Lauderdale School Consolidation Rears Its Ugly Head

It's been almost 11 months since we've seen the subject of school consolidation broached in Lauderdale County. Is it because it's no longer being considered or due to an election drawing nearer?

At least one candidate has dared to mention the possibility, a possibility he says is not needed. That candidate is Gary Dan Williams; where do the other three candidates stand?

Let's hope all four candidates remember that the harder they oppose consolidation now, the more difficult it will be to persuade citizens that it's needed at some point in the near future. 

No matter the reason, it seems that Waterloo is safe for a few more football seasons.

Remember our aborted series on personnel problems at UNA? Problems with audio to go with the blogs prevented us from continuing. Concerned Citizen 101 has now transferred these recordings to YouTube, a site from which we can easily download them.

Beginning tomorrow, we hope to begin presenting CC's riveting accounts of machinations at UNA. While we published part one previously, we'll start from the beginning with audio properly attached.

It should be interesting...

Is the Sex Offender Registry Punishment Enough?

You may have recently read about the Muscle Shoals man who received a "sweetheart plea deal." That story has been updated to reveal that the victim refused to testify against his attacker. 

A Sweetheart Plea

The article suggests that being on the sex offender registry for life is a great punishment in itself. We cannot disagree with that statement. A sex offender is usually relegated to tree trimming and lawn care services or possibly something a little more upscale if he has enough cash to invest in his own business. Many simply draw an SSI check because they are unemployable (See Derek Logue below).

What if the registry should be abolished? This is the aim of those who call themselves "sex offender advocates." One of these is former Sheffield resident Derek Logue, now residing in some cornfield in outer Nebraska and awaiting trial on charges of first degree theft in Florida.

For years, Derek has run a website in support of sex offenders, but according to his most recent GoFundMe page, contributions are off. His goal is $1,200.00; however, he's stated he needs half that amount by the end of February or his current website is toast. 

So how much has Logue collected at the end of January? Apparently seven misguided individuals have given Derek $203.00 - in other words almost $400.00 short of his stated need by March 1st. 

Does this mean we will have seen the last of, as one blogger calls him, Loser Logue? Who can predict, but somehow we doubt it unless he's sentenced to actual prison time in Florida. We can hope.

Be sure to check out the Sex Offender News blog. If you think most of these individuals are redeemable, think again:

Sex Offender News

Not Even The Corn Fields Are Safe

The Railroad, the County Commission, & Larry Stutts

We've certainly gotten the comments concerning the proposed $120,000.00 study on a railroad overpass in Sheffield. Many mentioned past projects. While we were aware of several attempts to circumvent traffic problems in the Sheffield/Tuscumbia area, we were fuzzy on specifics. Here's three interesting facts:

1. When state senator Larry Stutts took office in 2014, he stated that an overpass or something similar would be one of his top priorities. That was six years ago. In fact, it was not long before Inspiration Landing was announced. It's hard to say which project is moving faster...or should that be slower.

2. Circa 2003 saw a plan for moving/relocating the rail tracks to bypass any towns. After seven years or so, it was finally buried due to several factors including the Colbert County Commission stating it had no business becoming involved in the matter and refusing to support it. Now the commission is all over the latest overpass pipe dream. What changed? (Note: Many Colbert citizens were opposed to this project due to the property confiscation that was predicted.)

3. Everyone should sit up and take notice of this point! During the study and pre-planning for track relocation, U.S. Sen. Shelby secured five million dollars for the project. Local government was to have provided the remaining almost four million. Just what will taxpayers have to pay to build this overpass? 

Below is a rendering of a proposed overpass from a previous study. To paraphrase Alvin Holmes, what's wrong with the plans we got?

Sheffield & Tuscumbia to Pony Up 24K for Overpass Study

Imagine the innovative idea of a railroad overpass in Sheffield...or Tuscumbia. It's mind boggling that after all the years of train delays, someone has mentioned this possibility...for the 111th time.

The Colbert County Commission is involved. Sheffield is involved. Tuscumbia is involved. Actually, Sheffield and Tuscumbia are just a little more involved since those cities will be offering up actual taxpayer dollars to help with the study. Apparently each city will pay $12,000.00 on the $120,000.00 price tag. Grant money will provide the remaining $96,000.00.

The new study is expected to take around six months. In July, a consulting firm will then tell the stakeholders where the overpass should be built. 

We're going to take a wild guess that it will be close to the proposed Inspiration Landing project now in its sixth year of planning. 

Clueless & Inept Lauderdale Educators?

A long-time friend and professional educator has contacted us concerning one of the candidates for Lauderdale County superintendent. We won't name the subject of his communication, but our friend has found him to be clueless and inept. We then asked our friend to prepare some questions for the four candidates; here's the list:

* What is your professional background?

* Why should voters select you over the other candidates?

* If elected as Superintendent, what changes do you envision for LC schools?

* Which system employees do you feel are most underappreciated and how do you plan to address that issue?

* Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

* Where do you see LC schools in 5 years?

We've already been contacted by one candidate. Props to him for being aware of what is being talked about in the community. We hope to have statements from all candidates in the near future.

With four candidates in the primary, a runoff seems almost inevitable. Nevertheless, Lauderdale voters should be prepared to make the best decision when they arrive at the polls in March.

Welcome To Alabama

Is a New Lauderdale School Superintendent on the Horizon?

There are four candidates in Lauderdale County seeking the position of superintendent of the school system. That number includes the current office holder Jon Hatton. The three who vie to unseat Hatton are Jerry Hill, Gary Dan Williams, and Scott Jones. Whoever wins the Republcan primary will be the winner of the office. Welcome to our one party state.

We would like to hear from each of these individuals in the next few days. No one who writes here knows any of these gentlemen. (What? No females qualified? Pitiful, pitiful!) With the exception of having seen photos of Supt. Hatton, Shoalanda herself would not know any of these individuals if they passed on the street. In other words, no friendships, no connections, no preconceived notions.

We do know what our readers tell us - that many are dissatisfied with Mr. Hatton. Are these negative opinions justified? That's what we seek to determine. Let us hear your experiences with Lauderdale County Schools. Please leave out any sex club stories, and we'll publish these opinions along with our endorsement.

Lauderdale County - Let's move it forward!

The Pervmore Palace Opening Draws Closer

Work at the Pervmore Palace in Tuscumbia continues on pace. We're not sure if a grand opening is scheduled, but we can easily visualize Chester McKinney and David Black at the ribbon cutting. If only there were a legal way to stop it...

If Rep. Andrew Sorrell has his way, the Pervmore in the old Four-Way Inn may be history in the very near future. He's introducing a bill exclusive to Colbert County that will require the county commission to approve any halfway or similar facility for sex offenders. Yet...

Colbert County Commissioner David Black has told various constituents that he sees nothing amiss with the Pervmore. Let's hope the other five commissioners disagree. Better yet, let's hope Mr. Black does not win re-election. 

If you live in Colbert County, be sure to tell Rep. Sorrell how much you approve of his legislation!

And I'll Be Living In Tuscumbia

Baskins & Glover: What's a Little Murder Between Friends?

This week marks the fifth anniversary of the murders of Gary Wayne Baskins and Kayla Glover. Baskins was shot execution style, and Glover's death was reportedly merely collateral damage. Shot in the femoral artery, she bled out within minutes.

While no arrests have ever been made in the Colbert County shootings, many believe the man who authorized the hit is already incarcerated. For many years, this man was closely associated with Baskins, but drew the line at theft of his ill-gotten gains.

The one-time friend is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence based on two assault cases in Lauderdale County. He's also facing a murder charge for killing a fellow inmate. He won't be home anytime soon (read: ever).

We're sure the Baskins and Glover families would like more closure than this, but it may never come. Authorities can do only so much. Without a confession in this case, the anniversary of the Lauderdale couple's death may be blog fodder for years to come. 

Kayla Glover: In The Wrong Place At The Wrong Time

Iron City Grow Not So Innocent

Since the Iron City drug bust at the end of last December, we've heard many ask "What's the big deal? It might not be legal now, but in a few years it will. Who does it hurt?"

The grow operation itself was divided into two parts. One side of the business packaged pot in its natural form; encased in plastic bags, it was to be sold for simple smoking. The other half of the operation was not that benign. 

Someone who knew exactly what he was doing extracted highly potent THC to place in vape pens. Initial tests suggested this final product was as much as 80% to 85% THC. What's currently sold in states where marijuana is legalized is never more than 30%, according to authorities quoted in a recent Fox news story.

What the Iron City Three were producing was known as "Crude Oil." This strong product is legal no where, and many are claiming it's extremely dangerous. According to the Fox article:

Detectives said making the crude oil is dangerous. Marijuana leaves are washed with harmful chemicals like propane or butane, which extracts the high inducing THC. It’s then mixed with ethanol and distilled several times to make it more translucent, ready for vaping.

Now we know why the grow house had three huge propane tanks. What we don't know is how long the Tennessee legal proceedings will continue before there's any resolution to the case. 

Alisa Lynn Balentine, 36, is scheduled for her first court appearance next month. Mark DeArman, 45, will have his initial appearance before a judge in March. Have your popcorn ready.

The (Dog) Killer Comedy Show?

Remember Justin Aaron Demastus, currently charged with shooting dead his Tuscumbia neighbor's Golden Retriever? Turns out he's a real funny guy...or at least thinks he is.

It seems he's doing stand-up at such upscale joints as 2nd & 13 Bar in Sheffield. Judging from his photo, he obviously sees himself as a sort of 21st Century Lewis Grizzard. How do we see him? It's hard to get past the image of this little man holding a SIG Sauer 9mm handgun and discharging it into a docile domesticated animal. 

The wheels of justice have not yet turned for Demastus. We'll update readers when his legal problems are settled. 

Justin Aaron: Totally Not Funny

Bullying at Lauderdale County High School?

We recently published an article concerning a lawsuit in which the Franklin County School system is the defendant. Parents are charging that admins at Phil Campbell High did nothing to stop the bullying of their son.

Now another bullying case has come to light, this time at Lauderdale County High in Rogersville. You might remember that school recently garnered quite a bit of bad press due to the extracurricular activities of several teachers. Before you mentally file these new claims of bullying in the same slot as the Phil Campbell case, you might want to take a closer look.

Most of these claims, if not all, have originated from a man who was himself ejected from a LCHS ball game for attacking a student. Yes, a grown man attacked a youth, someone who could still logically be called a child - all over a game.

Now this man is hurling claims of bullying at the school. Are they justified, or are they merely a case of revenge? We're expecting an update on this shortly, but for the moment, we vote not to place the Lauderdale school system in the wrong until more information is released.

Not Pretty In Children; Extremely Ugly In Adults

Decatur SA Shelter Charges Homeless $10.00/Night

A Tennessee Valley Salvation Army shelter has just made some big news, but not in the way it intended. After the Decatur Salvationist shelter was featured in a WAAY report on the coming cold weather, many began to chime in concerning what can be termed "business as usual" at the facility.

It seems if the temperature is 40 degrees or above, anyone wishing to use the shelter is charged $10.00 per night. 

While we understand the rationale for the charge, we wonder how many who give to the SA know that this is the policy at that particular shelter. Some who posted comments mentioned having to pay $15.00 per night. Are certain doorkeepers pocketing the difference? 

One commenter accused an employee named Kevin of threatening to "put out" anyone who made comments to the press. Another stated that while handicapped individuals were accepted on the men's side, the women's side declined such people. If this isn't a violation of quite a few laws for entities accepting government funding, we can't imagine what would be. 

The SA employee who is quoted above asked that WAAY delete some of the comments. A quick second look shows that at least some were. So much for transparency.

Donate to Room in the Inn - where everyone is treated equally!

Say What

Why Does ALFA Have Over 330K Members?

A recent article in Yellowhammer News mentioned that ALFA (Alabama Farmers Federation) has over 330,000 members. While the article didn't elaborate on how this dubious organization grew into the octopus it has become, we're happy to tell you.

Buy insurance from ALFA? Check your bill. Membership in ALFA is in the small print somewhere. We've never used ALFA, but we're told there is an option to avoid membership in that nefarious group of lobbyists. 

Better yet, just say no to ALFA altogether. Never in the organization's history has ALFA ever supported one bill that made the lives of animals any better. As far as ALFA is concerned, you could beat your cocker spaniel daily and that would be perfectly fine.

There are many, many great insurance companies out there. Isn't is time to just say NO to ALFA?

I Can't Believe You Were Dumb Enough To Buy ALFA

The Phil Campbell Coach Allowed This?

You may be aware that a Franklin County family has sued the board of education, charging racial discrimination at Phil Campbell High School. Whether you think this mother and father are being overly sensitive or not, the suit has brought to light at least one very disturbing accusation.

The student body of Phil Campbell schools is less than one percent non-white. Some may say it's normal for a school with that demographic to be a hostile environment for any black students. We don't doubt that students this age and from a certain socio-cognitive stratum can be cruel. What about coaches?

According to the recently filed law suit, the Phil Campbell High basketball coach allowed some very interesting music to be played in the locker room. No, this wasn't rap with the oft used N-word, but alternative country where the N-word was used as a slur. 

We understand that this coach was replaced by at least June of last year, but we have no idea why he left or where he is now. We have to ask why an assistant principal and principal at the school did nothing to stop this as soon as they became aware of it? 

Welcome to rural education where teachers can seduce you, then call you a dirty name when they tire of you. 

What Does David Black Stand For...and Against? Part II

We can't remember a time when Colbert County has not had a multitude of problems with animal welfare. Many of these hurdles to animal safety stem not from actual abuse, but from a lack of funding for a proper shelter and staff. Where does David Black stand on this issue?

In fairness to Black, none of the Colbert County commissioners has a very good track record of helping these less fortunate little ones. Funding has always been a problem and has not been improved since Black took over as commission chair last July.

One source tells us that Black (whom our friend generally likes) is a "simple country boy" who was raised without any feelings for animals except as a money-making tool. It's about bottom line with Black and a few dead animals in the great financial scheme to him is nothing.

So, let's see where this puts Black on the political spectrum. He supports sex offenders if his friends make money from them, but doesn't support animals if they have no intrinsic financial value. Is this a man whom you wish to continue to be your commissioner, Colbert County voters?

What Does David Black Stand for...and Against? Part I

Quite some years ago, a man moved to the Shoals and became deeply involved in many organizations and good works. He was someone who had accomplished much - most people in this area have never come close to what this man had actually done in life. Yet, he chose to add to his accomplishments. Yes, this man lied about his background and probably committed a felony in doing so. Why? Was his lust for political power so strong that it had affected his judgment? We may never know, but when this man fell from his pedestal, it was not pretty.

Now, let's look at David Black. Several months ago this blog pointed out that Colbert County Commissioner Black is not a professor at UNA - he's an instructor. Yet the LinkedIn profile remains unchanged. 

Black also claims that he is one of the founders of the Colbert County Republican Club. Some simple Googling proves that he has no claim to such. Why does he insert into his bio things that can be so easily disproved?

It's not because he hasn't accomplished much in life; he has. He just has NOT accomplished all he says that he has. He just is NOT all that he says that he is. Why?

David Black is currently running for re-election to the Colbert County Commission. He is also seemingly very much involved with the rebooted Four-Way sex offender half house in Tuscumbia. We're offering this quote from Colbert County Corruption:

On March 8, 2018 in the evening I spoke with one of our County Commissioners, David L. Black. I ask was he aware of the situation he said yes and he stated he has known for over week. I then stated that the is a priority! Commissioner Black stated he didn’t feel it was a priority. I stated that it was and Commissioner Black the said to me and I quote “ Ed if you feel it’s a priority then get on Facebook and tell it”!

•Commissioner David L. Black- you don’t think it’s a priority with clustering sex offenderS at the old 4 Way Inn!

•Commissioner David L. Black you don’t think it’s a priority that Willie Simpson is running a halfway house for sex offenderS in YOUR DISTRICT!

•BUT YOU DO THINK IT IS A PRIORITY to place one of your re-elect campaign signs in the yard of Willie Simpson’s sex offender halfway house!

Mr. Black seems to be the one with his priorities out of alignment with logic, ethics, and morals.

Report Crime News? Yea or Nay?

We constantly see criticism of reporting crime news. "It's bullying." Really? "It makes the criminal's family sad." Yes, we can imagine. "It doesn't deter crime." Perhaps not, but it does tell you whom to avoid and just who is costing you money while you support him or her in jail.

In short, just because the TimesDaily hasn't published a Crime Blotter section in 12 months, that doesn't mean other news outlets won't report on what little Johnny did to his teacher...and her dog. This week we saw the Quad-Cities Daily and Pen-N-Sword draw criticism from a certain family who is just so outraged that anyone would report on their son, brother, father. News flash: If this man didn't shy away from publicity when it was good, why should he expect to be exempt from it when it's bad? Crime is crime. Commit a crime and you're a criminal. That's not too deep to fathom, is it?

On the subject of crime, Alabamians for Justice Reform has prepared a report on how this state can be cleaned up justice wise. Much, perhaps most, we don't agree with. What we do agree with is the statement that there are entirely too many capital enhancements to the charge of murder. The number now stands at 20. Here's the list:

(1) Murder by the defendant during a kidnapping in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(2) Murder by the defendant during a robbery in the first degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(3) Murder by the defendant during a rape in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant;  or murder by the defendant during sodomy in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(4) Murder by the defendant during a burglary in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(5) Murder of any police officer, sheriff, deputy, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer, or any other state or federal peace officer of any kind, or prison or jail guard, while such officer or guard is on duty, regardless of whether the defendant knew or should have known the victim was an officer or guard on duty, or because of some official or job-related act or performance of such officer or guard.

(6) Murder committed while the defendant is under sentence of life imprisonment.

(7) Murder done for a pecuniary or other valuable consideration or pursuant to a contract or for hire.

(8) Murder by the defendant during sexual abuse in the first or second degree or an attempt thereof committed by the defendant.

(9) Murder by the defendant during arson in the first or second degree committed by the defendant;  or murder by the defendant by means of explosives or explosion.

(10) Murder wherein two or more persons are murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct.

(11) Murder by the defendant when the victim is a state or federal public official or former public official and the murder stems from or is caused by or is related to his official position, act, or capacity.

(12) Murder by the defendant during the act of unlawfully assuming control of any aircraft by use of threats or force with intent to obtain any valuable consideration for the release of said aircraft or any passenger or crewmen thereon or to direct the route or movement of said aircraft, or otherwise exert control over said aircraft.

(13) Murder by a defendant who has been convicted of any other murder in the 20 years preceding the crime;  provided that the murder which constitutes the capital crime shall be murder as defined in subsection (b) of this section;  and provided further that the prior murder conviction referred to shall include murder in any degree as defined at the time and place of the prior conviction.

(14) Murder when the victim is subpoenaed, or has been subpoenaed, to testify, or the victim had testified, in any preliminary hearing, grand jury proceeding, criminal trial or criminal proceeding of whatever nature, or civil trial or civil proceeding of whatever nature, in any municipal, state, or federal court, when the murder stems from, is caused by, or is related to the capacity or role of the victim as a witness.

(15) Murder when the victim is less than fourteen years of age.

(16) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used from outside a dwelling while the victim is in a dwelling.

(17) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon while the victim is in a vehicle.

(18) Murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon fired or otherwise used within or from a vehicle.

(19) Murder by the defendant where a court had issued a protective order for the victim, against the defendant, pursuant to Section 30-5-1 et seq. , or the protective order was issued as a condition of the defendant's pretrial release.

(20) Murder by the defendant in the presence of a child under the age of 14 years at the time of the offense, if the victim was the parent or legal guardian of the child.  For purposes of this subsection, “in the presence of a child” means in the physical presence of a child or having knowledge that a child is present and may see or hear the act.

Perhaps we could also add Murder While Consuming Oxygen?

Now There's A Crime That Demands Stronger Punishment

Remembering the Four Who Died from "Bad Heroin"

Brady Ann Irons & Ted William Wright

In June 2014, local drug task forces arrested 22 individuals involved in the heroin trafficking trade in some manner. The preceding year had not been a good one for the Shoals, at least in terms of fallout from the explosion of heroin in this area. Four individuals had died from what authorities called "bad heroin" sold by these dealers. One of the victims was a young man recently returned from Afghanistan. Dealing with the loss of a leg and other injuries, he turned to hard drugs for comfort, and it cost him his life.

Of the 22 arrested, only three were charged directly in the drug deaths. Some others faced federal charges due to guns found while searching for drugs. Most were eventually tried in local circuit courts and sent to prison for varying periods of time. 

One of the arrestees was given probation, even though she had several arrests after the original Heroin 22 take down. The name Brady Ann Irons has again cropped up - this time in Lauderdale, Franklin, and Cullman Counties. She's been accused of burglary and shoplifting/gift card scams committed with her latest squeeze Ted William Wright. Wright has quite a record himself, having served three sentences in the state prison system for theft and drug crimes.

Irons & Wright

When we linked an article on Irons' latest exploits last week, Wight was quick to contact us with several threats. Very nice guy. We think Brady may have finally met the man most deserving of her. 

So is it "low class" to comment on these crimes as one regular critic suggested? Somehow we feel it would be much worse to simply forget the four who lost their lives to this group of people, most of whom again walk freely among us. 

What Would You Make Of A Second Chance?

What Happens if Sweetwater Booms?

Over the past few days we've been sent many theories concerning the preferential treatment the City of Florence has given the Salvation Army Church. Obviously, there could be more than one reason for this; however, the most credible theory may simply be that these officials do not want either downtown Florence or North Florence to be perceived as a bastion for the hungry and homeless. Remember, the city supported Crossroads Community Outreach when it was located in West Florence and more or less out of the public eye.

The Salvationists have always been in East Florence, aka Sweetwater. Yet, that community is changing. The new hospital is only one reason the community is growing, but it's certainly a major one. In short, Sweetwater is looking better by the minute. What happens when area businesses no longer want a shelter in East Florence?

If Florence city officials think there's little to no panhandling in the downtown or North Florence area, they have their heads in a Tennessee River sandbar. If Florence officials aren't aware that the Salvationists bus people downtown during business hours, they're badly in need of Spec Savers. 

Bottom line: Simply ignoring or pushing this problem to the fringe areas isn't solving anything.

Who Snitched in Iron City Drug Bust?

Giving New Meaning to the Person Who Does for You?

For weeks, Wayne County Sheriff Shane Fisher has spoken of three partners in the huge Iron City grow operation. Only three people were caught on video entering and exiting the warehouse on Highway 13. Fisher stated multiple times that he had warrants for only three people. Now the Quad-Cities Daily has quoted Fisher as saying more arrests are likely.

Call it snitching, ratting, narking, or grassing, it would appear that one of the three named partners in the huge grow warehouse has given up some more names. All three partners face the same four charges in Tennessee and could see over 60 years in the state prison system if some sort of plea isn't reached. Pleas often involve agreeing to testify against fellow defendants and/or identifying previously unknown participants in a crime. 

Who's the most obvious choice? The next question: Does this (junior) partner know enough to make any of her information valuable to law enforcement? After all, family and friends of the Sheffield cleaning woman Alisa Lynn Balentine say she was a mere pawn in the illicit grow house. 

Parker Brothers may have a new version of Clue in the works; was it the optometrist in the mansion, the janitress in the warehouse, or the administrator in his mother's corner office? 

Charities: Are They in Competition?

Yesterday we had one reader who felt we were pitting one charity against the other. This has never been our intention; however, we want those who give to any charity to know the basics about the organization. 

We've also been asked why we haven't done more to help the woman who has been in contact with us since last spring. It's a very valid question, and we'll admit to failing this person. We do not know why she is back in the Salvationist shelter, but we do intend to work more closely with her. We will be reporting later on what her needs may be and how we can all help this concerned, articulate young woman find her place in life.

In the meantime, here's a few unequivocals for you:

Salvationist's Women's Shelter Has No Toilet Paper!

Just a few hours ago, we received a message that women were being denied toilet paper at the Salvation Army Church shelter. Sometimes we have no words for what passes as a church or an instrument for good in this world, or is that just the Shoals?

We're attempting to get more details, but in the interim...

The City of Florence doesn't want Room at the Table. No one has said there would be absolutely no problems with these nightly dinners. Does anyone think the drunks exiting FloBama or the Back Alley Bar are not a problem? And they're on Court Street!

Just a reminder: God is watching us!

Were There No Available Captains To Waddle To The Store?

Supporting Tim Melson in his Fight against the Attorney General

Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall has come out as vehemently opposed to medical marijuana. In reality, 33 states now have some form of legalized pot for medical purposes. We do not condone the recreational use of drugs, but do staunchly support the use of any drug that can cure an illness or ameliorate its symptoms.

While we have seen several criticisms of Marshall's stance, we've failed to see anyone pick up on one very odd statement. Our attorney general says that federal law trumps state law on the issue. Really? He says he doesn't support any state laws that go against federal statutes. Really? So, tell us again, Steve, how you opposed the Alabama anti-abortion bill from last year that was in direct opposition to established federal law?

We know that Sen. Melson feels put upon by critics of the Ag Center. Just because we see no future in that money pit, it does not mean we don't support him in most things, especially this issue.

Listen to Physicians, Not Steve Marshall

Steve Didn't Get The Memo

When Lawyers Fall Out: Tim Case & Tony Hughes

It's always sad when friends fall out, especially when it's public. A very public lawsuit has now been filed in Lauderdale County that pits Florence super attorney Tim Case against the recently arrested former cop Tony Hughes.

Here's the interesting timeline of their "friendship":

February 2003 - Florence police patrol officer Anthony Baxton (Tony) Hughes is arrested on charges of Domestic Violence. He retains Florence attorney Tim Case to represent him.

September 2003 - Hughes, who resigned his position with the local police, is working for Mr. Case as an investigator. In other words, Case took a chance and offered to help Hughes out when he needed it.

December 2012 - Hughes has finished law school and has been taken under Mr. Case's wing. Case thinks so much of Tony that the former cop is named an honorary pall bearer when Mr. Case's father passed away. 

December 2018 - Hughes represents Ronald Warren (Ronnie) Powell in a criminal matter involving insurance and securities fraud that reportedly netted Powell hundreds of thousands of dollars.

January 2020 - Mr. Case files a civil suit against recently arrested Hughes and now convicted felon Ronnie Powell accusing them of the systematic theft of thousands of dollars related to insurance fraud.

This is breaking news, and we have not yet seen a copy of the lawsuit. Yet from the facts that are known, it would seem that Tony Hughes allegedly found a very odd way to repay Mr. Case for his kindness over the years. The Lauderdale County District Attorney's office is scheduled to present its insurance fraud case against Hughes to an upcoming grand jury.

Jackie Chiles Weighs In On The Case

Why the Opposition to Crossroads Outreach Program?

What is Crossroads? According to its Facebook site: 

501c3 non-profit. Crisis intervention, food pantry, by appointment, street homeless services, advocacy, community outreach, workshops, events & referrals.

Crossroads is not affiliated with any one church or cult. No judgments are made here. Everyone is helped equally. Yet this outreach lost its funding over some paperwork...supposedly. We understand the importance of keeping adequate records, but changing the rules in the middle of the game smacks of a premeditated attempt to cause trouble. 

Crossroads is located downtown in the former American Legion building. Is this a factor in the city being less than hospitable to the group? Since we began a series of blogs on the panhandling situation, the downtown area has been often mentioned. Does the city wish to shunt these people to East Florence? It often appears this way. Why not simply buy them bus tickets to Outer Mongolia; that'll solve the problem? No, it won't. 

A series of e-mails between Crossroads and the City of Florence:

Crossroads:

At the city council meeting on Dec 3rd, 2019 you all voted to give Community Action Agency $139,826.67. This amount appears to include $44,826.67 which is the amount remaining on our $60,000 contract, which is minus the $15,173.33 that was paid to us for January- March 2019 services under HESG-18-009. If this in fact be the case we are curious as to how you can vote to transfer money to another agency & our contract is not terminated until Dec 9th. 

Per the contract (section L) we are to be paid for partial work completed under this contract. All of the information cited in the resolution on Nov 5, 2019 for non compliance has in fact been submitted multiple times & we have those items available & the emails with attachments showing where it was submitted. The resolution never indicated that we did not do the work it was a matter of documentation. The last attempt to submit was when we submitted items to Mrs. Borden at her office on a flash drive on Oct 14, 2019. She emailed us back confirming that it was received & that is when the new case note format was added & we were told that ADECA required more case note details. ADECA confirmed with us that was not their requirement asking for more details but the city. The constant changing of requirement was the issue it wss never that we didnt do the work or didnt have documentation. If you will review what was deemed acceptable for Jan-March 2019 expenses & documentation you will see there is a major difference in what was required then vs the requirements that were imposed in the new ESG policy that was implemented in August, 2019. This policy disallowed items that were allowed in Jan-March as well as changed the format & details required for supporting documentation. We should at minimum be allowed to submit for the work we completed & be reimbursed according to the contract. When we reached out to Mrs. Bailey on November 14, 2019 inquiring about what was needed to close out the contract we were told that nothing was outstanding or due. How is this possible when we are still under contract? 

We would love to schedule a meeting to discuss this further with you all, our executive team, media relations & legal representative. There have been so many emails exchanged were thinking this may be a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication. We believe a meeting would help to clear some of this up & resolve these concerns in a fair & peaceable manner that would allow us all to continue to work together for the greater good of this community. I know this is the goal for all of us.

Please let us know when would be a good time to meet.

City:

Melissa Bailey is currently out of the office due to a death in her family.  When she returns I will discuss this with her and reply to you.  In the meantime, please do not send anymore emails because it will not speed up the process.

Thank you,

William T. Musgrove, III

City Attorney

Now Crossroads has commented in a communication to us:

We've tried to mend things & get in compliance & have been met with silence.

Has the City of Florence simply washed its hands of this excellent organization? Are some in Florence simply looking for an excuse to rob Crossroads to give to the Salvationists? If so, why? Citizens are no longer sitting idly by as the stench continues to worsen. 

Even The Florence Homeless