Covenant Christian Headmaster Accused of Malfeasance

 

Covenant Christian School is an above average, private, Christian school located in TUSCUMBIA, AL. It has 198 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1. Tuition is $5,650 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 90% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college. Niche

Go to the Covenant School website and search for "Lee Campbell." The result will be "nothing found." Why?

According to WHNT News, Dr. Campbell has been placed on administrative leave for failing his duty in a recent terrorist threat by a 14 year-old student. What was the threat? That has not yet been made public*; however, Campbell failed to notify the families of students who may have been affected by the threat.

Anyone else find it odd that a student whose family is paying over 5K a year would make such a threat? The student was taken to a juvenile jail and not sent for mental evaluation. That does not bode well for anyone involved.

What's the difference in a headmaster and a principal? Apparently about 5K a year tuition.

*A private source has told us the student threatened a "mass shooting." Sad the headmaster didn't think parents should have been notified immediately. 

Child Rapists to be Released Starting February 1st?

 

Pictured is Joshua Dale Price. The 43 year-old inmate is currently serving a ten year sentence for a sex crime involving a child. His inmate profile is clearly marked with an "S" and the victim labelled as a minor child.

Yet Price is on the state list of inmates receiving early release. If you haven't heard, on Wednesday the ADOC will begin releasing 369 inmates on a new experimental program aimed at reducing prison population and (supposedly) providing more monitoring of those released. Those convicted of a sex crime involving a child are not eligible for this program...or so we've been told.

Everyone knows the rules and regulations involving our prisons are in a state of disarray. We don't have the answers, but we certainly have an opinion on releasing ANY sex offenders early, much less one whose victim was a young child.

Contact your state legislators now. We're sure they're busy with trimming their toenails and other pressing matters, but if enough call, we can stop this!

Sheffield: The City That Could, but Won't

 

The day-to-day operations of the City of Sheffield border on 'the abysmal'. Its city streets are falling apart, derelict buildings and cars abound in almost every neighborhood, and illegal dumping goes unaddressed. Yet, the city continues to throw taxpayer $$$ at a boondoggle called Inspiration Landing. Where's a good State audit when one is needed?


Respectfully,

Remember when they built the McFarland Golf Course in Florence? When naysayers predicted flooding, the city pooh-poohed the idea. How many times did the course flood before it was finally scuppered? Then came the tourism office. No, they promised, it wouldn't flood. No, it doesn't, but the roadway and walkway do. Bring your water wings if you want to get in on a very wet day.

Now think about the land Inspiration Landing will be (might be) built on. Those who know, say the property will flood, at least the area closest to the river. Is that why no one is snatching up those residential lots?

While we don't live in Sheffield, J. and at least one more blogger do. We urge you to attend every council meeting to ask why the taxpayers are still losing money each month on the resort from Hell.

Did we hear someone say Bennett Pugh for mayor?

Facebook Doesn't Like Chick-fil-A?

 

Facebook has a feature called Moderation Assist. Supposedly computerized moderation, it's often inconsistent. The past week, we've had blogs on arrests of two men whose families came to their defense, often using some choice words. We also had several comments from LCHS fans that lacked genteel presentation, so our Hidden folder was brimming over.

Looking back at some of the comments, we're unsure why FB removed them, but assume it could have been for a suggestion of violence. One comment was particularly puzzling. The only word not common to many posts here was "Chick-fil-A." 

If you post a polite comment and fail to see it, send us a PM, and we'll check. Just remember, if you comment on a post that's later removed, your comment will also disappear. Moderation Assist enables the user to restore any hidden comments, so we have returned the eatery to its rightful place in restaurant comments. 

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Giving thanks where due: Mayor Andy Betterton has now made assurances that the Florence Skate Park will be upgraded. From what we have read, the park will be better than before in a few weeks. We do wonder why it took the mayor to get things going?

Mexican Vacation Delays Kelly Crotts Trial

 

We recently posted info on three upcoming trials of interest in the Shoals/State. At that time, we mentioned the February dates were not written in stone. Now the Kelly Crotts trial has been postponed two months until April.

Crotts' attorney is reportedly vacationing in Mexico the week of February 2nd. Meanwhile, Crotts' alleged victims and their families remain in a cold Lauderdale County awaiting justice.

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Congratulations to Chad Coker on his new position with the Alabama Bar Association. It's Colbert County's loss.

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Reminder: We've received several reviews on the Stew Shack and Smokin' Jalapeno on Shoal Creek. If you'd like to comment, please send your comments now. We'll be getting these reviews up soon.

Alabama Pays 1.7 Million to Defend Transgender Law

 

Alabama is a state that proclaims parents have the right to choose what's best for their children, yet the legislature won't allow parents to assist a child in changing gender, or at least the appearance of gender. The state has passed laws making it a crime to provide medical assistance to these underage residents. Now these laws are being challenged. Anyone surprised?

So far, our fair state has spent 1.7 million in legal fees to defend this law. It has hired experts from as far away as Canada, Australia, and even that bastion of liberalism California.

What happens if the parents make a wrong decision? We're sure many mothers and fathers make wrong decisions each day. That doesn't mean Nanny Bammy is a good idea...or a cheap one.

Wake up and make some noise!

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For those who asked, we now understand that DHR has removed two boys from the home that Ricky Fountain and his wife shared in Colbert County. Fountain will be allowed to see the younger boy who is his biological son. Please pray for these toddler half-brothers.

Legislature Wants Your 7 Million for Rocket

 

Remember the soon to be razed Saturn rocket that sits in extreme Limestone County? Now state senator Mack Butler has declared since the rocket has been in place for over 40 years, it can't be moved without a 25K fine. Really, Mack? Even though it's supposedly about to crumble onto no one knows what below?

Have no fear; Mack and some of his cronies have a plan. For only seven million U.S. dollars, the rocket can be taken apart, painted/welded, and then put back together. Even better it won't "cost the state" since the legislature expects the adoring public to fund the work in a kind of GoFundMe scheme.

Is there anyone out there who thinks our state legislature serves its purpose? Remember, Montgomery already has one zoo, why do we need a second one?

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A little quiz for readers: If someone thinks the word "swarthy" is a racial insult, is that someone male or female? We say he almost always has to be male. Which readers can tell us why?

A Little Swarthy For You - No Extra Charge

Lauderdale County High School Flashes KKK Signs?

 

Photo Provided by The Avenger

Our old friend The Avenger Returns:

This is the "victory" pose from the boy's varsity county championship basketball tournament held on 01-21-23. LCHS was the winner and the players posed for a picture. See anything unusual?

Notice the hand gestures. This is not the normal way to signal the number THREE. As in; three years in a row as county champions. Maybe this was "kid's playing a joke". But; it really isn't funny to be flashing known Klan gang signs, even for high school students. It is not considered a good "look" in much of the country. This is just piling onto Rogersville's image problem and the school; instead of correcting this behavior, is posting the picture on their facebook page. It is sad to have this stain on the picture of the championship win. 

One wonders, did it ever cross the mind of any ADULTS in the room (parents, coaches, or principal) that one day these young men may want to apply for college, or graduate school or a position in a company outside of Lauderdale county or the state or the region and have to explain this picture? Flashing gang signs, especially those associated with a known hate group, can prove detrimental at an interview. What does it say of the ADULTS who go along with the "joke" and publish the picture anyway? A laugh riot and getting one on the "libs", I guess. At what cost to the kids? You can't blame the young players. 

Somewhere, maybe they got the idea it is "cool" to flash Klan gang signs. Maybe they didn't know it was a KKK hand gesture. Either way, once again there should have been an adult in the room somewhere thinking about possible consequences. And at the very least protect the boys from their immature actions by not publishing the picture. And perhaps in the future; their feelings of embarrassment and shame. 

Anybody remember shame? This is not so much about PC (Politically Correct) as it is adults who are DP (Deplorable People) who do not protect the children and laugh at their own twisted joke. "Have you no shame, sir" may come back to bite many who revel in ignorance and promote hate someday. Let's just hope it is not at the expense of these fine young athletes. Teach your children well, Rogersville.

A Tale of Two Protests (Florence v. Sheffield)

 

We're not particular fans of public protests since many don't seem to end well...as in they sometimes end in arrest, violence, or even death; however, we are ardent fans of the First Amendment. The past few years have seen several protests in Florence and the surrounding area. While we may not support the causes at the root of all these protests, we do support their legality.

We commend the City of Florence for handling these protests in a conservative manner and thus keeping our fair city out of the Daily Mail. Have other local towns performed as well as Florence? Sadly, no.

Pictured above is a small protest held in front of Pope's Tavern, a city owned museum. Someone inside the museum called authorities on the protesters, obviously believing the First Amendment applied to only some. Whoever called soon saw the Florence Police, after speaking with the anti-Brian Murphy group, simply bid the group a good day and depart the scene. Bravo, FPD.

Now, let's look at Sheffield, the City on the Bluff or Center of the Shoals or Landing Inspirationist or whatever the term dujour. Some months ago, the Sheffield Police were called to a one-man protest of the Sheffield Public Library. 

Mr. Jack Eastep was protesting what he saw as elitism at the town's public library. In today's world, many libraries do serve as the daytime home of the otherwise homeless. While this sign may have meant well, it bears no signature and is certainly subject to interpretation. Mr. Eastep decided to protest this public library policy, but was not even located in front of the library itself. He was initially charged with creating a public disturbance and resisting arrest (he asked the officers their names).

Some time later, Jack found that he was also charged with a third misdemeanor. He had been accused by the librarian on duty that day of harassment. Was there anything threatening in Eastep's behavior? A quick look at the officers' body cams should provide the answer, but so far he has been denied that.

If we give the City of Florence an "A" in its handling of the Brian Murphy protest, we have to give Sheffield a "D" for arresting Mr. Eastep. This is not a good look for the city, a city with enough current problems to float either a battleship or John Elkington, whichever is larger.

You Won't Know How He/She Died Until the Trial?

 

Over the years, we've spoken to families of various murder victims. They usually mention not knowing any details from the autopsy report or seeing any photographs until the trial. Is this necessary to protect the integrity of the case?

Alabama law: 

State (citation)	Direct Limitations on Disclosure
Alabama (Ala. Code § 36-18-2)	Autopsy reports are public records and have no direct limitations on disclosure.

Obviously, making a legal case comes first, but family rights should be considered. It seems the family of a Colbert murder victim has been denied the right to look at her autopsy. This could have been the result of Bryce Graham leaving office and heaping any lingering problems on Mr. Hughston. We've already heard many complain about the unfairness of this.

The murder in question was no accident. The accused should be easily convicted of Felony Murder and given a Life with Parole sentence according to law. Judging from historical records, this would mean serving approximately 30 years before he sees freedom, if then.

We've just linked the details of this case in a Facebook post. The crime was so gruesome that we don't wish to publish them a second time in our blog. If this was your family, as hard as it might be to take, wouldn't you want to know what the autopsy said?

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In 2023, the State of Alabama still employs/elects lay coroners in almost all counties. This means the coroner is not required to have even a college degree...in anything, much less medicine. 

No, we don't think that will change anytime soon, if ever. It's the cheapest way to go, and who cares how someone died if they were dumb enough to be murdered. Right?

Yes, we do have excellent state pathologists, but a little required training for county coroners would be nice. That and no carrying around unclaimed ashes in county cars for months.

Andrew Sorrell Refuses State Vehicle

 

The Shoals' own Andrew Sorrell has a beautiful wife, cute daughter, lovely cat, and...a Chevy Malibu that he will be driving for the foreseeable future. That means he won't be driving a vehicle that we the taxpayers funded.

Presumably, Andrew is Sorrell's middle name, but we're pretty sure the term "common sense" is included in there somewhere. How many others in this new administration refused a state car? 

In fairness to Gov. Ivey, she's cutting back on needless expenses by doing away with the state motor pool by October. We salute her as well as Auditor Sorrell!

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Worried about the Redstone rocket falling across I-65? The state's tourism office has said the landmark has become unsafe. NASA says it has become unsafe.

Rep. Andy Whitt of Huntsville disagrees and will be fighting to keep it. Whitt is a banker by profession, but like recent legislators who dabble in medicine, he appears to be a self-proclaimed authority in rockets or welding or something.

Doesn't our legislature make you proud?

Sheffield Buys Four New Body Cams - Won't Give Out Video

 

Sheffield mayor Steve Stanley has announced the purchase of four new body cams for the city's police officers. It would be nice to know the videos taken by these body cams would be available to citizens who asked for the recordings.

Jack Eastep of Sheffield has been especially vocal in criticism of the department which won't offer up the video in two minor cases the town has filed against him. One case involves parking while the second involves a sidewalk protest in front of a public building. In other words, Mr. Eastep is hardly a serial killer.

Yes, it's almost impossible to fight city hall without the bank account of an Elon Musk. We simply wonder why this gentleman is having to fight to get the videos. As we understand it, no other private citizen is involved. 

A little transparency would go a long way here...

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Speaking of Mayor Stanley's public announcements, wouldn't an update on the tremendous progress at Inspiration Landing be a welcome addition? 

John Elkington has promised more work in the first quarter of 2023. Three weeks down and ten to go. Everyone holding their breath?

Missing Man's Body Found Near Girlfriend's Home

 

There are statistically few unsolved murders in Lauderdale County and the surrounding area, at least percentage wise. One is the six year old case of Andrea Susan Forbes. We have just republished last year's blog on Andrea's case.

The same can't be said for murders and missing persons just to the south of the Shoals. Justin Kyle Lovett was first reported missing eight months ago in Hamilton. During that time, there were no new reports with the exception of his family begging someone to come forward with information. It would seem Marion County does not exert the effort Lauderdale does to solve such cases.

Then earlier this month, a crime blogger from out of state featured Justin's case. The next day the Hamilton authorities found Lovett's body 1,000 feet from the home of his girlfriend, either the last or next-to-last place he was seen.

It would seem it's always good to light a fire under someone's feet in cases like this. We don't know if Mr. Lovett committed suicide as Hamilton police had postulated or not. No matter what the family trauma, not everyone kills themselves. 

What can help Florence police find Andrea's killer? What can help Tuscumbia authorities find the murderer of Elbert Farley? 

We have a much underused suggestion: Prayer. It does work and it should not be the last resort. Unfortunately, it usually is. Please take a moment to ask God to help law enforcement find these two murderers and bring them to justice. Please...

Did Jerry Jordan Benford Get a Sweetheart Deal?

 

Previously: Jerry Benford Arrested

Jerry Benford was a teacher/coach...

a Baptist youth minister...

a son, husband, father...

and a cousin to Sec. of State John Merrill's wife.

Three month ago, he chose to plead to one charge against him, that of having sex with a then 17 year-old student when he was 28. Boys will be adulterers, right? Of all the girls out there to cheat with, he chose the one who would get him arrested, cost him his teaching license, and destroy his marriage (if his wife had any common sense).

While Benford hasn't yet been sentenced on the one charge, his plea deal calls for 18 months in prison, six months in community corrections, and finally probation for a set number of years. If he should violate the terms of community corrections or probation, he would return to prison to finish out a ten-year sentence.

Did we say prison? Here's the sweet part of Benford's deal: He can serve the 18 months in the Franklin County Detention Center if he wishes. We assume no one will be betting that Benford chooses an actual state prison. Upon his release, he'll be required to register as a sex offender.

Benford turned himself in three months ago, spending the holiday season behind bars. Please don't weep for him, we're out of tissues. No, despite the conviction, Jerry Jordan Benford got off incredibly easy. 

If our state legislature really wanted to pass a great law, all sex offenders would be forced to wear tee-shirts identifying themselves as such.

Have Kids? You're Not Entitled to Fun

 

In March of last year, Florence police pulled over a young woman for driving under the influence. The woman, who was innocent of underwear, proceeded to flash her nether regions not once, but twice. Besides a DUI, the inebriated driver was charged with two counts of indecent exposure.

We saw several in the Shoals defending this woman as a responsible mother of two toddlers. Responsible? We seem to have missed that. These commenters felt that the young woman was entitled to have some "fun" from time to time. Our take is that at best it depends on one's definition of fun, and at worst, a mother of a young child should be home sober with her offspring.

Now we have a beautiful young mother shot dead shortly before 2:00 a.m. Sunday in Tuscaloosa. We're sure she felt entitled to go to a club on a Saturday night to have some fun. Yet that decision cost her life. 

Our takeaways: 1. Be sure to have "fun" that's legal and in a safe place and 2. If you have a child, you have a responsibility to put it first for 22 or so years.

FPD Warns of Downtown Parking Problems

 

With the loss of the downtown Florence parking deck and a long wait for its replacement, the City of Florence can expect parking problems. Now the police department has issued a press release telling would be violators their vehicles will be towed if parked on private lots owned by local businesses.

The population of Florence reached its peak in 2019. Since that time, the number of Florence citizens has shrunk by almost 1,000. So the downtown area may be "growing," but the city isn't. If the population isn't expanding, why is traffic downtown?

Forty years ago, perhaps even 30, you would have been hard pressed to find a place to eat on Court Street, especially after 5:00 p.m. Now the town's high street boasts more neon after dark than some Nevada communities. With these eateries comes alcohol. It's been well over a year since we've heard of any major problems resulting from alcohol sales downtown, but parking woes grow.

A manager at a local Subway told us months ago how difficult it was to keep the Court Street location's parking lot free from squatters. We can imagine it's even more so after the opening of Mugshots. 

Solutions? We're thinking downtown businesses need to hire their own monitors to enforce non-trespassing on private property. At least it's one deterrent. 

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A reader sent us a pithy thought on why the population of Florence is shrinking:

Maybe the exodus from Florence is driven by people with a burning desire to vote for the county Superintendent of Education?

Tomorrow is Blue Monday

 

Almost 20 years ago, a psychologist analyzed data and determined that the second Monday in January was the saddest day of the year. His markers included:

1. Short days

2. Cloudy, cold weather

3. Emotional let down after the holidays

4. Christmas bills

We'll add three more causes mentioned in other studies:

5. End of football season

6. Divorce filings to start a new life in the new year

7. Minor respiratory illnesses most common during this period

On Saturday, there were at least three reported suicides in this area, with one more reported during the week. We have readers who want this topic put on blast, while others want it all covered up and never spoken of.

We have always believed it a positive thing to talk about suicide. Nothing just goes away without help (except perhaps that minor cold mentioned above). So what can you do?

We hope to bring more services to the news in weeks to come, but first make sure everyone is aware of 988.

That's 988

It's a 24/7 hotline similar to 911 or 411 that offers emotional support to anyone, especially those thinking of taking their own lives.

If you don't want to live for yourself, live for your family or friends. They deserve better than having to live the rest of their lives wondering how they failed you.

Sen. April Weaver Needs to Brush up on her Topic/Rep. Ed Oliver Needs to Go

 

April Weaver is a State Senator from Alabaster. Like many others, Ms. Weaver has jumped on the "Good Time" band wagon. This past week, her opinion on the state's correctional incentive time law was featured in several state political publications.

That law is currently in such a state of flux that the end result may be a deep six of the law altogether. Our problem with Ms. Weaver is that she didn't care enough to check her facts. She claims the name of the program was changed at some point from Correctional Incentive Time to Good Time. No, it wasn't. We're guessing most state lawmakers can't pronounce words of more than two syllables and simply use the latter term instead.

Weaver also claims that the program begins upon day one of incarceration. In truth, it begins on day 31. While it's a small error, it proves the State Senator simply decided to write something without checking her facts.

That leads to State Representative Ed Oliver from Dadeville. He recently took it upon himself to claim thefts of supplies at a VA home in his district. He then took it a step farther and implied nurses had been euthanizing patients. We sincerely hope the nurses working at the Bill Nichols Home in Alexander City are suing him for whatever paltry life savings he may have accumulated.

Our state deserves better. If we don't demand improvement in our representatives, we're not going to get it.

Contact Your Leaders? You'll Get "No Response"

 

Our friend Mark White of local broadcasting fame has recently been focusing on a former Montgomery police officer currently incarcerated in the death of a citizen who ran from law enforcement. We don't know if this LEO received justice or not. What we do know is that when Mark contacted several state leaders over a possible commutation of the sentence, he received no response.

We've blogged on this before. Our personal experience and the experience of many who write here has been abysmal when it comes to receiving any acknowledgement of communications to local leaders. Due to the current Florence City Council, there has been improvement in that area.

Why would the governor of a state not remit at least a perfunctory reply to a citizen? Why would local county commission members turn a deaf ear to citizens who sought improvements in facilities?

If you have attempted to contact local and state leaders, but received absolutely no response, send us the details. We will publish your accounts and keep a registry of those those who thumb their noses at the citizens who elected them.

Three Upcoming Trials in February?

 

Three legal proceedings of local and state interest had been scheduled for February. Where do they stand now on dockets?

First is that of Richard Kevin Hester. Hester is accused of the Capital Murder of John Thomas Call. His Colbert County trial was originally set for August of last year, but was postponed until February of 2023. Will Call's family finally see a trial in his shooting death or will there be still another delay?

Second is a February 2nd Lauderdale court proceeding for Kelly D. Crotts, the Central community businessman accused of sexual crimes involving three underage boys. Crotts' last court appearance was in October 2022 when he was denied permission to live out of state in Mississippi. Crotts' alleged victims are eager to put these legal proceedings behind them. Let's hope the system sees no delays in his trial.

Third of interest lies to the south in Autauga County where former state representative Will Dismukes is accused of First Degree Theft from a former employer. Dismukes is of interest to all citizens of Alabama due to his former roles as an employee and later paid shill for ALFA. He was indicted 20 months ago and was scheduled for trial in January. Dismukes' attorneys managed to secure a month's delay, and the ALFA wonder boy should finally see a resolution to his case in February.

None of this is set in stone; we'll update the status of these three trials if more information becomes available.

Reader Accuses Bill Jordan of Skate Park Neglect

 

At one time, the City of Florence bragged that its skate park was of the same caliber as parks in much larger cities. Now a reader is accusing Park & Recreation director Bill Jordan (son of council president Dick Jordan) of total neglect of the facility.

From a reader:

The Florence skate park just off Chisholm Rd. is about 20 to 25 years old. Since it was built it has had no upkeep. The park is open seven days a week and sees a lot of use from skateboarders, rollerbladers, and young kids on moto-cross bikes. Things are literally falling apart and Bill Jordan has not answered requests for maintenance let alone any new equipment. We'll be complaining to the Florence City council about this neglect in an upcoming meeting. Please join us.

Obviously a park this old needs regular maintenance. Let's hope Mr. Jordan puts this facility at the top of the list to upgrade. We don't want to see any of these skateboarders on city streets. What say you, Mr. Jordan?

Now Steve Marshall Wants to Prosecute Rape Victims

 

The last published polls indicate 65% of Alabama citizens believe induced abortion should be available to women who become pregnant as the result of rape. Unfortunately, the state's legislature is not currently allowing that option for these victims.

Now Attorney General Steve Marshall has carried it even farther. If you've been keeping up, you know that the federal government has stated it's legal to send abortion drugs through the mail. Marshall has now shot back that any woman who takes such drugs received via the mail will be criminally charged. 

In case any have doubts about Marshall's policy, the U.S. government will sue the state, and Alabama (that's us tax-paying citizens) will be required to shell out thousands of dollars to defend an unwinnable lawsuit. Oh, and in case you're also wondering about this, Marshall has not yet officially charged those state industries revealed to be using under-aged labor. He certainly cares about children, doesn't he?

Do You Ever Wonder Why Steve Marshall's Wife Killed Herself?

No, the FPD Isn't "After Him"

 

Someone sent us a link to a statement made by one of our regular bad boys. In this post, the frequent flyer claims the Florence Police Department is "after him." He also mentions another blog that has posted articles on his numerous arrests.

Did we say numerous? Since February 2018, this local bad boy has had at least 23 separate arrests. That's not counting charges - just arrests. Does anyone the right side of the law actually think the police have it in for this offender? Does anyone think these arrests have been the fault of anyone but the offender himself?

Sure, there may be a few dishonest law enforcement officers out there, but most are simply doing their duty in protecting Florence and Lauderdale County. That includes county judges who have also issued warrants for this man. 

Before you blame the police for this man's troubles, take a look at the charges against him. That goes for a few others who claim that they're totally innocent and merely the victim of a vendetta or envy. 

Florence police officers do their job...and for that we're very grateful. 

Is Time up for Dr. Von Braun in Huntsville?

 

Wernher von Braun died over 45 years ago. Each year that passes brings more information concerning his Nazi past. Needless to say that's problematic; he was obviously a terribly flawed genius whose early allegiance was to whomever would help him achieve his goals. That never stopped the City of Huntsville from honoring the onetime SS member with accolades at every turn.

You may not read it in the Huntsville Times, but the news outlet Forward has reported that a bust of the rocket scientist was removed some time ago from the Space and Rocket Center Museum. Even more recently, a non-political Von Braun quote was taken down from the walls of the museum. 

Alabama Museum Removes Quote

Honors to former Nazis are not rare; Forward has reported over 1,500 such monuments, etc., worldwide. The most interesting aspect of this mini-purge is the lack of news coverage. It hasn't been that long since the removal of a Confederate memorial made front page news, but this? Zilch in Madison County. Surely Kyle Whitmire or Josh Moon has something to say about these events?

Note: You have to pay to read Forward. If you're looking for a completely free source of news on events not often covered in this state, try the JTA.

Inspiration Landing Year Nine: Time to Throw in the Towel?

 

The year 2023 marks the beginning of the ninth official year of plans for Sheffield's Inspiration Landing. What does the City have to show for these nine years?

1. Several lovely dead-end roads to nowhere.

2. A beautiful short stretch of black fencing by a defunct music venue.

3. A large eye-catching sign at the entrance way.

4. Two USDA loans totalling $2,748,000.00, on which 13 payments have presumably been made.

5. A long list of changing promises from Memphis developer John Elkington, complete with publicity photos of smiles and handshakes.

If we've left out anything, we apologize. We now have to ask why the citizens of Sheffield are continuing to allow their leaders to keep up this farce?

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A tale of two brothers:

Joe spends a few hours each week scanning city streets for discarded metal to sell for cash. He makes around $50.00 a month from this endeavor.

Jim spends an equal amount of time driving to a nearby state to purchase $100.00 a week in lottery tickets.

Jim often criticizes Joe for wasting his time on his scavenging hobby, but Joe just laughs. At the end of the year, Joe has an extra 600.00 in his bank account, while Jim has spent $5,200.00 with nothing to show for it.

Isn't the City of Sheffield a lot like Jim who constantly brags of what his future will bring, but in reality will have nothing to show for time and effort except some huge bills. Better to think small and actually have something, no?

Will Ag Center Open in Ten Weeks?

 

It seems the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office has its own posse; it's officially called the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Posse Mounted Patrol Division. In ten weeks, the volunteer organization will be holding a rodeo at...the Ag Center on Highway 72. Big Ta Da!

The organization's Facebook page shows a committee selecting from four sites on Ag Center property. We assume everything will be portable. In other words, don't expect working toilets or sinks. 

A spokesman for the group has said there will be seating for between 1,500 to 1,800 paying customers for the two day event. Will there be protesters? We have no idea, but the annual rodeo in Limestone has successfully managed to keep them at bay for several years. 

We wish the organization the best, even if we don't personally support that type of money-making endeavor. Or should we say money-making attempt? We predict cool March weather combined with the lack of amenities will keep many at home. 

If any of our readers do attend, send us your reviews of the Ag Center set up. Perhaps Inspiration Landing can learn something.