City Elections/Return to Zodiac/Water

A guest editorial:

City Elections

Ahh yes, it is that time again, the time for City and Town Elections. This is the time where Mayors and City Council members go out to “press the flesh.” They will be “kissing hands and shaking babies”, or something like that. I think the powder keg election will be the City of Sheffield. I have already heard of several people that are speaking about running against the elected Officials.

Remember folks, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about how the City or Town is being run. If you don’t like it, do something about it. Go to the City or Town Council meetings. Your voice will not be heard if you are not there.

Next, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no stupid question. If you don’t understand what they are talking about in the Council meetings, ask. That is the only way you are going to find out. Education such as this is free.

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I want to say that is was good to see the Owner/Publisher/Director of the Shoals Insider the other night. He has had some ups and downs with his diabetes, but he was in good spirits, looked good and was excited to see the Shoals Insider back up and going. Welcome back, Brother.


Until next time:

I am and always will be, the Midnight Rider.

*****

Another reader with an entirely different take on a recent Zodiac Theatre play:

Unlike the previous reader, I very much enjoyed the play Sordid Lives at the Zodiac and experienced NONE of the “problems” this reader says he/she encountered. Obviously this is a failed actor, turned down for any role in the play, scorned and out for blood. To that person, I say, “You Suck!”

You can complain about the prices all you want but just remember, no one forced you to pay $15 a ticket. That was your choice. You sound as miserable as a person can be with your gripes and complaints about everything from a person's laughter, to a baby making sounds, to way the ticket taker took your ticket, to the freaking lighting. Why on earth did you go in the first place? Keep your miserable, hateful, negative self at home. No one will EVER give a ****.

And by the way, the director is an absolutely wonderful person and unfortunately lost his Mom on Sunday so shame on you for kicking a man when he is already down. This was a well produced play with an EXCELLENT cast of LOCAL citizens, all which have other jobs and other responsibilities in life and participate in these local plays as a hobby to have fun and bring enjoyment to the lives of others. You should take lessons from them and learn how to be happy.

*****

Are you "in the know" about your water supply? No matter where you live in northwest Alabama...or anywhere in the U.S....you should be able to have access to fresh and pure water. From time to time, this has been a problem for some small towns. Now it's a problem for a large area in Lawrence and  Morgan Counties.

If you're not sure which entity supplies your water, call the number on your utility or water bill and ask. If you have more questions, continue to ask. Google the name of your water supplier. This is not Flint, Michigan. 

If you still have questions, contact local press. Contact us. Contact your state representative's office. 

It's a sad day when the Rime of the Ancient Mariner applies to us.

Travis Hardison

Most of us who grew up in the Shoals area have funny, if not fond, memories of Channel 15, WOWL television in Florence. Often it was their newscasts that provided much of the humor associated with the small local station, but occasionally the NBC affiliate hired quality talent, usually students from the local university.

One such newscaster was Travis Hardison. I never met Travis, but I have fond memories of his newscasts. His mother had been a substitute teacher in the Florence system for many years, so I was of course acquainted with his name. Mothers like to talk about their wonderful sons, and Mrs. Hardison frequently mentioned Travis and his younger brother Richard.

Travis managed to deliver the news without falling out of his chair, getting lost reading the script, or egregiously mispronouncing words above the sixth grade level. In short, he was a natural. Travis also performed in several UNA and Zodiac theatrical productions, making him something of a local celebrity.

While I had not thought of Travis in years, I was saddened to learn of his death while doing research on another story. For those of you who loved and admired Travis, all is not lost; Travis still lives here: http://www.alef.co.uk/deadtravis/index.html

I sincerely hope this brings back fond memories for those of you who knew Travis personally.


Reminder: Tomorrow is the first day of March. Original Bama at the Shoals Forum Trivia Contest would like to remind everyone that a new contest is starting. So, what are you waiting for? The link is to the left of this blog.