It's Sunday; Let's Take Out the Trash

Trash. Not a nice word? Well, it's much better than one we could use here. Just what is trash?

Trash is the person who shot Blackie Carton full of buckshot and left him to die. (Thank God Blackie's doing much better.)

Trash is the man who shot and killed a neighbor's cat because he had wandered onto his property.

Trash is the man who throttled Amanda Taylor to death and then dismembered her body.

Trash is the man who claims he had sex with a four year-old girl because she seduced him.

Trash is the man who had his teacher/girl friend get his own sister drunk so he could have sex with her.

Trash is the man who just loves to say he's innocent of rape because a jury acquitted him of the crime but fails to mention the Alabama Board of Education found him guilty of that heinous act.

In case anyone objects to number one or two, they may be "legally" correct. Why? They're not crimes of moral turpitude. Just what are crimes of moral turpitude? Arson, kidnapping, assault, rape, murder--nothing less and nothing more. Oh, various attorneys general can add to the list to impress ignorant voters, but it's still comparable to saying "pregnant man." Some facts of life can't be changed.

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It's election year and that means our critics come out of the woodwork. So now a few disclaimers:

* We are not related to anyone running in Lauderdale, Colbert, or Franklin Counties (that we know of).

* We are not associated with the ShoalsInsider, The Connection, or The Quad-Cities Daily or anyone who works with these publications. We do have an advertising co-op agreement with The Connection. That does not mean we support their opinions or they ours.

* Just FYI, this is a blog. A forum, formerly called a bulletin board, is an internet fixture where members exchange information and/or nasty comebacks. An Internet magazine is similar to a printed magazine and offers various news stories laid out in attractive form. The Shoalanda Group publishes four blogs and nothing more at this time.

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Comments? Yes, you have to register. You may call yourself the King of Siam, but you must register. Why? Let's consider this scenario:

Anonymous: Ronald Weems is the scum of the earth.
Anonymous: Ronald Weems is a misunderstood fatherless child.
Anonymous: I agree with Anonymous.
Anonymous: Anonymous is crazy.

Now, do you understand why one must register to comment. Under the old system, one could have just keyed in a name, even something as short as Al, taking about two seconds, but since commenters refused to do this, we obviously had to devise a way to make all comments understandable.

Also, one local blogger has recently mentioned comments can be edited in the Blogger program. No, they can't. If there is a way to edit or falsify comments, please e-mail us as to how this is done.



Shoalanda

Rape: The Final Frontier

When we think of Safeplace, we think of abused wives. Still many of these wives and girlfriends have been brutally raped. Many will never tell their story, and many more will never live to tell their story.

That brings up a publishing conundrum. Some weeks ago, we offered a reader poll in which we asked if local arrests and accompanying photographs should be published. Out of approximately 200 who responded, 75% voted that such arrests should be published in some form. Currently both the ShoalsInsider and The Quad-Cities Daily post these local public records.

We've long held that crimes committed in the distant past should stay there. If there is one exception, it is crimes involving rape and child sexual molestation. These remain current news due to laws requiring the rapists/pedophiles to register with the state and additionally the fact that many experts say rapists can never truly be rehabilitated. Recently we've been sent a link to a blog concerning a brutal Colbert County rape that happened over 20 years ago. Is this something that we should add to the list of local blogs in our sidebar? We're going to offer a two-week poll and let our readers decide.

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We censor blog comments not only for language but for libelous statements. Recently a few have questioned if the latter is necessary. From Don Burleson Consulting:

Bloggers must also be aware of their responsibilities as hosts of discussions where comments are invited from readers.  Any defamatory comments made in other posts on the blogger's website may result in the blogger being held responsible for those comments and being sued for libel.  

Apparently, it makes no difference if you offer a disclaimer concerning comments of others, the blog publisher is still responsible for what commenters say. We prefer to err on the cautious side



Shoalanda

Introducing "Imam Mohammad Sukek Rashid"

Whether true or a hoax perpetrated on the TimesDaily segment TVT, we present a few of the words published by this supposedly new addition to the Shoals scene:

1. I am a Muslim and futre (sic) Imam of the local congregation.

2. A Mosque to the Gloy (sic) of God is in the works my friends! It shall be located in Florence where our numbers are increasing.

3. I am currently residing in Murphreesborro (sic) Tennessee but am helping brothers looking for property in Florence for our church.

4. Our religion is under attack. We have a right to defend our faith just as much as you do yours.

5. There are no innocents in this battle. There are those who accept the Truth and those who reject it. They are the enemies.

6. A few of our emmisaries (sic) will be soon travelling (sic) to the Florence area to announce our plan and condut (sic) meeting with local authoritis (sic). We will let you know when the time comes so you can come see for yourself.

What do we believe? We believe, and certainly hope, these assertions by the "Imam" are a hoax; however, the TimesDaily does the community a disservice by continuing to publish them.

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Speaking of defending our faith, anyone seen any Baptists out there with bazookas recently?

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Conflicting reports on the ShoalsInsider lapse in publishing...

From J. J. Ray at The Connection: I spoke with Jeff Roland Publisher of the successful Shoals Insider and he stated that the Shoals Insider is not for sale. His wife has been in the hospital ICU with blood clots on her lungs. *

From Jeff Roland on The Huntsville Reporter: Sorry we havent been around lately on the blog but we have been busy....wow, really busy. Thanks for all the support you have shown us since we kicked off just a few short months ago. It has exceeded all of our expectations. We really appreciate you following us on Twitter and Facebook and recommending us to your friends and family. Anyway, we have a few big announcements coming soon and we cant wait to share them...we just cant share them now. Anyway, as our radio friends say; so stay tuned and dont touch that dial, we will be right back with you.

* Editor's note: Our source who told us the SI was for sale mentioned that Jeff Roland had offered it to J. J. Ray, and our source is extremely informed and truthful...so, what's up with that? As Jeff said, stay tuned...




Shoalanda

Is Jeff Roland Selling ShoalsInsider?

The ShoalsInsider is back online, but there's still no new content since August 5th. Wayne Nix and several others who once worked for the local Internet magazine are no longer there. Sources say the site is definitely for sale, but we've been able to ascertain no selling price.

Other sources have said owner Jeff Roland now prefers to concentrate exclusively on the Huntsiville area with The Huntsville Reporter. Looks like this site hasn't been updated recently either:

The Huntsville Reporter

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New Islamic mosque for Florence? According to someone calling himself Mohammed Suket Rashid, a Muslim group from Murfreesboro is planning a new temple in the Shoals area. Don't worry, they say they come in peace...



Shoalanda

43 Apply for Animal Control Position?!

Not everyone is suited to work with animals, nor would the position of animal control officer be a step up the employment ladder for many. Yet 43 applicants did seek that position in Franklin County. The Franklin County Commission states they narrowed the field to eight before hiring Joey Wingo.

It's astonishing that 35 of the initial applicants didn't rate an interview. We have to wonder what was so off-putting on their applications. Of did they just not know the right people...to obtain a job in animal control?

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If you've visited the ShoalsInsider site recently, you've noticed it hadn't updated content in about 12 days. This morning the site is down. If any advertisers are looking for a new home, contact Trader at The Connection. Their rates are good and their readership is rising weekly.

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You still have until the end of the week to visit David Christopher's and take advantage of his great coupon offer. Simply print it out here or visit the store's website.

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Shoalanda

Bronner to Sell Rail Car Plant?

The past several months have been filled with rumors concerning the Barton rail car plant--now officially named National Alabama. Most of what we have heard--multiple times--we have not been able to substantiate.

However, the ShoalsInsider has just published an excellent article by Mary Ann Riley. We urge everyone to read this account of the current state of National Alabama:

Barton Railcar Plant: Fact and Fiction

Riley's article not only confirms much of what we've been told, but delves into areas of which we were not aware. The article is so compelling that we now believe the rumor of David Bronner's anxious attempts to sell National Alabama is true.

Unfortunately, Riley is not able to elucidate us on the ABI's numerous visits to the plant; we can say changes in leadership at the plant have been documented. As for those who believe Federal charges will soon be levied against ex-executives with National Steel Car, they may very well be correct, but we have heard of no Federal agencies involved in the investigation.

Related Posts:

Special Report: National Alabama Sued for 354K

Special Report: Rail Car Debacle

Off Shore Bank Accounts?

The Truth About National Steel Car Ltd.

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Any fans of Craft Dixie Syrup out there: Link





Shoalanda

More About John Odem

Florence attorney John Odem is a remarkable man with a brilliant future. We first profiled Odem when he announced his candidacy for Lauderdale County District Judge several months ago. Odem, the son of Dennis Odem and his wife Carolyn, is not only a busy lawyer, but also a musician and a helicopter pilot--the youngest ever licensed in the state of Alabama.

Those who have seen John perform with his band the Cadillacs say he would have little problem making a living with his music, yet the second-generation attorney is serious about his law career. He practices criminal law as well as being an expert in pre-nuptial agreements--something he advocates for all future marriages. John is also staunchly against the death penalty. From a 2007 TimesDaily interview:

Florence attorney Dennis Odem, who represented Riley and Waldrop during their murder trials, contends the death penalty does not deter homicides."I don't think people who are committing a capital crime give one thought to, if I do this, I might be sentenced to death," he said.Odem said he expects Alabama will abandon the death penalty as a form of punishment.

When recently interviewed by the ShoalsInsider, Odem promptly answered questions concerning his relative youth:

A new broom sweeps clean. In my private practice of law I have handled hundreds of cases as plaintiff’s attorney in District and Circuit court. I have been specially appointed as a Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office in Lauderdale County as well as the City of Tuscumbia. Between all these fields of practice I find myself in the District Court on a daily basis. I believe this experience makes me very qualified for the job. My friends Judge George Carpenter and Judge Ed Tease were 29 and 30 years old when elected to the bench. Debra Bell Pasuer was also elected at a very young age and the county benefited many years of her presiding on the District Judge bench. Decisions rendered by the court effect the lives of everyone concerned. I feel privileged to be in a position to continue the precedent of honor and dignity of the court set by previous Lauderdale County Judges.

Obviously, whether John Odem is the next Lauderdale District Judge or not, he's becoming a political force in the county. Kudos to Odem for having accomplished so much at such an early age and for having shown such integrity in his campaign. He will face Florence Municipal Judge James Hall II in the June 1st Democratic primary.

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Looking for a new vehicle? Hate the thought of trudging to local dealerships and paying extra for all your trouble? Then you need to check out Shoals Auto Finder. Beside cars and trucks, Shoals Auto Finder also showcases boats, motorcycles, and parts. The site administrator is Wayne Nix of the ShoalsInsider. We can promise that Wayne will bring you the best personalized service possible.


What's up with this: Those Sheffield merchants still displaying portable signs are now not only in violation of the city's sign law, but owe a total of $800.00 plus court costs. The total fine will rise $100.00 per day. Well, no one ever said civil disobedience was cheap--or intelligent.

Shoalanda

Free Cab Service?

Several readers asked us if local cab companies still provide free rides on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to those who state they're too inebriated to drive. We haven't found any reports that local taxi services will be doing this for the New Year's weekend, but we hope those who choose to drink, don't choose to drive as well.

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The ShoalsInsider's new poll let's readers decide the fate of accused Shoals rapist/teacher Amanda Watkins. Prison or no? Interestingly, a 38 year-old Idaho teacher has been convicted of having sex with her 13 year-old male student. The punishment: Twenty Years.


Thanks: To all our readers for making it a wonderful 2009!


Shoalanda

Rape: He Said; She Said

How often are allegations of rape actually false? Apparently, it depends on which scientific studies one wishes to believe.

While some studies document the rate of false allegations of sexual assault as one out of fifty, a 1996 study found such false reports to number one out of four. Certainly the latter, if correct, is a frightening number, but is it really accurate?

The 1996 study includes reports submitted by the families of underage girls who lied about a consensual relationship, as well as cases in which the accusation was almost immediately retracted. Perhaps even more to the point, this study included actual stranger rapes in which the wrong person was identified as the attacker.

So, just how many men are falsely accused of rape, arrested, and brought up on charges? While we may never know the actual number, it would appear to be very few.

The two supporting statements for rapists that we see most often are: "She's just trying to get even," or "She was asking for it." If any readers of this blog actually believe the latter to be a defense, please allow me to recommend a good psychotherapist.

That brings us to the Keith McGuire rape trial scheduled to begin in Lauderdale County on July 20th. In less than two weeks, twelve ordinary men and women will have to decide the fate of this former teacher from Lexington. Besides being accused of raping a 19 year-old woman when he was 30 (McGuire contends the sex was consensual), the former coach has also been accused of fondling at least four teenage students while serving as a physical education instructor at Clements School in Limestone County.

We have been aware for some time that Florence Police detective Suzanna Taylor has been looking into allegations of threats from the McGuire camp. Now the ShoalsInsider has reported Keith McGuire's mobile and land line phone records have been subpoenaed within the past few months. Authorities have not stated their reasons for looking into these records. In some instances, subpoenas are merely fishing expeditions, while in other cases these records are used to establish actual patterns of threats and intimidation.

After years of innuendo and accusations, we hope the trial will offer at least partial closure to those involved. All concerned deserve no less.


Read about the Keith McGuire rape case here.

The New TimesDaily and Us

The twenty-five year reign of the New York Times at our local newspaper is officially at an end. Since the Shelton family has elected to dismiss some of the higher ranking TD staff, we may infer that changes are in store. Many have e-mailed me to ask what changes. To be perfectly candid, I have no idea.

I understand that the NYT did not exercise total control over the local paper; I also understand that it did exercise at least marginal control. This control will now fall into the hands of a North Alabama family. I'm sure many changes will be immediate, while those on a larger scale will be implemented over a longer period of time. The Internet is no replacement for the printed page, and I hope that each of us will give the new TD a place in our daily lives.

That being said, the Internet is the place for rapidly breaking news stories. In our area, the ShoalsInsider does a fantastic job of keeping the public informed on late breaking news and those other topics that the TD has not felt worthy of space.

Similarly, it seems many still do not understand (or want to admit to understanding) the difference between a journalistic effort like the SI and a blog such as Shoalanda Speaks. Blogs are editorial in nature and, while often reporting the news, go much farther in offering opinions on what that news means to a community.

Shoalanda currently boasts around 1,000 unique viewers a week. Anyone may e-mail us (the address is conspicuously posted to the left of this column). So far, of all our readers, only one has sent us a rebuttal statement on any issue that we have covered. We printed the entire statement on the CITY program verbatim and are happy to do the same concerning any other issue. We have also made clear in the past which blogs we are affiliated with and which we simply recommend or showcase. Anyone who claims to find that nebulous is being intentionally obtuse.

If any have doubts as to the agenda of Shoalanda Speaks, let us be as direct as possible. We support:

Local charities which aid and enrich the citizens of the Shoals

Accountability for our tax dollars and elected officials

Accountability for teachers and others who work with our children/teenagers/mentally disabled

The stern and swift punishment of those who abuse women and other innocents in our community

If these are not your goals, may I suggest that they should be. The Shoals will not change without us. Let's make our voices heard.

Shoalanda

Billy Jackson

Much has already been written about the selection of Lauderdale Circuit Judge Mike Suttle‘s successor. While the ShoalsInsider reported six attorneys have applied in the initial selection process, another source has e-mailed us that in fact seven contacted selection committee head Leslie Johnson before the January 29th deadline. First reports on any news item are usually subject to change; therefore, the discrepancy is not surprising.

The ShoalsInsider has also published the names of five of the probable candidates, something the TimesDaily has so far not addressed. Whether the SI list is totally correct or not, one name stands out--that of Billy Jackson.

For a short time, Jackson was a Republican District Attorney for Lauderdale County and proved the office could be run efficiently and fairly. Let us hope that Mr. Jackson is indeed one of the applicants and will make the committee’s short list. The committee has previously stated that the application for the position did not inquire political affiliation. Certainly this is desirable; however, most of the members are long time associates of the local bar and know who belongs to which party. Whether that will make a difference in their vetting process remains to be seen.

No matter your political preference, don’t fail to make your wishes known to Gov. Bob Riley. We here in North Alabama are often treated as the proverbial step-child; we need to let Montgomery know we are here and we vote.


Reminder: There have been three fires in the Shoals area within the past 24 hours. Households with pets should remember to place decals in both front and back windows for the benefit of emergency personnel.

Who is Shoalanda?

We have been communicating via e-mail with Anderon, one of our major critics in the past. He has been extremely cordial, but states one of his basic objections to this column is the lack of attribution. He points out that when one reads an article in the TimesDaily or similar publication, each story is printed under a byline.

Anderon is correct in this; however, those who write for the print media are employees of that publication. In other words, their articles are backed by their employers. We here at Shoalanda Speaks do not have that luxury. While all but one member of the Shoalanda group is a professional writer, we each have separate jobs that provide the majority of our income.

In brief, here is a biographical rundown of our current group:

E.T. - Male, Computer Programmer, Married, Shoals Native
Zara Goldstein - Female, Accountant, Married with Adult Children, New York Native
Nurse Nan - Female, Registered Nurse, Single, Shoals Native
Amaryllis Caskie - Female, Businesswoman, Married with Children, Shoals Native
Shoalanda Speaks - Female, Editor of this Blog, Shoals Native, and ???

All but one of our members have individual blogs either under their real names or the names listed above. Besides our sister blogs, we support other area blogs, including that of the ShoalsInsider and The Bookstore Speaks. We plan to add more in the near future.

We hope this clears up any misconceptions about Shoalanda. We are happy to publish guest columns and opposing views. We will post these verbatim under the author's name; if the author prefers to use a pseudonym, we reserve the right to edit for style and length. This blog belongs to the Shoals, and we hope to hear from you at shoalanda.speaks@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Shoalanda

Public Records on the ShoalsInsider

There has been much discussion of late as to public records. In years past the TimesDaily printed various lists of indictments, divorces, property transfers, and much more. Currently, our local newspaper prints only arrests and indictments, and those at its own discretion. As for divorces or foreclosures, interested parties have been forced to subscribe to the local credit bureau report or visit the area courthouses in person.

Recently, the ShoalsInsider has filled this gap. Approximately twice a month this online news source lists various public records, along with other local news of interest that the TimesDaily apparently views as unworthy of publication.

The ShoalsInsider is listed in the links to the left of this column. If you haven't yet visited this online newspaper, delay no longer. Your first visit will not be your last.


What's up with this: Current Sheffield City Council members have negated Billy Don Anderson's two percent city employee raise in favor of a one-time raise based on seniority. Kudos to Ian Sanford and the council for taking the city's budget seriously.

The Shoals Insider

We have also added a link to the ShoalsInsider. We've mentioned their forum before, but they also have fast breaking news, and court records. The latter contain not only arrests, but divorces and foreclosures--something the TimesDaily abandoned long ago.

Much news hits the SI hours or even days before the TimesDaily. In fact, the ShoalsInsider was the first to report on the disappearance of Jennifer Hampton. There's even a blog in which the issues can be examined more closely.

Once you discover this alternative news source, be sure to check it several times a day. It's addictive in the best possible way.


What's up with this: We understand Walton's Restaurant in South Elgin has purchased the old Jimmie's Cafe' building. Was it really that much competition?

The ShoalsInsider Forum

The ShoalsInsider Forum came in fourth in our poll with 5% of the vote. One of the area's newest forums, the ShoalsInsider is rapidly making a name for itself. If you haven't yet visited this site, you've missed a real treat.

Besides the forum, the ShoalsInsider offers court records, obituaries, and breaking news; it was the ShoalsInsider that first reported the disappearance of Jennifer Hampton. This site fills a long-standing void by offering news that the TimesDaily elects to omit. Like other forums, the SI venue features unique posters and is an essential element in gauging the area's political climate.

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Our "What's Up?" feature recently mentioned Jim Fisher's absence from the TimesDaily. Jim has contacted us and wants his many readers to know that he didn't willingly desert them. It seems that his election to the Florence School Board prohibits him from employment with the TD. You can still partake of Jim's expertise at Excel Computers on Florence Boulevard. All the best, Jim, in your new position!

What's up with this: Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly is insisting on a second trial for manic mother Rosie Ingram--our tax dollars shouldn't be going to retry a weak case. It's a pity that Connolly places his vanity before the citizens of Lauderdale County.