Navistar Firing?/Saluting Tim Kent

It's less than ten days until Navistar is expected to make their big announcement and we finally learn what will be replacing National Alabama at the RSA super complex in Barton. A new year is always the perfect time to start a new project, but unfortunately it seems Navistar's plans have necessitated the firing of some personnel. Termination--not a very nice Christmas present is it?

*****

The Shoals area is steeped in history, especially that of the Civil War. Tim Kent is a local military aficionado and historian. He's pictured here at the grave of our local Gen. James Deshler. This morning Tim will be working at the Tuscumbia Cemetery to replace headstones of unknown Confederate soldiers. Kudos to Tim for keeping our history alive and in good repair.

Tim Kent's Civil War Tales

*****

Russellville Municipal Building pictured on a 1940's postcard: Link



Shoalanda

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

"What, Exactly, Did Bronner Do?"

The title of today's blog is a question sent to us by a faithful reader. What did Dr. David Bronner do to recruit Navistar to the Barton rail car plant? We cannot answer that question, but obviously much is owed to Forrest Wright. We can comment on the timeline.

On August 21st of last year, the TimesDaily announced that National Rail Car Ltd. in Colbert County had been purchased by RSA and renamed National Alabama. That would make the purchase just over 13 months ago. Now we're told that Bronner, etal., had been working on the Navistar deal for "more than a year." Obviously the intent of purchasing the ivory pachyderm was to enable a sale to a company of RSA's choice.

We understand the need for secrecy, but wouldn't a "no comment" have been more honest than the smokescreen of supposed accomplishments propagated by our local rag? That being said, we now have a second rumor running amok at National Alabama.

We've received several reports that despite assurances by Navistar execs, most employees can expect to receive their walking papers in the near future--presumably after Navistar hires a skeleton crew to maintain the plant. This rumor is extremely hard to assess since the Huntsville engine manufacturer has not yet commented on what it will be producing...if it even knows what it will be producing.

*****

We've confirmed that Jeremy Shane Hall, the former Russellville police sergeant, was indicted by the most recent Franklin County grand jury on seven counts of sexual abuse. This is in addition to the civil suits brought against Hall and the city for the alleged crimes

*****

Tomorrow: .Those who "have taken a stand for what is right" lose a round, but the fight continues.



Shoalanda

National Alabama Calls It Quits!

While it may be great news (we sincerely hope) that there will be new jobs coming to the Shoals when Navistar takes over the Barton facility on January 1st, what of the 120 or so employees who now toil in the vineyard of rail car manufacture? What of others who specifically trained as welders in order to qualify for a job that will not be forthcoming?

Apparently when TimesDaily reporter Trevor Stokes let the cat out of the bag months ago, the powers that be were indeed looking for a new company to take over the mile long plant. Why the smokescreen? Or should should we call it something more sinister?

Related post: Bronner to Sell Rail Car Plant?

*****

Now, about those law suits... We assume a company that manufactures automotive engines will not be taking over the debt and legal responsibilities of National Alabama. Looks like our state retirees are out of luck.

Obviously you win some and you lose some. The Shoals lost here, and Dr. David Bronner will write it off and rest on his other investment laurels. Our main problem is the lack of truth that has been forthcoming from both the company and the local press. Our local rag didn't have to report on all the successes of National Alabama--mythical achievements--yet it did. What does that tell us?

*****

If you're like us you love new blogs. A reader recently sent us a link to one written by "coach422002." My, my, we can certainly see how some bloggers do give others a bad name. More to follow...



Shoalanda

"A Diamond in the Rough" -- That's Us

“I believe the Shoals area is a diamond in the rough that has not been discovered,” ... “An important part of our success will be to help the economic builders, the industries, find the Shoals." Doug Arnold, new CEO for Helen Keller Hospital


Doug Arnold, all smiles in his common-man polo shirt, has pronounced the Shoals a diamond in the rough. We're not sure if Mr. Arnold felt he was the first to utter these words or not. For the record, he wasn't.

Florence and the Shoals hadn't been found when its history was printed in the late 19th Century. Nor had it been found when Henry Ford visited. It was still hiding from national view when FDR came to call. JFK? Same song. Yellow Creek? We could stop there before you become any more depressed with this topic, but we feel obligated to mention Dr. David Bronner.

He was going to make it happen. We (You and I and Leo and Una and everyone else) believed him. We still have a chance with National Alabama, don't we? All we here at Shoalanda can do is give an opinion, but miracles do happen. We're just not sure they're going to happen in Barton, Alabama, in the 21st Century.

*****

From the Shoals Democratic Club:

Labor Day

is just around the corner

Join Democrats and Shoals area Labor Organizations

on Labor Day to mark the holiday that recognizes the

importance of the American worker!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Parade in Downtown Tuscumbia, 10:00 a.m.

Festivities in Spring Park, 11:00 a.m.

Did you that Democratic U.S. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation making the first Monday in September Labor Day?

Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

Shoalanda

Colbert 2-Lauderdale 0/How Much for 95 Rail Cars?

RegionalCare to build new hospital in Colbert County? We agree the counties should work together, but we have to ask why this health care mega corporation signed a contract to build the new hospital in Lauderdale County and now wants to amend said contract...or should that be renege on it? We also wonder how the board of Helen Keller Hospital would feel if this should come to pass. How about obstetrics? That would certainly cut down on literal Lauderdale County natives. Perhaps it's time to buy the popcorn and watch the show.

*****

We recently published a negative comment from a reader concerning our statements on the 95 rail cars National Alabama has sold to an unspecified company. We were at some loss to understand the criticism, since our comments mainly concerned the manufacture date of these rail cars. The critic seemed to feel we didn't realize just how much money was involved in this sale.

Our contact at National Alabama, while not providing us with the exact amount of money involved in the transaction, reported that the money taken in by the company on the sale would not even cover one year of the Barton plant's utility bills.

*****

Since losing Trader to The Connection almost a year ago, we've had readers ask if we plan to bring in a new restaurant critic. We certainly might if we could find one, but they are not abundant in this area--especially ones that will work for our salary--free.

If you have horror stories about Shoals eateries, or perhaps accounts of heavenly food and exotic ambiance, you can now offer your own reviews at Shoals Dish. This Facebook page is new, but it offers us all a chance to say what we think, so get going and point the Shoals in the right gastronomical direction.

Shoals Dish

Shoalanda

Saluting Alfie Crosslin/More on Rail Car Order

Alfie Crosslin the Dragon Dog is a fixture in Florence, and rightly so. His Facebook status this morning inspired us, and we hope it will you too. In Alfie's own words:

In order to love me as a friend you must understand that I am an animal lover... My heart is BROKEN REGULARLY and filled with sadness for those animals that are not loved. That are not treated with kindness and respect. That do not know kind words and gentle hands... EVERY animal is worthy of a stable environment, food, water, affection, and humane care... If you feel the same way post this on your wall. Sit. Stay. Eat. Live...... ♥ ♥ ♥

*****

Yesterday we blogged concerning the 95 rail car order National Alabama ostensibly produced in the past few months, to use Mike Goens' words. According to our sources at the Barton facility, the cars were actually completed in late 2010.

An initial run of 50 cars was begun in 2009 in order to ascertain how well the assembly line process worked. A second 50 car run was completed in 2010 in order to streamline the various production processes. Therefore, many of these 95 cars have been sitting around the mile-long plant gathering dust for almost two years.

We were unable to obtain the name of the buyer for the rail cars, but one source has speculated it's Norfolk Southern. If so, we sincerely hope the 95 cars are of such a quality that this rail giant will be inclined to purchase more. We also have to wonder why the buyer took only 95 of the 100 available cars; was it a budget decision, or were five of the finished rail cars unusable? We're not waiting on a press release to answer that question.

*****

Happy birthday to Ben Tate. His wonderful photography of Florence will live on long after us all.



Shoalanda

95 Rail Cars Sold; Let's Compare

The rail car industry is experiencing a resurgence--a very mild resurgence as of now. Yesterday National Alabama announced it had sold 95 rail cars to a rail leasing company. These cars are essentially already built, but lack some specialized finishing touches. In other words, there won't be any new employees hired to complete this contract.

CEO John Stein heralded the sale as "a great first step for our company and a milestone." Considering the lack of previous sales, almost anything would be a milestone for the Barton company, but what should we expect from this current thorn in the RSA's side compared to other rail car manufacturers?

Perhaps not much. It seems any upswing in rail car sales is related to an increase in coal sales to foreign buyers. The lighter the car, the more coal that can be transported. If coal sales should diminish, so would the need for new rail cars. Here's a projected comparison of National Alabama sales to two established companies in 2011.

Freight Car America (Chicago) -- 5,200
Trinity Industries (Dallas) -- 14,200
National Alabama (Barton) -- 200

To make matters worse for National Alabama, Trinity has signed an exclusive contract with its clients. According to the Wall Street Journal, the contracts will continue for at least five years.

So what, if anything, is National Alabama taking the lead in? We hear security has really put a dent in smoking in the men's rooms...



Shoalanda

A Few Words from David Bronner/Florence Police Accreditation

Has Dr. David Bronner called those who question the National Alabama rail car plant in Barton idiots? We'll let you judge; here's his quote from the August RSA newsletter:

While a few Alabama investments have been criticized by some individuals that have difficulty understanding the bigger picture, our investment horizons are much longer. With the resources that Alabama has to offer, there is no reason not to believe that in the long term we will equal or exceed the returns of anywhere in the world.

Obviously Bronner's take on current finances covers the entire system and not solely the Barton facility. It's a bit like the TimesDaily announcing the entire of city of Muscle Shoals was destroyed in the earthquake, but all other Shoals areas were unscathed. That's great...except for those who lived in Muscle Shoals. So, yes, those who had seen National Alabama as the Shoals' economic savior are somewhat critical of it.

*****

The Florence Police Department is nearing the conclusion of a 2.5 year effort to achieve accreditation with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Part of the accreditation process allows for members of the general public to either call in and speak to an on-site assessor, or to actually come and speak to the assessors in person in reference to the quality of police services being offered by the Florence Police Department. The information concerning the public forums is attached.

In the coming weeks, as we draw closer to August 20^th, I would be glad to discuss the accreditation process with you. This process has included a comprehensive review and revision of our policies and procedures. If we are fortunate enough to achieve this accreditation, it will be one of the greatest achievements in our police department’s history. Accreditation by CALEA, would signify that the Florence Police Department’s policies, procedures, and practices are consistent with the highest standards of policing in the nation. The community will not just be required to take our word for it, but in fact, a team of outside assessors are coming in for four days to conduct an actual in-depth audit of our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure we are meeting these standards. The goal, or end-game of the accreditation process, is for our community to get just what they expect of their local police department: Police service of the highest level, that follows the letter and spirit of the law, assurance that we hold ourselves accountable for our conduct and actions, and, a police department that is accountable to our community to provide the very best in police service.

I look forward to talking with you in the near future.

Capt. Ron Tyler

Florence Police Department

www.florencepd.org

FBINA Session 225

(256)760-6576

*****

As always, we're extremely proud of our Florence Police Department. Congratulations to them on this undertaking.

*****

The happiest of birthdays to Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford!


Shoalanda

The Slow Disappearance of National Alabama

In March of this year, National Alabama announced it would be producing certain major components for 500 rail cars. The project was scheduled to commence around July 1st and be finished by December 31st. Admittedly, July is still with us, but sources at the plant tell us that no work has yet been done to set up this assembly line--assuming it's still needed. Has the contract been cancelled? How would we know?

In other National Alabama news, a second source reports:

When National Alabama Corporation officially moved in to its new facility in 2009, it wasn't alone. In addition to the NAC employees, several vendors also took up residence, or opened 'store fronts', within the confines of the facility. Originally, it was the 'job' of these vendors to supply the plant with the day-to-day operating materials, tools and constant use items needed in manufacturing. In addition to these vendors, representatives of the manufacturers of much of the state-of-the-art equipment purchased by NAC, with money borrowed from the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), also established field offices on site. These representatives supplied on-site trouble shooting and repair services to NAC in the event that one of their products, such as a 'robot welder', developed a 'glitch'.

It has been reported that many of these 'field representatives' have 'closed up shop', apparently due to difficulties in obtaining payment for items ordered and installed within the dormant NAC manufacturing facility. It has also been reported that some of the vendors have 'pulled out' of the site, claiming that there 'isn't enough business' to justify the continuation of services on site.

It has also been reported that as much as 30% of the maintenance department has quit since the first of the year, choosing to seek actual work elsewhere. One can only wonder how much 'maintenance' needs to be performed on machinery that isn't being used.

And Shoals Chamber of Commerce president Steve Holt, pardon...we meant to say Mr. Stephen Holt...uses this as an example of desirable foreign investors? ***** The TimesDaily seems to have begun a campaign to promote the "college" that a Chinese company may, or may not, have planned for the old Florence Golf and Country Club. What would happen if they built this college? First, we're not sure what was intended by the Chinese. Was it a college of some ilk or a pharmaceutical enterprise as first stated? How easily it morphed. If it should be a college, it would not be able to grant degrees or even any transferable credits without proper accreditation. How was it to align with the current College of Nursing at UNA? We have no idea on that subject either since all we have read states the College of Nursing can't change its studies on the mere whim of faculty or even that of President William Cale. In the For What It's Worth Department, this supposed college could be certified for Chinese students, but how that would help the University of North Alabama is extremely nebulous. Would Chinese students come en masse to study Chinese courses and then return to China to practice whatever they had learned here? It would supposedly help the economy of the Shoals, but so would legalized brothels. Shoalanda

Is Steve Holt Serious?

Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Steve Holt shocked many in the community when he held up National Alabama as an example of what other countries can do for this area. Said Holt:

If you look at the more recent investments in this market — National Railcar began as a Canadian operation...

If Mr. Holt, or anyone else, thinks that the RSA's deal with Canada's National Rail Car is a success in any sense of the word, we see the need for more psychiatric treatment centers, not foreign business.

*****

It also came as a shock that the Guizhou Shenqi Group is now being touted as wanting to build a graduate level college specializing in health care management. That's a far cry from the manufacture of natural medicines, whatever that may entail.

We have to wonder why, if Councilman Barry Morris' version of the proposed enterprise is correct, it hasn't been pointed out before. It's not surprising that some considered the possibility of a money laundering operation being involved.

Yes, the Shoals needs economic development from wherever we can get it. If Dr. Morris knew more about the company than was originally stated, he should have come forward much earlier; however, the field of heath care management is far removed from pharmaceuticals. Unless someone clarifies this company's interest in the property, we suggest Sam Pendleton and James Barnhart were correct in asking questions of this Chinese gift horse.

*****

The Lauderdale County Sheriff's office and its dispatch center are being temporarily separated in order to remodel the courthouse's second floor offices. More than one person has suggested to us that Sheriff Ronnie Willis prefers that arrangement be made permanent after the renovations are complete. Should the sheriff's dispatch operation be permanently housed with the county's 911 offices? Just what are the pros and cons? We welcome further input from the community, input both to us and the county commission if there should be a tremendous downside to this arrangement.



Shoalanda

Good Judgment is Not Micro-Management

Our third and currently last installment on the Tuscumbia City School situation from a regular reader/contributor:

About two months ago the Administration of TCS allowed an unsupervised senior student campout on the grounds of Deshler. Unfortunately some students in attendance at the camp out vandalized the school. The teachers at DHS were rightly outraged. There was talk of calling off the 2011 DHS graduation. The Superintendent asked the School Board what would be the appropriate punishment for students at a regular school board meeting. Members of the School Board gave varying answers but the dominant theme was the Code of Student Conduct gives direction to the Administration for proper student punishment. The School Board pointed out that the Grievance policy gives any student or parent the right of appeal. This is an example of the Administration asking for micro-management and the Board on reflection pointing out that policy exists to handle the situation. This was not micro-management, just good management.

*****

It seems that the RSA will be out over 900 million in 2011 for its share of state retirement benefits. They predict a shortfall by 2023. Logically, ridding itself of some bad investments comes to mind as one solution, but who would want to purchase National Alabama? The alabaster pachyderm of Barton is fast approaching one billion dollars in costs, and no end is in sight. If you can think of someone who needs a mile long industrial facility located in the boondocks, please let us know and we'll pass it on to Dr. Bronner.

*****

To all residents of Lauderdale County: If you think your property tax is too high, by all means ask for a clarification. Do all that it takes to make it right. We greatly admire Danny Hendrix, but he does not do the actual appraisals. His staff, many untrained, do the appraisals of property in this county.

This brings us back to complaints that these positions are filled by those having only a GED or high school diploma. It's a "who you know" situation when it comes to jobs at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Contact the Lauderdale County Commission and let them know how disappointed in them you are for allowing this to continue all these years. Property in Lauderdale isn't worth more, or much more, than in Colbert or Franklin Counties--it's just that we have no trained appraisers and apparently no board to mediate disputes. Let's try to change that, shall we?



Shoalanda

Jane Fonda Comes to Florence/RSA Suing?

In a scathing, vitriolic press release, Jane Fonda said she is ashamed of Florence and its government for failing to enter into a business alliance with a Chinese company. After all, it was years ago that the Chinese aided those pesky Viet Cong (who were really nice if you got to know them).

Oh, wait, sorry. It wasn't Jane Fonda, it was UNA's president William Cale. Never mind. (Anyone think the "Gown" portion isn't holding up the "Town?")

*****

In the "For What It's Worth" department, rumors are circulating around the state that the RSA is initiating a law suit against National Steel Car of Canada, the former parent company of National Alabama. We're unsure of the basis of such a suit, if one actually exists, but we're also pretty sure that the RSA has plenty of grounds from which to choose.

*****

From a reader: I don't blame illegal immigrants for our healthcare problems. Besides, I think every HUMAN BEING has the right to healthcare. What, should we just say "no healthcare" for those people's innocent children?? Wow.

Our answer is simple. The United States cannot afford to provide health care for its own indigent children, but it can do a much better job if no illegals are straining the system. Who should come first: Our children or theirs? It shouldn't be a tough choice.

Neither is health care a right. That's why we pay through the nose for it.



Shoalanda

What Does RSA Suit Bode?/How Stands National Alabama?

Tonya Denson is an employee of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. Venius Turner is a nursing instructor at Jefferson State Junior College. Together they have sued the Retirement System of Alabama and its CEO David Bronner. The suit also names Gov. Robert Bentley and State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton as well as several other state officials.

Representing the plaintiffs is the law firm of Prichard, McCall, & Jones. Billy Prichard claims that, while the RSA has not performed well over the past ten years, the years of 2007, 2008, and 2009 were particularly dismal for the RSA. Specifically Prichard mentions RSA investments in Raycom Media and National Alabama--the Barton based rail car manufacturer.

Also specifically mentioned is a five hundred million dollar loan to the Canadian company National Steel Car, the former parent company to National Alabama. The suit claims the loan is fast approaching default. In the words of the suit:

Defendant Bronner has further admitted that the returns generated by the TRS and ERS have trailed national returns in part because of investments in TV stations, newspapers and a rail car plant in Alabama. RSA made a $500 million dollar loan to a Canadian owner to build rail cars. This loan was practically in default ab initio and the property sits empty.

The entire lawsuit may be read here: RSA Lawsuit

If we read this suit correctly, it does not take into account that RSA purchased the facility from its parent company in August 2010. Perhaps the main question now is how long this suit will be drawn out in the courts of Alabama.

*****

And just how are things at our beloved National Alabama? From an extremely reliable source:

Apparently all is not well at National Alabama Corporation. Prior to the resignation of Dave Soldo, National Alabama Corporation had a small manufacturing contract with a local RV manufacturer. It has been learned that this contract 'ended' with Mr. Soldo's departure. It has also been learned that several members of National Alabama's management team are quietly looking for new careers elsewhere.



Shoalanda

Interesting New Work at National Alabama

Unfortunately the new work at the National Alabama Corp. site in Barton isn't designed to bring in any income. Instead, it only uses RSA money for... Well, let's see, should we say fun or busy work or some other word that has nothing to do with producing income.

Yes, it seems the employees at National Alabama are already re-doing their softball/volleyball field, picking up stray rocks and adding more sand...and all for only 16.00 to 20.00 an hour. We have to wonder if the powers that be at the rail car plant ever considered sending these employees to Phil Campbell or Hackleburg to work...

*****

Third Street in Cherokee lies two blocks off old Hwy 20 and three blocks off Hwy 72. It is the location of a historic cemetery that has become the object of vandalism, not just once, but three times in the past month. All in all, 15 tombstones have been vandalized--broken in two. Even if these tombstones can be repaired, they will always show the scars of what these Cretins have done.

And just who are these miscreants? We'll wager they're male, fairly young, chronically ignorant, and abusing alcohol or other drugs at the times of vandalism.

Do you know who they are? If you have any information, please report it to the Cherokee Police or the Colbert County Sheriff's Department. We'll make sure you receive at least a meager reward.



Shoalanda

Top Engineer Leaves National Alabama

David (Dave) Soldo is an engineer, in fact quite an accomplished one. While at National Steel Car in Canada, he was considered part of the elite in both management and production. When NSC opened what was to become National Alabama, Soldo moved to the Barton plant. His title with National Alabama was "Fabrication Manager."

Yes, we says "was" since Mr. Soldo is no longer with the company. This may not be a total surprise for many since his Linked-In profile states he's interested in new job offers. It was a shock to many who currently work at National Alabama where he had also taken a lead in community projects, including one to support the Lauderdale/Colbert Girls' Attention Homes. One source told us:

Mr. Soldo was THE guy responsible for making sure ANY project National Alabama Corporation undertook was feasible. Without Mr. Soldo and his expertise, all production at National Alabama comes to a screeching halt. Dave Soldo was among the original group of Canadians that came in 2007. In late 2009 he was among those that resigned from the Canadian entity and hired on with National Alabama Corporation. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, was fabricated, or even THOUGHT of being fabricated, unless Mr. Soldo "OK'd" it.

What does this bode for National Alabama? Will the company hire a new engineer? Do they need a new head engineer since they have no new projects? We welcome input from those familiar with the company's current status.

*****

Yesterday we commented on Larry Fisher being named Sweetwater citizen of the year for 2011. Apparently some readers were bemused by this. Sweetwater is a common name for all the East Florence, and sometimes Weeden Heights, communities. Mr. Fisher does not have anything to do with the purported efforts to restore Sweetwater Mansion, nor does he support the individuals behind them.

Other readers have reported to us that those on the Sweetwater Tours Committee have been setting up at First Fridays in Florence with collection jars. Until the books of this organization are made public, we cannot in good conscience support these individuals nor encourage our readers to do so.



Shoalanda

The Weeden Home/Naylor Sentenced

The Weeden Home

A Guest Commentary By

Bailey Quarters

If you ask me where I grew up, I would proudly say North Florence. I feel most who grew up in East Florence or Weeden Hts. would feel likewise. It was only a few months ago that the former superintendent of Florence City Schools wanted to change the name of Weeden School to Singing River. Why? She felt the name Weeden had become tainted in some way. I doubt that most people felt the same.

I see and hear that many people who grew up in the Shoals have never heard of Sweetwater Mansion. I believe most of these people have heard of the Weeden Home. I'm guessing the owner who lives in Atlanta or those who have control of it feel that Sweetwater sounds more elegant. Maybe it does, but it's still the Weeden Home to most of us who have grown up here.

I also notice that those organizing events at the former plantation have gone from charging $25.00 to $10.00 to asking for donations. That tells me most of the people who want to see "Sweetwater" have and won't be visitng a second time. How many more would come if it was advertised as the "Weeden Home?"

If their goal was to open a bed and breakfast by June this year, they aren't going to make it. They need help, and I feel advertising the property as the Weeden Home is a step in the right direction. Another thing that would help would be for them to make their finances public. I work hard for every penny I make and I would like to make sure the money those women collect is going where they say it is. I bet most people feel the same. They should think about it.

*****

Jason Bart Naylor has been sentenced to 25 years for the rape of a family member. He still faces an autumn trial for the rape of a second family member. Is there not a box for the jurors to tick that says "Under the Jail?"

Related posts:

Preying on His Own Family

Update

Naylor Down South

*****

Now, to our famous puzzle. The origin of the puzzle was known to us; it came from a trusted friend via a second trusted friend, but we didn't know what the box contained until we opened it. It was rather like Christmas in April.

We still haven't completed the dinosaur, but when we do, we'll publish a photo of the finished product--a product you as Alabama taxpayers helped pay for. Yes, the wonderful puzzle came from the production line of the National Alabama Corp. We understand these puzzles were practice for future work on rail cars--if any contracts ever come in.

Most of the puzzles were given to children of employees. We intend to keep ours for it is a remarkable piece of work. It is only a pity that it is all we have to show for almost one billion dollars.



Shoalanda

Full Moon for Sheriffs?

We recently blogged about an anonymous North Alabama sheriff who refused mutual aid to a neighboring county during the aftermath of the tornado outbreak. Now C.R. presents a similar story from Colbert:

Just a couple of weeks ago, tornadoes ripped through Marion, Franklin, and Lawrence Counties. The images from that devastating day will never be forgotten. After the tornadoes destroyed entire city blocks several law enforcement agencies in the affected counties called for all available law enforcement assistance. One local law enforcement agency failed to quickly respond to the repeated cries for help.

For an unknown reason the Colbert County Sheriff’s Department failed for several hours to respond to the calls of mutual aid. During the last election an issue came out that the Sheriff is very hands off and stays in the office. It appears that this is still a problem. Sheriff May did not comprehend the severity of the situation and failed to lead when called upon to do so.

After finally responding to the calls for help, the Sheriff has now put a stop to any Colbert County Deputies working in the tornado affected areas. The deputies are paid overtime by FEMA. There are currently police officers from Orange Beach AL. working in the affected areas.

It is a very sad day when a police department from the Mobile area can help our local community and the Colbert County Sheriff’s Department refuses to. This is no way a deputy problem. Every deputy wants to go and help but the Sheriff told the deputies to stand down.

I hope and pray that if Colbert County ever needs help, that the people responding from other areas will take into account the decision was made by the Sheriff and not the citizens of Colbert County.

*****

Great news...or perhaps it's only grate. It seems National Alabama Corp. has a new contract. Unfortunately it's not for rail cars, but for ironwork for Lowe's Home Improvement Centers. It's thought that the contract is for 1K pieces of gates and similar iron items. Well...they have to start somewhere.



Shoalanda

Susan Smith Asks Why Logan Trial Was Moved

Today's TimesDaily has a thoughtful letter from Susan Smith, questioning why Tony Logan's DUI trial was moved from Lauderdale County while other high profile cases have not been similarly relocated. If we had the answer, we would be happy to provide it, but we do not.

We have seen a comment by a local attorney questioning just how far Logan's trial will have to be moved in order to avoid a contaminated jury. This particular attorney felt that such a move would not need to be far; yet another attorney to whom we spoke felt it would need to be moved beyond the viewing area of Huntsville television stations--that could be quite a distance.

In the end, it may not be whether Tony Logan wins or loses his appeal, but will he still have the respect of those who work for him and those who reside within his police jurisdiction? Whether you prefer to call it a can of worms or a Pandora's box, Logan has opened it, and it may now be impossible to close.

Related Post: How Much to Move Tony Logan Trial?

*****

Let's now turn to the Daily Disappointment, the Times Faily, the Tricycle Daily, the Totally Decatur...you know, the local rag that reports everything but news from the Shoals. Where did you read one of the first expose's of the National Alabama Corp.? We hope you answered the Shoals Insider or Shoalanda, because you didn't read it in the TimesDaily.

Where did you read the investigative report on the missing Cherokee diesel fuel? Again, we hope you didn't answer the TimesDaily, because it was published only in The Connection. In what publication did you read of the latest conviction of the Reedtown Rapist? Well, it wasn't the TimesDaily, but the Franklin County Times and Shoalanda.

And now the TimesDaily has failed to report on the death of local author Beverly Barton, just as it overlooked the passing of Margaret Phillips some months ago. It must be nice to have a hometown newspaper...we say "must" since we in the Shoals have not had one in a long time.



Shoalanda

AIDT Leaves Shoals/Your Deputies at Work

Alabama Industrial Training Development, or AIDT, was established over 40 years ago as part of the network of community colleges. Aside from four regional centers, the AIDT has offices on all community college campuses. The office at NWSCC in Muscle Shoals remains open and should serve the Shoals as long as the community college system remains funded by the state. Just what is the mission of the AIDT? In their own words:

AIDT, an institution of the Alabama Community College System, encourages economic development through job-specific training. Training services are offered in many areas, at no cost, to new and expanding businesses throughout the State.

Certainly this is a worthwhile endeavor; however, many of us had never heard of this program until the advent of the National Alabama rail car plant in Barton. Apparently it's not unusual for the AIDT to open satellite offices in areas where large new industrial development is taking place.

That is exactly what AIDT did upon the announcement that the long awaited rail car plant was actually locating in Colbert County. The AIDT opened a centrally located office at 737 East Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals in order to evaluate and recruit prospective workers, specifically welders, for National Alabama.

Now the office is closed. Signs indicate the unit is for rent. Apparently there is no longer a need for recruiting and training those 1800 employees for National Alabama. Those 70 rail cars a day that were to have been produced since January 2009? Are these even still spoken of, or did everything disappear with Alabama's answer to the Wizard of Oz Greg Aziz?

*****

Yesterday we mentioned the dearth of police officers in Cherokee forcing the citizenry to rely on Colbert County deputies. A reader wrote of her experience during a possible break-in:

Forget about the deputies showing up. A friend called 911 as her ex was threatening her and trying to break in her house. They told her it would be a couple of hours before they could come.

One day my alarm company called me at (work) and said they had called the Sheriff’s department about a possible break in. I finished what I was doing and drove the 30 min drive to south of Tuscumbia.

When I got home no one was there. I waited about 15 more minutes and walked around the house checking all the windows and doors. Everything seemed ok. I opened the door and grabbed a butcher knife in the kitchen and walked through the house, everything ok, so I called them and said that my alarm company had called them and I was at home and everything was ok. They said thank you. I could have been the burglar calling them.


Some recently read food for thought (tongue in cheek style): There's no longer any such thing as sin, just mistakes, and we are not responsible even for them.

Shoalanda

Naylor & Taylor Take Their Show Down South

Jason Bart Naylor has been convicted on two counts each of second degree rape, sodomy, and incest. He will be sentenced in Lawrence County on May 12th; however, he still faces charges in a second rape case to be tried this fall.

Related post: Preying on His Own Family

*****

Pam Taylor will spend two years in prison for her crime of embezzling 30K from Franklin County Volunteer firefighters. We don't condone her actions, but with current prison conditions, had we been Judge Dempsey we would have allowed Taylor to serve her time in community corrections.

*****

Speaking of prisons, there's a strong rumor that the Department of Corrections may be interested in the National Alabama plant in Barton. This Tutwiler North, for lack of a better name, would solve overcrowding for female prisoners for many years to come.

Will it come to pass? We have no idea, but we do expect some interesting news from the plant by next week.

*****

Like The Connection: The Magazine? Now you can have The Connection: The Radio Show five days a week. Trader and J.J. Ray will be hosting a call-in show on WBTG weekdays from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Have something to say that takes more than a few seconds? No problem--they're looking for guest hosts as well. More details next week.



Shoalanda