment and they must have a hearing before the full 9th Circuit of Appeals.  They did not address the close proximity of the tree to the White House as a determining factor in their decision.

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Many are aware of the sudden closing of the only grocery store in Cherokee. We understand that it was not due to the business being unprofitable. We also understand this business ran a hardware store in one area of the building. We've seen this done in other small towns and it seems to work out very well. In fact, there are several other businesses that could be placed along side the grocery. 

If you're considering opening a new endeavor for the upcoming year, consider Cherokee. In the meantime, we suggest residents band together to order from Walmart. Any order, grocery or other items, over 35.00 is shipping free. This is great to receive boxed meal kits, bottled dressings, etc. right at your door. Never leaving your home may be impossible, but Internet shopping certainly makes things much more convenient.

Walmart Grocery Shopping Online

Wisconsin Firm to Design New Colbert County High Gym?

Let me get this straight. Colbert County superintendent has employees stand before the county commission and try to guilt the commissioners because the drama department at Colbert Heights doesn't have adequate facilities OR air conditioning? And, yet another one says he needs money to put a hotel inside Cherokee school?

What about Muscle Shoals superintendent Coach Lindsey saying he needs a new floor in a gym while the football taj mahal is kept in pristine condition sparing no costs. Not to mention all the high paid employees that never step in a classroom - something like a coach to watch over the new athletic facility or assistants to assistants and secretaries to secretaries? How bout that travel expense account? Principals and wives traveling to Pennsylvania?????

Satchel and Lindsey get caught lying to the county commissioners on several issues. What is wrong when they are exposed in the newspaper and their board members stand behind them? Exactly what are they teaching children in those schools? LYING is fine as long as it gets you what you want?

Beware parents. When superintendents have board members cheering them on to LIE, it says a lot about THEM and the LACK OF MORALS and INTEGRITY. As MSCS board president Rudolph says, "Lindsey is to be commended". Ms. Rudolph, BULLYING and LYING is NOT TO BE COMMENDED, PERIOD.  It's interesting that one of your goals for Lindsey is to pressure the county commission for more money. Is that something you are proud of? The last time he "met" his goals (which were another story as well) you gave him a big bonus and increased his salary/contract. Now, if the commission doesn't let him bully them, he still gets a big bonus? We all know the answer to that one.

Back to Colbert County - How bout the new renovations at Colbert County High School?

OUT OF TOWN FIRM DESIGNS EXTRAVAGANT REMODEL AT COLBERT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (where Gale Satchel's husband is principal)

 http://www.palmerhamilton.generatornetwork.com/k-12

Palmer Hamilton, LLC
143 S. Jackson Street, Suite 1 
Elkhorn, WI 53121-1911   

Colbert County Superintendent Satchel's latest SPENDING OF YOUR TAXES!!!

Does this kind of extravagant renovations and decorations by an interior design OUT OF TOWN firm set well with you taxpayers while Colbert County, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals superintendents say they need YOU to pay more taxes for their spending?

That doesn't quite rank up there with the MSCS football taj mahal and track that is under lock and key so those destructive people in Muscle Shoals won't destroy it by walking on it, but equally as extravagant in its own rights.

MR. COMMISSIONER, our money is on you. We think you have too much sense to buy into the same worn out song those two superintendents are singing. Look at Muscle Shoals extravagance, Colbert County extravagance, and wonder why Tuscumbia superintendent got mixed up with the two of them.

JUST SAY NO!

Leslie M. Shoals

Does the Colbert County Commission Think These Things Through?

Perhaps you've seen an old television show on TV Land called Car 54, Where Are You? One episode starred Charles Nelson Reilly and the noted Yiddish comedienne Molly Picon. Reilly's character was an architect charged with building a new apartment complex to replace a tenement house, while Picon's character didn't want to leave her old apartment--she'd become accustomed to its brownstone face. 

Reilly agreed to make some changes Picon wanted in order to get her to move into the new building. When unveiled, the replacement apartment complex looked exactly like the one just torn down. In other words, just like the Colbert County Courthouse's new security system. 

For those who came in late, the new security system is part of a multi-million dollar energy upgrade. Included are a new metal detector (cost unknown to us) and an X-Ray machine, cost 14.9K. These two machines have been placed at the courthouse's rear entrance, but lines have been long.

Some attorneys have requested badges to expedite their entry, but at least two county commissioners, David Black and Darol Bendall, haven't been trusting of them. Do they know something we don't? So now the commission, in its finite wisdom, has come up with a new plan.

Attorneys will enter via the eastern entrance (we infer it still may be a choice), but so will the public. The old metal detector from upstairs will be taken out of mothballs and placed there. But, wait. What about the X-Ray machine for handbags, attache' cases, etc.? Unless another X-Ray unit is purchased, the eastern door will always be less secure and used by any would-be terrorists.

Or is the commission going to cough up another 15K for a second X-Ray machine? After all, it's only taxpayers' money. And all because two county commissioners don't like local attorneys...

 

"Was That a Satanic Ritual in Colbert County?"

We frequently miss some very interesting things. So thanks to a reader for asking about the recent swearing-in ceremony of the newest Colbert County Commission. Just what was the judge wearing? The ceremony looks like a Satanic ritual.

We’ve attended many trials and have never once seen a judge’s robe with a hood, much less a jurist actually donning a hood…not even to pass a death sentence.

Of course, the TD’s Russ Corey didn’t bother to name the officiate at the ceremony. We don’t know if it was our friend Daniel Rosser (we’ve never been to a probate hearing, but didn’t think robes were worn) or one of the county’s trial judges. 

Obama Inaugeration (See? No Hood)

We and our reader would just like to know the story behind the hood. Do you get paid extra if you wear it?

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Apologies to the TD for utilizing half their photograph, but we knew a picture was worth a few thousand words in this instance.

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Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Don’t forget to take food to the local animal shelters. In fact, why not foster a dog or cat for the holiday weekend. You just might wind up with a permanent new family member.

The Shoals: Just One Big Happy?

A Florence-Lauderdale visitors center has been in the works for some time. We're now told that once it's completed it will have a new name to better reflect its service to the entire Shoals. Not too long ago we would have been pleased with that news. Now? Not so much.

For those from across the river who are applauding this move, we have some questions. First, let's look at a positive quote from Rodney Hall:

Thank you Debbie Wilson for thinking outside the lines and over the river... We are the Shoals! 

We have to ask if Mr. Hall spoke to the Colbert County Commission about the oneness of the area? Perhaps he wrote a letter? How many who want to use Florence and Lauderdale's greater tax base to promote the county just to the south stood up to the Colbert Commission when they opposed the new hospital?

Everything in life is give and take, but it seems some of the powers that be in Colbert want only to take...

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Both Pen N Sword and the Quad-Cities Daily have some interesting photos related to the Jessica Bevis Broadfoot murder investigation:

The Many Faces of Danger

Boyfriend in Custody 

While visiting the QCD, be sure to check out their ongoing photographic coverage of the Helen Keller Festival--it's the next best thing to being there!

Shoalanda

We're Naming Names...

Yesterday we blogged on the Colbert County Commission's petition to the state CON board. The commissioners asked the board to refuse RegionalCare authorization to build a new hospital. One of the most profound comments we have ever received came from "Uncle Gus" who asked if the commission would have acted similarly if the hospital were scheduled to be built on TVA land in Colbert County. Most of us would offer a resounding "NO" to that query.

So how should those in Lauderdale County and other areas which support the hospital fight back? Being human, the first thought that springs to mind is to boycott any Colbert County business or endeavor. Being logical, we do look beyond first thoughts.

The citizens and businesspeople of Colbert County, at least most of them, have nothing to do with their commission's vindictive stance. No, it's the commissioners themselves who should shoulder the responsibility for their childish actions.

District 1 - P. Rex Burleson

District 2 - David Black

District 3 - Jimmy Gardiner

District 4 - Emmitt Jimmar

District 5 - Roger Creekmore

District 6 - Charles Hovater

These six men are solely responsible for Tuesday's actions. They are the one's acting like five year-olds. They're the ones who should be held accountable. In days to come, we'll look at each of them.

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In perusing the Colbert County official page, we did find something humorous. Almost all towns and counties will profess to have "excellent schools." Colbert County seems to have only "very good schools." Truth in advertising?



Shoalanda

Colbert County Commission Steps in It

The Colbert County Commission met Tuesday and, according to the TimesDaily, "approved a resolution that asks the state's Certificate of Need Review Board to reject the application for a new 300-bed hospital and cancer treatment center in Florence."

Individuals who move here invariably ask why Lauderdale and Colbert Counties can't work together. The first step in any joint effort is to at least pretend to try. In Internet meme patois, this was a huge FAIL.

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It's not every day that Federal agents raid a local home. It happened earlier today in Florence, and three locals were arrested for their alleged part in a drug network that also dabbled in smuggling of untaxed cigarettes. Here's an interesting back story from Pen N Sword.

Oakley Simpson Done In By Traffic Stop

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Any railroaders out there? Or maybe some history junkies? Here's an opportunity you won't often experience:

Tuscumbia Railroad Heritage Day

Shoalanda

New Hospital Still Planned for Lauderdale

A department head with ECM Hospital has contacted us concerning the confusion over the location of the new RegionalCare hospital. Despite the suggestion of Drs. William Heaton and Hisham Ba'albaki that the new facility could possibly be built on TVA land south of the river, the plans remain in place for the hospital to be constructed in Lauderdale County.

While we feel a merger of RegionalCare and Helen Keller Hospital is in the interest of all Shoals citizens, it should be pointed out that ECM cardiologists stand to gain if the merger comes to fruition. Currently, Keller is sending patients requiring stents and similar procedures to Huntsville--these same procedures are done, and done well, at ECM.

Again let us stress, if citizens of Colbert County feel the partnership with Huntsville Hospital is the wrong path for their health care, they need to contact their county commissioners...and contact them now. For too long both the citizens and commissioners of Colbert County have let the Keller Board blindly lead them. They deserve better.

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If any readers have family that are currently or have in the past been incarcerated in the Lauderdale County Work Release program, please contact us concerning problems they may have encountered.

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Speaking of inmates, we today read that Alabama is third in the nation. In what, you may ask. Unfortunately not in any desirable area. It seems that Alabama falls behind only Florida and Delaware in the percentage of populace who have permanently lost their right to vote.

While Attorney General, Troy King added numerous crimes to the standard list of offenses of moral turpitude. We hope once he becomes acclimated to his new office, Luther Strange will remedy many of the excesses of TK the AG.

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We've heard from our blogging sister Mary Carton. Despite her new role as blogger for Grit magazine, she assures us she will continue with Rosedale Gardens. The Shoals area is truly blessed with numerous great bloggers. Thanks, Mary, for your wonderful tales of flowerbeds and hooligans.



Shoalanda