Larry Stutts v. Derek Logue

Larry Stutts, Republican state senator from Colbert County, has been in the state news twice in the past 24 hours. Five other Republicans disagree with Stutts' assertion that they knew about Rose Church. We're sure more is to follow on this situation.

The second news item is the one we're most bemused about. It seems that Stutts is introducing a bill to add minors who commit sex crimes against other minors to the sex offender registry. Opposition? Yes, that would come from Derek (the Rogue) Logue, formerly of Sheffield and currently on the registry for the crime of First Degree Rape.

Logue may no longer live in Alabama, but he is, in his own words, lobbying against this bill. That in itself should be enough to make it pass.

If you came in late: Derek Warren Logue

Logue is wrong that the registry is pointless. It's still very needed. What the registry does need is a tiered system...like the one in Ohio where he currently lives and which has labeled him a sexual predator. Then there would be no problem distinguishing those who commit Second Degree Rape from those who commit the crime in the First Degree...like Logue.



Shoalanda

Readers' Thoughts: Spring Park/Muscle Shoals High

We're publishing some readers' thoughts on Spring Park in Tuscumbia and on Muscle Shoals High School Policy. Our thoughts on these issues will be published in red beneath the original comments.

On Spring Park: Saturday, April 4th. To add further to an ongoing tragedy, the carousel has NO power, so NO CAROUSEL The blinking lights at the RR crossing are not functioning, causing a real safety hazard. The only person who knows how to fix them is out of town. The only other responsible person is the Rec. director, but he NEVER comes to the park on Saturday, his off day . WHAT TO DO ?

We've talked to several individuals who have indicated that the railway/train could support the park by itself. Could the city lease the train to a competent individual to run, maintain, and pay half of the profits? Any comments?

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On Muscle Shoals High School Track: Over the weekend, I was quizzed to why the citizens of Muscle Shoals are locked out of using the track at the M.S. football dynasty. The statement was that it was always a community use when there was no construction and were told that has changed since the 10 million upgrades. Looking back through the "Trash Daily" newspapers, the coach is quoted as saying;

“Our track is not only used by the school; it’s used by the community, and, anytime we have to close the gates, there are a lot of people who get frustrated,” he said. “The track is a great asset for us.”

http://www.timesdaily.com/archives/coach-muscle-shoals-track-in-need-of-resurfacing/article_d32e02be-00b9-5de1-8825-90afa633977c.html

The last statement the man made to me was, "and they want us to vote this month on more taxes for that school". Maybe the coach who runs the schools and city will have a change of heart...

Could this be a security issue? What times were the public allowed to use the track in the past? Was there a sign-in? Maybe there were also insurance issues? Comments please (Just don't shoot the messenger).

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A second reader comment on the track: The info below was a quote from MS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Scott Basden in 2010.  OK, the track has now been completely resurfaced and is still closed.  The “citizens” are frustrated but it’s apparent now the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach doesn’t want “HIS” facility open to the public.  Never mind that it was the“citizens” who paid, correction – are paying for the next 30 years, for “HIS” facility.  Contact your local City Council Members and Mayor if you want the track re-opened for public use.  Contact information below:

Joe Pampinto           256-762-1173

Neal Willis                 256-335-5284

Mile Lockhart            256-577-0352

Jim Holland               256-335-5345

Allen Noles                256-335-5336

David Bradford        256-335-3626

Remember, if you don’t call, then don’t complain!

Coach: Muscle Shoals track in need of resurfacing

By Michelle Rupe Eubanks | Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 12:00 am

MUSCLE SHOALS -- The track around the Muscle Shoals High School football field is a popular spot for residents to get in an evening walk or a night-time run.

This summer, however, it’s been off limits because the track has fallen into disrepair, according to Muscle Shoals High School Athletic Director and head football coach Scott Basden.

“Our track is not only used by the school; it’s used by the community, and, anytime we have to close the gates, there are a lot of people who get frustrated,” he said. “The track is a great asset for us.”

Do the city council members have any control over the track? It would seem logically to be the school board's decision. Anyone know for sure?

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Neal Barker, Basketball Coach

On Muscle Shoals' new basketball coach: 

Wonder why they dug a long strip up in the nice parking lot at the concessions stand at the football field next to Harding Avenue. Makes you wonder when they will quit throwing money at that football field.

Did anyone send you anything about the Trash Daily's article on the new Head Basketball Coach at MSHS? He was fired from Spain Park as basketball coach the first of March and hired at MSHS the end of March. Interesting that Lindsey said his salary will be 60-70K but they don't know his teaching assignment?

The legal calculation of a teacher/coach pay is: Teaching assignment = $$ based on certificates/degrees and year of teaching (this guy is young), Additional $$ for the coaching supplement. A teaching assignment and a coaching supplement does not equal 60k or 70k. Even crazier is that they hired a coach without any specifics.

Wonder why the teachers aren't questioning a starting salary that is, in most cases, twice the amount a teacher is paid coming in if not a coach. Can't make this stuff up.

This we have no knowledge of or ideas about. Readers?

Shoalanda

Easter 2015!

Happy April, Happy Spring, Happy Easter!

The Staff at Shoalanda Speaks

More Thoughts on Spring Park (Any News of Missing Money?)

First, we have received an extremely good comment on the current management at Spring Park in Tuscumbia which we cannot publish due to some references to employees' personal lives. Here is an edited version of the comment:

Fact: The Robbins family always had the park rides promptly ready for each Spring.
Fact: The Robbins family turned over the rides to the City of Tuscumbia. Also Tuscumbia acquired (hired) Mr. McWilliams who oversaw the rides under the Robbins Family. Mr. McWilliams oversaw the rides since they were brought to Spring Park.
Fact: The Park Director (Mr. Kendrick) terminated Mr. McWilliams.
Fact: Money missing from Tuscumbia Parks & Recreation Department. ($2,000)
Fact: Tuscumbia Police investigating (still?!?)
Fact: Spring Park began to deteriorate after Mr. McWilliams was no longer overseeing the park rides.
Fact: For the past few years the Times Daily will quote Tuscumbia’s Park Director, Mr. Kendrick, with blaming the broken/run-down park conditions on either the muskrats, vandals, flooding, or etc.
Fact: The Major knows that Mr. Kendrick is doing a poor job but NEVER does anything about it!
Fact: It’s TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!

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From L. Stone:

I saw the post about the Tuscumbia Park and that made me think of the depot museum. I hope the same fate doesn't await Tuscumbia's depot as what happened in Huntsville. The Huntsville depot was supposed to be a full railroad museum, complete with operating railroad equipment. A roundhouse was built so equipment could be repaired. The local railroad club (that started in Sheffield but moved to Huntsville) was involved from the start of this. Eventually the city kicked the club out, and the club bought their own property and railroad and ran rides near Alabama A&M. (There is plenty of blame to go around on that, both for the city and the club.)

For many years the roundhouse has been used as an event facility, basically a big building where you can have parties. This year the depot, the heart of the museum, was closed for renovation. Shortly before it reopened there was a surprise announcement that when it reopens it will only be available as an event facility. The days of the depot being a museum facility are gone. As an explanation, the people that run it said that it was already available for events, and it was too much trouble taking down and putting up museum items before and after events so they decided to just do away with the museum portion of the museum.

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Meanwhile, one of our bloggers gets his family ready for tomorrow:

Shoalanda

Time for a Change in Tuscumbia's Spring Park

Some thoughts from a Tuscumbia reader:

I love Spring Park and what I am seeing is a great disappointment to me. On a beautiful day, I enjoy going to Spring Park, watching the people enjoy the park and reading the newspaper. I have noticed the waterfall is not working again.. I was expecting to see another article in the paper where the Recreational Director would describe how the muskrats ate the wires. I guess that only works one time. It seems the waterfall is broken about as much as it is working.

I watched the train operate with only three cars for the entire year. I asked where the other cars were. I was told that they are in the station in bad need of repairs and have been since the end of the season two years ago.

I never thought I would see the carousel in the condition that it was in last year. The outside horses were showing a lot of wear with paint flaking off. The plywood deck had holes through it to the point that you could see the ground. Where is the music? I miss hearing the music with the carousel. I have not heard for two years.

I noticed the roller coaster not operating last year. The first time I inquired as to why,I was told there were not enough people to operate all the rides. The next time I asked, I was told it was in need of repairs.

One day while I was parked the near the splash pad I saw a woman open the door to the bathroom and noticed the door had holes rusted in it. It is easy to see all the missing boards on the railroad bridge with the leaves off the trees. To anyone who rides the train or uses the bridge for pictures, this is an embarrassment.

We have the most beautiful park. I do no understand why it can not be taken care of. How are the city officials allowing such an atrocity? If the city can not take care of the park then I think it is time we find someone who can.

And a follow up:

It was a beautiful day Sunday March 15, 2015, so I went to Spring Park. The waterfall was not working, the fountain was not working, nor was the water wheel turning. I had heard that the Park and Recreation Director told the City Council he would work on the railroad bridge in the off season. One quick look you could see that this did not happen. Even the rusted door on the women's bathroom had not been replaced.

I came to the rides and only the train was operating. There were only three cars on the train so I assume that what needed repairs on the others ones have not taken place. The carousel did not even have the horses on it.

Due to safety concerns, the roller coaster was not operating. This is the same safety problem the coaster had back in September. When questioned about this problem by the City Council, the Park and Recreation Director said it had been taken care of. Obviously it had not, even after six months.

The Park had advertised as opening on the first weekend of March. This was the third Sunday (March 15, 2015) and it is not ready. This is the Park and Recreation Director's second year in total control of the rides and the second consecutive year it was not ready.

Mr. Robbins managed a first class operation in Spring Park. He would have had everything ready no matter what the weather. Since the rides have been given to the City, the park has become a second class operation. I can not foresee any major changes nor improvements for the Park in the near future especially with the lack of accountability of the Park and Recreation Director's action or lack of actions by the Mayor. I believe it is time for a change.

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Related Post: Park Investigation

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Why has the park fallen into disrepair? Surely the city and the park department have not let this happen intentionally. So that leaves the most likely cause a lack of money.

We discussed this with an "old Tuscumbian" some time ago. His opinion, and we believe it is a learned one, is that the train itself could financially support the entire park...if it were handled correctly. So why isn't it?

Comments welcome...



Shoalanda

Calling Lynn Greer!

Yes, you, Lynn Greer. Where is your bill to revamp or eliminate the certificate of need laws? We're waiting. Remember...you promised:

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While some readers apparently consider Larry Stutts' recent behavior old news, yesterday the Montgomery Advertiser wished him gone from public life...as in now. As political news goes, Montgomery's newspaper was once the most influential medium in the state. With the advent of the Internet, we won't make that blanket statement, but the Advertiser still has clout. It's going to be an interesting legislative session.

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Scott Morris? Apparently he's been gone from the TD quite some time. The March 8th article we referenced was written by another Scott Morris (they've been confused before). The former editor is now with UNA...where we confused him with being the conservative Morris named Scott. Doesn't either one of them have a middle initial?



Shoalanda

TotallyDecatur Has A New Editor!

There's a new editor in town. Gary Maitland is now the head editorial honcho at Shelton Publishing's local branch of the TotallyDecatur. So where's Scott Morris?

Morris' last appearance in the TD seems to be on March 8th. Since that time, he's been missing in action. Considering how often the New York Times group changed editors, Morris had a long run. Was he liberal? Yes, but we thought he was usually fair and had no hidden agendas.

How long will Maitland stay? He came from the Miami area; he may not last one winter here...

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Want to contact anyone at the TD? Here's the link:

Contact the TimesDaily

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We had one reader who seemed upset that anyone cared about the kill rate in local shelters. Why? There are fetuses being aborted every day. 

Fair enough. The next time he takes a member of his family to the emergency room for a broken bone perhaps someone will tell him they choose to do nothing since they can't cure patients with terminal cancer.

Shoalanda