They Brought Torches & Pitchforks to Lexington Last Night

 

Lexington is a small Lauderdale County town near the Tennessee state line. Settled by farmers and cattlemen, the remote town epitomizes the term "brain drain." Yet not all intelligent and hard-working individuals leave; some remain to build up the small town whose population hovers around 750.

One such person is Sandra Killen-Burroughs. Mrs. Burroughs is the mayor of Lexington and donates a tremendous amount of her time to that town. As mayor, Sandra presided at a town meeting Tuesday night to hear citizens' opinions on annexation of an area south of the town.

It seems there was more yelling and bad behavior than at a county commission meeting. Some commented on an alleged mismanagement of funds from c. 1995, while others questioned the mayor as to her efforts to secure a new grocery store for this off-the-beaten-path town. In short, many brought up every town issue but the one at hand.

Others proceeded to speak on false rumors around the annexation. No, property taxes and water will not go up. 

In short, many came to the town meeting with a lynch mob mentality and would not be deterred by the facts. Yet many others did indicate a desire for annexation. It will be interesting to see what steps the town next takes.

We know that Sandra has considered ending her stent as mayor after this term. It will be Lexington's loss. There's an old saying that if you're not going forward, you're going backward. Lexingtonians should consider where their small hamlet would be if not for local leaders with the vision of Sandra Killen-Burroughs.

Sears/Sandra Killen Burroughs

The Midnight Rider has already blogged on Sears leaving the area; however, he failed to touch on a couple of things. Since Shoalanda is approximately 75 years older than he, we remember the candy counter at the old Sears store on Tennessee Street, as well as the seasonal toy department where a rotund Santa held court each December and the business office in the back where many cashed payroll checks before banks had drive-in windows. 

When those things gave way to a new store, there were still Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools. Then those things seemed to move into the background of a busy world. It must be at least a year since we've even set foot in Sears and that was probably to get somewhere else in the mall. Is that what happened with everyone?

Our stream of consciousness moved on to Spiegel; is that former department store still alive and kicking in the cataglogue world? Apparently it is, but their luxurious home furnishing line is no more. When did that happen? Perhaps when the Internet made it as easy to shop in Hong Kong as on Court Street?

Spiegel

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Congratulations to our friend Sandra Killen Burroughs. Sandra is currently working hard for the town of Lexington; keep up the good work, Sandra!

Sandra Killen Burroughs Elected to the Alabama League of Municipalities Executive Committee

MONTGOMERY – SANDRA KILLEN BURROUGHS, MAYOR, LEXINGTON ALABAMA,has been appointed to the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) Executive Committee by ALM President Dr. Howard Rubenstein, Mayor of Saraland. Mayor Burroughs will play an important role as a leader of Alabama’s municipal advocacy and resource organization. 

“It’s an honor to be asked to serve in such an esteemed capacity for the Alabama League of Municipalities.   I will proudly represent not only the town of Lexington on this committee but also Lauderdale County, the Shoals area and all of Alabama!!  Remember, no one succeeds alone.  If you surround yourself with positive people, you will have positive results.”

As a member of the ALM’s Executive Committee, SANDRA KILLEN BURROUGHS will meet with other municipal leaders throughout the year to establish the ALM’s strategic direction, advocate on behalf of municipal interests and determine ALM’s operational goals.

“The Alabama League of Municipalities has represented municipalities and their citizens for over 80 years,” said Ken Smith, Executive Director of the League. “Our Executive Committee has the important function of setting the League’s direction, goals and priorities. I want to thank each of the members for their service to our organization and I look forward to working with them during the upcoming year.”

The Alabama League of Municipalities is a nonpartisan membership association of nearly 450 incorporated cities and towns. Since 1935, ALM has worked to strengthen municipal government through advocacy, training and the advancement of effective local leadership. As the recognized voice of Alabama’s cities and towns, ALM’s member municipalities benefit from a variety of member programs, services and activities that are impossible to accomplish alone.

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Sandra isn't the only one of our friends who's been given a tremendous honor. We'll publish more details on that later this week.

Sandra Killen Burroughs for Mayor of Lexington!

From a press release issued by the Burroughs campaign:

Sandra Killen Burroughs announced last week that she will be seeking the office of Mayor for the Town of Lexington. The election will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 from 7am until 7pm. In order to vote in the municipal election you must be registered to vote and live inside the Lexington City Limits.

Sandra is a lifelong resident of Lexington, a graduate of Lexington School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Alabama with a double major in Management and Marketing. Sandra is married to Barry Burroughs and has one son, Hunter Killen, who is a senior at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Sandra is the daughter of Alice Killen and the late W.O. Killen, former Mayor of Lexington from 1984-1996. Sandra has one sister, Cindy Killen, from Birmingham, Alabama. Sandra has worked in the tourism field for the past 22 years with such companies as Marriott, Hilton, IHG Properties and currently serves as the Membership Director and Legislative Liaison with the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. In this role with AMLA, Sandra works closely with our State Representatives, State Senators, and elected officials on all levels of the State and County.

Sandra has an extensive list of accomplishments to her credit:

* Vice President of the Alabama State Parks Partners Coalition
* Member of the Bear Creek Educational Center Steering Committee
* Member of the UNA Summer Theatre League Board of Directors
* Ex Officio member of the North Alabama Legislative Caucus
* Member of the Alabama Council of Association Executives
* CPR Certified EMT-D
* Past President of the Lexington Athletic Booster Club
* Past President of the Lexington School PTO Club
* Past Secretary/Treasurer Lexington Fire & Rescue Units
* 2001 “Outstanding Young Professional Woman of the Year” by Girl Scouts of North Alabama
* Past Secretary/Treasurer of the Decatur/Morgan County Hospitality Association
* Graduate of Dale Carnegie Leadership Training
* Awarded Convention South Magazines “Top Meeting Professional to Watch” in 2000, 2001 & 2004
* Graduate of Leadership Shoals sponsored by the Shoals Chamber of Commerce
* Past Chairperson for the Shoals Chamber of Commerce Leadership Shoals Program.

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Sandra will be facing Tim Collier in the August election. Will it be a hard choice for Lexingtonians to make? It shouldn't be.

All the bloggers here care about the Shoals and Alabama. We care about you. Yet if you needed emergency surgery, there's not one here whom we would recommend to help you--none of us is a trained physician.

Mr. Collier may be, and from all reports is, a wonderful and caring person. Yet, he doesn't have the expertise to lead Lexington into a better world. Sandra Killen Burroughs does. Look at Sandra's list of accomplishments. She could have left Lexington long ago, but she decided to stay, to live her life in her hometown. Now she's willing to give of her time to put Lexington on the right track, to divest it of all the cronyism and shady deals that have plagued that small town in the past.

Sandra, we personally congratulate you and are proud to call you our dear friend!

(Note: You see we just called Sandra our friend. She is, and we believe in her. We expect you the voter to do your homework in this and all elections. We can suggest a candidate, but you ultimately have the responsibility to research those on the ballot and make an informed decision.)

Dirty Pool/Politics/Parking Deck?

How much did the City of Florence pay for the recently completed parking study? The one surprising finding from the study is that a brightly painted parking deck will bring in more customers. Perhaps it will, but we have visions of the Sherwin-William Police arriving shortly after the new paint job is completed to issue the city with a citation for its use of neon green or orange.

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We see that Chip Dillard is now housed in the Franklin County Detention Center. Ostensibly, he won’t now be meeting any of his former clients…or the boyfriends of the six women who are prepared to testify against him at his human trafficking trial.

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We’ve had some questions about the current status of the Donald Tipper rape case. We’ll be having an update soon. You may also expect a related blog on the lack of morality in our city, county, state, and country. Then we expect to be called a sinner for pointing out this lack of moral scruples.

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Elections? Qualifying has begun, and we see that our friend Sandra Killen Burroughs is running for mayor of Lexington. Sandra is new to the political game, and this is a plus. Check her out, and we’ll have more later.

Thanks, Sandra/Lexington Shooting?

Sandra Killen Burroughs will be retiring as head of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board; her expertise has been invaluable. Boards can be tiresome and take precious time away from family. We would have preferred that Sandra could have found time to have remained at the helm, but wish her well as she leaves.

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Did you read of the supposed shooting in Lexington earlier in the week? James Travis Murks and his girlfriend claim they were accosted by a bearded man on County Road 50 and shot at. Murks had several gunshot wounds to prove he was targeted, but by whom?

A source at the sheriff's department tells us it was only two weeks ago that Murks and his girlfriend were the targets of a drug bust at a motel in Lawrenceburg. Murks managed to make a hasty exit via the bathroom window, leaving his girlfriend holding the bag of pills. Child services took custody of the woman's 13 year-old son who was also in the motel room at the time of the raid. Perhaps there's more to the story than Mr. Murks has admitted?



Shoalanda

Kisses & Hisses

Kisses, or at least some kudos, to Sandra Killen-Burroughs, chair of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board. Sandra is a friend of ours so we can verify what a great job she's done while heading the board. Now Sandra has stood up to those who seek to muddy the Lauderdale side of the Tennessee River with extraneous names for the new visitors center--a center paid for with Lauderdale tax dollars. We have to ask how a few phone calls inquiring about a name change came to be a news story in the TimesDaily?

One Big Happy?

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Hisses to Franklin County's dismissal of the criminal suit against disgraced Vina teacher Kimberly Dawn Bynum George. We do realize it would have been a tough go without the testimony of her victim cum husband. Perhaps a plea involving a fine and probation would have been in order? Her ex-husband and his family are victims in all this too.

We understand that Bynum-George's teaching license was revoked, and she has been working in a service establishment in Madison County. We hold teachers to a higher standard...and rightly so.

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A friend offered this comment after reading yesterday's blog: I'm surprised that Martini's turned out to be a dive. You expect sophistication from a business that uses advertising based on a close-up of breasts.



Shoalanda

Rail Car Plant to Leave Shoals?

What should have been the headline of today's TimesDaily was merely the last sentence in Trevor Stokes' article on the abysmal wages paid in the Shoals. Here for the world to read is the sad news:

When asked about the future of the railcar facility, Wright would only comment, “We're talking with companies that could operate in that facility.”

Forrest Wright is head of the Shoals Economic Development Authority. Perhaps this was the way of our local newspaper informing us the cat is on the roof.

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Is tourism, not manufacturing, to be the Shoals' long term future? Certainly our friend Sandra Killen-Burroughs is making things happen in that area. From a recent press release:

Sandra Killen Burroughs, with the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and chairman of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board has completed the first portion of a three-year professional development program that will lead to certification as a Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP).

Killen Burroughs was one of 232 tourism professionals enrolled at the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College earlier this month. The week-long program turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Ga., into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing each summer.

There is no other professional development program like the STS Marketing College, and it is recognized nationally for its training of tourism leaders. 564 people have earned TMP certification.

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According to D.K., the murder trial in the death of local nurse Melissa Garrett has been postponed until October. Her accused killer Darryl David Thompson remains in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

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From C. R. (All Cherokee residents should read this--way to go, C. R.):

What are Law Enforcement Guns Used For ?

One would think that a law enforcement weapon would be used on duty. The use of the weapon would protect the public and officer from an armed assailant. It does not appear this is the case in Cherokee. Two Police issued weapons were stolen while the police officer was on duty. The report was taken by the Tuscumbia Police Department. The report states an AR-15 and shotgun were stolen from the officer's residence in Tuscumbia. The officer, who is the police chief’s son, found the guns stolen from his house while on duty.

Why was the officer at his house while on duty in Cherokee? This could explain the slow response time to several calls by this officer. Why was the officer on duty without his city issued weapons? Reliable sources state just a week before the theft, the officer had to return to his house to get his AR-15 because of a deadly situation that arose while he was on duty. Speeding at a very high rate would take at least 30 minutes for the officer to return to his house and retrieve his weapons, then return to Cherokee.

Mister police officer, you might want to carry your issued weapons with you while on duty. I am sorry, I forgot they were stolen and you cannot carry them anymore.

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Shoalanda

Get connected in September!

Jim Bevis Takes His Toys & Goes Home

Florence Tourism Board member Jim Bevis has never been allied with Lauderdale member Selton Killen. When term limit restraints forced Killen to give up his current position, Bevis felt he was the obvious choice to replace his nemesis as new director of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board. Instead the board chose Sandra Killen-Burroughs, the lone Florence-Lauderdale member.

Bevis has now resigned, but states he hopes he can serve the City of Florence in some other capacity. Along with his resignation, Bevis injected a few jabs concerning Florence versus Lauderdale County. Yes, Florence does bring in the majority of tourism revenue, but Killen-Burroughs also serves Florence as well as Lauderdale County.

If Bevis truly wished to serve the City of Florence, he would have remained on the board. No one, in any business or other endeavor, always gets his or her way. The winner in such situations is the one who can work within the status quo; those who quit and go home serve no purpose other than causing further discord.

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Our local hero today is Sam Pendleton. Mr. Pendleton has served the West Florence district for many years as its council representative. He has been there for his district through rough times--times when many others would have given up.

Now, several areas of West Florence are experiencing a rejuvenation. This would not have happened without Mr. Pendleton--a man who cares about his city and his neighborhood.

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Okay, put down all drinks while viewing this video; we're not responsible for any shorted-out keyboards. We just hope Simon Cowell takes notice of Antoine. The video has gone viral on YouTube, and Antoine deserves a chance at a career:




Shoalanda


Ssssh. It's coming to the Shoals soon...

It's Almost Over

We thoroughly agree with our friend Matt Osborne that it will be refreshing when the Alabama Primary is officially over. Of course, then begins the...sigh...runoff season. Let's see where we are with other recent issues.

Over: Sandra Killen-Burroughs is now officially the newest member of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board. Look for Sandra to continue her rise up the political ladder.

Almost Over: Paige Hite McWilliams has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her theft of Cherokee Library funds. McWilliams is seeking probation, while Special Prosecutor Doug Evans is asking for the full sentence. Apparently, Evans has no desire to allow the former library director even work release status since she has been ordered to repay the stolen funds within 30 days. We feel McWilliams has suffered enough humiliation. If the missing money is repaid promptly, surely probation would better serve both her and the public.

Who Knows When It Will Be Over: A preliminary hearing for UNA nursing student Andrew Daniel Scott of Killen was held Monday in Lauderdale County District Court. Scott, who was arrested in February on charges of possession of a controlled substance(s) non-marijuana and drug paraphernalia now faces a grand jury indictment. His appeal in the adoption of his biological son will be held next month.

Doubtful that It Will Ever Be Over: Donald Wayne Darling II has been arrested again--this time for domestic violence and assault.

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For those of you who have been caught up in the current "Click-it or Ticket" campaign, we present Junior Brown...




Trader Evaluates: Check out Trader's newest blog.

Shoalanda

Lauderdale District Judge? A Hard Decision

The Lauderdale County District Judge's race has been overshadowed by its sister contest in Colbert County, where it seems anything goes as far as campaigning. This is not a bad thing at one level, but perhaps many voters in Lauderdale County have not looked at this county's race with the thoroughness it deserves. Below is an updated profile of Democratic candidate John Odem:


* POSITION SOUGHT: Lauderdale County District Judge
* PARTY: Democratic
* AGE: 30
* OCCUPATION: Attorney
* RESIDENCE: Killen, Alabama


Q. WHAT IS THE KEY ISSUE IN YOUR CAMPAIGN?

A. Judicial campaigns are quite unique. All candidates must be attorneys in good standing with the State Bar Association and they must reside within Lauderdale County. The key issue for this campaign is who is the best candidate to serve the people of Lauderdale County as District Judge for the next six (6) years. I believe that candidate is me. I have the education and the background to fill this position. I have the experience necessary to render fair decisions in accordance with the laws of this state. I am old enough to know how to do the job and young enough to get the job done.

I will treat every party with fairness and impartiality according to the law. I will uphold the dignity of the court and continue bringing honor and justice to the courtroom. Decisions rendered by the court effect everyone involved. Every judge wishes to have the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job. When these characteristics fail to materialize, the judge must rely on good common sense and proper temperament. A judge must rule on the evidence presented and testimony of the witnesses. I will look for the truth. Sometimes the tongue lies, but the eyes do not.

Q. PLEASE EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT COURT. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SYSTEM IF ELECTED?

A. While there are three Circuit Judges in Lauderdale County there is only one District Judge. This judge is responsible for certain types of both criminal and civil cases. The District Court has jurisdiction over civil lawsuits up to $10,000.00. It also has jurisdiction over small claims disputes, also known as the people’s court, where citizens present disputes to the court without the assistance or expense of an attorney. As District Judge I promise never to be influenced by who their attorney may be or the fact that they have chosen to pursue their argument without counsel. Lawyers, money and politics will never effect my decision, only the evidence and the facts.

The District Court also has jurisdiction over all misdemeanor cases arising within the county. These cases include domestic violence, assault, misdemeanor drug possession, DUI, theft and criminal mischief. Although these crimes are simple misdemeanors they need to be dealt with using a firm hand of justice. I believe that domestic violence violators should be jailed. Particularly when women and children are involved. It has been my experience in District Court that counseling and court ordered programs have very limited success. Furthermore, DUI and misdemeanor drug offenders should be punished in accordance with the law. I believe in particularly firm treatment for habitual offenders. Everybody deserves a chance, however, jail is the only thing that will get some peoples attention. I promise to be firm, fair and consistent while hearing these cases.

It is essential that the District Court has a smooth working relationship with the clerk’s office, Sheriff’s Department, the office of the District attorney and State Troopers throughout the county. I will maintain a healthy relationship with these entities. If elected, I plan to meet with the heads of these departments to inform them of my procedural plans as well as open my door to suggestions and new ideas to make our system run more efficiently.

I work hard and I like staying busy. This job calls for proper temperament and good common sense. As Judge, I am prepared to hear the evidence, locate the problem and solve it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I will render nothing but fair and impartial decisions on each and every individual case.

Q. AS JUDGE WHAT OTHER PLANS DO YOU HAVE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY?

A. I believe most of our legal problems start at home at an early age. As District Judge I will invite every Lauderdale County classroom, teacher and student to visit my courtroom and our county jail. I want our children to see the consequences of making poor decisions. My motto will be “Look Before you Leap.”

I have always been an advocate for Judge Jones’ program in which he assigns a portion of a state or county road to be kept clean by a person granted probation or a suspended sentence. I would like to incorporate this program into the District Court. If a person is found guilty of a crime but spared jail time, I think the proper punishment would be to have that person help keep the litter from the streets in the community where they live. This imposes punishment and allows for physical exercise. It is a win/win for the community.

I intend to follow the good examples of previous local judges such as Judge Tease, Judge Leslie Johnson, Judge Pasuer and Judge Carpenter, all of whom had limited experience and were about my age when elected. Experience does not determine success. After all, it was experienced ship builders that built the Titanic but amateurs that built the Arc. Sometimes proper inspiration and willingness to always do the right thing prevails.

Q. YOU STATED TO THE TIMES DAILY THAT YOU ARE NOT ASKING FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. WILL YOU EXPLAIN?

A. There’s no substitute for honest and integrity. Judges are in a unique position in our legal system. A judge’s decision must be fair, impartial and without outside influence. A judge must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I feel it is beneath the dignity of the court for a judicial candidate to ask for campaign contributions. As Judge I will not be influenced by any person and will make all decisions in accordance with the evidence and the law. I simply will not open the door for some campaign contributors needing a favor to remind me of their past generosity.

John S. Odem

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Both candidates in this primary are more than qualified. Florence Municipal Judge James Hall II has more experience, while Odem has an abundance of energy and enthusiasm on his side. In short, one cancels out the other.

While I personally support Judge Hall because of issues relating to the campaign that do not affect others, we here at Shoalanda do not feel that we can endorse one candidate over the other. We ask that voters in Lauderdale County research all issues and ask God's guidance in their selection of the next Lauderdale County District Judge.

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The Lauderdale County Commission has just recommended our friend Sandra Killen-Burroughs for the Florence-Lauderdale Tourist Board. Congratulations, Sandra!

We had announced several weeks ago that there would be big news coming from the eastern end of Lauderdale County, and this is it. We doubt that the Florence-Lauderdale Board could find anyone more qualified than Sandra. We trust her approval will be forthcoming shortly.


Shoalanda

Protests, Clarifications, and Politics as Usual

Vulcan Materials in Tuscumbia pays Colbert County a large severance tax each year, as well as donating materials to local schools, libraries, and other community endeavors. Therefore, a reader was recently surprised to find at least five, and perhaps more, homemade billboards protesting this giant quarry company. These protest signs are located on Hwy 20 between Barton and Tuscumbia, most immediately adjacent to Vulcan's huge plant complex.

A phone call to the company confirmed that there are such signs in place, but the spokesperson would provide no further information. What, after all these years of business in the same area, has Vulcan done (or not done) to spark such animosity?

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Chad Holden has now officially launched his Facebook site and invites supporters to join. Chad has asked that we clarify one statement from our recent profile. While he does describe himself as an Independent, he will be running on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Holden feels the word "Independent" is a wise choice for social networking sites that his students will invariably read. We agree this shows wisdom and commend Chad's choice in the matter.

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Congratulations to Sandra Killen-Burroughs on the new canine member of her family. After our blog published a small item about Morris Lentz' foundling Squirt needing a new home, she and her family visited and promptly fell in love. We may need to change the name of our column to Adoptions Are Us.

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Yesterday, we published a guest commentary by Renee' Miskell. We have been in contact with Renee' for some time since her friend Jennifer Bragg's murder. Renee' would like us to add that her interest in ensuring appropriate punishment for abusers and murderers extends well beyond Jennifer's case, as evidenced by her commentary on the surprisingly light sentence meted out to Kenneth Sylvester.

Renee' knew Jennifer only the short period of time that the Shapley/Bragg family had lived in the Lexington area. Yet, she has been deeply affected by her death, as have many others.

Remembering Jennifer H. Bragg
July 26, 1990 - February 7, 2008

Jennifer is no longer crying out - she is now still - resting comfortably and in peace under the cover of God’s love, grace and mercy. God rest your beautiful soul, Jennifer. You are surely missed.

I knew you only briefly, I wish I could have helped had I known.

Renee Miskell

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Happy birthday tomorrow to our favorite computer guru Jim Fisher who will be in the neighborhood of 110. More birthday wishes to our favorite Lipstick Librarian Jessica Piper who will turn 21ish.


Shoalanda