College of Integrative Health/Pause That Refreshes

Delays with the new animal shelter? Mayor Mickey Haddock has stated there are two sites being considered, but infrastructure will cost at least one-half million more than the shelter costs already budgeted. This seems exorbitant, but then so does everything related to government operations. Obviously everyone wants the best for the new shelter.

But wait...it's been mentioned the city might repurchase the old Florence Golf & Country Club property. Infrastructure there is already in place, at least for the most part.

Hallelujah, the animals are saved. Fantastic opportunity, huh? Yes, it is, but it seems intended not only to save the City of Florence some money, but to save face for the University of North Alabama. When last we checked, the College of Integrative Health had ONE student. Just how much money has UNA lost in this deal with its high-ranking Chinese Communist benefactor?

The country club property currently houses the senior center as well as some city offices. It sounds close to perfect no matter who currently owns the property. We say get on with it.

Just remember, if you lie down with a Chinese Communist who has sworn to oppose democracy at every turn (and who may well have what we're trying to protect for dinner), you get up with not only fleas, but an embarrassingly red face.

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Will the Pause That Refreshes soon cost you more? If Gov. Bentley gets his way, it just might. It's not just manufactured soft drinks, but your tea as well. Will oxygen be the next thing taxed?

We can see it now: Shhh! Be quiet and I'll take you round back to the garden where I grow the Orange Pekoe. We eagerly await the arrest of the 97 year old lady who bootlegs the Earl Grey from Mississippi.

How much will this cost us? Pundits in Montgomery are estimating 200 extra bucks a year. Pass the Adam's Ale.



Shoalanda

World Class Pharmaceutical Center?/Publix a No Show?

Florence City Councilman Barry Morris has called a Chinese drug manufacturer's once proposed plans for the former Florence Golf and Country Club a "world class pharmaceutical center." Dr. Morris, since when does alternative medicine come under the definition of "world class pharmaceuticals?"

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Grocery Store Wars: Wish we still had a Winn-Dixie in the Shoals? Apparently the Birmingham area is the closest you'll find one. Now the chain has been purchased by Bi-Lo, a popular chain with several stores just across the state line in Tennessee. Will they open one here?

We won't hold our breath, but if you're hoping for that promised Publix, local gossip has it that it won't be coming either. Construction has been halted on the Cox Creek Pky location, and city officials aren't forthcoming with any answers. Perhaps that would make another great place for a world class pharmaceutical center, huh, Dr. Morris?

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Rare Sweetwater Creek postcard: Link



Shoalanda

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

The Chinese Are Coming?

Do you think the Chinese company that wished to purchase the old Florence Golf and Country Club property just threw a dart and came up with Florence? Don't think so. UNA has a recruiting office in China and has in the past announced its intentions of awarding several slots in its nursing program to Chinese students. Money talks, and to think we once were worried about the Japanese buying our golf courses...

We're also curious about this company's alternative natural medicines. Are they talking rhino horns as a homeopathic Viagra? How would this fit in with any existing curricula at the university? From looking at their web site, we would venture any foray into U.S. enterprise would have to be at least partially approved by the F.D.A.

Let's not condemn Mr. Pendleton or Mr. Barnhart until we have the full story. Remember, it was university president William Cale who convinced the Guizhou Shenqi Group to retract their offer. Perhaps mediation isn't his strong point.

Related post: Chinese Nurses?

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It seems Tuscumbia School Superintendent Joe Walters will have to review and act on complaints against the very board of education that recently terminated his contract. We have no concrete idea why Walters' contract is not being renewed, but we can definitely say he is handling his responsibilities for the remainder of his term by taking the high road. We hope to have more on this later.

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From Chris Ligon:

I think fundamentally, Shoalanda and I would agree that the ultimate solution would be a society of voluntarianism where people would simply pay other people for services in a non corrupted exchange and not feel entitled to charity that is the end result of the productive class having their labor gleaned at the point of a gun. However, just like the local journalist who I respect the most says, those days are gone.

So what we are dealing with is a fiat currency, manufactured debt and the upward flow of wealth that is channeled into all kinds of programs that do not benefit the people who are actually out here trying to make an honest living. So the question becomes... out of all the ways that the taxes from workers could be more fairly distributed to better our communities, why is it that other poor working people from Mexico should receive most of our outrage. Believe me, the people that brought them here and benefit the from their cheap labor aren't having to worry about paying for their kids' health care. This is a class warfare issue and when I see us fighting over the scraps of wealth instead of looking at who is sitting at the table, it saddens me.

Mr. Ligon's comments are profound, but "class warfare?" It's something to think about. Tomorrow another look at local immigration.

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If you see Mary Carton today, wish her a happy birthday!



Shoalanda

MUG.com is Moving!

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

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

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

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

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

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


Shoalanda


Coming soon...get connected!

City Has No Plans for Country Club?

If you live in Florence, or perhaps just shop frequently in the Lauderdale County seat, some of your tax dollars just made 100 individuals $20K richer. Why?

We're not sure. Mayor Bobby Irons has announced that the city currently has no actual plans to expand the current landfill into the Golf and Country Club property--it just didn't want this wonderful deal to slip through its municipal fingers. We know that Councilman Barry Morris' father-in-law benefited from the sale. Who else received money from the purchase of this stately white elephant?

Surely the city didn't buy the FG&CC in order to ensure more paying customers for its Blackberry Golf Course, now hard pressed to compete with two Robert Trent Jones Golf Courses? In our column yesterday on the small Colbert County town of Cherokee, we mentioned the expression "follow the money." It may not have applied to that comical circus near the Mississippi state line, but we have no doubt it does here.

Now we not only own a luxury golf course and club house, we'll be footing the bill for its upkeep. Located on the edge of the city with little use, how long until vandals discover a new venue for their senseless graffiti and destruction?

We expected better from our council. We're just not sure why.


What's up with this: A reader has informed us that Pasquale's in Muscle Shoals has closed. Indeed, it has. Too bad the city to the south of Florence didn't see fit to bail our this icon.

Shoalanda

What Now for the Florence Golf & Country Club?

The City of Florence is preparing to enter into the final stages of the Florence Golf and Country Club purchase. If this mega-real estate deal is finalized, Florence will own a 157+ acre country club for which it has no immediate plans.

Currently, the City fathers state that an addition to the existing landfill will be at least five years away. Obviously, during the next five years, administration may change and plans for the property be scuttled. Even if this is not the case, Florence will enter into five years of grounds keeping for the acreage and its elaborate clubhouse. Even if the golf course is not maintained, the property will have to be manicured to some degree in order to retain most of its current value.

If the City should decide not to use the FG&CC as a new landfill, has anyone considered how much the taxpayers will have invested in its upkeep? Or if the funds aren't invested in maintaining the property, just who will be willing to purchase what may have become another run-down, overgrown municipal white elephant?

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Brad Holmes in 2010: Republican candidate Brad Holmes announced his candidacy for Alabama House of Representatives (Place One) some months ago. As spring approaches, campaigning is gaining momentum. If you are interested in becoming part of the movement to elect Brad to the Alabama Legislature, be sure to visit his site: Brad has much to offer Lauderdale County and Northwest Alabama--Go, Brad!

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Tomorrow is a big day for two of our loyal readers. Kari-Kay Harp and Emily Davis Oliver will both be...let's see, sweet sixteen seems about right. Don't forget to contact them via phone, Facebook, or other social network to wish them a wonderful day.

Shoalanda

Free Entertainment Tonight--Florence City Hall

Tonight's a toofer, folks--that's right, those lucky enough to claim seats at the semi-monthly Florence City Council meeting tonight should be greeted with mirth, catcalls, fireworks, and God only knows what else. We may make Cherokee look like Mitford.

A sizable delegation from Save Cypress Creek should be present again this week to make their (and our) feelings known concerning the city's proposed purchase of the 157 acre Florence Golf and County Club. If that isn't enough to bring you out, there's more...

The position of Florence Media Czar is also on the agenda. Tonight we'll learn if Phil Stevenson will be adding three, four, or ten thousand dollars to his annual salary. We should also learn if the mayor and various council members actually know how to count. What a night, it really is, what a night.


Reminder: For those who are able, please attend tonight's Florence Council meeting to support Save Cypress Creek. It's our town, it's our creek, it's our money, it should be our choice. Can I get a witness?

Shoalanda

Still Working to Save Cypress Creek

Pictured above: Florence Golf & Country Club circa 1940


Rest assured that many of us are still working to save Cypress Creek, as well as the Florence Golf and County Club, established in 1927. While it's unfathomable to us that something of such beauty as the country club and its 18-hole golf course could be replaced by a landfill, it's even more frightening that Cypress Creek in Lauderdale County could be completely devastated by this project.

Unfortunately, Cypress Creek today is not the pristine body of water that has flowed through the western end of the county for decades. The Save Cypress Creek organization's website features photographs of damage that had already been wrought by man's carelessness: link.

The next meeting of the Florence City Council will be Tuesday, December 30th, at 5:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. We encourage all who can to be present to continue to protest the city's purchase of the 157 acres that comprise the country club and its plans to destroy this property, damaging Cypress Creek in the process.


Quote of the day: First Southern President Jack Johnson, who has been in the banking business for many years, said this is the first robbery he has been involved in. (TimesDaily, 12/17)

Shoalanda

City of Florence Owes England Auto Salvage an Apology

Last night the Florence City Council voted to purchase a 157 acre tract west of Florence. The land is currently in use as a country club and 18 hole golf course; if the council has its way, in six or seven years at least part of this land will become the new landfill.

Councilman Barry Morris, who previously voted against tearing down a dilapidated trailer park in order to erect patio homes, recused himself from the vote. Had his father-in-law not owned part of the Florence Golf and Country Club property, he would have voted in favor of the purchase.

All this from a mayor and city council who cannot make enough derogatory comments about the two England brothers salvage businesses that lie outside the city limits. Now we will have an expanded landfill, razed golf course, and polluted Cypress Creek, all adjacent to a major state highway (part of it just christened the Stewart Cink Parkway), because the Florence City Council wants an easy way out to dispose of future garbage? Or is that the only reason?

We hear other rumors, but at present they are just that--rumors. Like Mike Curtis' and Tammy Irons' votes/non-votes on a substantial raise in the Alabama Legislature, we won't forget what happened last night. All of North Alabama will be watching.


Finding humor where you may: One wag in the TimesDaily Forum this morning suggested Florence rename the Stewart Cink Parkway to the "Stinkway." It does have a nice ring to it.

Shoalanda

Checks, but No Balances...

Those who read our column on a daily basis are familiar with Brandi Lee Campbell, the Colbert County woman a grand jury refused to indict in the slaying of her brother. Now, Campbell is again wanted by Colbert County authorities. Besides several bad check charges, Campbell has three outstanding warrants for possession of a controlled substance. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of this fugitive is asked to call Shoals Crimestoppers at 386-8685. You may read an account of Bryan Ray Campbell's June 2008 death at this link.

Apparently after the recent fire at Clement Hill Furniture in Muscle Shoals, owners Steve and Darlene Hill are short of funds. Ashley Furniture Inc. is suing the retiring owners for $16,214.00. As of yet, state fire marshals have not made a determination as to the cause of the blaze that destroyed the State Street store.

Our second missing balance has nothing to do with finance, but Mother Nature. It seems once again the City of Florence is attempting to purchase property for a use that cannot be safely or expediently authorized. Several concerned Florence citizens, as well as environmental groups, plan to challenge Florence's announced purchase of the Florence Golf and Country Club. We say bravo to all concerned not only with the aesthetics of the situation, but the impact the extended landfill will have on Cypress Creek and other adjacent areas.


Tomorrow: Some thoughts about our local veterans

Shoalanda

One Swanky Landfill

They're tearing down a school to build a parking lot.

They're tearing down a hospital to build a parking lot.

They're tearing down a church to build a parking lot.

Whoa! They're tearing down a parking lot to build a parking lot!

The above lines may comprise an old joke, but apparently the City of Florence actually wants to tear down a country club, complete with 18 hole golf course, to add to its present landfill. The Florence Golf and Country Club was established in 1927 and comprises 157 acres of exquisitely developed property. Unfortunately, with the number of competing local golf courses and the present state of the economy, the Florence Country Club is no longer a money maker for its owners.

The current owners purchased the club in 2005, hoping to resurrect interest in the decades old institution; however, according to Norman Ross, the group is now faced with the necessity of selling the property, in all probability at a loss. Saturday, October 31st, was the last day for bids; so far nothing has been published on just who did or didn't make an offer.

Along with the City of Florence, the University of North Alabama also showed interest in adding the property to the western end of its campus, as did Lawrenceburg businessman William Keelon who thinks the large acreage would make an ideal setting for an assisted living facility.

Obviously, money talks in this situation where investors have little hope of recouping their investment. Let us also remember that garbage stinks; converting something as lovely as country club acreage into a refuse dump will hardly win the city any new fans or friends.


What's up with this: Lauderdale Deputy Ronnie Valentine, who recently accused fellow deputy Terry Woods of harassment, has now been accused of abusing his office and other civil rights violations. It will be interesting to see how Sheriff Ronnie Willis handles the situation.

Shoalanda