Weeden Elementary School Needs You!

Pictured: Weeden School prior to 1955 building

Some years ago, the Florence City School System entered into a partnership with local business. The concept entailed the commercial entity promoting its adopted school in a positive manner. This partnership turned into a mixed bag for the system, with perhaps the most bizarre offering being delivered to Hibbett School. It seems Hibbett's partner was Parisian Department Store which aided the students by presenting a fashion show in the school auditorium. We hope the students enjoyed the fashion parade, but we somehow doubt that was the intent of the Adopt-a-School program.

We're not sure if the Florence system still participates in this program, but we do know that each school in the system is helped immensely by parents. These angels of largesse donate both time and supplies to their children's homerooms. Obviously the more affluent the parents, the more that is donated.

Let's be candid here concerning the situation in Weeden Heights. There may be some extremely wealthy individuals living in the Weeden School district, but obviously many of its citizens barely make ends meet, if even that. That's where you come in.

If you have no children, or if your children are grown, we urge you to adopt Weeden School, adopt a grade, adopt a classroom. Do whatever you can to ensure these students are on an even playing field with those at Florence's other two elementary schools. There's absolutely no reason that in 2010 one city school should lag behind the other two or suffer a reputation for inferiority.

These children are our future. Let's not let them down.

*****

Lauderdale County Republican Party

Executive Committee Qualifying Closes April 2nd

Florence, Ala. - The Lauderdale County Republican Executive Committee is seeking candidates for positions on the executive committee. This is your chance to have input into the Lauderdale County Republican Party’s decisions and policies. Interested residents are asked to contact county party chairman Bill Batson at 762-4489. The qualifying fee is $50.00 and there are 25 members elected. Qualifying ends Friday, April 2, 2010 at 5:00 p.m..

Shoalanda

Bill Batson, Trevor Stokes, and Who's on Second?

Bill Batson is the Chairman of the Lauderdale County Republican Party; Trevor Stokes is a reporter for the Florence TimesDaily. Either one, or both, of these gentlemen is very confused.

Yesterday, we published John Odem's announcement of his candidacy for Lauderdale District Judge--an office currently held by appointed Republican Carole Coil Medley (pictured). Also publishing Odem's announcement was the TimeDaily. In an article written by Stokes, the TD announced the names of three current District Judges, all of whom are actually serving as Lauderdale Circuit Judges.

Perhaps the most startling aspect of Stokes' article was the quote by Bill Batson that no Republican has yet announced his or her intention of running for District Judge. In fact, Ms. Medley announced on August 13, 2009, that she would be seeking four more years of the district judgeship, a fact recorded in the TD by Stokes' fellow journalist Bernie Delinski.

And Lauderdale County often wonders why it's ignored in Montgomery?


What's up with this: Sources familiar with the now infamous Cherokee Council scuffle (dubbed Thrilla in the Kee by one local wag) are stating the Lansdell's son, known as Char-Char, will definitely be involved when all charges are finalized.

Shoalanda

Influence: Good or Bad?

When the Florence City Council meets this afternoon at five o'clock, will Dr. Barry Morris (pictured) be voting on the proposed purchase of the Florence Golf and Country Club? There's a possibility that the vote will not come up, but if it doesn't today, it will in two weeks. So, why should Morris not vote?. It seems his father-in-law is former Florence mayor Bill Batson, a major stockholder in the property.

If you think the whole dump issue stinks, both literally and figuratively, you're not alone. Should the city purchase the 157 acres and be unable to use the property due to environmental restrictions, we hope it will be able to sell the former club house and golf course at its purchase price. If the city is able to use the acreage legally, we hope state environmental watch dogs nip at the council's heels with every move they make. And the smell just gets stronger...

*****

Concerned about parental rights? Grandparents rights? Family law in general? Then you need to check out the Alabama Family Rights Association. ALFRA is composed entirely of volunteers who seek to overhaul unfair and antiquated state laws concerning parental and custodial rights. Our friend Mark Davis, author of Why Judge Suttle? is an active member of this worthwhile group who tirelessly gives of his time to ensure the quality of family life in Alabama. Thank you for all you do, Mark.

*****

Family members tell us that Brandi Lee Campbell has been apprehended and is currently incarcerated in the Muscle Shoals Jail. We wish them the best in getting help for Ms. Campbell.


Shoalanda