Battlin' Betty Belts Tyrannical Tina? Or Was It the Other Way Around?

Let us return now to that idyllic town of Cherokee. No, wait, that was Camelot. Cherokee is hardly idyllic; in fact, it's hardly a town, but more of a group of motley miscreants attempting to win their own reality show.

First, let us consider Mayor Chuck Lansdell, pictured at right. Look closely and you, dear readers, will note that Lansdell is a man in uniform. That's right--he's also the town's fire chief. How he governs himself is a question worthy of any ethics class final, not to mention those worrisome words--double dipping.

It seems that Lansdell's wife Tina suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, a debilitating disease, but also an ailment that often goes into remission. In other words, your best friend may suffer from this condition without your ever knowing about it. The gravity of Tina Lansdell's condition has been debated, but in recent years she has taken to riding up and down her narrow suburban street in a neighbor's golf cart--an illegal action similar to riding on a public street in a four-wheeler and dangerous to both her and her driver.

Enter Betty McKinney, a neighbor and critic of Mayor Lansdell. McKinney reported Mrs. Lansdell's illegal activities to the authorities and brought the small town of Cherokee more publicity of a type the rural community didn't need. Now, Tina Lansdell, who is apparently in a state of remission, has accused McKinney of attacking her after a town council meeting. McKinney has countered that Mrs. Lansdell called her a bitch, claiming her only action was to touch her detractor's arm while chastising her for such unladylike behavior in public. Both women agree that at some point the Lansdell's sixteen year-old son joined in the melee, attacking McKinney and receiving some injuries of his own. All three were treated and released at local hospitals.

Betty McKinney has retained Tuscumbia attorney Billy Underwood, who has called Tina Lansdell "potty mouthed." We agree that it is best for the mayor's wife to describe her enemies in the privacy of her own home, but using the b-word in public may not qualify in 2010 as potty-mouthed.

Chuck Lansdell has so far not commented. Regular readers will remember that Lansdell was partially responsible for the hiring of Paige McWilliams as the town's librarian. Mrs. McWilliams is currently under indictment for theft and forgery, and the town clerk has faced questions as to her supposedly blindly notarizing a document for McWilliams that has not as yet been identified, but was worthy of Lansdell and the town suing the former librarian for 40K.

Who needs the real housewives of Washington, D.C., when we can have the real shrews of Cherokee, Alabama?


For more on Cherokee and Mayor Lansdell: Link

Shoalanda

Cherokee Mayor's Family Heads to Circuit Court?

Most of us don't care if a person with a disability uses a standard (read: not modified for street use) golf cart to complete a journey of a few blocks any more than we care if a motorist is traveling 46 mph in a 45 mph zone. Apparently 72 year-old Betty McKinney, a resident of Forest Lane in Cherokee, does care if her neighbor Tina Lansdell uses such a cart on their suburban street. Why does McKinney object so vigorously and why does the 42 year-old Lansdell, wife of Mayor Chuck Lansdell, insist on continuing this illegal activity? At this point, we're not sure if even the participants in this ongoing legal battle remember their initial motivations.

Chuck Lansdell was first elected mayor of the small Colbert County town in 1992. After serving three terms, Lansdell decided that the part-time job was interfering with his care of wife Tina who suffers from Leber's Optic Neuropathy Plus. Besides blurred vision, this rare form of neuropathy also produces muscle weakness that is similar to that found in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

From 2004 until 2008, Mignon Willis, a close friend of Betty McKinney, served as mayor of Cherokee, but chose not to run in the last election. While Mayor Lansdell has not publicly criticized Willis, he has stated his goal in returning to office was to unify the town. So far, he's batting zero.

When McKinney first complained of the use of the illegal cart last September, Chuck Lansdell was quick to label the charges as being politically motivated. The case first reached Cherokee Municipal Court in October 2009 when Tina Lansdell, Charlie Lansdell (the Lansdells' 16 year-old son also known as Char-Char) and Councilwoman Thelma Lambert pleaded not guilty. Judge Bill Marthaler finally heard the case earlier this month, after Cherokee Municipal Judge Chad Coker recused himself. Coker was appointed by former Mayor Willis and is currently seeking the office of Colbert County District Judge.

We haven't heard the official verdict on charges brought against Lambert, but Marthaler found Tina and Char-Char Lansdell guilty. Now, defense attorney Tim Case plans to appeal the verdict in Colbert County Circuit Court, ostensibly because the town of Cherokee has not officially adopted the Alabama state laws against such unmodified vehicles being allowed on public roads. Obviously, along with safety issues, the state seeks to force the owners of such carts to purchase licenses for their vehicles. In the eyes of the state, it's just as illegal to drive an unlicensed golf cart on public roadways as it is to drive an unlicensed Ford or Chevy.

Why do the Lansdells not simply pay their fine, modify their cart, and drive to their hearts' content? Why indeed? Most individuals would jump through hoops in order to avoid being tried in circuit court; yet the Lansdells are seeking to waste Colbert County tax dollars just to win a victory over Betty McKinney. Let's hope there are alternatives in the 2012 Cherokee mayor's race.


A rose by any other name: With Chuck, Charlie, and Char-Char, someone has to be named Charles somewhere...

Shoalanda

The Cherokee Gas & Water Board - More Popular Than We Thought

For the past eight years, Barbara Gayle Carroll has served on the Gas & Water Board of the small Colbert County town of Cherokee, estimated population 1,200. Current mayor Chuck Lansdell would like to see Carroll serve a third term. Apparently at least two other Cherokee residents would like to thwart Lansdell's wishes. Art Walker and Emma Haley have also applied for the opening.

The position pays no money and, presumably in a town with Cherokee's recent history, may carry a burden of built-in angst. So, why the sudden interest in this rather low profile, no respect municipal task?

Carroll is certainly more than qualified for the position, having been a water department watch dog since 1997 when she questioned the need for a 1.3 million dollar water system in a town with only 750 active water accounts. According to Lansdell, Carroll has also volunteered to read water meters when the department has been short handed.

Applicant Art Walker serves under Lansdell in the Cherokee Fire Department; sources say he has often been at odds with Mayor/Chief Lansdell over various city related projects. Both Walker and Emma Haley seem to be favored by most council members whom Lansdell has accused of being supporters of his predecessor Mignon Willis.

Obviously in any political brouhaha, the first order of business is to follow the money; however, since this is Cherokee, the Water & Gas Board may just be a victim of petty grievances that boiled over into other areas. Bottom line: Why doesn't the town let Chuck Lansdell have this job as well--he certainly likes to brag that he runs everything else in the town.


Notice: If you have children who participate in the YMCA after school program in Florence, please contact the admins if you have questions about their teacher/caregivers.

Shoalanda

Cherokee on Eve of Destruction?/HKH's Country Club Business Style

Cherokee on Eve of Destruction - Part I

By C.R.

Budget Battle Looming

This coming Tuesday the Cherokee City Council will meet and decide what to do about the city's dwindling finances. During the last city council meeting several ideas were tossed around. One idea was to stop paying for the diesel fuel for the Cherokee Rescue Squad and Fire Department. The city pays over one thousand dollars a month to provide the fuel to the two volunteer organizations. During the meeting the Cherokee Fire Department Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal spoke and advised cutting off the fuel funding would cause fire insurance to go up for the cities citizens. The vote would cause the ISO Rating to go up and cause rates to increase. I would like to point out that this is false. There are around thirteen volunteer fire departments in Colbert County and only four of them receive free fuel from a city. The four are Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Cherokee. The ISO Ratings are based on a lot of things but not on who pays for the fuel. The Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal suggested that cutting the pay of the police officers could help save money.

The City of Cherokee is also paying a seven hundred dollar a month truck payment for the fire department. During the Willis administration Fire Chief Chuck Lansdell told the Cherokee City Council that an older model city fire truck with a five hundred gallon tank did not meet ISO standards and if they did not purchase a new truck the ISO ratings could go up. Lansdell told the city council that they had to buy a new fire truck. Lansdell purchased a bush truck that has a three hundred gallon tank. After buying the truck the ISO Rating is still the same. The rating did not drop after the purchase of the new bush truck. Looks like the city council got took.

Employees

Currently the city has seven full time employees; two city/sewer workers, one city/court clerk, and four police officers. In private the city council is considering major cuts in the police department. The city council wants to cut three full time police officers and make the positions part time. There are a lot of drugs and break-ins in Cherokee and this would have a disastrous effect on the city. This could run away the few businesses that are left in town.

Mayor Lansdell and Councilwomen Lambert proposed to cut the four hundred and thirty dollar payments to employees that decline the cities health insurance. At least four employees receive the payments.

Stop Payments Until Audit

I am sure everyone has heard about the Colbert County 911 office worker that allegedly took money from the 911 office. Well this person was also the Cherokee Rescue Squad Treasurer. It is alleged that the same person took money from the rescue squad and it was discovered that money was taken. Another rescue squad member and local business owner paid the money back and law enforcement was not contacted. This is not the only alleged misdeed going on at the rescue squad by its members. Several rescue members were swimming at a fellow member’s house and the pool pump went out. The rescue squad bought a new pump for the member. Who is this member with the broken pump? It is alleged that the member is Mayor Lansdell.

During Christmas the rescue squad gave its volunteer commander five hundred dollars for running a lot of calls. The rescue squad has not missed a call for over a year. No other members received any money for their service. The commander lives at the Cherokee Fire department with his school age son. Who is allowing the rescue squad commander to live at the fire department? Could it be no other than Fire Chief/rescue squad member/Mayor Lansdell? Could this be payback?

It is also alleged that city property has been taken and given to the fire department under the direction of the Mayor. Manly light bars, when a new light bar is ordered for the city fire truck the old one is taken off and put on another none city fire truck. The red lens could be changed out and used on the city’s police cars. This costs the city money.

To be continued tomorrow...

*****

Two interesting new sites:

Ripples From Sweetwater (a new blog that we hope to hear more from)

Sweetwater Memories (a Facebook page similar to Remembering Florence)

*****

More on Helen Keller Hospital from a reader. This source has given us much info before and has not yet been in error:

Huntsville has been paying the administrators at Keller a while before it came out in the paper. The hospital even though it’s loosing money pays country club dues for them. From what I understand in the agreement with Huntsville Hospital, if Keller is sold Huntsville has right of first refusal. If it is sold to another group, HH gets 50% of the money. I haven’t seen a copy of the agreement to confirm this.

In the agreement that has been going on for a few years, Cardiology services not offered at Keller, the patient is sent to Huntsville even though it is offered at ECM. If the patient said they wanted to go to ECM instead of HH, the patient was told they needed to find another Cardio. So you have the travel expenses, plus hotel and miscellaneous costs that are a hardship on the family. With the latest agreement it expands to other services such as gynecology. Keller wanted to be the big dog and call the shots in the failed agreement between Coffee Health and Huntsville. That’s the biggest reason it failed not CHG debt.

Shoalanda

Special Report: Nathan Johnson New Cherokee Municipal Judge

Cherokee City Council Meeting

Special Report By

C. R.

The Cherokee City Council held a meeting this morning. The citizens were given only twenty four hours notice that a city council meeting was going to be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. The council thought this would keep turn out for the meeting low but they were wrong. The city council meeting was packed. ( Thanks to people like SS )

The temp outside was cool but the temp inside of the city council meeting was boiling. During the meeting one citizen yelled out to the council “all of you are damn stupid”. This remark brought cheers from the packed crowd. One citizen told the council several times during the meeting to resign.

It was rumored that the city council has been meeting in secret and it showed during the meeting. Mayor Lansdell even pointed it out by saying “go ahead and do it y'all have already made your decision before this meeting”. At one point during the meeting Steve Glover was asked a question and Glover would not answer. The mayor stated “what is wrong Steve did you not rehearse that question at your secret meeting”. Steve Glover looked at Mignon Willis and the Mayor told Steve “stop looking at her and look at me”.

The leader of the city council Steve Glover would make a motion and Councilwomen Mason or Councilman Joe Franks would second the motion and the Burger King Four Glover, Malone, Franks, and Mason would vote lock step with each other to pass the motion.

The city council moved quick to imply that the mayor’s hiring of Marsha Allen was illegal. The council fired Marsha Allen as the part time city clerk and made a motion to not pay her the money she was owed by the town for working. Steve Glover made the motion and voted on the motion. This could be an ethics violation because the matter was involving his mother-in-law.

Steve Glover made a motion to hire his mother-in-law Becky Watkins. City Attorney Becky Narmore advised Steve that was an ethics violation and Councilman Malone made the motion and the motion was passed by the Burger King Four. Steve Glover made a motion to set the pay of his mother-in-law and also voted on the motion. This is also a possible ethics violation.

The Burger King Four fired City Attorney Becky Narmore. After being fired she stated: I only did this because I was raised here and I was asked by several people living here not to quit over the years. I stayed here for them and now I am glad to be done with all of this. Later on Narmore added since I am no longer employed by the City of Cherokee I would be glad to be Marsha Allen’s attorney and Chuck Lansdell's adviser and I will do it for free.

Steve Glover also made a motion to remove Mayor Lansdell from the list of people authorized to sign the city's checks. When Glover made the motion Mayor Lansdell demanded Glover give him a reason for this action. After about 15 minutes Glover could never give a reason. The motion died. It takes two signatures to sign a check.

Nathan Johnson was hired as the new city judge and Dan Rosson was hired as the new city attorney. The one bright spot was when all city councilpersons and mayor voted to replace some of the city’s park equipment. All parties also agreed to have an expert come and look at the sewers pumps. The two motions were made by Mike Malone.

As the meeting was ending Mayor Lansdell signed a city check to pay Marsha Allen for the hours she had worked. Councilwomen Lambert signed the check also. Lambert told Glover, "If you do not like it sue me."

After the meeting City Clerk Melinda Malone turned in request to take two days vacation Thursday and Friday to attend her daughter's cheer camp. The mayor told Melinda that everyone in town has known about the cheer camp since March. Melinda was advised that she failed to give proper notice and the request was denied. Melinda claimed harassment but the Mayor told her that "you failed to give proper notice and your request is denied."

Note: Other views on the Cherokee situation will be published this week.

Shoalanda

Cherokee: Fiction...or Fact?

The Dark Town

A Guest Commentary By

Bailey Quarters

The grey woman walked eastward across Colbert County and the fireman followed. Riding on a golf cart, a fire hose on each hip, Chuck arrived at City Dance Hall. Turning the knob to the weathered door, he found the office locked. Those who were perceptive enough thought they saw a tear in Chuck’s eye.

Mad Melinda had once been the finest clerk the Dark Town ever had, but now she deserted her office to attend sports functions that were foreign to Alabama and notarized documents without reading them. After all, this wasn’t the grey woman’s first visit.

Remounting the golf cart, Chuck headed toward Thelma’s Tea Room. If he had a friend in the Dark Town, it was Thunderin’ Thelma. She had taught him how to ride a golf cart all those years ago, and he had fond memories of the first woman he ever shared a Whopper with.

Thelma never hesitated as she accepted Chuck’s request for an ally, and the newly minted twosome rode stealthily toward the railroad tracks. They sensed the grey woman before they saw her, a magical accountant’s cloak pulled around her broad shoulders and a moth-eaten fur hat loosely draped across her cropped hair. Her magic seemed palpable at this close a distance.

Behind her stood four members of the council, their eyes glassy and blank. Chuck wasn’t sure if they were armed, but none of the four seemed afraid of him. Indeed, they didn’t seem to acknowledge him. If they even noticed the great seal of an EMT on his shoulder, they felt no respect for it.

This was it—the battle between evil and even worse evil had begun…

Want to know which side is which? No? You couldn’t care less? Well, if you change your mind, stay tuned for the next council meeting, brought to you by Cherokee Citizens for a Crazy City.

*****

Cherokee’s Newest Religion: Chuckism

A Guest Commentary By

T. R.

To be a good Chuckist, your regard for truth should be very low. You must be a blind follower. Agreeing with Mayor Lansdell only 9 out of 10 times is strictly forbidden. Total devotion and followership is a requirement. Such an egregious mistake of having the nerve to ever have a differing opinion will have you reduced to the level of a Non-Chuckist. Do not under any circumstance suggest that the great one might be wrong.

Another requirement is the ability to ignore any Lansdell wrong-doing. For instance, you must ignore that in the history of Cherokee, at least the last 40 years, we have always had a placard to let citizens know when the Town Clerk would return if they were out of the office for ANY reason. The fact that Melinda Malone follows this time honored practice, and that the Mayor is always manufacturing a flaw against her must never be mentioned. The FACT that this is merely a witch hunt to slander someone hired by the previous Mayor should never cross your lips. Never consider that the Town Clerk applied for vacation over a month in advance and was told to wait until the following month to apply, to only be turned down for insufficient notice. Another employee was able to take vacation the previous Friday with no approval. You can see the benefit of being a loyal Chuckist.

If you are a devoted Chuckist, never, never expose that one of the mandatory characteristics of a good leader is embracing opposing ideas and opinions. You must also not be cognizant of the fact that Rebecca Narmore becoming his personal adviser is no deviation from what has been happening for the past year. Mentioning that her unprofessional and personal bias that has manifested itself in all town council meetings is strictly forbidden. The Mayor now has the least professional attorney in the Shoals on a Pro Bono basis, but this is taboo to discuss.

If you are one of the 20 or so Chuckists, you must attend every Town Council meeting so that you appear as a majority. Never mind that it isn’t true (refer to paragraph one). You must be willing to sacrifice yourself, skip normal order of any meeting, and blurt out in a manner that would make Jethro Bodine look like Prince Edward. You could mention that the Mayor calls himself a minister yet spews hatred at anyone that has the nerve to think that he is not perfect, however, if one does, they will become the enemy. At this point, your access to any public services this township offers will be terminated immediately. Major problems will be ignored. Time sensitive matters are of no consequence. You will effectively be ousted from any consideration by the Mayor no matter what.

Now a word to the truly wise, the hundreds of Non Chuckists. If you have any issue that needs immediate attention, you may have to fight fire with fire. Leak the information that you think the Town Clerk may have misspelled a word. Then wait outside Town Hall, and you will have the Lansdell/Lambert posse complete with cronies appear within 15 minutes ready for action!

P.S. - If you are truly blind and do not realize that all the controversy in Cherokee only started after Mayor Lansdell decided to run for mayor again 2 years ago, you could challenge C.R. to be the right hand when the Great One comes to gather his flock.

*****

All Calm in Cherokee

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

While bad weather threatened the small town of Cherokee, all appeared calm at city hall. The day began Friday with Mayor Lansdell, city clerk Melinda Malone, and recently fired part time city clerk Marsha Allen at city hall. Marsha Allen's status is unknown but we do know that the mayor and Allen have been working on a grant proposal that could bring the town over a million dollars. If this is true, the city council are huge idiots for firing someone with the knowledge and drive to bring in needed revenue to the town. Not all is lost, the new part time city clerk Becky Watkins can read the National Enquirer at Olympic speeds.

*****

There you have it--three interesting views of the train wreck that is Cherokee...


Shoalanda

Josh Willingham Endorses Billy Jackson/Cherokee Moving Toward Bedlam

Josh Willingham, Florence native and Washington Nationals baseball player, has endorsed Billy Jackson for Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Place 1. In Josh's own words:

I would like to encourage all voters to vote for Billy on July 13th. He will lead by example, experience and integrity as your Circuit Court Judge. A family man for your Family Court Judge. I don't believe you could make a better choice!"

We couldn't have said it better--he will lead by example--a family man for your Family Court Judge. If you're tired of "do as I say, not as I do" politicians, if you're sick of politicians using your tax dollars to give their friends a job, vote for Billy Jackson on Tuesday, July 13th.

*****

Two days ago we published a guest commentary by C. R. concerning the Leighton Police Department. We will be publishing some interesting feedback concerning that column tomorrow, but today we again publish a commentary from C. R. who was present at the Cherokee Town Council Meeting last night.

The Burger King Four Ride Again

After the resignation of the Cherokee district four councilman, the balance of power shifted and the power the former Mayor Mignon “Mullet” Willis held was diminished. Glover, Malone, and Franks were in the back pocket of Mignon Willis. The citizens of Cherokee held out hope that the newly appointed councilwomen would bring a balance to the council, where both sides would have to talk and compromise. Those hopes and dreams were crushed Tuesday night. The new District Four Councilwomen Mason voted lock step with the burger king three. Now with a new member, the burger king four ride again and have the power to pass anything that the puppet master wants.

During the meeting Councilman Steve Glover stated we already have made a decision and Councilwomen Mason stated we have already called the Alabama League of Municipalities. This call did not happen during the meeting and how can the council already discuss an issue before it was discussed. A meeting before a meeting...hope the Alabama Sunshine Law was not broken. Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to pay the city's bills and no one seconded the motion, it died. If the city owes you money, well you are not getting it.

Last week the city clerk moved her desk so it would not be in front of the video camera. Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to move the desk back and take some blinds down in the clerk's office and no one seconded the motion, it died. After several citizens reported that the city clerk was at a ballgame last week while still clocked in at work, Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to set the work hours at 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with a lunch break between Noon - 1:00 p.m. No one would second the motion and Councilman Steve Glover made a motion to table the decision on the matter. Councilwomen Mason stated the clerk is on salary and she should be allowed to take lunch when she wants to. Attention Cherokee Citizens, if you have city business, make sure to read your crystal ball before going to city hall, the city clerk might be there or might not.

During a discussion of city employees, Councilman Steve Glover stated Mayor Lansdell could not create another job position. Mayor Lansdell informed Glover a position was not created, an open part time city clerk position was filled. Glover stated the position was not open because Miss Watkins was filling the position of part time city clerk. Mayor Lansdell informed Steve Glover that his mother-in-law Miss Watkins hurt herself at city hall, has filed suit against the city and no longer works here. The Mayor told Glover, to make sure you understand, your mother-in-law is fired and Marsha Allen is hired. The crowd at city hall started to clap and cheer. The crowd was behind Mayor Lansdell and Councilwomen Lambert all night.

To show your support or displeasure with the council please call them and let them know how you feel.

District 1 - J.O. Franks (256) 359-4696

District 2 - Daniel S. Glover, Jr. (256) 359-4364

District 3 - Michael Q. Malone (256) 359-6413

District 4 - Patricia W. Mason (256) 359-4220

District 5 - Thelma Lambert (256) 359-4921

*****

What's up with this: Do UNA football players and the children of UNA employees get a free pass to break the law on campus? Stay tuned...

Shoalanda

WVNA/WLAY plus More From Cherokee

WVNA/WLAY Off-The-Air Because Of Rent Dispute

A Guest Commentary By

Steve Wiggins

I was truly surprised to find one morning that WLAY AM-1450 on the dial was off the air. Then I read in the Times-Daily that both ‘lay and WVNA AM-1290 were going to be dark for several weeks.

It so happens that the property owner of the land where both radio stations have their transmitters more than tripled their rent and forced the stations to look elsewhere for a site. So now the owner, URBan Radio Broadcasting, Inc., has engineers from several of their stations across America scrambling to find a suitable transmitter site and secure FCC approval for it. Not an easy task.

Meanwhile ex-landlord Elton Darby, Jr., is keeping silent on why he did what he did. I tried to contact Mr. Darby five times in the past week, but have had no success in getting his side of the story.

I spoke with General Manager Dale Powers at URBan’s Shoals Radio Group in Tuscumbia on July 7th . He told me that Darby’s action took him completely by surprise.

Mr. Powers said that it was his understanding that lease negotiations were settled. Evidently he was mistaken. Mr. powers arrived in The Shoals last November. At that time negotiations between URBan and Mr. Darby had been on going for several months. According to Mr. Powers, Mr. Darby had approached URBan with the desire to sell the broadcasting company the property and towers. URBan decided it was in their best interest to continue leasing the property, and declined the offer. Then, at the end of May, URBan was informed that the rent on the property and towers was going up sharply.

This could not have come at a worse time. Radio stations, particularly AM stations, are having a rough go of things nowadays. Their revenues are dropping faster than a barometer in a hurricane due to a combination of forces. The worldwide economic downturn has curtailed many traditional radio-advertising sources, namely local mom and pop businesses. The second major threat to AM radio is New Media: The World Wide Web in general, and XM/Sirius satellite radio, as well as talk and music from wireless sources like the phone companies. Because of dropping ad sales, stations are trimming expenses wherever they can. And that is the case for WVNA/WLAY. Sometimes cost cutting becomes the decision point between continuing, or pulling the plug on the whole shebang.

So why the debacle? We may never know the whole story. Was Mr. Darby mad because URBan declined his offer? Was he being vindictive because the company wouldn’t pay his asking price? Did he think it was reasonable to give a Broadcaster, who had been at the site since the early 1950’s three days notice before tripling the rent? I wanted to give Mr. Darby the benefit of telling his side of the story, but I couldn’t reach him. Sorry.

This is not a simple story of a landlord-tenant dispute. This story is about the uprooting of two radio stations that have for decades been an institution here in The Shoals. They mean something to us. And when they suddenly go off the air because of a simple money dispute, and without any warning, the residents here suffer an injustice. How much money and power is enough? When is it time to start thinking about a legacy? Mr. Darby’s father, Elton, Sr., founded WVNA. His name will forever be attached to the radio station’s history, for better or worse. I find it quite ironic that the individual who may have set the wheels in motion for the station’s demise, is the son of the man who put it on the air in the first place.

*****

That was Steve's first guest commentary, and we hope it won't be his last. Since we're continuing to receive numerous guest commentaries concerning Cherokee, we will be publishing one each day in addition to our other regular material.

Here's another great update from C. R.:

Rumors of a Recall

One day after the Cherokee City Council fired the city attorney and part time city clerk, rumors of a recall have surfaced. One local citizen stated "by Monday there will be a petition out to recall the fools on the town council". On a local blog cherokeecobra.blogspot.com a post calls for the citizens to rise up and take back the town. The poster encourages all Cherokee citizens to unite and demand State Senator Rodger Bedford and State Rep Johnny Mack Marrow sponsor a bill that would allow a recall. Currently Alabama law does not allow a recall for a Class 8 Municipalities. The petition would show Sen. Bedford and Rep. Morrow that the people of Cherokee have the majority support of the citizens.

What Will Happen

Becky Watkins was hired as an part time clerk under former Mayor Mignon Willis. Becky Watkins turned in a letter of resignation. Watkins was called back into work after the resignation by city clerk Melinda Malone. While at city hall Watkins hurt herself and is now filing a workers comp claim against the city. Because Watkins was brought back to work after she resigned Mayor Lansdell fired Watkins because she was never rehired by the mayor or city council. Several citizens complained to Mayor Lansdell that the full time city clerk was taking off too much and leaving the city hall closed too often. Mayor Lansdell hired former full time city clerk Marsha Allen in the open part time position.

During the 14 July meeting Steve Glover, Patrica Mason, Mike Malone, and Joe Franks voted to fire the part time clerk Marsha Allen and rehire Councilman Steve Glover's mother-in-law Becky Watkins. Sources at city hall believe the firing of Marsha Allen and rehiring of Councilman Steve Glover's mother-in-law were illegal. Steve Glover should not have voted on the issue because it related to his mother-in-law. Patrica Mason should not have voted because she is related to Marsha Allen's son. The vote was 4-2 and when the two illegal votes are removed the issue would be tied and not passed. Since the vote was illegal, Mayor Lansdell could move to fire Becky Watkins and hire Marsha Allen again. The next few days should be very interesting.

*****

We've received several inquiries concerning Jimmy Sandlin's abrupt termination of Juvenile Officer John Winston; however, we have no further news on the situation. If any readers have additional info on this or other Sandlin terminations, please forward it to us for publication.


Shoalanda

The West Colbert Mafia?

The West Colbert Mafia? It seems that A. N. Weaver’s mordant name for Cherokee Mayor Chuck Lansdell and his supporters has stuck. We see no actual physical resemblance to Ben Gazarra in Road House, but are there more subtle ones? We’ll save that question for further contemplation.

However, it’s hard not to notice that Lansdell is always pictured in his black Fire Chief’s uniform. If Lansdell supporters openly admit the lack of official business in the mayor’s office from 9 to 5, we have to wonder how many emergencies the fire department is called to each day--or each week for that matter.

Psychologists have long realized that uniforms are used not only for identification but also for intimidation…

*****

It seems former Muscle Shoals police officer Charles Richard Michael has dropped his employment appeal. According to Tom Smith in Monday’s TimesDaily, the city is currently carrying on an "international" investigation into Michael’s conduct while on duty. We’re not sure if Police Chief Robert Evans actually said international or internal, but our reports of the infraction indicate the offense was definitely internal.

*****

After our special report on Woodmont Baptist Church associate minister Steve Thompson, a reader referred us to an urban dictionary. It seems that “Panty Waste” does not refer to feces, but to a combination of bodily fluids found in women’s underwear after sexual intercourse. Hmmm, quite an insult from a conservative Southern Baptist, wasn’t it?

In fairness to Thompson, he has apologized to Senator Denton for the language used in his scathing e-mail. We hope Denton is cleared of all wrong-doing just as quickly.


Shoalanda

A Cherokee Trilogy

Today we're publishing three views of the current situation in Cherokee, with comments as needed.

CHEROKEE TOWN MEETING, LEGAL OR ILLEGAL

A Guest Commentary By

A Concerned Citizen

It seems that there is need of some serious investigation as whether or not the Cherokee town meeting Saturday was an emergency and whether or not the Thursday meeting was legal. Were the citizens properly represented? The Government over the Municipalities should be looking into it.

Was the meeting on Thursday properly called? Are the Citizens in Thelma Lambert's District properly represented? I think not, since she refused to participate. Did the Mayor, Chuck Lansdell resign? He did get up from the council table and stated that he was going to sit with the citizens. Could the council legally proceed with voting on any issue at that point? There are many questions that need to be answered. It seems that if the council wanted to continue with the voting on any and all issues then to be fair to all the citizens all issues would have to be brought to a vote of the people. All of this immature nonsense and vindictiveness needs to stop.

It has also been brought to my attention that Ms. Willis refused to take a drug test. My understanding is that she cannot legally give anyone any instructions nor have anything to do with the gas if something arises which occasionally it does. So why has she not been let go from her position over the water board due to her criminal record and insubordination? Where are the officials on this and what are are they going to do? Something needs to be done for the town of Cherokee.

As for the legality of the meeting, Mr. Rosser, the town's attorney, stated that everything was kosher. That could possibly be overruled by the appropriate court if other concerned citizens decided to take issue with his opinion.

As for Ms. Willis, her conviction was in civil court--not criminal. We do not see how a civil ruling would keep her from serving. Her refusal to take a drug test is another matter. All natural gas departments fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FERC usually requires mandatory initial and periodic drug testing of all employees of natural gas companies. Whether the board would fall under this umbrella or not should not be hard to ascertain.

Here is a link to the FERC website: Link The number is toll free and if anyone is seriously concerned over Ms. Willis' refusal to be drug tested, I would suggest they contact them.

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YET ANOTHER FAILED TOWN MEETING

A Guest Commentary By

L.P. - Resident of Cherokee

Well another meeting was held in the little town of Cherokee. The article in the TimesDaily stated that on Friday before the close of business, the Mayor, Chuck Lansdell sent an e-mail to the City Clerk, Melinda Malone, all council members and even the City Attorney with only minutes to spare trying to get some things in to put on the Agenda for this months meeting on Tuesday. It seems he was upset that Melinda Malone did not get her e-mail. Well, Melinda Malone was upset that he accused her of not following orders and/or not opening the e-mail. Melinda Malone stated that they could look at her computer to see if she actually did receive the e-mail in the first place. We do not know if that was actually done.

There are many questions on this one. Cherokee might be behind the times a bit, but there is such thing as a telephone and fax machine. If the clerk’ s office doesn't have one, perhaps we could hold a yard sale to raise the money to purchase one or better yet maybe some will donate one to city hall. All of this miss communication problems could have been avoided if the Mayor would have picked up the phone to make sure his employee, Melinda received it or maybe he could have just faxed it or better yet not waited till the last minute and just took it their in person. It was it meant to get to her at all it sure does seem that it may have been planned to not even get to her at all. Another thing that could have made it easier is that Melinda could have phone the Mayor and asked if he had anything for her to put on the agenda since she had not heard from him all day. Hummm .... Questions, Questions. What kind of answer or comment do the Mayor and Clerk have on this?

And what is this about a law that the town council wants to write about taking away the Mayors authority? Can they do that? If they take away the Mayors authority then would we even need the council as well? The town could just become unincorporated and that would solve that problem all together. Would that be right for this little town. Ask Iron City to see if they like it.

The citizens of Cherokee think that this kind of miscommunication is unacceptable. In other places of business, the employees and bosses communicate much better that this. It is clearly seen that no one wants to communicate in a more appropriate, courteous manner here to properly do their job without all of the chaos. It seems they want to keep all the madness going. Are the citizens going to have to hire a unbiased babysitter to make sure they communicate and act accordingly?

Maybe the citizens need to send a list of people to the higher ups that would gladly take the place of the Mayor and Council and ask the Mayor and council members to be replaced immediately.

This has gone on long enough with the childish vindictive people.


The above letter was sent to us in September; we apologize that it has taken some time to publish it. The main thrust of the commentary is still valid a month later...

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Cherokee, City of Brotherly Love?

By J.J. Ray

Where else in North Alabama could you find a city council where a mayor had such an aversion for everyone on that council except for Thelma Lambert. Where else could he be overheard listening to Thelma Lambert trying to get the city clerk Melinda Malone fired? Where else could a sitting mayor openly threaten the City Attorney Daniel Rosser with the loss of his bar license for disagreeing with him? Where else could a mayor try to pick a fight with one of the council members, Councilman Glover? Only in Cherokee Alabama the home of the Hatfields, McCoys and the city council circus.

Just to make things worse I understand that the mayor is going to set up the pillory with its first resident to be Melinda Malone, if the new ordinances are passed by the city council on Thursday. If that is not enough, I understand that Thelma Lambert is an employee of a restaurant. Guess where the rotten vegetables will come from? Look out, Melinda, incoming.

If this sounds ridiculous, that's because it is. A city council is supposed to represent the citizens, as is the mayor. The question is whom does Mayor Lansdell represent? The way he conducts himself reminds me of a spoiled adolescent who does not get his way. He constantly complains about the council trying to usurp his authority. Bless his heart he is having delusions of grandeur. Maybe he thinks that Cherokee is a fiefdom and he is the feudal lord, like Lewd Lawayne in Leighton. What ever he believes he is in fact the elected mayor of Cherokee and he should act that way with some dignity and decorum. Not like a spoiled adolescent. This does not exempt the city council. It takes more than one to pick a fight.

Mr. Mayor I have a news flash for you, “ Respect is something earned, not given.” In order to receive you must earn the respect of the council and citizens. True, the title does deserve respect but the holder still has to earn it. There is nothing wrong with articulating your displeasure with the new ordinances that is the democratic way. To act as you have in the past only diminishes you. You and the council have a responsibility to the citizens of Cherokee. You were sworn in and took that oath of office. Did you have your fingers crossed when you did? That is not a part-time oath and neither is the job or the responsibility that goes with it. The same holds true for the city council whether elected or appointed. Acting like the Hatfields and McCoys bickering amongst yourselves in public does not enhance confidence, rather it breeds contempt.

Being the laughing stock of Alabama is not a great title to have for any city council. That is what it has become “ The Cirque du Cherokee” not to be confused with the “ Cirque du Soleil” of Las Vegas. Moreover, you Mr. Mayor are the ringmaster. Tickets are going fast, avoid the scalpers. Call and reserve your seat for the next performance.

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Enjoy a good read? We highly recommend two older novels: The Caine Mutiny and The Toy Sword. These two books couldn't have more diverse settings, but they do have one thing in common. Each of these novels boasts a character that could easily be taken from Lauderdale County politics. If you think these statements comprise a teaser for future blogs...you couldn't be more right.

Shoalanda

The Mignon Has Returned & Other Oddities

From C.R.:

The Mignon Has Returned

I believe the alliance between the former Cherokee City Mayor Mignon Willis and current Cherokee City Councilmembers referred to as the Burger King Four (Councilmembers Malone, Glover, Mason, and Franks) is well documented. The power was so great that a former councilmember voted to put Mignon Willis on the water board and then resigned after the vote.

Well, it appears over the last few months a fracture has occurred. During the city's bitter budget battle, sources close to the Cherokee City council reveal that the cutbacks were orchestrated by Mignon Willis. Being the good lap dogs the Burger King Four are they voted to slash money and save the city from the supposed brink of disaster. But after cutting the budget the council voted to spend over $15,000.00 on a broken down abandoned senior citizens building.

Stress Crack

The recent flip flop on the hiring of the two police officers is where the fracture started. After the huge cut back in benefits to the city employees and the cutoff of gas to the rescue squad and fire departments, one Cherokee Police Officer resigned and went to work at another Police Dept. The Cherokee City Council voted to hire one full time and one part time police officer. Mignon Willis was outraged by the hirings and demanded that the vote be rescinded. Shortly after the demand, a special called meeting was held and the city council voted to reverse their vote on the hiring of the police officers.

No Sewer for You

When Mayor Chuck Lansdell left the mayor’s seat in 2004, he had lined up a sewer grant for the city. When Mignon Willis took office she decided the grant was too expensive and decided not to pursue the sewer grant. Well, that decision has cost the City of Cherokee and the citizens that have to pay the sewer rates about $800,000.00. The sewer has fallen apart and ADEM is on the city's back to correct the problem or face fines or imprisonment. The City Council having no other recourse voted to approve a sewer grant that Mayor Lansdell secured. The new grant is about $800,000.00 more than the grant in 2004.

The Alliance Has Fallen?

Leading up to the sewer vote, Mignon Willis voiced her displeasure with the grant and told the Burger King Four to vote against the grant. Facing fines or imprisonment the council voted to approve the sewer grant. Being the vindictive person that everyone but the Burger King Four can see, Cherokee Water Board Member Mignon Willis proposed an increase of the transaction fee that the city pays the water department to collect the sewer fees. The city currently pays the water department $250.00 a month to collect the sewer fees.

The proposal that Mignon Willis got passed will increase the fee to $1500.00 a month. Who will pay this increase? The city will have to pass on the extra cost and the citizens of Cherokee will. When the sewer rates increase everyone should thank Mignon Willis for it. The Cherokee Water Board Members that voted for the increase are Mignon Willis, Chairman Puckett, and Mr. Bozeman. All eyes will be on Councilmembers Malone, Glover, Mason, and Franks. Will the Burger King Four stay in the alliance with their puppet master or will they fight this increase and try to save the Cherokee Citizens some money?

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Debbie Wilson has asked us to announce the second phase of the "America's Favorite Fishing City" contest has begun. Florence is among 20 towns vying for the first prize of 25K. The contest will end in three weeks--you may vote four times a day.

VOTE

Shoalanda

Malones, McWilliamses, & the Cherokee Library

As with many small towns, you'll be able to see the same surnames printed on various storefronts and attached to signage at various city offices. These families who have decided to remain in place in the communities in which they were born are usually those who do the most for the towns of their birth. This can be either a huge plus or a worrisome minus.

Such is the case of Cherokee, now currently in the news for more reasons than we can enumerate without looking at our notes. Two of these old family names are the McWilliamses and the Malones.

In 1966, Mrs. James McWilliams chaired the committee that brought Cherokee its first library, with Ross Malone a charter member. In 1986 Sarah McWilliams (Mrs. James?) is mentioned in Cherokee annals as paying off the library mortgage and donating the edifice to the town. Not a small financial feat, we're sure.

By 2007, Allison Paige Hite McWilliams was appointed the Cherokee Library Director by then-Mayor Mignon Willis, presumably without a background check. It wasn't until Chuck Lansdell's term that a shortfall of almost $17,000.00 was discovered. It also came to light that Cherokee City Clerk Melinda Malone had blindly notarized an (as yet) unknown legal document that was worth thousands to McWilliams. Melinda Malone is married to Cherokee Town Councilman Mike Malone.

Paige McWilliams is currently under indictment for embezzling the 17K, while Lansdell has added a private suit over the secret document said to be worth in the neighborhood of 40K. We're sure there will be more developments to follow, but for now we think there might be a big demand for printed programs to this slug fest.


Overheard at church: I wanted a diamond tennis bracelet for Valentine's and all I got was this ridiculous blue plastic white elephant from Q-Gas.

Shoalanda

What Do You Say to a Naked Man...

...at On the Rocks in downtown Florence? Apparently four Florence police officers were unable to communicate with the streaker and tased him into submission. We're sure this was a difficult choice for the officers and one that will be thoroughly investigated.

We do wonder why the bar's management failed to see the problems with this customer before he totally disrobed. Here's a somewhat dark video of the take-down:

WAFF Video

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Malware at the Courthouse Forum? For some time we've provided a link to the Courthouse Forum's Alabama site; however, this website has recently had problems with malware. Therefore, we have removed the link. If you have previously visited this site, your anti-virus software should have taken care of any would-be infections. Once the problems with this site have been corrected, we will return it to our list of links.

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Clarification: Number of Yes Votes Required for Rogersville to Go Wet

According to your reader's calculations, "Rogersville could go wet with as few as 222 voters checking yes on the special ballot."

I know what the reader is trying to say; he/she is being theoretical, based on the number of people who voted in the most recent Rogersville municipal general election. Obviously, the number of 'yes' votes required for passage of such a referendum would depend on the number of total votes cast. (I think/assume the reader is merely saying: if the same number of people who voted in the most recent Rogersville municipal general election were to vote on a Rogersville alcohol sales referendum, then 222 would be enough 'yeses' for it to pass. The reader is close. 440 people voted in the most recent Rogersville general municipal election, in which case 221 'yes' votes to 219 'no' votes would be enough to pass such a referendum.)

As you probably know, according to Alabama law, in order for an alcohol sales referendum to be placed on a municipal ballot, the petition must contain 30% of the number of voters who participated in the most recent municipal general election. (That doesn't mean that the petition signers have to have *voted* in the most recent municipal general election -- that is, it's not 30% of those who *participated* in the most recent municipal general election; it's 30% of the number of *votes cast* in the most recent municipal general election. When it comes time for a city to validate an alcohol sales referendum petition, the city will look at two things: is the signer a registered voter, and does he/she live within the town limits? If so, the signature counts towards that 30% threshold.)

FYI, as I understand it, local businessman Joe Warren didn't *start* the petition drive; his business is one of several locations at which the petitions are currently available.


Thanks to "B" for this in depth look at what may, or may not, happen in November. We are currently taking guest commentaries on the issue and will publish them as space permits.

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From C. R. in Cherokee:

Lessons Not Learned

Cherokee City Councilman Mike Malone voted to pay for a training class and reimburse the mileage for his wife city clerk Melinda Malone. The new city attorney Don Rosser stepped in and advised Councilman Malone that the vote was an ethics issue and he should withdraw his vote. The council voted to allow Councilman Malone to withdraw his vote.

During a discussion about the hiring of Councilman Steve Glover’s mother-in-law Becky Berryman Wadkins, Anna Wadkins Glover told Mayor Lansdell “he was nothing more than pure trash“. The Mayor pointed out that Wadkins has filed suit against the city in relation to a workers comp claim. Councilman Steve Glover’s wife Anna might want to look at the minutes from the December 8, 2009 council meeting. The council discussed a matter in relation to Becky Berryman Wadkins filing a claim against the City of Cherokee.

Councilpersons Malone, Mason, and Franks hired Becky Berryman Wadkins. The city attorney advised the council that they could hire someone but Mayor Lansdell had the full authority to fire that person.

The council agreed to give the senior’s center two thousand dollars to help them get through the rest of the year. The council agreed to approve all bills and invoices. One of the approved bills was for Dan Rosser. He got paid two hundred and forty dollars. He attended a 10 minute special called meeting. It must be nice. Rosser also stated he wanted a contact with the city. He wanted to know what he can bill for. He stated that the city council members are calling him almost every day and he wanted to know what to bill for.

Councilman Steve Glover was a no show to the council meeting and the big fireworks never went off. A person was unable to get a few items on the meetings agenda. The fireworks will have to wait until the next council meeting.

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Shoalanda

Coming soon...get connected!

Just Another Day in Cherokee

Just Another Day in Cherokee

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

Tuesday morning City Clerk Melinda Malone got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Malone clocked in at city hall at 8:00 a.m. Four different people saw and reported that Malone was at a volleyball game between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The game was at Cherokee High School. The concerned citizens started to call city hall to see if anyone was there and no one answered the phone. The citizens started to call members of the city council and the mayor.

When the mayor and councilwomen Thelma Lambert arrived at city hall, Malone’s time card showed she checked in at 8:00 a.m. and never clocked back out. Later on in the day, Councilwomen Thelma Lambert asked Malone why she was clocked in at work when she was not there for three hours. Malone started to raise her voice, and an augment broke out. Malone’s voice was raised so loud that the Assistant Chief of Police came out of his office to see what was going on. The next council meeting is Tuesday--we will have to see what will happen. Remember Malone’s husband is on the council.

-()-

Mayor Lansdell has hired a new part time clerk or assistant. The new part time clerk Marsha Allen was the clerk when Mignon Willis became mayor. Willis removed the clerk and police chief and hired Melinda Malone as the new clerk. Later, Willis promoted Steve Glover to police chief. When Mignon Willis was Mayor she hired a part time clerk without council approval. This is okay by Alabama law. Willis hired the mother-in-law of councilman Steve Glover. The mother-in-law has hurt herself at city hall and can no longer perform her part time duties. Mayor Lansdell moved to fill the vacancy because Malone has been taking off a lot and leaving the town with out anyone being in the city hall.

-()-

Former Mayor Mignon Willis and current City water board member believes she is above the law. Per federal law all persons responsible for gas department operations must summit to drug testing. Willis has refused to summit to the testing.

In other Mignon Willis news, she has appealed the verdict of the court case in Lee County, Mississippi. Willis was ordered to pay over $185,000. back to her former employer.

There are a lot of court papers from Florida circulating around Cherokee. In one case Mignon Willis was ordered to pay over $16,000. to the plaintiff. The suit was in relation to Willis failing to return property of the plaintiff. Court papers also show Willis failed to receive an occupational license for her accounting business in Florida. More court papers show Willis failed to pay her accounting business taxes on time for several years.

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It's been a violent week--hold someone you love...




Shoalanda