Rogers Assailant Was 13 Years Old

 

Over the past two days, we've received around 100 reports of various assaults at Rogers School in Green Hill. Some referred to the same incidents, but there is still a troubling number.

We will publish reports that can be verified, but will not use names of children. We need certain info to publish: Names (not used in our blog), age, time, nature of crime, reports (or problems reporting), and punishment if any.

Even with a large number of parents contacting us, we have only one that we can verify with the above info.

Victim: Male junior varsity football player

Perp: Male - 13 years old 

Crime: He and some friends attempted to sodomize the other young football player with an inanimate object.

Report: Yes. No problems mentioned reporting.

Punishment: 30 days in school suspension

We have no idea how the perp's family handled this, but it's proof of some major problems in his home life. The victim's parents apparently agreed to this punishment; we are surprised they didn't insist on more legal repercussions for this lovely teen thug. The boy's coach? Many think he encouraged the situation.

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That brings us to a recurring theme among those who have reported - the reports somehow become "lost." If you report an attack on your child, you should be given (if at a county school) the deputy's name taking the report and a number for future reference. No report should just be "lost."

We'll be addressing this issue again in a few days.

PAVE PARADISE, PUT UP ANOTHER PARKING DECK

 

There was a meeting held today in the mayor’s conference room at Florence city hall annex of the building and planning committee. It consisted of Andy Betterton along with Melissa Bailey and Gary Davidson meeting with Kaytrina Simmons, Jimmy Oliver and Jackie Hendrix.

The main topic of discussion at the start of the meeting was the demolition of the “old” parking deck at the corner of Tennessee and Pine Streets. Five bids had been submitted for the demolition the least of which was around $700K from a company out of Birmingham. As he has done for almost 2 years now, David Carson was on hand to record the meeting for his Facebook page: Florence, Al Open Meeting Project. I am including a link to this video so interested citizens can see for themselves the meeting unfold as it was recorded.

Of particular interest is two points brought up in the meeting. One, that the cost of the new city hall had risen since the original design was submitted. It was now north of the $50 million dollar range. And two, that the mayor had cancelled a meeting called by Kaytrina Simmons to discuss the city hall project with the entire council and instead had discussions with only Jackie Hendrix and Jimmy Oliver. This seems to be an ongoing problem. The question this reporter must ask is: WHY? Watch the video and draw your own conclusion.

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If any of our readers have parked in the new Florence deck, send us a quick review...

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Veterans Day 2024

 

Veterans Day. Armistice Day. Remembrance Day. However you refer to November 11th, it's a day to honor those who have served our country. To each and every one, we say thank you!

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Did you know that March 13th is K9 Veterans Day? Since we've never honored our retired military pups before, we're going to salute them as well today. We think you're all pawfully wonderful assets to our country!

 

What's Going On at Rogers High School?

 

We've always told our readers (mainly disgruntled parents) that high school lasts only four years. Your child will graduate and move on, leaving the teachers and staff behind to muddle through...or perhaps actually inspire. No matter which is true of those who man the high school halls, it's very temporary, grit your teeth and think of the future.

Now it seems that a great many are unhappy with events at Rogers High School. Some want the superintendent, the principal, and the SRO to be shown the door. There's even a petition: 

Remove Jerry Hill, Sabrina Malone, SRO Brad Potts from LCS system for Negligence

The problem is the "problem." The petition mentions sexual assault. In other words, it's not just lunch room squabbles or troublesome athletic practice times. It's sexual assault, or at least what we suspect is sexual abuse using the term in the Alabama Code.

This is not something to be covered up. You can sign the petition and hope for the best (don't bet your homecoming corsage) or you can make a report to the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office or One Place of the Shoals. 

It's 2024, and this isn't a Carry On movie. No female (or male) students should be subject to unwanted touching or even worse. Good luck!

He Gave "Snowmasters" New Meaning

 

Lexington's own "multi-millionaire" will soon be leaving the area. Charged three years ago with 39 counts of money-laundering, Francisco Guerra has pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to bribe a government official.

While his sentencing date hasn't been set, Guerra faces up to five years in federal prison, a fine of 250K, and forfeiture of 280K he acquired through illegal means. 

Currently, Guerra is promoting Pi cryptocurrency. While it's free to join his possee, experts say it's a pyramid scheme benefiting only a few: Scam.

Who will run Snowmasters, etal., while Guerra vacations in Club Fed? We'll post updates when available.

Steve Stanley Shakes up Police Department

 

On the evening of November 6th, Sheffield mayor Steve Stanley called a closed-door meeting. At that time, Stanley terminated two police officers. The identity of the officers has not been made known at this time.

Our source has told us there may be more terminations in the days to come. The officers have the right to appeal to the civil service board, but our prediction is that the sackings will be upheld.

The terminations came only days after Chief Ricky Terry announced his retirement. We have to ask if Sheffield has enough baskets to hold all the rolling heads?

Stay tuned...

Can't Change Nation's Course? Change the Shoals!

 

In ten months, the Shoals will be going to the polls to elect new city leaders. Two of the towns already have announced candidates, so it's not too early to begin thinking about what we want and need.

Pick out the top three needs for your hometown and send them to us. We'll publish (without names) for the candidates to read. If enough people stand up for what's right, the leaders can't ignore their town's problems any longer.

As for us in Florence? Here's our top three:

1. Increased support for animal services (Perhaps we should say ANY support, since Andy has thrown this department to the curb).

2. A review of all department heads, checking qualifications, and making changes where necessary.

3. A review of the city's charitable giving to local churches - don't give to one if you don't give to all.

Now it's your turn. Send us your thoughts, and we'll revisit the issue of city needs on a regular basis until the August 2025 election.