Special: A Word on Four Mayors

 

We've had someone ask about reader commentaries on local mayors. We can tell you this:

1. Tuscumbia Mayor William Foster - Very few comments sent to us. Some wonder if he'll run for a full term in 2025. Others think he should watch his back concerning whom he hires to promote the city. Nothing substantial concerning his job performance.

2. Sheffield Mayor Steve Stanley - Mainly readers asking if Stanley is obtuse enough to think he can win a second term. Some just ask how "dumb" Stanley is in general.

3. Muscle Shoals Mayor Mike Lockhart - Readers criticize his exorbitant spending, his lack of care for most employees, and his favoritism for other employees. Some complain he spends too much time with a judge pal. We never hear of anyone who is even slightly happy with Lockhart, aka Lockhard. 

4. Florence Mayor Andy Betterton - Readers complain of Andy's demeanor at work, stating he curses in front of anyone. Others complain about his napping on the job or his frequent trips to the county court house complex. Still others complain of his lack of respect for department heads and lament the misplaced votes of citizens who were led astray concerning Mayor Holt's job performance.

These observations all come from readers, most of whom actually work at the various city halls or some who visit regularly.

 

Voters, What Say You?

"Send Them Both Home!"

 

From a Muscle Shoals reader:

It's apparent that the employees of the City of Muscle Shoals are not valued by Mayor Lockhard and City Clerk Mrs. Walter’s as they continually cut their benefits and hours from what they were promised.

The underlying question is: Why? Is it about paying for the luxury vehicles they buy for themselves with our taxes, or the redecorating of city hall, or the new landscape, and certainly not the little ice rink and porta-potties? One has to ask what is their motive?

We have seen increased taxes and fees for businesses, and citizens and employees have had their work schedules cut resulting in poorly maintained grounds and facilities.

What drives the hierarchy of Lockhard and Walters? Are there financial issues they are hiding? How deep and wide is their abuse of our finances?

One thing you can’t hide is our public servants, the firemen, policemen, street and sanitation department employees. They are the ones that are tirelessly working to keep us safe. While they work morning, afternoon, night, weekends, and holidays away from their families, Mayor Lockhard and City Clerk Walters are enjoying their evenings, weekends and holidays with their families. Driving their families around at our expense in luxury vehicles. Imagine not being with your children on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, birthdays, and other important milestones and events in their lives like our public servants often are.

Lockhard and Walters are a curse to the future of our once great city. Our employees deserve better. Our citizens deserve better. Our children deserve better.

We need a change!!! Vote 2025. Send them both home.

*****

Besides being Leap Day, February 29th is also called "Bachelors' Day." On this day, single women can ask single men to marry them. It's an old Irish tradition not to be confused with Sadie Hawkins Day, November 13th.

So, girls, what are you waiting for?!!!

Two Endorsements

 

March 5th is fast approaching. Today, we're making two endorsements for local/regional offices. First, we're happy to endorse Dr. Allen Long for our State School Board - District 7. Dr. Long is an allopath who practices in Sheffield. While we see some dog whistles in Dr. Long's political flyers, we believe he's the best choice for a position that becomes more difficult with each passing year.

Our second endorsement is for the Superintendent of Colbert County Schools. Our mail ran five to one in favor of Nathan Fuller. Looking at Fuller's campaign literature, his financial expertise in establishing and managing a budget stands out. 

While we have been disappointed that neither Fuller nor Heather Miles provided us with any more detailed insight into their visions for the future of Colbert County Schools, we're happy to endorse Nathan Fuller for the office of Colbert County School Superintendent.

Dr. Allen Long

Nathan Fuller

Fentanyl Bill Passes House

 

Many of you either knew or knew of our former blogger who passed away last year. He died from mental illness in general and a drug overdose specifically. We have heard the drug he took was fentanyl. While we're not sure fentanyl was the cause of his death, we know of many others who have taken the opioid and lost their lives.

Now the Alabama House has passed HB 10 which will make selling or giving a fatal dose of fentanyl a crime that falls under the umbrella of manslaughter. The bill now goes to the Senate to be approved there.

Unless you know that the drug comes directly from a pharmacy, don't take it. It's simply not worth it.

*****

Hi, I'm Kevin. I'm a ten-week old Pit Bull mix. Come see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park on Roberson Road:

More Trouble for Muscle Shoals High Baseball?

 

We have a new complaint from a Muscle Shoals High parent concerning Belacky Beck:

It appears as though it hasn't taken the Varsity baseball coach at MSHS long to fall right in line with the tried and true way the faMily does things. Word around campus is, unless you have the right connections, you won't be allowed to participate in certain team activities, like practices and games. However, if you're talking about field maintenance, there are plenty of opportunities. Coach may have a team full of horticulturalists, but it remains to be seen if that strategy produces winning baseball. Could it be that lack of player development contributes to a lack of on-field success?

Funny, we always thought Belacky's lack of success came from the fact that he has very little athletic skill. Who knows?

*****

Hi, I'm Dexter. Yep, it was all fun and games until I wound up in a cone. I'm a Staffordshire Terrier mix of unknown age. Come give me a look at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

J.D. Crowe Has the Best Idea/Thanking Tim Melson

 

Since there will be one place on the ballot for Alabama Supreme Court Justices without an incumbent, political cartoonist J.D. Crowe has a brilliant idea:

Write-in: Frozen Embryo to be Named Later

*****

Sen. Tim Melson is one of two state legislators to introduce legislation declaring embryos not attached to a uterine wall are not human after all. Most in the medical profession consider conception to occur in two stages. 

Catholics are an exception to this. They don't believe in IVF, but teach that embryos must be formed naturally - just don't have fun while doing it.

The two stages? Fertilization and Implantation. It's not, as Dr. Walt Duncan says, rocket surgery. Fertilized eggs which don't attach to the uterus in about two weeks simply dissolve and leave the woman's body with her natural cycle. No murder involved.

Thank God, quite literally, that Dr. Tim Melson is alive to present his legislation. Tim carries a great deal of weight in the Alabama legislature. We believe this is one reason God allowed Tim to live through his MI and return to his position in the state senate.

Again, thank you, Dr. Tim Melson.

Home for Displaced Shoals Veterans

 

It's been a long time in the making - at least five years. Now a Sheffield house is ready to serve displaced veterans of the Shoals. One can argue that many groups are overlooked in the Shoals, but United States military veterans are at the top of the list, not just in the Shoals, not just in Alabama, but across the country.

Now Community 360, a local non-profit based in Tuscumbia, is doing something to help any veteran in need of a hand up. The home will serve any veteran, but has room to offer temporary shelter to eight who have served our country.

We'll have more on this later, but in the meantime, anyone needing more info or help can contact Wendy Snitzer at (938) 646-3838.

*****

SHE-nanigans in Muscle Shoals

 

First, a letter from a Muscle Shoals citizen:

Not only have Muscle Shoals City Employees had their benefits and pay cut by the infamous Mayor Mikie Lockhard and City Clerk Mrs. Brittney Walters, they have now treated themselves to BRAND NEW 2024 CHEVROLET TAHOE'S - of course, fully loaded. 

Check this out:  https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/tahoe

Working people in the city don't have a chance, but if you think you are safe - Get ready citizens and businesses - tax increases are already planned to heap on top of  the other TAX INCREASES this city council has put on us since Mikie Lockhard and Brittney Walters have teamed up to run the city in the ground.

REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU SEE CITY FEES, TAXES,  ELECTRIC BILLS AND GROCERIES GET HIGHER AND HIGHER and think about Mr. Lockhard and Ms. Walters running the roads and going on vacations at our expense. The working people deserve better than these 2 clowns and their 3 stooges on the city council taxing us to death so they have more money to spend on themselves and their fancy trips.

Mikie, his girl, Brittney, and the 3 stooges gonna be run out of town - VOTE 2025 and get rid of the moochers, liars, and thieves.

We have to ask how many of us drive a three year-old vehicle? The good mayor says his predecessor received a new vehicle every two years and his current city ride is three years old. Second, how many city clerks are given their own ride courtesy of the municipality for which they work?

We'll have more on city clerks and their salaries soon.

Which Ta-Hoe Did Mikey & Brittany Choose?

CITY CLERK BRITTNEY WALTERS SAYS THANK YOU TAXPAYERS...

 

...I LOVE MY 2024 CHEVROLET TAHOE.

Keep paying those taxes

MAYOR MIKIE LOCKHARD can now drive in comfort on all his trips

The above was sent by an irate Muscle Shoals citizen.

Whataburger? What a Shame!

 

The 02/20/24 Florence city council meeting was mainly uneventful. The agenda was house cleaning items although this reporter was glad to see item (w) on the consent agenda: Resolution to approve the agreement with the Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama, in the amount of $5,000.00 for the “CLIP” program sponsored by Mayor Betterton and the council.

“CLIP” is the abbreviation for Community Lauderdale ID Program. This would help homeless individuals who have lost their identification to obtain new documents and ID. It would pay for any fees involved and assist with travel to different locations to get items such as birth certificates, state id’s and other necessary documents. The necessity of this program was mentioned in my last article, and it is very encouraging to see the council act promptly to help those in need in the city of Florence. That was my rose, now for my thorn.

During his “remarks from the mayor” Andy Betterton recognized Dr. Cory Beale from Florence City Schools who talked of the “Launch” program available to students who qualify in the school system. This is an intern and apprenticeship program whose mission is to “provide students with career-focused work experiences that promote knowledge and skill evaluation while maximizing development.” It is a valuable work/study program that has been utilized in some form or another for decades. This reporter remembers something similarly available back in the dark ages when I was a student at one of the TWO high schools in the city of Florence. But, I digress.

Andy Betterton brought up four students who had participated in the program through work/study with the city of Florence in the customer service department. A couple made excellent speeches and exemplified the best of what their generation has to offer. A remark was made by one of the council members that the program readied the students for “real world” employment. What crossed my mind immediately was that it was a shame that this council and mayor during their current terms have not brought in the types of jobs that these students could obtain HERE in the city of Florence to make enough money to survive on above the poverty level. 

From “Whataburger" to “Slim Chickens,” all that the Florence new job market has offered during the last almost 5 years are service and hospitality jobs. Although they are forced to pay slightly over minimum wage to get employees, these are not the types of jobs that one usually apprentices for. These young people's internship with the city is great but if they expect a permanent job someday remember nepotism in the city of Florence can only go so far. I mean, how far down the line can Dick Jordan’s relatives go to fill out the employee roster for the city of Florence? It seems like he has gone past “third cousin, once removed” already!

As has been the case for a couple of decades now, to use your education and “real world experience” for a good job with a decent salary if you are a young person from Florence, reserve a U-Haul. Whataburger, what a shame.

*****

Does the Shoals need better air service? Let's say you want to travel to Memphis...

Does Your Truck Squat?

 

Until today, we had never heard of a squatted truck. If we've even seen one, we don't remember it. Now Phillip Pettus of Green Hill and two others have written a bill declaring them illegal if the front is raised more than four inches.

HB55 is based on highway safety and damage to roads. Currently only one state has passed such a law. 

We agree that these should be illegal; however, we suggest Rep. Pettus throw in the wording that these warped vehicles are also ugly. We're also pretty sure these trucks are owned by males who don't want any females to join them on their excursions.

*****

Hi, I'm Ethan. I'm an 11 month-old Lab/German Shepherd mix. Come spring me from this joint. I'm in the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Where Is Lauderdale School Board Building its Innovation Center?

 

Remember this from grade school: All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares? We could say the same about one Shoals county: All Florence is in Lauderdale County, but not all Lauderdale County is in Florence.

Specifically, let's use 2023 U.S. Census Bureau figures concerning population (these numbers vary greatly depending on source). How much of Lauderdale County is designated as Florence? (Remember - other sources denote a larger population.)

Lauderdale - 92,797

Florence - 39,709

These statistices indicate that Florence makes up 42.8% of the population of Lauderdale County. Do these numbers have any real significance?

1. 42.8% of the population of Lauderdale cannont vote on the school superintendent thanks to Lynn Greer.

2. The new Lauderdale County Innovation Center, the replacement for Allen Thornton Tech, will be built in Florence in the Ag Center complex. 

Therefore, the City of Florence will have a non-federal public building within its limits over which it has no control. Neither will citizens of Florence have any say so in electing the person who does control the facility.

While it may seem a small thing to many, it hasn't been that many years since the flag controversy at Wilson School in northern Lauderdale. How will it work if the Innovation Center and the city are at odds over a particular flag or federal/state order? Isn't this basically the problem with the Confederate monument at the county courthouse?

*****

Speaking of Schools, There Are Currently Measles Outbreaks in Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Did You Have an "Uncle Woodie?"

 

We recently read that February 3rd marked the 100th anniversary of the death of President Woodrow Wilson. It was interesting that one article we read declared his star had fallen from an unbelievable zenith to almost a pit of derision from most historical scholars. The other article reiterated how Wilson remained one of the nation's most inspiring leaders.

No matter how you feel, Wilson had a profound effect on early Twentieth Century life and politics. We have been reminded of that whenever we've had even the most casual conversations with friends, co-workers, or almost anyone. It doesn't take long for individuals of a certain age to mention their Uncle Woodie. Or for a younger person to tell a story about their great-uncle Woodie.

We had an Uncle Woodie who fought in World War II, played baseball for recreation, became an executive at a large Nashville manufacturer, and smiled when he mentioned stories of his "foot-washin'" relatives.

Now we have to ask if, fifty years in the future, people across the country will be talking about their Uncle Don or Uncle Joe. Unless they come from a long line of Donalds or Josephs, we somehow doubt it.

Dead People Vacating in Florence

 

Get Your Steve the Otter Merch Here: https://www.etsy.com/market/steve_the_otter

It may not be quite as amusing as "Sex Clams," but a recent TimesDaily story is certainly worded in the worst possible way. According to the TD writer: 

The Florence City School Board met Thursday morning to nominate and approve the new District 5 board member who will fill the seat vacated by the late Laura Hardeman. 

We're pretty sure the late board member didn't vacate her seat or anything else. The correct wording would have been:

The Florence City School Board met Thursday morning to nominate and approve the new District 5 board member to fill the seat made vacant by the death of Laura Hardeman.

What will the TD do when Bernie Delinski and Russ Corey are gone?

*****

Hi, I'm Hercules, a six year-old male Staffordshire Terrier mix. I may be strong, but I'm twice as cute. Come see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Special: "Illuminating Neighbors" at the Standpipe

 

This afternoon from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., neighbors will come together in an effort to raise suicide awareness. The standpipe is located at 1399 North Montgomery Avenue (you can't miss it!).

This event is sponsored by:

CU360

City of Florence

Rick's Produce

Griffin Realty

Panera Bread

Frederickson's

Alabama Roll Tide Laundry

Ally Collum Flooring

Double A's Music & Events

Bill & Janet Griffin

Mike's Meat Market

*****

We typed this as given to us; however, we wonder why the City of Sheffield isn't listed and the City of Florence is?

Addenda 4:00 a.m. - We've been told that Sheffield did contribute, but too late to make the official announcement.

Crazier in Alabama

 

Our state gets crazier every day. Earlier today, Alabama became the first in something. Our supreme court declared that IVF embryos are unborn children. We don't think that will hold up at a higher level, since it takes implantation to complete conception.

According to legal experts, what it will do is run fertility clinics out of the state. Why? If a clinic inadvertently loses a fertilized egg, it will owe the parent the same amount of money as a driver who accidentally kills a child - at least that's the theory.

Do any other states espouse this doctrine? According to an article in 1819 News, no. The other 49 states and various territories understand that an embryo can't live without implantation in a uterus.

But, hey, this is Alabama. Let's get crazy.

*****

Hi, I'm Duffy. I'm a female 18 month-old Basenji mix. Come see me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Special: Who Can Make One of These?

 

https://www.goldiewylde.com/blog-1/2021/5/19/diy-backdrop

Clarification: The shelter needs just a backdrop - not balloons. If you can make this, we'll purchase the materials for the project.

Do you have the materials to make the small backdrop on the right? Or perhaps the medium on the left? It basically requires plywood, hinges, and a low gloss paint that photographs well (one side light; one side dark). Directions are on site referenced under photograph.

Why do we need a folding backdrop that requires little storage space?

Rosie would look a thousand times better if she had a dark solid color backdrop behind her. 

Rocket would look a thousand times better if he had a light solid color backdrop behind him.

If you can do this, call the Florence shelter at 256-760-6676 to let the director know that you are crafting a backdrop and when you will deliver it to the facility at 3240 Roberson Road in the industrial park.

Inspiration Landing Officially Dead - Demand Answers from Stanley!

 

John Elkington

We have received this communication from attorney Bennett Lee Pugh of Sheffield:

On 1/30/24, summary judgment was granted against John Elkington, individually, and Inspiration Landing, LLC. Unless the defendants appeal, the case is over. Our client won and it's game over for Inspiration Landing.

You may be asking about a "summary judgment." Here's the definition:

The summary judgment procedure is a method for promptly disposing of actions in which there is not genuine issue as to any material fact.

Now every citizen of Sheffield should be demanding answers from Mayor Steve Stanley as to:

1. What are the chances of reclaiming the Inspiration Landing property from John Elkington?

2. How does Sheffield city government propose to make the payments on the two USDA loans? The smaller is scheduled to be paid off in 2052; the larger in 2062. Remember: The City has no income at this point from Inspiration Landing and little hope of generating any! How old will you be when these loans are paid?

*****

HELP!!! I'm Nora and I'm being held against my will. I'm a four month-old German Shepherd mix who needs someone to spring me from this joint! You can find me at the Florence shelter in the industrial park:

Best Love Song #16 - Say What?

 

Best 50 love songs of all time? No. The list released this week contains the top 50 love songs to make Billboard's Number One ranking. That still doesn't explain Number 16 - To Know Him Is To Love Him written by...Phil Spector.

Spector died from COVID-19 at the age of 81 while incarcerated for killing aging starlet Lana Clarkson. In case you've forgotten, he placed a loaded gun in the actress' mouth and pulled the trigger. Any "love song" Spector wrote should have been automatically excluded from Billboard's list. Perhaps the powers that be at Billboard valued Spector's talent more than Clarkson's life?

Sad Love Song? Happy Love Song? How About One With An Unfinished Ending?

Making a Fool of Preston Roberts & ALFA

 

Preston Roberts is an ALFA shill. Specifically, the extremely discombobulated Roberts is in charge of ALFA's strange desires concerning state legislation. That means he's always agin it whatever it may be.

ALFA has always opposed any pro-animal bills. For as we all know, if a bill passed requiring a dog owner to provide a dog house, that would automatically mean any farmer owning livestock would need to provide individual houses for each animal. Are you confused yet?

Now ALFA is opposing the current gambling legislation. Why? Well, it's just un-Alabamian to purchase a lottery ticket. It's almost as bad as giving man's best friend its own roof. 

So Preston Roberts pranced up to the microphone and told the Economic Development Committee a thing or two yesterday. Then Rep. Andy Whitt of Harvest told good ol' Preston a thing or three. 

Preston Robberbarron

If any are not aware, ALFA bigwigs take a trip each year. Guess where they went last year? If you guessed Sin City, you're a smart cookie...or a strong observer of human nature.

After dear ol' drooling Preston finished his monosyllabic remarks, Rep. Whitt called him back to the podium. Whitt then asked if gambling became legal in Alabama, would Preston and his cronies take their annual company trip inside the state's boundaries. Laughter was heard throughout the room. Laughter directed at good ol' Preston who then mumbled under his breath that he was gonna tell his mama.

We commend Rep. Whitt, but we all need to remember that it doesn't take too much to make a fool of any ALFA shill in general and good ol' Preston in particular. We're still awaiting word from Preston's mama.

*****

Making Sex with "Clergy" a Felony?

 

By now, everyone is familiar with the Alabama law against any school employee engaging in any kind of sex with a student under the age of 19. Goodness knows we've had several in this area, from school nurses to substitute instructors. 

Now that law may be extended to "clergy." HB 125 states:

This bill would provide that it is unlawful for a minister, priest, rabbi, bishop, or other recognized member of the clergy in a position of trust or authority over a person to commit certain sex acts with an individual under 19 years of age, or a protected person under 22 years of age.

We would like to say that clergy shouldn't be doing that in the first place, but considering some of the arrests we've seen in the past few years, it's rather pointless. So, Brother Jimbo, watch where you put your hands when you attempt to cast out demons from that luscious 18 year-old blonde babe. Our legislature will be watching.

*****

You Didn't See This Ad on the Super Bowl 

(Warning: Strong Language)

Two Takes on the Super Bowl

 

A close Baptist friend recently asked why we didn't like Baptists? We were stunned by her observation. What we have sometimes done is to substitute the word Baptists for other groups that have been persecuted. In that way we hope to convey to more just how desperate a situation might be.

Here's a Baptist take on the Super Bowl - written by a real live Baptist and hysterically funny:

How a Baptist Picks a Seat at a Church Super Bowl Party

*****

While Millions Are Having Fun, Remember Many Are Not!

TBI Exhumes Body of Buford Pusser's Wife

 

TBI issued this statement two days ago:

Today, TBI special agents were at the Adamsville Cemetery to oversee the exhumation of the body of Pauline Pusser. Pauline was fatally shot on Aug. 12, 1967, in McNairy County, and the Tennessee Bureau of Criminal Identification was called in to investigate. As we have evolved to become the independent agency that we are today, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, this case has remained an active investigation. As with any unresolved case, agents have continued to reexamine files and follow any and all leads.

A recent tip prompted a new review of the case file and the discovery was made that an autopsy was never performed on Mrs. Pusser’s body. With the support of Pauline’s family and in consultation with 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson, TBI requested the exhumation in an attempt to answer critical questions and provide crucial information that may assist in identifying the person or persons responsible for Pauline Pusser’s death.

*****

Today is Lunar (or Chinese) New Year's Day!

*****

For Colbert Superintendent, J. Redmon Supports...

 

Our J. Redmon has weighed in on the Colbert super's race. He's supporting Nathan Fuller:

https://quadcitiesdaily.com/new-bethel-elementary-school-students-take-top-honors-at-first-ever-n-alabama-s-c-o-r-e-vex-iq-challlenge/

https://www.colbertk12.org/nbes

https://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/new-bethel-students-surpass-acap-goals/article_3bb009d0-1343-57b4-bdc2-f37b44fa79c9.html

https://www.waff.com/2023/09/22/an-elementary-school-colbert-county-is-being-recognized-its-high-achieving-students/

*****

A word to the wise parent: We shouldn't have to ask if a future superintendent supports Lower Slobovia in the war against Alabamistan, but it has unfortunately come to that. Ask before you vote...