Good News! State Lost Only One Million This Time!

Remember the last unconstitutional anti-abortion law the state failed to bring to fruition? Taxpayers lost a cool 1.7 million of our dollars on that one. Then just a few weeks ago, the State of Alabama lost another such suit. It had been projected that taxpayers could lose up to 2.0 million on the most recent fiasco, but lucky for us it's turning out to be only slightly over one million.

That's 2.7 million in the past few years that could have been used to fund sex education and other programs to prevent these unwanted pregnancies in the first place. But, hey, our legislature just loves to throw our tax dollars out the window on totally lost causes. 

Next session, the Shoals delegation is proposing legislation to require all public school teachers to wear garlic around their necks to ward off school shooters. We're not sure if our state needs more attorneys or more psychiatrists. 

*****

The great Facebook war on the infamous cabin cruiser is continuing. Just a thought, but no matter if the operator of the cruiser actually left the scene or not, wouldn't it be just a smidgen more important to know which boat caused the accident in the first place? Why has no one even MENTIONED that? Can we all say "deflection?"

Know That Bible Verse About Throwing Money Away To Prove You Value Human Life? No? Well, Neither Do We...

In Defense of Chris Connolly

The past week has seen two accusations of misconduct against Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly. Both accusations have come from the court of Facebook.

We have not always agreed with D.A. Connolly; however, we have never found him to be unethical in any way. Those accusing Chris now seem to have as much understanding of the law as Shoalanda does of Zen Buddhism. 

Some have brought up a recent case in which Kathleen Emma Boggus was granted youthful offender status. How is Connolly responsible for that? He and former judge Mike Jones (who was assisting) fought against it. If you have problems with this allegedly wanton young woman receiving that status, you should contact Judge Gil Self who made the decision.

That brings us to the June 8th boat crash on Shoal Creek. How is Connolly responsible for a report issued by Lt. Chad Pate? 

The process is not hard to understand:

1. A man kills another man in a Florence poker game. Florence police detectives investigate, then file a report with the district attorney's office.

2. A sex offender rapes and kills a Center Star woman, Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies investigate, then file their report.

3. Two vessels collide on Shoal Creek, killing passengers. Alabama Marine Police investigates, then files its report with D.A. Connolly's office.

Unless new witnesses come forward, the district attorney's office simply uses the initial reports to make its case in the boating deaths. The district attorney has only what Lt. Pate has recorded. If something has been omitted, how is he to know? If something has been falsified, how is he to know?

If anything has been omitted or falsified, look to the Alabama Marine Police, not the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office.

****

We'll add that a boat's registration can't be illegally changed anymore than your motor vehicle's can. It's recorded not only at the local courthouse, but also in Montgomery. We're pretty sure that the whole state isn't in cahoots to cover up any shenanigans with the cabin cruiser or the speed boat. 

So theoretically, someone could lie about being the cabin cruiser's operator, but not about being its owner. As Dr. Walt Duncan once said, it's not rocket surgery.

Banned from the Colbert County Jail?!!!

If you think it's bad to be banned from this blog, how would you like to be banned from the Colbert County Sheriff's Department/Jail? Guess what? Someone actually is.

And that someone is the Cherokee police officer we blogged about yesterday. When we first heard that this officer was banned from the sheriff's office, we weren't quite sure what to think. After checking, we discovered that it's true. The man is apparently so rude and disruptive that he's not wanted in Tuscumbia, at least at the jail.

On the citation front, we have two good news items. First, a legal eagle tells us that if there are actually no crosswalks in the Town of Cherokee, it would be very difficult for anyone actually to jaywalk. So, there's your defense, all you wanton illegal street crossers.

Second, if you want to protest the police department's treatment of Cherokee citizens, you can ask to be placed on the agenda of the monthly town meetings. These are held every first Tuesday in the month. The next is Tuesday, August 6th, at 4:30 with a second meeting following at 5:00.

Remember, it's fine to protest to us at Shoalanda, but if you don't protest to the Cherokee city government, you won't get anywhere.

Pictured: The Two Most Effective Cherokee Council Members

The Cherokee Police Did What?

Several weeks ago, we received a communication concerning at least one Cherokee police officer who was abusing his power in that small Colbert County town. Now we've received a link to a petition concerning unfair citations.

It would seem to boil down to an issue of priorities. How prevalent is jaywalking in Cherokee? Isn't a warning preferable to a non-custodial arrest? Or is it all about money?

What else is going on in Cherokee? Have you read some of those Tishomingo, Mississippi, crime reports recently? It would appear that 99% of the drug dealers in Cherokee have their own personal little route into Mississippi where they make the most money. Wouldn't is be nice if Cherokee police cleaned that up on their end before these miscreants made it to Tishomingo? Just a thought...

Want to support the good people of Cherokee? Here's the petition link:

Stop the Citations

Remember: Always Wear Clean Underwear in Cherokee

Connected to the QCD & PNS? No

According to the boat crash rumor mill, our blog is in cahoots with the Quad-Cities Daily and Pen-N-Sword to publish misinformation concerning the June 8th Shoal Creek boat crash that claimed two lives. We're basically going to address that fallacy in this blog, but in case any readers are out of the loop, our blog has  been so dishonest as to state the cabin cruiser moved to the shore when it actually moved to the marina. Pardon us if we're not nautical enough for some, but isn't that the same thing? Isn't the marina on the shore? That should tell you the mentality of some of these newly acquired critics.

So has the QCD and PNS likewise been publishing false news about the crash? It's pretty easy to look at their sites and see what's been published. Here are two lists.

From the QCD:

Two Dead...

Names Released...

Contrary to Rumor Mill...

Identity of Cabin Cruiser Owner/Operator...

You will notice that the most recent QCD article names Mark McBryer as both owner and operator of the cabin cruiser. We have linked some of these articles on our FB page, but have nothing to do with the content. If you have problems with content, please contact the QCD.

From PNS:

Two Die...

Operator of Cabin Cruiser...

Owner of Boat Arrested...

PNS has amended the last article to clarify that Wooten was the operator. If you have problems with the content of the above three articles, please contact PNS.

As to banning, yes, we will ban you for filthy language. It's our longstanding policy. Do we enjoy doing it? Not usually, but if you've just accused us of taking illicit money from homicidal killers to cover up their guilt, yes, we do enjoy it a little.

Don't use profane or vulgar words, don't make libelous statements, don't threaten anyone, and you won't be banned. Pretty simple!

A Letter to Danny Pettus

We've recently seen several complaints about a dangerous situation with a Franklin County Road. According to residents, the county commission has not done its job in two years. What if the commission had failed to act properly in 13 years? Here's a letter to the Lauderdale County Commission from Mr. Hank Thomas of Waterloo:

Danny, it has been 7 months since Doctor Parrish was killed in an accident on Paradise Drive and nothing has been done to eliminate the cause of the crash. We still have blind hills and curves. The signs that are on the road have ivy growing on them and some are not visible. The undergrowth on the sides of the road also block views of oncoming traffic. 

You have said AT&T must move some poles, but we have curves and hills that are blind to oncoming traffic that are not in any way impacted by poles or any utility facility. Please get us some relief. 

We have had 2 deaths on the road caused primarily by the design of the road. We have asked for help for 13 years starting in 2006 and still nothing. The road was widened by a resident of the road at his own expense or it would be worse. When you were elected we thought, now some action would be taken. The citizens living on the road and those that traverse the road deserve better and safer road. 

In closing we had an accident at a construction site on Paradise Drive about 2 weeks ago, and I was told the ambulances could not make it up the road. Thank goodness the volunteer fire department had equipment they could send to assist the injured parties. Look forward to any plans the county has to correct the defects on Paradise Drive. Thanks Hank

Paradise Drive After Latest Widening Effort

Two Boat Crash Players: Chad Pate & Mark McBryer

Yesterday's blog certainly provoked quite a few comments. Many impugned Chad Pate and Mark McBryer. We do NOT know either gentleman, but we are happy to publish any information that we can verity about the two. At this point, both are public figures.

William Chad Pate:

1. Sergeant (possibly just promoted to lieutenant) in Alabama Marine Police. A recent article in the TimesDaily refers to Pate as a lieutenant. 

2. Assistant Commander in the Northern Division of Marine Police of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Northern Division covers 1/3 of the state.

3. Age 47 - Born October 19, 1971.

4. Per Facebook, married to Niki Marie Pate, 37. Birthday 9/24/81.

5. Father to two girls, one boy, and one Labrador.

6. Current Address in Town Creek at 1500 County Road 414.

7. Possibly a native of Foley, Alabama.

8. Has misused the term "Jet Ski" in previous official statements. Jet Ski is a trademark of the Kawasaki Company and should not be confused with the generic "personal watercraft" aka PWC. This could conceivably create legal loopholes in court proceedings.

9. If you wish to file a complaint concerning Sgt. William Chad Pate, contact Chief Steve Thompson at 334-517-2950. 

Mark Lee McBryer:

1. Age 58 - Born April 1, 1961.

2. Current Address at 109 Creekside Drive in Florence. Previous address is 126 Willow Drive in Tuscumbia.

3. Previously lived in Royal Palm Beach FL, Loxahatchee FL, and Tuscumbia AL.

4. Married to Teri E. McBryer, Age 58, Birthday 9/2/60.

5. Owner AllSouth Home Improvement.

6. Business Phone is 256-460-9685.

*****

After looking over this material, we do have one or two questions:

1. Has William Chad Pate been promoted?

2. If so, when was his promotion?

No One Left Scene of Boating Accident

We would like to make lucidly clear that we do not know the operator of the cabin cruiser involved in the deadly June accident on Lake Wilson. We have no idea who else was on board, so we can't say that we do or don't know any of the passengers or the boat's owner. 

Neither do we know Ross (Trey) Wooten. We are casually acquainted with Mr. John Odem who is Mr. Wooten's attorney, as well as being married to Mr. Wooten's sister. 

In other words, we have no interest in seeing the truth kept hidden in this horrible accident. Just the opposite; we wish for all facts to be perfectly clear.

One statement that we have seen repeatedly is that the cabin cruiser left the scene of the accident. Sgt. Chad Pate of the Alabama Marine Patrol has been quoted as saying the boat did not leave the scene. Why is there confusion?

Yes, the cabin cruiser traveled the short distance to a marina and docked. According to accounts that we have read, the hull of the cruiser took a blow to the bow. In this case, the operator is correct to dock as soon as possible (in a nearby place) to prevent further injury to human life. 

We do NOT know what statement the boat's operator made to the Marine Patrol, but apparently the investigators were satisfied that the boat's pilot did not intentionally leave anyone in the water. 

Just as an aside, if we were on a boat that was taking on water, or was thought to be taking on water, and no one was attempting to make it to shore, we would give new meaning to the term "hissy fit." We suggest everyone read A Night to Remember. 

(Sorry About the Sub-Titles)

How Complicit Are Pharmacies in Local Opioid Abuse?

Since these data are from seven years ago, some of these pharmacies are no longer in business. Do the figures really tell us anything? Perhaps they only back up Rogersville and Leighton's high ranking in opioid prescriptions. Or that they're located near a physician who likes to prescribe opioids.

Some years ago, we spoke to a pharmacist who worked outside the Lauderdale/Colbert area. She was lamenting the fact that tramadol had been placed on "the schedule," or in other words had become a scheduled drug. After we agreed with her take on the matter, she then really began a rant about hydrocodone moving up on the schedule. We didn't particularly agree with her opinion on that, so we guided the conversation in another direction. We wonder how many pharmacists feel as she did?

Perhaps the salient question now is will the DEA make any more changes since the publication of this data in the WaPo article? Think any pharmacies will be declaring bankruptcy? 

It's Possible...

Opioid Scripts? Colbert Comes in Fourth

Number 4 - Colbert

Number 3 - Franklin

Number 2 - Marion

Number 5 - Winston

Number 1 - Walker

Five counties, all close to home...or perhaps home itself. These rankings are for the entire state, not just North Alabama. Just how sick are we? 

If you live in Colbert County, did you get 85 opioid scripts a year between 2006 and 2012? Let's say you had none; who had your 85? Your pool boy? Your child's teacher? Your minister? These are questions we should be asking ourselves. 

Think about it. If you regularly take hydocodone, wouldn't a physician give you a script to last a month? In other words, you would get 12 scripts a year. Who in the wonderful world of Hunter S. Thompson gets 85 scripts a year? That's more than one a week. 

Rogersville may be the number two town in the state for opioid prescriptions, but at least Lauderdale didn't make the county list. Thankful for small favors?

Tomorrow: Just what pharmacies are filling these scripts?

Hey, Anyone Ever Tell Ya These Cones Taste Like Vape Pens?

Rogersville, Leighton, the List Goes Dopily On

Last week the Washington Post published an extremely informative article on opioid prescriptions in the U.S. As we understand it, the statistics used involved mainly hydrocodone and oxycodone and didn't involve any of the lesser drugs or cough syrups, etc. Each state was summarized, and the results were surprising, at least to us.

Which towns had the highest script rate? Which counties? Which pharmacies filled the most scripts? How is this information helpful to us other than becoming a source of gossip?

Are physicians to blame? Are drug stores complicit? How is this information going to be used? Will it help or will it unfairly penalize those needing certain drugs in order to have any quality of life?

We're going to look at cities, counties, and pharmacies. First up is towns/cities:

Rogersville is a Dope Town

The above article was just published by PNS. As we finished reading it, we checked our e-mail and discovered even more information on these revelations.  

We will note that not everyone filling a script in Rogersville may live there. If there's a physician noted for giving certain drugs, patients may flock there from miles away. Instead of heading home to their local pharmacy, they may simply stop at the closest one whether in Rogersville or elsewhere. 

Still, this isn't the type publicity Rogersville is seeking (we hope). First drag racing, then corrupt school boards, then attacks on elderly females, then elected official suicide, then those deadly vape pens. Where will it end?

You Can't Be Too Safe. We Will Now Close All Pharmacies, Mini-Marts, and Day Cares. We May Even Close the Rogersville Lutheran Church Just to be on the Safe Side.

Here's a Great Charity: Socks for Satan

Does simply doing a good work make a charity acceptable? We are extremely tired of those who say that the Salvation Army Church is wonderful simply because it has a shelter and feeds the homeless (mainly with donated food). The work is wonderful (if carried out properly), but the church is not.

If doing a good work is what counts with you, I suggest you give to this ongoing work in the Pensacola ares...Socks for Satan. These socks are much needed in the humid Florida area among the homeless who are prone to contract foot infections. 

We don't have a local chapter of the Satanic Church, but wouldn't be surprised to see one any day. No, most members are simply those who argue against religion in general and don't believe in Satan any more than we believe in the Great Pumpkin. They feel the name gets attention. We can believe that!

*****

Years ago, we did a blog on the Dollar Tree (of all places). Like many retail outlets, the store took up school supplies in the fall. A good work.

They put out a basket and a sign and ask you to purchase a school supply. After a few weeks, they call someone from a local school and ask them to pick up the merchandise. The store is out no money, but in fact has made money from the project. We're not saying this is wrong, but it's hardly the most charitable action we've ever encountered. Yet this business gets mucho publicity and is lauded as doing something great.

It's an old saying; it's a simplistic saying; it's a wise saying: Use your head for something other than a hat rack!

Haven't We All Thought This from Time to Time?

Why Is Colbert County Agin Everything?

We've certainly seen the new Florence hospital many times travelling north on Singing River Bridge, but until the other day, we'd never really seen it. We'll have to thank the new roundabout for making us travel east on Veterans Drive to make a meeting on time.

We topped a hill, and there it was. It appeared to hang low in the sky like Shangri la. To say it's a thing of beauty is quite the understatement. Yet, Florence almost didn't have this wonder. We still wouldn't if Colbert County had its way. The powers that be were agin it.

They've been agin several new Colbert County Jail concepts as well. Now they're agin any increased funding of the county animal shelter. Is there anything the Colbert County Commission is actually for?

That is, not counting re-election?

Charles Hovater's Latest Publicity Shot

Why Don't Colbert Businesses Pay a Penny?

The debate on restructuring funding for the Colbert County Animal Shelter is just getting heated up. If funding could somehow be based on negative words from the county commission, the shelter would have enough cash on hand to last until 2100.

Why has no one mentioned one glaring problem? Funding is currently based on electric meters in the three major Colbert towns: Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield. But wait...it's not all electric meters.

That's right, the $1.05 payment per meter is based solely on residential electric meters, not business meters. So if a sick, stray dog shows up at the Walmart front door, will animal control be expected to come take care of the problem?

The current formula is a joke in itself, but to exclude businesses from the mix is one of the most idiotic ideas we've heard in a long time. Doesn't tax money from these commercial entities go toward schools? As far as we know, McDonald's hasn't fathered any children recently. 

There needs to be a new funding formula. By putting off the decision, Colbert County governments are only making the matter worse. Then again, these are the same governing bodies that routinely take shelter supplies from the private sector and barely say thank you. 

Be sure to say "Thank you" to these politicians during the next election cycle.

Three Reasons Not to Support the Salvation Army Church

If you have no interest in Christianity, you can simply skip this one. If you wish to follow Christ's teachings, you should read this very carefully. In 2015, the Salvation Army Church issued a news release on five ways it was different from mainstream Christianity. We'll look at three of them today.

2. Military Hierarchy - Unlike the traditional structure of the Christian church, the Salvation Army is organized more akin to a military organization, according to The Christian Courier. It starts with a general, who is located in its London headquarters. The general communicates with a chief of staff and orders are followed down the chain of command. 

Interesting...the Bible mentions elders and deacons leading autonomous congregations, not generals and captains and God only knows what. Certainly most who contribute financially to this religious cult have no idea.

4. Baptism is Not Required

The Salvation Army believe baptism is  unnecessary for salvation. Water Beach Salvation Army UK offered several reasons for this on the organization's website. The Salvation Army founders viewed baptism as a ritual some Christians use to replace having a genuine inward spiritual relationship with God. However, Salvation Army members do have the right to become baptized in another church if they so desire.

Hmmm, We've always thought it odd that Baptists, despite their name, believe this, but they will baptize you. Salvationists won't. 

5. Do Not Partake in Communion

Salvation Army Christians do not partake in communion. They do not condemn the use of sacraments, nor do they "deny that other Christians receive grace from God through using them," according to the Water Beach Salvation Army UK. They also explained the Salvation Army believes that living a holy life and receiving the grace of God can take place regardless of whether an individual participates in specific religious rituals or not. 

And this! We're pretty sure it's not a ritual, but a commandment: This do in remembrance of Me. 

On a positive note, we've learned that two, or perhaps more, have volunteered to act as plaintiffs in a FFRF suit against the City of Florence over the proposed shelter grant (strings free gift of our tax dollars). The gentleman who originally notified the Wisconsin group is attempting to arrange the details. More later. 

This Has Absolutely Nothing To Do With Today's Blog, But We Thought It Was Hilarious!

Lights Out on O'Neal Bridge?/Charles Hovater

Readers are reporting that the lights on the north end of O'Neal Bridge are again unlit. This is Florence's responsibility. When this was a problem previously, numerous complaints resulted in quick repair/policy change. Yes. it is a safety issue. If Florence can illegally give money to a cult, it can fix the lights on the bridge.

*****

If you rent, did you know that your landlord can't have your utilities shut off unless there is a serious building code violation? If you've had that problem, contact us. If you need to know your rights, here's a great guide:

Landlord-Tenant Laws

*****

Prince has started his new "Bite List" and has placed Colbert County Commissioner Charles Hovater at the top. Hovater obviously has no sense of the shelter funding problem. Actually, Hovater has no sense whatsoever. More to follow...

*****

We recently mentioned four Colbert County towns and their appropriations. We included Leighton which has taken it upon itself to establish its own animal control laws. The town either needs to rescind these laws or kick in the electric meter funding that Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield do. More on this later also...

Charles Hovater - Leading By Sheer Jowl Intimidation

Tuesday Is "Bite a Colbert Mayor Day"

Several Colbert towns have city council meetings tomorrow. They will be looking at increasing funding for the impoverished animal shelter that serves the four major towns and the county. Let's hope the councilpersons do the right thing. If they don't...

A Homeless Woman Writes to Mayor Steve Holt

A woman has written Mayor Holt concerning the conditions at the local Salvation Army Church shelter in Florence. She also sent copies to District 1 representative Kaytrina Simmons and to our blog. Ms. Simmons has answered the lady we will refer to as "M.D." Mayor Holt has not, at least when we last heard from M.D. Here is her letter:

Dear Mayor Holt,

Knowing what you all know about how people at the Salvation Army are treated & you still support giving them money. You all were elected to look out for us all in the community but its obvious you dont care about the homeless. Why cant the city build a human shelter thats not religious or apart of a church you built one for animals with no problem & you can buy fireworks for the 4th of July. I hope you can live with yourselves. Just last week a man spent over $100 for pizzas because they didn't feed us. They put us out & off the premises no matter the weather at 730. We can only stay 30 days & while their they only help the Christians who participate in their church activities & then you cant come back for 1 year. Do you even know the rules, what goes on & what the city is really supporting. I know they are Christians but they do some awful stuff to their residence. What do they need a kitchen for when they cook food & take it home or have volunteer appreciation cook out & offer us nothing. And the new lady does not try to help in any way. Shes mean like a warden & wont help us find housing after you have funded them.

You may want to look into this before it is publicly exposed that you knew & did nothing to help but gave them OUR money. No food most days & now were being told we have to leave Aug 1st. Where will we go?

Please dont take a stand on something without correct information. Ask us homeless folks we will tell you.

That is a sad commentary on the situation at this shelter. If others have accounts, either good or bad, if you send them, we will publish.

The Captain Handles the Homeless Situation

We were going to end our blog with the meme, but this is so upsetting we have to add that these Salvationists should be rode out of town on a rail, not receive any of our hard earned tax dollars! How can this cult treat people that way?!!!

A Salvation Army Anti-Gay Timeline

Are you gay?

Are your relatives gay?

Are your friends gay?

Then why do you support the Salvation Army Church?

Here's a brief modern timeline of anti-gay discrimination from the Salvationists:

1986
The Salvation Army collects signatures for a petition to stop the New Zealand legislature from decriminalizing homosexuality. The Homosexual Law Reform Act passes anyway.

May 1, 2001
An internal document from the Salvation Army says the charity has a "firm commitment" from the Bush administration for a national regulation shielding it and other religious charities from city and state laws barring discrimination against gays and lesbians, The Washington Post reports. The Salvation Army never discriminates in who it serves, says senior official George Hood, but being forced to hire gays "really begins to chew away at the theological fabric of who we are."

2004
The Salvation Army threatens to leave New York City if Mayor Michael Bloomberg enforces a new ordinance requiring all groups with city contracts to offer benefits to the same-sex partners of employees. Bloomberg, who opposed the ordinance, doesn't enforce it.

June 21, 2012
Maj. Andrew Craibe, the Australian Salvation Army spokesman, goes on the radio program Salt and Pepper, where gay hosts Serena Ryan and Pete Dillon ask him about his organization's assertion in its official Salvation Story: Salvationist Handbook of Doctrine that practicing homosexuals "deserve to die." "So we should die," Ryan tells Craibe, who replies: "You know, we have an alignment to the Scriptures, but that’s our belief."


Each of us has his/her own belief system. We hope yours is based on the Bible. Scripture may not condone homosexuality, but it DOES NOT tell us to wish death upon anyone who practices it. Whether it's Roy Moore or the Carbon Hill mayor or the Salvation Army Church, God isn't pleased.

Think the City of Florence should give money to the Salvationists for a homeless shelter? Ask the local Captain if he would hire a gay cook or housekeeper to work there. We'll wait for you to get back to us.

I'm the Current Salvation Army General. Please Don't Call Me an Elder; I'm More Important Than That and Don't You Forget It! Salute Soldier!

Welcome to the Roundabout Comedy Show?

Comedy gold. We absolutely MUST have 24 hr cams pointed at that roundabout! If someone will 'donate' the cams....I'm willing to do the install, provide the web development, hosting and all maintenance. Once a month I will make short run vids of the hijinks taking place.

Will the new East Florence roundabout turn into comedy gold? A friend has suggested (see above) a YouTube channel devoted to this modest modern marvel. We agree; just add a little Benny Hill type music and it's sure to be a comedy hit (every pun intended). Our entrepreneur just needs the cams. Readers? This could be bigger than the UNA Lion cam!

*****

Speaking of UNA, there has been no update on the alleged Mattielou Hall rape. Since there's a person of interest, we don't believe students need to be excessively concerned for their safety. We do believe that all students, especially the females, need to be vigilant at all times.

Old Meme, New Evidence

Spirit of Freedom/Handy/All the Rest - Meet the 30 Year Rule?

We've seen several individuals blaming the City of Florence for both a downsized Independence Day celebration and the discontinuance of the Handy parade in the city. Things change.

We've mentioned the "30 Year Rule" before. Thirty years is roughly considered one generation. Look at almost any small business; look at popular clothing designers, and look at local celebrations. Most evolve or die out altogether in a span of 30 years.

Chicken & Egg Festival in Moulton? Dumpling Festival in Athens? Sam Phillips Festival in Florence? All are long gone. Let's just be happy that we have the W.C. Handy Festival to promote. 

*****

Have you seen the headlines? Portion of Roundabout Could Open in 14 Days? Then underneath in a smaller font: Same Portion of Roundabout Could Close in 15 Days?

If You Thought the Sheffield Railroad Tracks Killed People...

Florence Taxpayers on Hook to Defend SA Grant

At least two who blog here live inside the city limits of Florence, perhaps three. We pay taxes. We live in a state that is willing to defend defenseless positions with our money, millions of dollars of our money. Now the City of Florence will in all probability be defending a lost cause in a suit brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Why? Yes, we need a homeless shelter, but we don't need one run by the Salvation Army Church. We have received two new expose's on this church and will be publishing them shortly. When we say expose', we mean concerning the local church, not the national organization. Neither one paints a pretty picture of this group.

We also understand that there is a holdup with the matching state funds, so perhaps our money will not be so unwisely spent after all. To all individuals we say, give wisely! Room in the Inn and Room at the Table are excellent charities. Remember them the next time you make your charitable contribution budget.

Meanwhile in Muscle Shoals

Comments on Salvationist Church

While we reported on the Freedom From Religion Foundation's objection to the City of Florence's Salvationist grant a month ago, the TimesDaily has just now picked up the story. Here are some pithy comments from various sources:

1. Just for comparison sake, what if tax payer funds were contributed to an Islam mosque for the same purposes. Would you have objection? I have a problem with tax payer money funding them. Just as I'm sure there are many in the area that would be outraged if taxpayer money funded the same thing at a Satanic church.

2. As long as the shelter remains separate from the Salvation Army I think everything will be fine. But in my past experience, all of those that were housed there were required to participate in religious services. I have had homeless clients in the past that refused to stay there because they were atheist, agnostic, or some other non-Christian religion. It was very sad.

3. So what happens if the SA decides to discontinue these extra activities. The building is already built on Salvationist property, so how does the city get its investment back?

4. The Salvation Army is just one step behind Roy Moore in its anti-gay rhetoric.

But First, Let's Send Your Money to Virginia (and Maybe Mexico)

Tales of Two Tainted Eateries

No, this doesn't belong in Quad-Cities Cuisine; this blog relates tales of two local food establishments treating customers badly. First, a story you may have already seen on Facebook:

So I’ve been debating if I should post this or not, last Thursday night me and a group of friends went to eat at Umi in Florence after work. I paid for my meal with my debit card and we left a cash tip. I check my bank account every day so I just happened to pull it up and she I had a charge for $31.85 from Umi, my total was $21.85, I am notorious for just signing my name and going on about my business. Well to make a long story short the waiter we had decided to give himself a $10 dollar tip on my card! Lesson learned to always mark thru the empty tip space or leave zeros or something. I’ve called Umi and they still have no refunded my money! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ Big difference in my signature and the writing for the numbers if u ask me!

Who done it? Was it the server? We've seen managers perform this little slight of pen; the server never knows, and the manager pockets the extra cash. Luckily this lady was aware of what happened and put the kibosh on it.

Next, a tale from another reader: 

My mom and Dad are in their early 80s. They eat lunch at the Shoney's in Muscle Shoals, AL every Sunday due to it having a 'Bteakfast Bar'. They have been doing this for several years without incident; until today.

Today, my dad went up to the breakfast bar to get eggs. This was at about 11:40am. There were none to be had. There was bacon, sausage, etc, but no eggs. He inquired about more eggs from a waitress and was informed that no more eggs would be put out because they were changing their serving times. The waitress asked him if he would like to order eggs from the kitchen. He ordered 2 and returned to sit with my mom.

A few minutes later the eggs arrived, followed by a white, middle-aged male claiming to be the Manager. The manager asked my dad why he was causing problems, then told my dad he could leave if he didn't like the service. My dad said there was no problem and he just wanted to finish his meal in peace. The manager kept pressing the issue, to the point that my dad informed him that he was going to call corporate and lodge a complaint. At this point the manager told my dad to leave or he was calling the police. The manager then left the dining area. 

When my dad went to check out, the hostess and waitresses apologized for everything. My dad stated that he would be filing a complaint. The hostess provided him with a 1-800 number and my parents left the building.

As my parents were returning to their car, the manager ran out after them, yelling that they were trespassing and my dad would be arrested. My dad, a Vietnam veteran, turned and went back to the door of the restaurant and informed the employees at the register that the manager had followed them into the parking lot and was threatening them. At this point the manager screamed for my dad to leave or he was calling the police.

My dad is very upset over this incident. I would like to think that this was an isolated incident and not indicative of Shoney's policies.

The Latest in Downtown Frog Pond

Some People Won't Even Admit Being an Auburn Fan

One of the basic tenets of life is to treat everyone as we would wish to be treated ourselves. This isn't always easy. Another basic tenet? Hire the best person for the job. Is it a woman? Hire her. Is it an African-American? Hire him or her. Is it a gay person? Hire him or her. Pretty simple, isn't it? Do we need more special laws? Do we need more accommodations for any special groups?

According to some we do. Here's a scorecard for Florence compiled by a Human Rights group concerning the city's treatment of the LGBTQ community:

Florence Scorecard

It's certainly something to consider; however, much of this is unrealistic for many reasons. An LGBTQ liaison for the police? We don't even have a mental health liaison working 24/7...a very sad fact.

How about employment? Most applicants won't even admit to being an Auburn fan, much less discuss their sexual orientation during a job interview. Is this really a fair criterion? 

Shelter provisions? The city doesn't offer anyone shelter. You'll be lucky to get a ride to the Red Cross shelter if you're caught in a city natural gas leak. 

No, the Florence score of 12 is not indicative of who we are as a city. That being said, let's strive to treat everyone as we would wish to be treated, shall we?

You're Not From Florence Originally, Are You?

Thank & Like These Pages!

Pages on Facebook dedicated to animal welfare aren't difficult to find, but what about actual news sites? While not dedicated exclusively to local animals, the Shoals is lucky to have two sites that dedicate major space to animal adoption and welfare.

First, the Quad-Cities Daily. This "online newspaper" regularly features a list of animals available for adoption locally, as well as featuring upcoming fundraisers for our furry friends. Be sure to like the Quad-Cities Daily on Facebook:

Quad-Cities Daily

Next is Pen-N-Sword. PNS is a news magazine that regularly presents not only upcoming animal centered events, but offers investigative reporting into local situations and lobbying in Montgomery. Like to be sure not to miss any of its articles:

Pen-N-Sword

Thanks from all of us at Shoalanda Speaks!