Yes, Peanut's Attacker Was Beaten

Joseph Wade Vinson, the man who has admitted to assaulting mentally handicapped Stephen (Peanut) Michael, was himself brutally attacked in the Colbert County jail. According to an informed source, jailers placed Vinson in a type of bullpen with as many as ten other inmates Tuesday night. After discovering the injured Vinson, deputies transported him to the Helen Keller Hospital E.R. where he was treated around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning and released. Vinson was then placed in protective isolation. WAFF has reported that Vinson was later taken to Franklin County Jail.

The source further states that if Sheriff Ronnie May had followed the correct protocol, Vinson would have been placed in isolation upon his arrival. Now, Colbert County citizens will be footing the bill for Vinson's medical treatment, as well as a possible lawsuit. Did we say possible? Let's make that probable.

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Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett is in the news again. It seems the city has had a vacancy for the office of captain for some time. After new Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver left the force in early January, the department was lacking two captains. Five Russellville officers were finalists for the two openings.

The Russellville City Council narrowed their choices down to three: Lts. Cary Hitt, Mike Prince, and Johnnie MacKay. Only MacKay possesses a master's degree in Criminal Justice. Also, Hitt, whom Councilman Lanny Hubbard opposed, owns a local photography business--which might or might not pose time restraints on Hitt's schedule. It's unknown if other applicants for the two postions also divide their career time.

When asked to pick two from the three on the short list, Chris Hargett picked Hitt and Prince, stating, "We need someone who is unified toward a common goal." Perhaps Hargett could explain that mish-mash of a statement. What goal? Why is MacKay not "unified," whatever that might mean? We understand that not all who possess post graduate degrees are leaders, but Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett just left that cash-strapped city in a tenuous legal position.

Related post: Inspector Clouseau

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Former Muscle Shoals Municipal Court Magistrate Linda Stanley was arrested Wednesday on charges of embezzling over 86K in city funds. District Attorney Bryce Graham has recused himself; he is expected also to recuse in the missing 911 funds case.

Related post: Is Linda Stanley Guilty?



Shoalanda

Tuscumbia's Joseph Vinson: Spineless Felon

Joseph Vinson, 28, of Tuscumbia has been arrested in the brutal attack on Stephen (Peanut) Michael. As of six o'clock last night Vinson, reputedly the son of Danny and Darlene Keenum Vinson of Spring Valley, was still being held in Colbert County Jail. There were reports later in the evening that Vinson had been attacked by ten inmates, badly beaten, and transferred to Helen Keller Hospital.

The animosity being shown toward Vinson on Facebook and similar sites is revealing. If the reports of his injuries at the hands of other inmates should be true, it would be the citizens of Colbert County who would suffer the financial responsibility--unfortunately.

Vinson's Facebook page gives little insight into his personality. He laments losing contact with a six year old daughter and states he's looking for a soul mate. Obviously, we may infer alcohol was involved in Joseph Vinson's conduct last Saturday night, but it cannot ameliorate his guilt--either with the courts or those he will meet the rest of his life in the Shoals.

Related sites: Peanut

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Due to the severe weather in January, many are facing the loss of utilities for non-payment. One would think local utility departments are in need of all the good press they can muster; however, some employees don't seem to be doing their part.

Here's a great commentary from O.B.: Link

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Congratulations to Tuscumbia's Mary Carton on being chosen as a blogger for Grit. You can read Mary's blog (at least for the time being) at Rosedale Gardens.



Shoalanda