Russellville Church & CRACK House

Our recent column on the plethora of legal woes in Russellville prompted one reader to write concerning what he called "off brand" churches in the Franklin County seat. We agree that a lower socio-economic-status usually presents in a large number of storefront churches, but we do have to poke just a little fun at this one: The So Help Me God Church of Christ and CRACK House Ministries. CRACK being an acronym for Christ Resurrects After Crack Kills. We're going to bet they have a thrift store too.

*****

Our friend and CASA Board member Tina Parker has asked us to announce:

We are selling Whole Hog chicken plates again for CASA next Friday (4/8) at NW-SCC (Hospitality House). Buy your tickets from me or from another board member between now and Tuesday. We will have LIMITED extra plates to buy at the door. $8 each.

*****

For all you Josh Willingham fans out there, here's a great chance to catch any of these you may have missed: Link



Shoalanda

Fugitive Search? The EMA? Really?

The man was on his way to a Muscle Shoals night club, his regular watering hole. The man was driving alone. The man crashed. The man ran because he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Police find the wrecked car--empty. What should they do?

We asked this question of a retired detective. His answer was simple:

1. Run the tag.
2. Go to the address listed with the car's registration to ask about the man's whereabouts.

That sounds pretty simple, but what if those at that address don't know where the man is...or if they refuse to cooperate because they know he's a fugitive and will be arrested as soon as he's located? What happens next? Should the EMA be involved?

Our retired detective friend laughed at that suggestion. The wreck happened on an area controlled by TVA personnel. Unless they asked for EMA, then the answer was a resounding NO! Now Lauderdale County Commissioner Rhea Tays Fulmer wants to place the blame for Rodney Foust's death at EMA Director George Grabryan's door.

Some time ago one of our attorney friends stated that for many years if a child died, "someone had to pay." He continued that in today's world if anyone dies, someone has to pay. We extend our sympathies to Mr. Foust's family, but we cannot logically place blame with anyone before a toxicology report and autopsy findings are made public. Even then, Mr. Foust would not be dead if he had not been a fugitive, a fugitive who wrecked a car on a straight stretch of road, and then ran, who (for whatever reason) could not tell water from land when he jumped from Singing River Bridge.

We don't blame the TVA police for not finding Mr. Foust, either dead or alive, sooner; and we certainly can't logically blame Lauderdale EMA which was not officially asked to help with the search for the fugitive.

Tomorrow: The Firefighters Speak

*****

From our friend Tina Miller Parker:

Please purchase a ticket to our Whole Hog chicken plate fundraiser on Friday, October 29th from 11 am - 1 pm at the Hospitality House on the Muscle Shoals campus of NW-SCC. You can eat in or carry out. Consider ordering extra plates to take home for Halloween weekend!

Enjoy delicious Whole Hog food and support a wonderful cause at the same time. Tickets are only $8, but we will gladly accept any donation above that amount. See any CASA board member to purchase a ticket, or you may purchase a ticket at the CASA office. Board members are: Patsy Congleton, Donna Franks, Cameron Key, John Lackey, Pam Oliver, Tina Parker, Kristi Phillips, Derek Ricks, Kim Tucker, and Patsy Weems. Our CASA office is located at 2602 S. Wilson Dam Road in Muscle Shoals.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR COLBERT COUNTY C.A.S.A! The children thank you.

*****

The original from Roger Corman:





Shoalanda

The Readers Speak

Some recent comments and questions--we'll start with a humorous, but valid question:

Don't you guys have spell check? Yes, but it doesn't work on titles (and apparently our editor doesn't either), so if you see any blatant errors, please contact us asap. Many thanks.

Why do you all comment on other counties if you live in Lauderdale? Please read yesterday's blog. This is 2010; what's good for Lauderdale is good for Colbert is good for Franklin is good for Alabama. Even if you don't live in Lauderdale, feel free to send any comments about elections in this county . Again, we're happy to publish guest commentaries.

Do you have an agenda? Only for the best candidates to lead us into an uncertain future. Again, please read yesterday's blog. No one pays us anything and we have endorsed in three counties so far. We don't endorse if we don't have facts on which to base that endorsement; however, we realize any political stance is less valid or important to those whom it doesn't affect. If the voter doesn't have food on the table, he/she couldn't care less if the candidate is green or not.

If I want to send you a guest blog, do you have to publish my name? No, in fact we have published most commentaries under a pen name. We welcome all work, but will edit for vulgar language and anything that could be inferred as libelous. Your opinions do not have to agree with ours--that's one of the major reasons for accepting guest commentaries. We are happy to publish opposing views; however, we will not accept any blogs that support rapists, pedophiles, etc.--that should be self-explanatory.

Those figures on the Colbert County District Judge race seem low. Where did they come from? The guest commentary we recently published used data (we take it) originally published in the ShoalsInsider...and many thanks to that website for publishing them. The State of Alabama has updated disclosures, and we are publishing those figures today.

*****

That brings us back to that donnybrook in Colbert County. Just who has spent what? Here's an updated list (amounts rounded to nearest thousand):

Nathan Johnson - 7K

Tina Miller Parker - 10K

Chad Coker - 22K

Polly Ruggles - 23K

Tim Milam - 38K

With the election twelve days away, it should be interesting to see how campaign expenses compare to the final vote tabulations.

*****

Finally, we haven't had a poll in quite some time. We've received many questions about our "man on the street" based predictions in the above race, so today we're offering a poll on the Democratic primary for Colbert County District Judge. The poll will record only one vote per IP addy.


Shoalanda

The Next Colbert County District Judge?

The election of a new Circuit or District Court Judge is a rarity. Colbert County has certainly fielded a covey of candidates from all areas of the legal world. From reading various forums in the area, it would seem that many don't fully understand the role of District Judge. From The Guide to Alabama Courts:

District Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases handled by District Courts include most misdemeanors, some ordinance violations, preliminary hearings for felony cases, and guilty pleas in felony cases that do not include a death penalty.

Some misdemeanors and ordinance violations may be heard by Circuit Courts as lesser-included offenses in a felony case, or if an indictment for a misdemeanor has been returned by a grand jury. District Courts will generally only handle ordinance violations if no Municipal Court exists in the area, and shares jurisdiction with Municipal Courts over criminal acts that violate state laws but can also be prosecuted as municipal ordinance violations.

Civil cases handled by District Courts include general civil cases when the amount in dispute is less than $10,000, excluding interest and costs. District Courts share jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over most civil cases that involve amounts in dispute between $3000 and $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over Small Claims cases, which are most civil cases that involve less than $3000 in dispute, excluding interest and costs.

District Courts share jurisdiction over juvenile cases with Circuit Courts and can receive certain cases, such as adoptions, from the Probate Court if a proper request is made and granted. When Circuit Courts or District Courts hear juvenile cases, these judges sit as a Juvenile Court and a separate docket is maintained.

District Courts offer a simplified Small Claims procedure for eligible cases involving less than $3000 in dispute. Cases that are beyond the limits of District Court jurisdiction are heard in Circuit Courts, even if the amount of money in dispute is less than $3000. For example, District Courts do not have jurisdiction over certain types of equitable relief, including declaratory judgments, and District Courts are prohibited from exercising jurisdiction over certain types of cases, including actions for negligence against municipalities.

Now that we all know exactly what a District Judge does, who will do it best for Colbert County? We have stated before that Chad Coker and Tina Parker have been the front runners in this contest for quite some time. A close third is Tim Milam, followed by Polly Ruggles and Nathan Johnson.

Both Parker and Coker have impeccable legal credentials, as well as a strong sense of social responsibility. We think that both are destined to serve Colbert County for years to come. At this particular time, after much consideration, we endorse Tina Miller Parker for Colbert County District Judge.

*****

A few years ago, a neighboring county held a large political rally. One candidate, a man who sought the office of Lt. Governor, stood before the vast audience and spoke. At the end of his speech, he asked that those present would vote for him. He then asked that if they could not find it in their hearts to vote for him for Lt. Governor, at least not to vote for Luther Strange.

We have a similar request of you, our readers, today. We don't believe all the strange tales that come to us via e-mail, but when person after person, from all walks of life, e-mail us accounts of dirty campaigning by one individual, then--yes--we believe them to be true.

If you can't find it in your heart to vote for Tina Parker, we humbly ask you to vote for Chad Coker, or to vote for Polly Ruggles or Nathan Johnson. As someone said, if a candidate is this dishonest during an election, what would he be like if elected judge.


Shoalanda

Tina Parker - A Woman of Vision

Billy Underwood, Democratic Party leader in Colbert County, has pronounced the election for District Court Judge to be the one to follow this year. Five candidates are vying to succeed Judge George Carpenter, not counting the unopposed Republican whom we have not as yet profiled.

We have previously received personal communications from Chad Coker, Tim Milam, and Tina Parker; our sources show Coker and Parker as the front runners. Our original showcase of Parker was in July of last year, and since that time the citizens have asked many insightful questions of all the candidates. Today we bring you an update from Tina Miller Parker:

BIO

I am a native of Colbert County, born in 1970 and raised in Muscle Shoals, where I still live today. My parents are Jerry Miller, originally from Florence, and Sue Russell Miller, originally from Tuscumbia. My maternal great grandparents were raised in Cherokee before they married and moved to Sheffield. I have one brother, Jeff, who is married to the former Stephanie Kimbrough from Leighton.

I am a licensed attorney practicing primarily in the areas of personal injury, family law, consumer bankruptcy, and workers’ compensation. I was raised in a blue collar family, and through them I learned the value of hard work. I have never been afraid of long hours, and I earned my law degree by attending classes at night while working full time during the day as a paralegal. I began practicing law in April 2002 for a large insurance defense firm before I began representing injured people in 2005. I have experience handling civil and criminal cases in both District Court and Circuit Court, and I would love to take that balanced experience with me to the District Court Judge’s office.

Between graduating from UNA in 1993 and starting law school, I earned a childhood development certification from Northwest-Shoals Community College, and I opened and directed Kid Safari Child Care in Muscle Shoals, where my staff of 13 and I cared for 85 children. I spend a large amount of my spare time giving back to the community by volunteering for local organizations, mainly those that support our community’s children. I serve as the President of C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Colbert County, where we pair trained volunteers with abused and neglected children and advocate for those children through the judicial system. I serve on the board of directors for the Shoals Optimist Club, another youth organization, and I have volunteered and raised funds for Safeplace, Habitat for Humanity, and P.A.W.S. (Pets are Worth Saving) of the Shoals.

VISION FOR THE DISTRICT COURT

There is no question that the new Colbert County District Court Judge will have big shoes to fill. Judge Carpenter has enjoyed five terms on the bench. I had the experience of winning one of my very first trials as a new lawyer in his court, and he was fair and respectful. Judge Carpenter is responsible for a very large docket of cases each year. In addition to hearing traffic cases and other misdemeanors, he also hears juvenile cases, evictions, and civil cases involving monetary damages up to $10,000 in value.

One of my goals for the District Judge’s office, should the voters in Colbert County allow me the privilege, is to organize the voluminous traffic court docket in such a manner that people do not have to take an entire morning or afternoon off work for a court appearance. One way this could be accomplished would be by dividing the docket alphabetically by last name into two or three groups, staggering the court date and time for each of these groups.

I would also like to separate the DUI docket from the other traffic docket and invite guest speakers whose lives have been permanently changed as a result of DUI-related crashes to address the DUI defendants. I have spoken to local people who have lost loved ones in DUI-related accidents who are eager to participate in this program. So many people, and young adults in particular, have the mind set that they are invincible. My hope is that, through this program, we can reduce the number of repeat DUI offenders in Colbert County.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to start a juvenile drug court in our county. We have a program for adult offenders, but we need a program for young people who are starting down a slippery slope of drug or alcohol abuse. A juvenile drug court would place nonviolent youthful offenders in a community corrections program, provide them with much-needed counseling, and require them to perform community service and undergo random drug testing and strict monitoring. If a juvenile fails to complete the program, he or she is still subject to being placed in a detention center. But if a juvenile successfully completes the program, we have one less delinquent breaking into cars or homes to steal for drug money, or driving under the influence and placing innocent folks in danger, and we have one more good, contributing member of society. We have a successful juvenile drug courts already in place in our state, and we could benefit from this program in our county.

A good judge is one who treats every man, woman, and child who comes before her or him with respect, whether they are rich or poor, black or white, young or old. When it comes to a judge, people deserve equal access to the system, a speedy trial and ruling, and fair, unbiased decisions that are based upon the law and the facts of each individual case. A good judge will have an open door to listen to the concerns of the citizens in the county. Judges are granted much discretion under the law, but a good judge will not abuse that discretion. A good judge will manage the courtroom and docket efficiently and will always be mindful of the fact that she or he is a servant of the citizens. I respectfully ask for your support and for your vote on June 1st.

Tomorrow: An endorsement

Shoalanda

Tim Milam Gives 30K to His Campaign

While other Democratic candidates for the Colbert County District Judgeship have given their campaigns between one and three thousand dollars, the ShoalsInsider is reporting that Tim Milam has bankrolled his attempt to succeed Judge George Carpenter with thirty thousand of his own bucks. Perhaps this is why Milam is so sure of a place in the run-off that his campaign is sponsoring at least one event after the June 1st primary.

Our sources show Chad Coker and Tina Parker as the front-runners, but the election is still four weeks away. We're looking for an expensive media blitz from Milam. Wonder if his ads will mention that he had the forethought to have children?

*****

Apparently family members of those currently housed in Sheffield City Jail have complained about the lack of three meals a day. While penal institutions in the State of Alabama are required to furnish only two meals per day, all other jails in the area manage to offer the standard three.

A spokesman for the city states that the diminished number of meals is due to the high census of prisoners currently incarcerated in Sheffield. We doubt that this city has more prisoners than any other jail in the Shoals; perhaps the dietitian needs a few pointers on stretching food dollars?

More to the point, do prisoners deserve three meals a day? There's a great variety of inmates in local jails. We personally feel that child molesters should be beaten every hour on the hour for the duration of their stay, and that's just for starters.

Yet not all prisoners are on the same illegal and immoral plane as those who use children for their personal perverted pleasure. Many who are incarcerated have made a mistake--a mistake they will never make again. These people do not deserve to be starved just because they're at the mercy of the state, county, or city. We suggest that Sheffield City Jail administrators rethink their policy.


Tomorrow: More on the race for Alabama Senate Place 1

Shoalanda

Morality? I've Heard That Word...

Unless you've been sleeping in this morning, you've already heard about Vera Baker. Surprised? For some reason, we were, and we're not tremendous Obama supporters. The implications? Ron Sparks can use the fact that he's a divorce' to his advantage--he has no wife to be unfaithful to should he become governor.

*****

Tune in tomorrow night for Channel 31's Lawline at 10:30 p.m. Guest commentator will be Tina Miller Parker, candidate for Colbert County District Judge. We're predicting she, along with Chad Coker, will be in a run-off for the Democratic nomination.

*****

It's Saturday, so it must be raining. Didn't we use that line last week? Well, it's always in style. Rogersville is staging a special May Day First Saturday event. We would suggest calling the library at 247-0151 before making a special trip.


Happy May Day: Today is the traditional occasion to place a hawthorn wreath upon the door. The reason? It keeps away witches. If you don't have any hawthorn, don't worry; we haven't seen Nancy Pelosi around recently.

Shoalanda

John Briggs: Consummate Cretin or Just Lowdown Varmint?

John Briggs is Chairman of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors. While he states in his official profile that he was born in Killen, Alabama, unless born at home, we can chalk this statement up to another blot on Brigg's veracity.

Briggs currently lives in the state of Tennessee, begging the question: Even if he should be the reincarnation of Elvis Presley, Jimmie Rodgers, or Ludwig von Beethoven, what is he doing on the board of an entity controlled by the State of Alabama?

As far as we can tell, Briggs doesn't have even the throw-a-way lake cabin located in some backwater of the state. Just in case we're not making it perfectly clear, he doesn't pay any taxes to the state in which he seeks to control certain elements. No wonder Sen. Bobby Denton sought to overhaul this board while he still had the chance.

Two days ago, the majority of the current Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board paid a visit to Montgomery in order to lobby against Denton's bill. As soon as they were successful in defeating the bill in the House, Chairman John Briggs fired Hall of Fame Director David Johnson via an e-mail.

Briggs wears many hats and holds many titles in the music world, among them, Vice President of ASCAP. Obviously a man of his position has better business smarts than to terminate someone by means of an e-mail. Oh, wait, that's just in case the person being fired could conceivably again rise up the ladder of success and be a friend worth having. Briggs apparently doesn't see Johnson as anyone who can ever assist him in his quest for money, power, or whatever this jaded musician may wish for his louche lifestyle.

We would suggest John Briggs learn some manners. Even if his mama didn't teach him right from wrong, we have it on good authority that it's never too late to learn.

*****

In related news, Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board member Buel Springer wants an audit of the group Friends of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Springer knows this is a private group over which he has no control. Springer also states the audit would cost 25K which the state does not have in its budget. So...why mention it in the first place? Sorry, Buel, that one didn't quite take any of the heat off the board for the manner in which it fired Executive Director David Johnson, but we'll give you a C minus for effort.

*****

C.A.S.A. Chili Cook-Off - Don't make any plans for lunch Saturday. CASA of Colbert County is having a fabulous chili cook-off in downtown Tuscumbia from 11:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Admission is only $5.00, and you can meet many of the candidates for Colbert County office, including CASA Director Tina Miller Parker, as well as local musicians Zac and Angela Hacker. We'll see you there.


Shoalanda

Darby Aviation Loses License...Again

Photo courtesy of the FAA

Darby Aviation of Muscle Shoals has lost its operations license for the second time in five years. Pictured at right is the Teterboro, New Jersey, plane crash that caused the private company, d/b/a Alpha Jet, to lose its license in 2005.

Darby Aviation was founded by the late Elton Darby Sr., father-in-law of State Senator Roger Bedford. No word if Bedord may see this as a foreshadowing of his re-election bid.

*****

Sources close to the Red Bay family visited recently by "Jesus Christ" a/k/a "Elvis," say contrary to reports in the TimesDaily, the intruder did disrobe completely--this was after consuming the entire contents of their refrigerator. He was probably hungry since deputies theorized he had walked from Gun Town, Mississippi. At least he went to jail on a full stomach.

*****

Props to James Hall II and John Odem for their clean campaign for the Lauderdale District Judgeship Democratic nomination. Our sources show Hall leading slightly, but no matter the winner, Carole Coil Medley is sure to provide stiff Republican opposition in the general election.

*****

Our sympathies to Mrs. Chad Coker in the recent loss of a family member. Chad, along with Tina Miller Parker, is one of the two front-runners in the Colbert County District Judge's race, and we look forward to hearing more on his platform in the immediate future.


Shoalanda

Sell Your Gold & Silver--Support CASA

Go through your jewelry boxes and pull out those mismatched earrings, kinked necklaces and bracelets, out of style gold or sterling silver jewelry you no longer wear, class rings, gold or silver coins, sterling flatware, etc. and GET PAID CASH for it on Thursday, February 11th! You get top dollar cash for your unwanted things, and you help support CASA at the same time!

You will get paid top dollar based upon the price of gold and silver on that day. Our buyer pays top dollar and has done fundraisers for several organizations, including the girls' volleyball team at Lauderdale County High School. This is a reputable dealer who gives back to the community.

Just bring your jewelry that you wish to sell in a Ziploc bag anytime between 5 pm and 8 pm on FEB. 11th to the Colbert County Board of Education building on Highway 72 in Tuscumbia. Your jewelry will be separated according to 10k, 14k, and 18k, and weighed in front of you. You will be offered cash on the spot for your unwanted jewelry!

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD! The more, the merrier!! We will have refreshments for you to enjoy while you're there. Thank you for supporting CASA and our foster children in Colbert County!

Thanks,

Tina Miller Parker

CASA

Tuscumbia's Nine Trees of Christmas

Again this year, the Tennessee Valley Art Museum is presenting the Nine Trees of Christmas. Located at 511 North Water Street, the museum is directly behind the Helen Keller Public Library.

Each of the nine trees depicts a different aspect of life in the Shoals, making the exhibit a new tradition for many area families. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. The museum is open 9:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m., and the exhibit, which begins today, will continue through December 22.

*****

Tina Parker, candidate for Colbert County District Judge, has asked us to remind our readers of her December 22nd fundraiser. Byron Marc Newsome if the featured guest; sports enthusiasts will recognize Byron as the nephew of former Alabama football star Ozzie Newsome. Those desiring to attend should call Miss Parker at 710-4724 by Friday in order to ensure a reservation.


Words of wisdom: If you're wealthy enough to run for state office, guys, you should have sufficient coin of the realm to have your hair dyed professionally. We have enough clowns in Montgomery already.

Shoalanda

Byron Marc Newsome to Appear at Parker Fundraiser

The Shoals’ very own Byron Marc Newsome, nationally known actor and motivational speaker and 1993 graduate of Muscle Shoals High School, will be the guest speaker at a December fundraising dinner for the Tina Miller Parker for Colbert County District Judge campaign. Ms. Parker is also a graduate of Muscle Shoals High.

Byron, who now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Holly Anderson Newsome, formerly of Florence, currently has two national television commercials running--one for Buffalo Wild Wings and one for Samsung/NFL. Recent TV appearances on The Young and the Restless as a news reporter and Days of Our Lives as Police Officer Bennett have opened up other new and exciting opportunities for the Shoals native. Byron is filming another episode of Days this December. You can also catch Byron in the 2009 movie release of Jessica Sinclair’s Thug Love.

Byron will be speaking to the audience and sharing a video presentation of his acting work. A grilled chicken dinner will be catered by Whole Hog Express of Leighton, Alabama, and door prizes will be given away.

The event will take place at the Muscle Shoals Recreation Center from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased by calling (256) 710-4724 or (256) 386-5590.

Contact:

Tina Parker

Committee to Elect Tina Miller Parker

P.O. Box 2029

Muscle Shoals, AL 35662

What a bargain: The last grilled chicken dinner I had cost $18.00, and there was no handsome man involved. Let's all turn out to support Tina Parker in her bid for Colbert County District Judge.

Shoalanda

Jennifer Hampton: Coming Home for the Last Time

After medical examiners identified the body found in the lake as that of Jennifer Lee Hampton, her family in Lauderdale County began to make funeral arrangements. At first, family members were concerned over a lack of funds, but individuals who had never met Jennifer stepped in and took over.

Police departments between Knox County, Tennessee, and Lauderdale County, Alabama, escorted the former homecoming queen's body to the Morrison Funeral Home in the Central Community. KK Edgil-Hargett who works with rape victims and their families assisted the Hampton family in getting a reduced rate from the funeral home. Even as Shoals residents came forward to aid the family locally, stunned residents of Knoxville had begun their own efforts to collect funds for Jennifer's family.

After Jennifer was laid to rest in a private ceremony on October 2, 2008, it had become clear that the initial expenses had been more than taken care of by the generous outpourings of those who had never met Jennifer during her short life; but others, still in shock at the brutal murder, wanted to contribute.

Two female Lauderdale deputies initiated a nursing scholarship at Northwest Shoals Community College in Jennifer's honor. Bette Terry, a Registered Nurse who also works with rape victims, had already begun a fund in Jennifer's memory. Tina Parker, current candidate for Colbert County District Judge, assisted with the collection of funds and suggested memorializing Jennifer in the next Safeplace fundraiser. When it became apparent that the minimum funding to enter the walk would fall short, a Florence businessman who wished to remain anonymous contributed the difference. Jeff Miller designed the tee-shirts, and on April 4, 2009, a team honoring Jennifer Hampton participated in the annual Safeplace Walk-a-Mile-for-a-Child.

Jennifer Lee Hampton now lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved her. We hope those who have contributed in her memory to scholarships and the eradication of violence toward women know that they also have ensured Jennifer's memory will influence future generations of young women.


FYI: For those who have asked, there are a few copies of Nick Winn's book Life with the Canalers on sale at Bank Independent in Killen. They are $20.00 and no tax is charged. We urge you to get one of these few remaining copies.

Shoalanda

Nathan Johnson Seeks Colbert Office

Leighton native Nathan Johnson has joined a growing field of Democratic candidates attempting to succeed Colbert District Judge George Carpenter. Previously, Johnson has unsuccessfully sought the offices of legal counsel for the Colbert County School Board and Colbert County District Attorney.

Currently, Johnson serves as city attorney for his hometown of Leighton as well as engaging in an active criminal defense practice. Some of Johnson's more controversial clients have been Elias Devila, convicted of raping a ten year-old girl, and Kenneth Quillen, convicted of sexual abuse of a three year-old child.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Alabama Law School, Nathan Johnson currently practices in Sheffield. He will face Chad Coker, Tina Miller Parker, and Polly Ruggles in the June 2010 primary.


What's up with this: If you owe any past due court costs in Lauderdale County, Chris Connolly will soon be sending you an offer you can't refuse: Pay up or face 10 days in jail. It's certainly good for the county to be actively seeking this revenue, but does an actual jail sentence help the debtor in his or her repayment attempts?

Shoalanda

Tim Milam Announces for Colbert District Judge

Shoals attorney Tim Milam has announced his candidacy for Colbert County District Judge. Milam will be running as a Democrat in his quest to succeed retiring Judge George Carpenter. He joins a large covey of candidates that includes Chad Coker, Tina Miller Parker, and Polly Ruggles.

We have not received any personal word from Mr. Milam concerning his platform, but the following was posted in the official Facebook site he requested we join:

You would not believe what other people are telling me that other people are doing. They should be embarassed (sic), but are not. I have not changed one thing in my life because I am trying to serve the community by being the Judge. I want to be positive about the election and myself instead of negative about others, so I dont (sic) talk about the other things going on. I am a lifelong Democrat running as a Democrat. However, I have life long republicans that are telling me they will vote for me and help but they cannot do it publicly. I am proud that not only Democrats are voting for me. I am the most experienced person running and will stand on my record. I think it is important to have a broad background and work experience for the District Court Judge.

Milam at one time practiced corporate law in Florence. We wish him luck in this pivotal Shoals race--with the large and accomplished field of candidates, he will need it.


Notice: A trust fund has been set up at Bank Independent for the family of the late Sammy Tidwell. One may donate at any branch. Mr. Tidwell was well known in the world of Shoals cyberspace, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family.

Shoalanda

CASA of Colbert County is Here

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children has arrived in Colbert County. Thanks to Karen Snead and Tina Miller Parker, juveniles in the Colbert County court system will now have the same opportunities as their Lauderdale counterparts to obtain guidance and the extra help they need during a trying time in their lives.

While the CASA support organization already has over 100 members, the office itself still lacks a permanent facility. If you have an appropriate office space for rent, or even better, to donate, please contact their temporary headquarters at 335-0726 or Executive Director Karen Snead at casacolbertcounty@gmail.com. All donations are tax deductible.

Thanks, Karen and Tina, for all your efforts on behalf of Colbert County youth.


What's up with this: Paige McWilliams, former Cherokee librarian, is getting a lot of attention on librarian web sites these days--not so much for her legal problems as her first name. Well, humor is where you find it.

Tina Parker Announces Candidacy for Colbert District Judge

For those who weren't able to attend the kick-off picnic today, here's the official announcement we've been waiting for. Several of us here have known Tina Parker for quite some time and have seen her intelligence and compassion first hand.

If any of our readers have specific questions for Tina or the other announced candidates, please feel free to relay them via this column. We will be publishing and comparing platforms later in the election season.


Tina Miller Parker is a Shoals attorney who was born and raised in Colbert County, and she is a candidate for District Court Judge in 2010. Tina’s family roots in the county go back over a century. She was taught by her family that she has a moral responsibility to help others in need, and she fosters that belief both in her law practice and by volunteering for worthwhile local organizations in her spare time.


Tina grew up in Muscle Shoals, where she still lives. She graduated from Muscle Shoals High School in 1989 and from the University of North Alabama in 1993. She fell in love with the law at an early age while working for a small law firm during college, and it was then that she knew she wanted to become a lawyer. She obtained her law degree in 2001 from the Birmingham School of Law while working full time as a paralegal. She practices law throughout northwest Alabama with offices in Muscle Shoals and Florence, and she spends the bulk of her professional time helping people who are injured both on and off the job. She also offers advice to Shoals area residents who are struggling in the economic downturn, and she has handled a wide array of other types of cases. Tina served as Women’s Caucus Chair for the Alabama Association for Justice last year, and she has been recognized in “Who’s Who of American Law”. She taught business law at her alma mater, the University of North Alabama, in 2007 and 2008.


A strong advocate for victims’ rights, Tina volunteers and raises money for local organizations such as Safeplace, PAWS, and the Colbert County Animal Control Association, and she has helped build a Habitat for Humanity home. She also serves on the Board of Directors for C.A.S.A. of Colbert County, an organization that supports abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes for their protection. As a former child care center owner and director, Tina holds a certification in early childhood development from Northwest-Shoals Community College.


Tina is excited about the opportunity to serve the people of Colbert County as District Court Judge and will maintain integrity in that office. She looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people in the months leading up to the June 2010 primary and would be happy to speak to any interested groups. She may be reached at 386-5590 or by e-mail at tina@tplawgroup.com , and her campaign website address is www.tparkerforjudge.com .


"Be a good American; be an informed American." Dick Biddle

Tina Parker Kick-Off Picnic This Saturday

Shoals attorney Tina Miller Parker is having a picnic this Saturday and wants to see you there! We understand there will be a special announcement for all citizens of Colbert County, plus plenty of food, sodas, and entertainment. We've even heard rumors of karaoke, so you might want to bring the throat spray and plan to join in.

For more information about the event, please visit this link.

Two or Tina's favorite causes, animal welfare and the eradication of violence against women, have long been at the top of our list also. We feel sure that once you meet Tina you'll become a fan just as we are.

Besides Tina, you can expect to visit with Brad Holmes, announced candidate for Alabama House of Representatives, and several other local politicians who are eager to hear what Shoals citizens have to say about problems facing this area. Now is the time to make your voice heard, as well as have a good time with friends both old and new. We hope to see you there.


What's up with this: We understand authorities are looking into just who leaked information concerning the subpoenas of accused rapist Keith McGuire's phone records. It's beginning to look like the McGuire trial may prove as riveting as that of Christie Bray Scott.

Tina Parker Opens Office in Muscle Shoals

Tina Miller Parker, as yet unannounced candidate for Colbert County District Judge, has opened a second law office. Parker, a Muscle Shoals resident, has been practicing law in Florence for several years, having an office on South Cedar Street in the legal district.

Parker's new office is located at 2602 South Wilson Dam Road in Muscle Shoals. A specialist in personal injury cases, Parker's practice has rapidly expanded the past few years, making the move into Colbert County a natural progression.

When can we expect Tina to officially announce her candidacy? We hear there's to be a huge shindig in Muscle Shoals' Gattman Park shortly after Independence Day. We'll bring you more details on that as the date nears--that is unless we decide to keep all the hotdogs to ourselves.


Reminder: Tina is a member of PAWS of the Shoals (383-0690) and wants to remind everyone to purchase a rubber duck for the Lucky Ducky Derby to be held June 29th.