It's That Time of Year...Time for a Ghost Walk!

Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk

10th Annual Tour

October 19th thru October 31st

Wilson Park

Start: 7:30

$10.00 adults/$8.00 Children

See you there! Boo!

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The following are questions from readers; some have been consolidated: 

 

1. Why was Beth Weir placed on leave? A teacher in the system has indicated it was because of a Facebook post. If this is correct, it would be the second instance of FB being the undoing of someone in the local education system. Unless you work for yourself, it's best not to comment online about your job.

2. What will happen to the young man who shot Jesse Rainey? The Colbert County District Attorney's office is seeking an indictment--whether for Manslaughter, Felony Murder, or something else we don't know. If the shooter is indicted, he will be given a chance to plead. His attorney will also obviously seek youthful offender status for his client. The case should be presented to the grand jury in December or January.

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Shoalanda

Let's Play "Name the Three Locations!"

Ready, Guys? Here we go...the first one to identify all three locations wins the game and proves they're as smart as Joe Roach.

Location Number One: It's in Colbert County, but that's the only clue we can give you.

Location Number Two: It's in Colbert County on TVA property. Now you say that location has already been named and right you are. Of course there are the two little problems of TVA not letting RegionalCare have the land and Keller Hospital tying up the Certificate of Need for years.

A TVT Forum poster writes:

They aren't going to build it in Colbert County. Colbert Co doesn't want that, Lauderdale Co doesn't want that, and more importantly, they aren't going to shell out $40 mil in additional costs for not building in Lauderdale Co. He's playing everybody so that when the site is announced - and they've known what the site will be for at least a year - they won't get any flak.

Location Number Three: It's in Lauderdale County and Rhea Fulmer has mentioned the location at least once. A faithful and brilliant reader writes:

I find it very hard to believe that Regional Care can alter its commitment to build in Lauderdale County or to "hand back the keys". They have been running the hospital for quite awhile, and they have implemented significant changes.

RCH has invested quite a bit of money already with the Times Daily and surely has a commitment for ongoing advertising. Do you think this fact might have influenced Mike Goens to recommend the TVA site, or possibly, even unknowingly, to play along with Roach's manipulation?

Dewey Mitchell should be committed to a Lauderdale county site due to his elected position, yet we know that some of the politicians involved are not running for re-election.

There was a TD article published on 9-7-11 by Tom Smith titled "Commission: Hospital best in Lauderdale County" (which I did print at the time so I do have a copy of it). In the article, Rhea Fulmer is identified as Lauderdale County Commissioner. She identified " a site on Lauderdale 47, just north of Cox Creek Parkway" being discussed, and it appears to be the only Lauderdale county site under consideration.

The TVA site can hardly be 10 miles from the Lauderdale site, so how much difference can there be in calling it a "regional" location also? I cannot imagine the ambulance/ emergency response situation on the bridges. And I cannot imagine the impact to our Florence economy if the hospital is relocated to another county. A drive through Sheffield is sobering.

I also cannot imagine the legal mess involved in selecting a Colbert County site, Keller's rightful opposition, the Certificate of need delay. This drama is almost absurd, and that's why I continue to wonder whether this is legitimate or simply game-playing/ manipulation. I see you have expressed the same.

Yesterday's TD photo of Roach with the words emphasized "Location, location, location...No site has been selected, no options signed, no money has changed hands." That seems a rather bizarre focus for the meeting but also quite deliberate.

So, folks, is it all smoke and mirrors? Will it be the Lauderdale location--perhaps for a lower price since the owner may now be spooked about the deal? We await your input--we'll publish any thoughts from the public.

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Yes!!! Yayness!!! It's that time again, starting tomorrow!

Your Tour Guide Debra Glass

Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk

Shoalanda

Laws, Attractions, & Laws of Attraction

Much of Alabama's "Illegal Immigrant" bill seems to be left intact by the Federal courts. Now, we play a waiting game to see how the new laws that remain on the books will impact our state. New laws and a new industry that actually exists--sounds good.

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Local Halloween attractions are certainly gearing up, and as our friend O.B. said recently, there's something for everyone. We salute another local artist today: Debra Glass. Debra has brought the Shoals a Florence ghost walk now for several seasons, and it just keeps getting better. For this October's schedule, you may visit:

Haunted History of the Shoals

Debra is indeed an artist, having published several local histories as well as numerous novels of romantic fiction. Since the death of Beverly (Barton) Beaver, Debra is undoubtedly the area's most well known author. Way to go, Deb!

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Laws of attraction? Have you heard the latest PC term? There are, at least to a few disturbed and misguided individuals, no more pedophiles. These sick individuals are merely "minor attracted." What a wonderful defense for school teachers who seduce and rape our children.

Does anyone find this new term surprising? When it takes 21 months and counting to try a teacher who has sex with a minor student (Amanda Watkins), or nine months and counting to make a ruling on the licensure of a teacher accused of inappropriate and unwanted physical contact with his students (Keith McGuire), there is a problem with the system.



Shoalanda

Mayor Irons Failed...

...to add many "hidden costs" to the costs of continuing burying our trash. It will cost 2 million to line the new cell, the cost of further legal battles, permits, and surveys. All in the hope that ADEM will allow the City to continue operating a leaking landfill. -- Scott Ruffrage from Save Cypress Creek

Not to mention there may be only four months of use left in the current landfill no matter the decision. If you care about Florence and Cypress Creek, write your council member now, fax, or call.

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While on the subject of garbage, we regularly receive reports of three or more individuals who walk the streets of Florence immediately before garbage/trash pickup and rummage through cans. Dumpsters may provide some "prizes," but garbage cans? We assume they're looking for aluminum or other metal products, but this is such an unsanitary...and dangerous...hobby that we suggest either the city council enact some measure against it or the police enforce any current laws on the books.

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Sadly inclement weather prevented the Walkin' with the Outlaws historical tour this week, but don't despair. This cool weather should put us all in the mood for autumn and All Hallows' Eve. Here's the skinny on this year's Ghost Walk.

Shoals Ghost Walk 2011

Shoalanda

Haunted History of the Shoals

If wafting leaves and foggy mornings haven't yet made you aware, autumn is in the air. In the Shoals, that also includes the super entertaining ghost walks with local author Debra Glass. This year Debra has added a Facebook page to promote her annual spirit-seeing tours, Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk.

Since we've had a relatively mild summer and early approaching fall, we've heard many say they're hard pressed to wait for the last week in October to make the annual trek to some of downtown Florence's most spirited domiciles. Rest easy, you don't have to wait. If you have a group of ten seekers of chills and thrills, Deb will be happy to conduct a special tour any evening of your choice.

In the mean time, be sure to befriend the tour on Facebook. All the best guisers and ghouls will be there. (We hope to make it at least one night and would love to meet you there--Ed & Gayle)


What's up with this: The Reedtown Rapist, Mark Hurley has again been indicted on rape charges. We have every confidence that Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing will make it stick this time.

Shoalanda

Shoals Ghost Walk with Debra Glass

In case the pumpkins on every doorstep haven't given it away, Halloween is just around the corner. This autumnal holiday wouldn't be complete without Debra Glass's annual ghost walk.

This year Ms. Glass will be leading tours on October 24-25 and October 27-31. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and originate at Wilson Park. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Debra is a consummate story-teller and provides a memorable experience for anyone from nine to ninety-nine.

I chose Debra Glass's Ghost Tour as my topic today in order to honor a special request; however, I've been aware of her collections of ghost stories and Romantic fiction for some time. Always best sellers in the Shoals, you can buy her work at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia and K's Cove in Elgin.

When you see Debra, tell her Shoalanda said, "Boo!"


What's up with this: It seems a local candidate for state office is being opposed by numerous Shoals area defense attorneys. Look at it this way, guys--if she wins, you won't ever have to put up with her again.