Another Labor Day, Another Beauty Contest

Our previous Labor Day Beauty Contest (Labor Day 2011) proved so popular that again this year we’re presenting a pageant filled with a bevy of local workers at their finest. Here’s the ideal 2012 lineup that you may not see today at Spring Park:

Electra Fide – A longshot at 57, this IBEW member will have to convince judges her hair really isn’t crimped ala 1980s style, but the result of years of repairing bad wiring.

Ray Bann – This forty-something represents the Small Government Workers’ local. Her talent is talking out of both sides of her mouth. Ray’s also a longshot due to her having no support outside her four square-block home district.

Prunella Pastel – At 65, this representative of the Painters’ Union will have to convince judges those age spots are actually flecks of paint she’s been too busy to wash off.

Liveratta Gomez-Potelliata – Representing “undocumented” workers, this 4’ 8” Guatemala native refused to reveal her age on the grounds the question was racist. She may be a no-show if ICE agents catch up to her first.

Troy Oliver – The only candidate the Ex-Mayors’ Union could dredge up is sure to have the Russellville judges' support since they’re so glad he’s finally gone.

Margo Beige – The representative of the Northwest Alabama Bloggers’ Union, Margo is the favorite to win this year, replacing Shoalanda Speaks who at 97.5 years-old couldn’t navigate the steps up to the stage.

Hench Broad – A last minute entry, she’s representing a spin-off union yet to be named. She has the support of RSOL and anti-SOAR groups, but may face a backlash from any judges with an IQ over 12.

 

*****

On this Labor Day 2012, we salute all area workers and their families. We also salute those workers of a previous era who toiled tirelessly in order for their children and grandchildren to enjoy college degrees and positions in local society and government. You’re not forgotten.

Shoalanda

A New Mayor in Russellville's Future?

David Grissom's campaign for mayor of Russellville is now in full swing. He is running against current mayor Troy Oliver, the recent subject of a state ethics probe. Here's Mr. Grissom's official bio:

David Reed Grissom was born August 20, 1972, to Judy Keeton Grissom and the late Robert Reed (Bob) Grissom. He is a lifelong Russellville resident. He attended the Russellville City Schools and graduated from Russellville High School in 1990. He attended Northwest Shoals Community College, Phil Campbell, from 1990-1991, and then transferred to the University of North Alabama, Florence, where he received a B.S. degree in Marketing and graduated magna cum laude in 1994.

He is married to Melissa Fuller Grissom who is an art teacher at Russellville High School. They have one daughter, Kate Reed Grissom, who is 6 years old and in the first grade at Russellville West Elementary.

David is President of Alabama Gun & Pawn, Inc. in Russellville (since 1997); Alabama Title & Pawn of Haleyville, Inc. (since 1998); Alabama Title Pawn, Inc. in Moulton (since 1999); Alabama Title Pawn of Red Bay, Inc. (since 1999); Alabama Super Pawn, Inc. in Sheffield (since 2000); Cash Spot in Russellville (since March 2007). He was Vice-President of Diamond House, Inc., in Russellville from 1990-2000 and was Manager of Grissom Car Wash in Russellville from 1988-1990.

He is a member of the Russellville City Council, District #5 (since 2008); is a member of the Community Spirit Bank Board of Directors (since July 2007), Community Spirit Bank Advisory Board (since February 2000), and the Audit Committee of Community Spirit Bank; member of Board of Directors, Title Pawn Council of Alabama, Birmingham; member of Board of Directors of Council for Fair Lending, Birmingham; lifetime member of Russellville Lodge # 371, member of Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Valley of Birmingham, member of Cahaba Shrine, Huntsville, and member of the Franklin County Shrine Club, Russellville. David and his family are members of Rockwood Baptist Church.

If anything is needed in Russellville, it's accountability. As the election draws nearer, we'll be showcasing other candidates.

*****

Apparently the new law in Sheffield hasn't scared the pants on everyone. In this pic submitted by a reader, a man near downtown Sheffield displays more than moobs. We have to ask why he is even wearing a belt?

The photo was reportedly taken at an apartment complex that has seen better days. This complex has also been the home to various sex offenders throughout recent years, as well as drug dealers. Is there a way to reverse this trend? If the landlord can't or won't do anything to upgrade the property, perhaps it's time for the City of Sheffield to step in. 



Shoalanda

Memo to Troy Oliver: "Hispanic" Is Not A Race

Once again, Russellville's mayor Troy Oliver has shown himself something less than a scholar. Defending the town's refusal to issue Yemen native Salah Salah a liquor license, Oliver stated: We’ve issued alcohol licenses to a Vietnamese and to two or three Hispanics.

While Oliver and Russellville elected officials may have issued liquor licenses to two or three Hispanics, it obviously had nothing to do with race. Here's some photos of well known Mexican Hispanics...

Jorge Ramos - TV Executive - 100% Spanish (Hidalgo)

Carlos Pietro - Native of Mexico City - Former Director of Huntsville Symphony

Guillermo Del Toro - Native of Guadalajaro - Producer of Pan's Labyrynth

Edelmiro Cavazos - Former Mayor of Santiago

Perhaps the word Mayor Oliver was looking for was "Indian?" Yes, these are the ones who come to Russellville--the poorest of the poor--and many not even Hispanic since they speak only their native Indian language. Of course Salah and his attorney Billy Underwood may still be able to argue the race card in this specific case since the mini-mart owner is Middle Eastern--something we understand even the local Hispanic Indians look down on.



Shoalanda

Congrats Debbie Rappuhn (and PAWS)

Debbie Rappuhn is indeed the woman of any year, but she has now officially been named Shoals Woman of 2011 for her work with animal adoption and rescue. You can find many of Debbie's projects on the PAWS' Facebook page: Link

*****

Mayor Troy Oliver, are you listening there in Russellville? Your city needs a leash law:

Russellville, You Have a Problem

*****

Our new blog Quad-Cities Cuisine is now officially up and running. Check out our first review by TBR:

Cooley's Corner Cafe'

Comments are welcome, but will be moderated in advance.

Shoalanda

Mayor Troy Oliver Goes to the Dogs

Mayor Troy Oliver doesn't think Russellivlle needs a leash law. Why? He implied only Brenda Hopson had asked for an ordinance to control roaming dogs--no one else supported it. Yet Councilman William Nale says dogs running loose in his district is the largest complaint among his constituency. He plans to introduce a leash law in the immediate future.

Dogs running loose in any town is always a major complaint. Good luck to Mr. Nale in his effort to bring humane animal enforcement to Russellville. Good luck also to Mayor Oliver in any attempt at a realistic appraisal of Russellville. You may remember Mayor Oliver's recent foray into revising Franklin County history: Link

*****

All is not lost in Russellville. After losing its Hardee's, Sonic, and Dairy Queen in the past few years, Bojangles' Famous Chicken is set to open on Hwy 43 on March 1st. Similarly, after lying dormant for two years, the Sonic is set to open in a few weeks. No word on the Chik-Fil-A some pols have been promising...

*****

The past week has seen much talk concerning local photographs and their impact on the next generation. It seems that Patricia Landrum Counts' book of early photos has sold out. You may still buy note cards: Link



Shoalanda

Troy Oliver: Not Exactly a Historian

The age of a cabin owned by Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver is in dispute--for some unknown reason. While this is hardly an issue that concerns the entire Shoals area, it should be noted since it reflects on the intelligence, or lack thereof, of some local leaders.

Oliver cliams the DeVaney House was built in 1770. Were there white settlers in Franklin County at that time? It's certainly possible that fur traders and similar settlers may have lived here with the indigenous population that early, but it's Oliver's "proof" that is ludicrous.

Oliver claims, and TimesDaily journalist Trevor Stokes does not question, that property deeds date the house to 1770. Very interesting...except for the fact this area was Indian territory until after the War of 1812; before that time the U.S. government officially discouraged settlement. To claim that there were property deeds for North Alabama as early as the late 18th century shows a dramatic lack of education on Oliver's part--not to mention a college educated journalist who fails to note this small fact.

We realize that due to Franklin County's isolated geographical location and resulting lack of high-tech industry, or any industry for that matter, it's not the hub of critical thinking; however, unless Franklin County voters become more discerning, Russellville and the surrounding area will never progress beyond a 1770 mentality.

*****

Did someone say education? How about the Florence Business College circa 1920? For many years a business college stood on South Court Street, it's ownership and name changing frequently, but this architectural gem does not resemble what ended its life as Alverson-Draughn Business School. We're unsure if this Arts and Crafts building is still extant, but you can buy an image on eBay: Link

*****

D.K. reports that the defense team in the Brandi Willingham murder trial requested to have the proceedings moved from the area. The motion was temporarily denied until after an attempt at jury selection today.

Look for D.K. to bring us reports of interest from this trial that don't make it to the TimesDaily.

*****

Other upcoming blogs will feature a most interesting Cherokee tale from C.R. and, deep breath, blackmail by those who don't have a clue...


Shoalanda



Get connected in September!

TimesDaily on Guatemalan Immigration

We're sure most of our readers also read the Sunday TimesDaily article on Guatemalan Pedro Machic. Unfortunately, the article touched on a few hot buttons and failed to address what journalist Trevor Stokes should have considered glaring issues.

Machic states he doesn't know why the ICE agents came to his home; apparently Stokes doesn't either. If he asked, he failed to mention it in his report. Why didn't the immigration agents also arrest Machic's wife and son, both also here illegally? A lot of three day old fish there...

Why do many Hispanics who dub themselves pastors support illegal immigration? Surely they can't justify their stance in either State/Federal law or the teachings of Jesus, who commanded us to "render unto Caesar."

Why does Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver state the city school system couldn't survive without the immigrant students? Certainly fewer students mean fewer tax dollars, but with fewer students come fewer expenses. To publicly state he supports illegal immigrants, Oliver leaves himself open to a covey of opposition in the next election.

*****

A reader informs us of a new business in downtown Russellville. For many years, Miller Hardware operated a large storefront at 109 West Lawrence Street. Now a Hispanic grocery store sits in its place.

The building's front windows are newly covered with many small signs advertising exotic foods and fountain drinks. The largest sign? We Accept EBT Cards.

We sympathize with anyone who cannot support his or her family; however, we do not support providing illegal immigrants with funds from our tax dollars. If any reader feels otherwise, please send us a guest commentary and we will gladly publish it.

*****

Longing for a simpler time? How about Sheffield 1955? The date does explain why everyone is looking at the food vendors and not Elvis...


Trading card available on eBay: Link


Shoalanda



Coming soon...get connected!

Troy Oliver: Increasing Our Word Power

"We need to vote; we get wrapped all around the axlem, and we can't get past it," Mayor Troy Oliver said. TimesDaily, June 8, 2010


There's nothing we like more than learning new words, so when the mayor of Russellville says that town's city council can't get past an axlem, we're enthralled--or we were until we discovered the word is not in any dictionary.

Is an axlem:

Bigger than a bread box?

Something we might find in our homes?

Something belonging to BP that our sweet/street talking chief exec wants to kick?

Something found only in the county seat of Franklin and does it need to be kicked?

If any readers know what's so hard to get past, please shoot us an e-mail

*****

$68.00 per vote: We recently wrote that Polly Ruggles spent 2K more than Chad Coker on their campaign for Colbert County District Judge. An update on figures reports that at last look, Coker has now outspent Ruggles by 2.5K. Perhaps the most interesting revelation is that Tim Milam spent 73K in his failed attempt to win the judgeship, or roughly $68.00 for each vote he received.

With the exception of Nathan Johnson, this was the initial campaign for the candidates in this race. In other words, they were trying out the waters; who knows how many of the four also-rans will attempt another race in two to four years. We hope they have good stock portfolios.

*****

Famous comedy teams: Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, Lansdell & Lambert. We understand that last act is extremely hard to get tickets for; Chuck Lansdall and Thelma Lambert have been a no-show at their last three gigs. Let's hope Cherokee voters who favor these George Jones wannabes are also a no-show in the next election.


Shoalanda