Vote Will Smith on Tuesday

A few words about our friend William Smith:

Will Smith Is the Conservative Choice for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place #2 

William "Will" Smith, Florence attorney and former Lauderdale County Commissioner is in the Alabama Republican Primary Run-Off for the Place 2 Judgeship on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Will Smith said, "Conservative grassroots Alabama political organizations have spoken. I am their conservative choice. I have been endorsed by the two largest Republican groups in Alabama as well as other conservative groups throughout the state because I am a Christian, a conservative and a family man.”

Will Smith continued by saying, “I am running for the Court of Criminal Appeals because I have the legal experience of practicing law in Alabama for over a quarter of a century, the conviction to follow the rule of law, and North Alabama needs representation on the Alabama courts of appeal and in state government."

The results of the March 3rd Republican Primary showed that 57% of the voters wanted a new judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals in Place #2. Will Smith only trailed the two-term incumbent by a margin of 43% to 37%. Smith said, “Our campaign message really resonated with primary voters and it is amazing we were within 6 percentage points of the incumbent despite being outspent over 15 to 1. While I was outspent, I was not outworked. I traveled to the 4 corners of Alabama visiting almost 60 counties during the 60-day primary.”

Will and his wife, Laura, reside in Killen with their seven-year-old daughter, Angel Joy, who has autism. The Smiths are active members of Greenhill First Baptist Church. Will has served as a Sunday school teacher, international missions worker and Upward basketball coach.

Smith received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham in 1992 where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for receiving the highest grade in Criminal Procedure. Licensed to practice law in Alabama, Georgia, and before the United States Supreme Court, Smith operates a full service law firm representing clients from all walks of life in both civil and criminal matters. He has represented clients in courts all over the state of Alabama and has successfully handled appeals in both the Alabama and federal appeals systems.

A fifth generation Lauderdale County resident, Will is a product of the public schools and a graduate of the University of North Alabama, where he received both his undergraduate and Master of Business Administration degrees.

Smith has held a number of leadership positions in the Shoals area including serving as president of the University of North Alabama Alumni Association, Lauderdale County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Valley Historical Society.

Will Smith has served as a board member of the YMCA of the Shoals, W.C. Handy Music Festival, Rape Response of Northwest Alabama, the Salvation Army and has been a member of the Florence Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow) and the Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association.

Smith's previous work experiences include working in his family's small business, working as a substitute teacher in public schools, and serving as an adjunct professor of Business Law at both Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama.

The Alabama Republican Primary Run-Off is July 14th. For more information see www.WillSmith4AL.com or https://www.facebook.com/WillSmithforJudge .

Will Smith Seeks Judgeship on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2

William "Will" Smith, Florence attorney and former Lauderdale County Commissioner is running to be the Place 2 Judge on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Will Smith said, "I am running for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals because I have the legal experience, the conviction to follow the rule of law, and North Alabama needs representation on the Alabama courts of appeal and in state government."

Smith received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham in 1992 where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for receiving the highest grade in Criminal Procedure. Licensed to practice law in Alabama, Georgia, and before the United States Supreme Court, Will Smith operates a full service law firm representing clients from all walks of life in both civil and criminal matters. He has represented clients in courts all over the state of Alabama and has successfully handled appeals in both the Alabama and federal appeals systems.

A fifth generation Lauderdale County resident, Will is a product of the public schools and a graduate of the University of North Alabama, where he received both his undergraduate and Masters of Business Administration degrees.

Will and his wife, Laura, reside in Killen with their six year old daughter, Angel Joy, who has autism. The Smiths are active members of Greenhill First Baptist Church. Will has served as a Sunday school teacher, international missions worker and Upward coach.

Smith has held a number of leadership positions in the Shoals area including serving as president of the University of North Alabama Alumni Association, Lauderdale County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Valley Historical Society.

Will Smith has served as a board member of the YMCA of the Shoals, W.C. Handy Music Festival, Rape Response of Northwest Alabama, the Salvation Army and has been a member of the Florence Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow) and the Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association.

Smith's previous work experiences include working in his family's small business, working as a substitute teacher in public schools, and serving as an adjunct professor of Business Law at both Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama.

The Alabama Republican Primary is March 3rd. For more information please visit

https://www.facebook.com/WillSmithforJudge

We've known William for many years. We cannot think of any better qualified candidate for this judicial position!

Lauderdale Probate Judge - Meet William Smith/Flag Code?

Lauderdale County voters will have a hard time choosing between the two Republican candidates for probate judge. Today we present a biography of William Smith. Tomorrow, we'll profile Will Motlow.

William Smith is a Republican candidate for Lauderdale County Probate Judge in the Republican Primary on June 5th. Smith is a Florence attorney who has previously served as a Lauderdale County Commissioner and Lauderdale County License Commissioner.  

The Probate Judge in Lauderdale County has three primary functions. First, the judge of probate hears cases on the probating of wills, administration of  estates and guardianship. Also, he hears cases on mental competency and adoptions. 

Second, the Probate Judge is the chief election official in Lauderdale County responsible for ensuring fair elections. Third, the judge runs a large county office responsible for keeping track of property deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and other important legal documents. 

William Smith is fully prepared to embrace these responsibilities. “When hearing cases, I will follow the rule of law and treat everyone who comes before me fairly and with respect. I will continue to ensure that Lauderdale County has fair and honest elections. I take the right to vote seriously, and I will fight voter fraud and corruption at every turn.”

William Smith has the skills and management experience to handle the record-keeping aspect of the Probate Judge's office. As License Commissioner, he used software solutions and current technology to cut costs to taxpayers, provide better services to residents, and improve efficiency to transform the office into a 21st-century digital office. 

As Probate Judge, Smith will work to establish a Veterans Treatment Court in Lauderdale County.  Smith said, "Our veterans deserve the best we can provide in medical and mental health treatment. I will work to establish a Veterans Treatment Court in Lauderdale County that can be a model for our state."

William Smith is a proven public servant.  He has demonstrated how to be a good steward of taxpayer money while not raising taxes.  William will support, protect and defend traditional Alabama values.    He is dedicated to honesty, justice and fairness, and will serve with integrity while honoring his Alabama values and strong conservative principles in ruling on cases before him.  William Smith is uniquely qualified to be Lauderdale County Probate Judge because he has the legal experience and real life experience county residents can trust.

William Smith has a proven record which the people of Lauderdale County can trust. As License Commissioner, his guiding principles in making every decision were putting Lauderdale County taxpayers first and determining how residents could be best served. 

As a county commissioner, he worked to double the number of severe weather sirens in the county, pave the parking lots of county schools, increase the number of sheriff’s deputies, help fund volunteer fire departments, and voted against tax increases.

William’s family roots in Lauderdale County date back to the 1820s where family members were early settlers in the Greenhill and Killen communities. A fifth generation Lauderdale County resident, William is a product of the Florence City School System and received both his undergraduate and Masters of Business Administration degrees from the University of North Alabama. 

 Smith received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham in 1992.  He is licensed to practice law in Alabama and Georgia, as well as the federal courts.  Smith is a  small business owner and Florence attorney. 

His previous work experience includes working in the family business, on a farm, as a substitute teacher in public schools, and as an adjunct professor of Business Law at both Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama.

William Smith is a servant leader serving as president of the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association, Lauderdale County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Valley Historical Society. He is a former vice-president of the University of North Alabama Sportsman’s Club and a forer board member of the YMCA of the Shoals, W.C. Handy Festival, and Rape Response of Northwest Alabama.

Smith has been a member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, Florence Rotary Club, and the Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association. He served seven years on the Alabama Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) which writes and maintains the state health plan.

William is currently a board member of the Salvation Army, Lauderdale County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Board, Elgin Senior Center, and is a Life Member of the NRA. In addition, William Smith has served as an international missions worker, Sunday school teacher and youth basketball coach.

William’s parents are Bill and Christine Smith of Florence. His father was basketball and baseball coach at Deshler High School and Juvenile Probation Officer of Lauderdale County and Attendance Supervisor for the Florence City Schools. William's mother, Christine, was a public school teacher for over 35 years at Blake Elementary, Appleby, Weeden, and Hibbett. 

William and his wife, Laura, reside in Killen with their four year old daughter, Angel Joy.  The Smiths attend First Baptist Church Center Star.

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Due to continuing questions about flag etiquette and desecration, we've added a link to our left sidebar. You may clink on it to read the U.S. Flag Code in its entirety. 

We'll point a few things out. We see the term "half mass" being used. The correct term is "half mast." Yet that's correct for only maritime flags, in other words, on or near the water. The correct term for flags on land is "half staff."

The flag code is not long. Section 7(m) addresses half staffed flags. Here is the code in its entirety:

1. The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection —
   1. the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
   2. the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and
   3. the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

In 2008, the U.S. Senate issued a commentary on the Flag Code. According to this commentary, a private citizen may lower his/her flag to half staff to honor the death of anyone (this would include children); however, a public entity may not do so (this would include a school, police station, fire department, or any building paid for with government funds, but there is no legal penalty for flouting the Code). We hope that clears it up for everyone.

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Talking Turkey: Lauderdale Circuit Judge Place One

Long time Florence attorney and current Lauderdale License Commissioner William Smith will face attorney/property manager Ben Graves in the Republican primary on March 1st.  Both are seeking to serve as Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Place One, a judgeship that is currently vacant due to the surprise resignation of Billy Jackson. There are no Democratic contenders for this office, so the primary is the election as far as this race is concerned.

We have requested statements from each candidate. We received one from Smith; however, we have not yet received one from Graves and will use his promotional material in its stead. Several of our bloggers have received requests from Graves asking for campaign contributions.

About William Smith:

William Smith, a veteran Florence attorney, former Lauderdale County Commissioner, and current Lauderdale County License Commissioner is a Republican candidate for Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge, Place #1 in the Republican Primary set for March 1, 2016.  The office is being vacated by Judge Billy Jackson and is an open seat.

Smith said, “I have accomplished my goal of transforming the Lauderdale County License Commissioner’s Office into a 21st century digital office.  I have been a practicing attorney and student of the law for over a quarter of a century.  It is now time for me to return to my true passion, the law.  I have the experience the people of Lauderdale County can trust to be their next Circuit Court Judge.  With guidance from the Lord and the approval of the voters, I hope to bring my God-given talents to the office of Lauderdale County Circuit Judge so I can continue serving the people of Lauderdale County by fairly and impartially administering the law.”

The circuit court is the highest court in the county.  A circuit judge rules on all of the cases which come before the circuit court.  These cases include all criminal felony prosecutions, capital murder prosecutions, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000.00, divorce cases, child support cases, cases involving the placement of children in custody disputes, and juvenile cases.

Most of the problems in our society can be traced to the breakdown of the American family. President Reagan said, “The family has always been the cornerstone of American society.  Our families nurture, preserve, and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish, values that are the foundation of our freedom.”  It is no coincidence most of the criminal, civil, family law, and juvenile cases in our court system are a direct result of the breakdown of the family and much of it stems from divorce.  “As Circuit Judge, I will explore ways, when possible, to intervene and try to preserve as many marriages as possible”, said Smith.

Children from broken homes many times end up in juvenile court accused of committing a criminal act or being a delinquent.  Smith has a servant’s heart and a heart for young people.  “I have invested a good portion of my life into helping young people channel their energy and actions in a positive direction.  As judge, I want to intervene in the lives of those young men and women who are heading in the wrong direction in juvenile court and help them turn their lives around and become productive members of society,” Smith stated.

If elected, Smith would like to pursue the possibility of establishing a Veterans Treatment Court in Lauderdale County.  Veterans Treatment Courts are designed for veterans who have returned from serving our country in a combat zone and have extreme difficulty readjusting to civilian life.  Some of our military heroes unfortunately return home with issues relating to their mental health, substance abuse, family turmoil, unemployment, and homelessness.  Often times the difficulty of readjusting to life back home has led to some of our veterans being in the criminal justice system and incarcerated.  A Veterans Treatment Court can help these wounded veterans readjust to civilian life and help connect them to the programs, benefits, and services they have earned.

William Smith believes our country was founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and it is emphatically the province and duty of our judges to say what the law is, not what it should be.  Our legal system should place a premium on individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law.  William believes our United States Constitution is such a sacred document; he has helped give every high school senior in Florence and Lauderdale County their own personal pocket edition of the United States Constitution with the Declaration of Independence on Constitution Day, September 17th for the last six years.

William’s family roots in Lauderdale County date back to the 1820s where his forefathers and ancestors were farmers, soldiers, and some of the earliest settlers in the Greenhill and Killen communities. A fifth generation Lauderdale County resident, William is a product of the Florence City School System, and a graduate of the University of North Alabama where he received both his undergraduate and Masters of Business Administration degrees.  Smith received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham in 1992.  He is licensed to practice law in Alabama and Georgia, as well as the federal courts.  His previous work experiences include everything from working on a farm to working as a substitute teacher in public schools to serving as an adjunct professor of Business Law at both Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama.

William, who currently serves on the Alabama Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) which writes and maintains the state health plan, has held a number of leadership positions in the Shoals area including serving as president of organizations such as the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association, Lauderdale County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Valley Historical Society. William is a former vice-president of the University of North Alabama Sportsman’s Club and a former board member of the YMCA of the Shoals, W.C. Handy Festival, and Rape Response of Northwest Alabama. He is a member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, Florence Rotary Club, Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association, and a board member of the Salvation Army and the Lauderdale County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Board.

For the past decade, William Smith has been one of the leaders of the local Republican Party.  Since 2006, he has served on the Alabama State Republican Party Executive Committee and the Lauderdale County Republican Executive Committee.  He was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 2008 and 2012.  In addition, he has served as President of the Shoals Republican Club as well as leadership positions on numerous campaigns for Republican candidates to federal, state, and local offices.

William and his wife, Laura, reside in Killen with their two year old daughter, Angel Joy.  The Smiths are active members of Highland Baptist Church where he has served as youth basketball coach, discipleship leader, Sunday school teacher, international missions worker, greeter, and nursery volunteer.  William’s parents are Bill and Christine Smith of Florence. His father is a former head basketball and baseball coach at Deshler High School and later served as the Lauderdale County Juvenile Probation Officer and Attendance Supervisor for the Florence City Schools. William’s mother was a public school teacher for over 35 years at Blake Elementary School in Sheffield as well as Appleby, Weeden, and Hibbett schools in Florence.

William Smith is a proven public servant.  He will protect and defend traditional Alabama values.  William Smith is uniquely qualified to be Lauderdale County Circuit Judge because he has the legal experience and real life experience county residents can trust.

About Ben Graves:

I am running as a Republican for Circuit Judge in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Currently I serve as the Municipal Judge of Florence.

Born and raised in Florence, husband, father, and fourth generation citizen, Republican Judge Ben Graves knows many of you as his friend and neighbor. A graduate of Bradshaw High School, University of North Alabama, and University of Alabama School of Law in 2005, he was appointed as the Florence municipal judge in January 2013. Prior to his appointment he worked for the law firm of Stone, Granade & Crosby, PC in Bay Minette, AL but readily returned home in 2007 to help run a family business when his grandfather became ill.

Ben is diligent, conscientious, and a hard worker and will bring that same work ethic, dedication and integrity to the office of Circuit Court Judge. He closes an average of 370 non-traffic cases each month (4500 per year) as municipal judge. He believes the best way to help his community through the courts is to help people hold on to a semblance of normalcy and implement efficiencies in the judicial process.

Ben and his wife, Mindi, are active members of First Baptist Church in Florence and believe that faith in God is the foundation of everything we do.

We see that Graves has stated he has experience since he is the current Florence Municipal judge. Has he? Municipal courts do not handle felonies, something even the family court judge will be called upon to do at times. Those who have sought to contact Graves since he joined city court have found that he has no law practice but works in property management at a company with which his mother is connected.

William Smith has been actively practicing law for over 25 years. He has experience in both family and criminal law. Any jobs obtained by Smith or positions to which he was appointed were the result of his abilities, not his family connections.

A young attorney who practices in Florence Municipal Court once told us that Graves has tantrums. While we can’t promise with 100% certainty that William will not throw such a tantrum, we doubt the odds favor his doing such. The odds do favor William Smith making a great family court judge.

We wholeheartedly endorse William Smith for Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Place One!

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If any of our readers happen to see a mushroom cloud over the athletic department of a certain local school, don’t worry. It’s not toxic to any honest individuals.



Shoalanda           

And Now a Word About the Florence Post Office

Photograph by Brent Moore


The TimesDaily has a very interesting article about a U.S. naturalization ceremony that recently took place in Florence. While the story is about those who were becoming citizens, it does often refer to the building where the ceremony took place, only at the end telling the readers who may not know that the building houses a post office down stairs.

Every word in the article about the building was true, but it did leave the wrong impression to those who may not be familiar with Florence's main post office. Here's a few facts about the edifice. They need to be expanded upon, and we appreciate reader input.

1. The neoclassical building, constructed in 1913, was indeed intended as the post office for that fair city. It was long rumored that the plans were for a facility in Florence, South Carolina, but those who have been privileged to see the original drawings of the post office sent from Washington have noted the word "Alabama" on the description.

2. While it is a Federal Court House, it was not named until local attorney and current Lauderale license commissioner William Smith waged a three year campaign to honor John McKinley, a Supreme Court justice from Alabama. It was officially named in 1999, after only 86 years as a generic federal edifice. The court house facilities take up only 20 to 25 percent of the building.

3. Several individuals have taken ill over the years after climbing the front steps. The steep incline of the building's frontage is either a Nike wearer's dream or a cardiac patient's worst nightmare. We're not aware of any who have passed away at the post office itself, but we do welcome addenda to this point.

4. In 1960, Florence youth Bobby Isley died after sliding down the banister from the second floor. At that time local military recruiters were housed in the upstairs offices, and many young boys visited after school to talk with the personnel or to collect various brochures. It apparently wasn't unusual for the youths to attempt to descend in the most rapid manner, but the ten-year old Isley fell head-first and died later that February afternoon. Bobby's father was the assistant fire chief in Florence and well known in the community. Officials then placed preventative measures on the stairway.

5. 2013 marks the building's centennial. Anyone having a party?



Shoalanda

22 Men Missing in Central Alabama...

But enough about the Auburn football team. On the Alabama side, Nick Saban had to hustle to find available Druid Hills Junior High varsity players for the fourth quarter. We're a house divided here at Shoalanda, so we're sure D.K. and some others among us thoroughly enjoyed Bama's lop-sided victory.

Photo: Dave Martin

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We received this comment from Dino of Dino's Deliberations, the go-to person for local/state political rationale from both parties. We feel the comment on William Smith's appointment as license commissioner deserves more exposure:

The Governor appoints on recommendation of the local Republican Committee of Lauderdale County. As a County employee, Ms. Marks probably joined her colleagues on the County payroll in practicing non partisan politics. Smith may be the first Republican license commissioner in Lauderdale county for many years. A Democratic governor would have also appointed upon local party recommendation.

Now Mike Goens may feel free to issue several individuals an apology.



Shoalanda

Mike Goens & Sheryl Marks

Mike Goens is a managing editor at the TimesDaily. Yesterday he wrote an article on the appointment of Florence attorney William Smith as the new Lauderdale County License Commissioner. Goens specifically mentioned "over 20" individuals applied to succeed retiring Mickey Haddock, but named only one beside Smith--Sheryl Marks.

Marks has 28 years experience in the license office, and Goens obviously implied she should have been Gov. Bentley's appointee. We have to wonder why Goens singled Marks out.

What of the other 19 plus applicants? Were none of them even close to Marks in their professional abilities. Perhaps Marks is a friend of Goens...or perhaps she has indicated she intends to protest Smith's appointment in some manner.

Marks' tenure of 28 years is almost unheard of in today's world of job hoppers. Why has she remained so long in the license commissioner's office with little chance of advancement? It would appear Marks is a graduate of Central High School, but online profiles list no post-secondary education. Assuming her age is listed correctly at 46, Marks would have begun work at the license office just out of high school. If Marks truly wanted to advance, wouldn't she have made some attempt to further her studies? There can be little doubt that Smith looked much better on paper than Marks.

Gone are the days that a high school diploma will get anyone anywhere except into some colleges; however, also gone are the days when anyone, male or female, needs to relegate themselves to a job with no chance of advancement. We have no doubt that Ms. Marks will be able, should she choose, to make her mark in another career and be much happier doing it.

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Have you often wondered how the Shoals area stacks up education wise against other areas of Alabama and the U.S.? Here's a recent study by CLRsearch:

Click to Enlarge

Shoalanda

...For Tuesday We Vote/Autumn Wood

While every election is important, so many voters don't research, or sometimes even bother to check their ballot in, local elections. We hope each of you will vote Tuesday, no matter how you mark your ballots. Here are our picks on some pivotal local spots:

State:

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court - Bob Vance. Vance is a man of integrity; his opponent Roy Moore is a grandstander who cares only for himself.

Lauderdale County:

Probate Judge - William Smith. William is a practicing attorney with vast experience in service to his community and local causes.

Commission Chair - Quinton Hanson. Quinton owns a successful local business, and do we really need another term for Dewey Mitchell, the man Sam Pendleton has called the worst probate judge Lauderdale County has ever had? Quinton has promised more transparency in county government. Now that will be refreshing.

Commissioner District 1 - Roger Garner. Roger is a level headed businessman who promises not to use this office for personal vendettas.

Commissioner District 2 - Joe Hackworth. Joe is not aligned with any cliques and promises to bring a breath of educated fresh air to county government.

Superintendent of Education - Jennifer Gray. Jennifer not only has the best interest of the county school system at heart, she also has the "pieces of paper" to make her the best choice.

Colbert County:

Probate Judge - Daniel Rosser. Daniel is a practicing attorney. Jim Bonner has many good points, but no legal education and until only recently resided outside Colbert County.

Commissioner District 5: Tommy Oswalt. Tommy is a local businessman with no apparent hidden agenda.

Franklin County:

Probate Judge - Barry Moore. Barry has served well the past five years. His opponent failed to show up for the NWSCC sponsored debate. Connie Green has run more on the record of her late husband than on the platform of her vision for Franklin County.

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We continue to receive questions and comments concerning Autumn Marie Wood, the confessed killer of 14 year-old Brooklyn Ann Hollins. Therefore, we're republishing some facts of the case, along with some educated guesses concerning her fate.

Fact - Wood was denied juvenile status and will be tried as an adult.

Fact - Wood is charged with only Felony Murder. She cannot receive either the death penalty or a sentence of Life Without Parole.

Prediction: The Lauderdale County District Attorney's office will give the jury the option of convicting Wood of Manslaughter. In this way, there is a greater chance Wood will not go free.

Fact: If convicted of Manslaughter, Wood will almost certainly receive the maximum of 15 years. Since it is a Class B felony, she will complete her sentence in five years (assuming good behavior) and also be eligible for parole in 20 months.

Fact: If convicted of Felony Murder, Wood will be eligible for parole after 10 years--sooner if she has support from community and competent attorneys.

Prediction: We're giving 51-49 odds that Wood will be convicted of Manslaughter.



Shoalanda

William Smith Goes to Republican Convention

William Smith, a Florence attorney, former Lauderdale County Commissioner, and Republican nominee for Lauderdale County Probate Judge, will be attending the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa Bay, Florida, August 27-30. Smith will be attending the 2012 convention as an Alternate Delegate for Rick Santorum. Four years ago, he attended the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota as an Alternate Delegate for Mike Huckabee.

William has held a number of leadership positions in the Shoals area including serving as president of organizations such as the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association, Lauderdale County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Valley Historical Society. He is a member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, Florence Rotary Club, Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association, and is a board member of the Lauderdale County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Board. William and his wife, Laura, are active members of Highland Baptist Church where he has served as youth basketball coach, discipleship leader, and international missions worker.

Smith’s family roots in Lauderdale County date back to the 1820s where his forefathers and ancestors were farmers, soldiers, and some of the earliest settlers in the Greenhill and Killen communities. A fifth generation Lauderdale County resident, William is a product of the public education system, and a graduate of both the University of North Alabama and Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham.

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William is also the Republican candidate for Lauderdale County Probate Judge. He has proved himself and his value to the community time after time. We're extremely happy to endorse William Smith in his candidacy and hope he's able to serve the residents of Lauderdale for years to come.



Shoalanda

He Even Wore His Name on His Shirt

This is the booking photo of Kenneth Durant Newell, recently arrested in Franklin County for receiving stolen property. We don't know anything about the Phil Campbell man's alleged crimes, but we couldn't help but notice he's wearing his "bad boy" tee-shirt for the honors. Talk about your dressed for success...

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Some evacuation brought on by Hurricane Isaac was more humorous than others. Take this family:

Gulf Shores resident Billy Cannon is among the evacuees. He's leaving the beach with his wife, ex-wife, daughter, son and four Chihuahuas. 

We wonder how they worked out the room sharing...

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Lauderdale attorney and candidate for probate judge William Smith is among the delegates at the Republican convention. Tomorrow we'll take a closer look at one of the area's more erudite candidates.


Shoalanda

Locker Property Site of New Hospital?

Last September, Lauderdale County Commissioner Rhea Tays Fulmer (pictured) was quoted in the TimesDaily as stating the property under consideration for the new RegionalCare hospital was on Hwy. 47 just north of Cox Creek Parkway. A source close to Fulmer has now identified the property as part of a large tract owned by John Locker Jr. of St. Florian.

The tract has easy access from several directions and is centrally located in Lauderdale County. Will this be the site of our new hospital? We await RegionalCare's decision.

Related article in the Quad-Cities Daily: Link

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Shane Marshall Rea, the Phil Campbell resident shot late Tuesday night while participating in an assault in Muscle Shoals, has several previous arrests for drug possession. While living in Spruce Pine in 2010, Rea was arrested for the possession and manufacture of a controlled substance. The wife of Rea's victim credits Muscle Shoals Officer Jeremy Behel with saving her husband's life. Kudos to Officer Behel.

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The race for Probate Judge in Lauderdale County is officially on. The two announced candidates are already experienced campaigners:

James Edwards Hall II

William Smith



Shoalanda

Speedy Legal?

Florence attorney Richie Whitten has opened an office called "Speedy Legal." The ad for this law practice lists some great prices. An uncontested divorce for $150.00? Sounds like a terrific deal, but what about some of the other items?

For a mere $20.00, you can have a document notarized. Of course, if you have an account, someone at your bank will usually notarize a document for free. How about the name change for $100.00? The probate judge's office will provide the paperwork for free, and filing at one time was only $10.00. We're sure the fee has gone up over the years, but it's probably no where near $100.00.

We're sure Mr. Whitten is a competent attorney. We simply suggest you research any of these legal transactions before paying for something you may get free elsewhere.

*****

Congressman Mo Brooks Gives Washington, D. C. Update To Shoals Republican Club August 18th

Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks will give a “Washington, D. C. Update” at the next Shoals Republican Club meeting on Thursday, August 18th, 12:00 noon at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Restaurant on Cox Creek Parkway in Florence.

Congressman Brooks serves on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Science, Space, and Technology Committees. He is a 1972 graduate of Grissom High School, where he was an All-City baseball player and a member of two state championship debate teams. He is a graduate of Duke University with a double major in political science and economics and the University of Alabama School of Law in 1978. After law school, Mo would work as a prosecutor in the Tuscaloosa District Attorney’s office. Later, he would return to Huntsville and be elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1983, 1986, and 1990. As a result of his efforts, Mo Brooks was recognized as one of the legislature’s most effective legislators by Alabama Magazine. In 1991, Brooks was appointed Madison County District Attorney.

Mo Brooks was elected to the Madison County Commission in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008 while working as a practicing attorney in Huntsville. Brooks would serve as Special Assistant Attorney General for then Attorney General Jeff Sessions from 1995 to 1996 and later for Attorney General Bill Pryor from 1996 until 2002. In addition, Brooks was a fill-in radio host for WVNN in 1990 prior to the arrival of Sean Hannity.

Congressman Brooks is married to his college sweetheart, Martha Jenkins, who is a retired Huntsville public school teacher. They have four children and two grandchildren.

All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com

.

Shoalanda

More Questions...More Answers

A faithful reader writes: Did you get the pictures of the "Shoals Eyesore" that I sent?

Yes, we did, and we are today adding a parcel that is believed to belong to Sanderson Trucking. This lot contains Sanderson trailers, bags, bundles, and we feel sure a kitchen sink in there somewhere. Traveling east from the Hwy 43/Hwy 20 intersection, turn left onto Wilson Dam Road and the Sanderson lot is the second on the left. Not a very pretty picture for a well-traveled Tuscumbia road.


Another reader writes: Do you know who's running for Probate Judge and Commission Chair in Lauderdale County?

No, we do not, but we would like to. May we suggest William Smith or Robert Smith for the former and Brad Holmes or Quinton Hanson for the latter. If anyone has made the decision to throw his hat or her chapeau into the ring, please contact us. We're hoping that should a new probate judge be in the county's future, he or she will have one of those, what do you call it? Oh, yes, a law degree...

(Congratulations to Brad & Sara Holmes on their new addition!)

From another regular reader: I've worked in Lauderdale County law enforcement for many years and all the women I ever worked with looked like the lovely Miss Wanda Fribbish. Do you have a photo of Nancy Sartain, Ronnie Willis's new assistant?

Why, yes. We just happen to have one taken from Nancy Hammond Sartain's Facebook page:

*****

Happy Mother's Day to all human/cat/dog/lizard/etc. moms out there!



Shoalanda

Colbert Sheriff Ronnie May: Worried?

Ronnie May: Worried?

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

The “Click It or Ticket It” traffic safety program has returned to our roads again. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to run from May 24 through June 6, 2010. The mobilization, expected to involve more than 10,000 police agencies, is supported by $8 million in national advertising funded through Congress and coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The program focuses on seat belt use, DUI, and aggressive driving. This program is a valuable tool to help local law enforcement lower the death rates on our highways during holiday periods. The program is paid for by a grant and costs the sheriff’s office nothing.

Most local law enforcement agencies are involved with this program except one. The Colbert County Sheriff’s Office turned down the opportunity to be included in the May 24 through June 6, 2010, program. The sheriff’s office has participated in the program before. When several deputies started to ask where was the sign up sheet for the program, they were informed by a supervisor that the program was canceled this time because it was an election year and the sheriff was afraid to offend someone.

I guess the sheriff is more worried about re-election than protection of the citizens.

*****

The Shoals Republican Club along with Shoals2DC will host a candidate cookout for all Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels on Friday, May 28th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McFarland Park, Picnic Shelter #2. McFarland Park is located on the northern shore of the Tennessee River in Florence off Alabama Highway 20 at the intersection of U.S. 72 before O’Neal Bridge.

All Alabama Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels have been invited to attend. The event is open to the public and free. Come out and meet the candidates. This is your opportunity to ask the candidates about themselves and the important issues facing our country, the state and the Shoals area. The Republican Primary is Tuesday, June 1st. The Shoals Republican Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.

*****

Most recent release from Jeff Masterson, showing presumably questionable use of campaign funds by HD 18 Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow: Link

*****

Florence attorney Greg Burdine, Florence City Councilman Hermon Graham, and Florence businesswoman Candy Haddock are seeking the Democratic nomination for Alabama House District 1. Haddock has few political connections and is a very dark horse. Graham has demonstrated from past behavior that he is far from a team player. That leaves Burdine, who does have the education and political contacts to represent this district.

We have previously asked Burdine for a vision statement and have received no response; therefore, we will not endorse anyone in the Democratic Primary. We make no secret that we feel Republican Brad Holmes is the man for the job.


Shoalanda

"The Civil War in the Shoals Area"

The Tennessee Valley Historical Society is hosting a special program entitled The Civil War in the Shoals Area presented by Dr. David Gregg, at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library in the Conference Room on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. The Civil War in the Shoals Area is a PowerPoint presentation compiled from old local newspapers and highlights the Civil War in Florence and the Shoals area. Dr. Gregg has presented this program to various organizations, schools, and other historical societies.


Dr. Gregg is the Pastor at the Florence Boulevard Baptist Church and has spent most of his life researching Baptist, family, and the Civil War history. He has been awarded by the History and Archives Committee of the American Baptist Association, for his research in Baptist History. Dr. Gregg has written four books and also serves as an instructor in History for the Oxford Baptist Institute.Tennessee Valley Historical Society meetings are open to the public, free of charge. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tennessee Valley Historical Society President William Smith, at 256-767-4529.


Shoalanda

Hermitage Drive: The Good, the Bad, & the Insipid

Many things are capable of speaking for themselves; however, few of them ever get to if there's a politician around. On Tuesday, the Florence City Council approved $13,000.00 for flashing signals on Hermitage Drive. The purpose of the signals--to remind motorists to slow down near Florence Middle School--is certainly good and long overdue.

From the July 22nd TimesDaily:

Parents have complained that drivers used the road as a short cut. It passes Florence Middle School. “People didn’t realize the school was there until they were right up on it,” said Mayor Bobby Irons.

Hermitage Drive has existed in some form since 1813. Originally the path that Gen. Andrew Jackson forged to New Orleans was called Jackson Military Road. Added amenities turned the road into Jackson Highway before its name was again changed in the 1950s to its current designation of Hermitage Drive. In the early part of this decade, the northern stretch of Hermitage received still another designation when Florence declared it part of the newer Darby Drive. Many, including local historian William Smith, disagreed with this arbitrary name change. At best it was unnecessary, and at worst a bad example for future generations.

For decades, Hermitage Drive has been a major artery linking Cox Creek Parkway/Darby Drive to downtown Florence. When it became downgraded to a "shortcut" is anyone's guess and probably only existed as such for a brief moment in our mayor's mind as he sought to dramatize the situation.

That brings us to the Florence Middle School that "people don't realize is there." The building was constructed in 1948 to house Coffee High School. If most motorists don't know it's there by now, we're not sure if flashing lights will be of any help to them.

Perhaps Mayor Irons is so accustomed to having to defend his actions, as well as those of the council, he seeks to rationalize them to the point of insipidity. Then again, perhaps he's just a politician and can't help it.

Pictured: Pope's Tavern & Museum on Hermitage Drive


What's up with this: Will Stutts has announced the cancellation of the Smothers Brothers' Summer Theatre series performance. Obviously he's correct that just too many activities were scheduled in the Shoals for July, but we have it on good authority that some entities work with each other to avoid such conflicts.

William Smith, JD, Endorsement

William Smith, JD, is the best thing that has happened to the Lauderdale County Commission in recent memory. Smith is a go-getter who doesn't need this office to launch his career or bring him fame; he already has both. Both a practicing attorney and published author/local historian, Smith has long been in the forefront of the fight to bring Lauderdale County into the 21st Century.

Until now, both sides have run a clean campaign; however, his opponent Rhea Fulmer has recently initiated a few uncalled for jabs. Ms. Fulmer, who believes the body of water just west of Killen is called "Shoals," has lambasted Mr. Smith for his choice of campaign sign colors. Ms. Fulmer apparently doesn't know that Kelly green is a long way from Sping green--or that the use of colors can't be copyrighted. If this is her idea of a campaign issue, I hope the citizens of eastern Lauderdale County realize she's just not Commission material.

Shoalanda Speaks wholeheartedly endorses William Smith, JD, for the Lauderdale County Commission on November 4, 2008.


What's up with this: It seems a certain former Lauderdale County detective and amateur chef has taken up the mantle of ghost-hunter. Hope he doesn't get K.O.'d.