Your Town Has Class or All Cities Aren't Equal

A reader recently contacted us concerning C. R.'s statement that recall of elected officials was not an option in Class 8 Municipalities (Cherokee). The question gave us pause on many levels. Just how many classes of towns/cities are there in Alabama? Per BallotPedia, all Alabama municipalities have been relegated to one of these classes since 1970:

• Class 1: All cities with a population of 300,000 inhabitants or more;
• Class 2: All cities with a population of not less than 175,000 and not more than 299,999 inhabitants;
• Class 3: All cities with a population of not less than 100,000 and not more than 174,999 inhabitants;
• Class 4: All cities with a population of not less than 50,000 and not more than 99,999 inhabitants;
• Class 5: All cities with a population of not less than 25,000 and not more than 49,999 inhabitants;
• Class 6: All cities with a population of not less than 12,000 and not more than 24,999 inhabitants;
• Class 7: All cities with a population of not less than 6,000 and not more than 11,999 inhabitants;
• Class 8: All cities and towns with a population of 5,999 inhabitants or less.

This listing is pretty straight forward; too bad the laws governing these classes aren't. We would suggest that anyone attempting to determine state law for their home town use the above classifications to initiate their search.

We also discovered a bill was introduced in the Alabama Legislature last year that would have legalized recall of elected officials for all incorporated towns. For whatever reason, the bill did not become law. Are there truly any out there who don't see the need for a new Alabama Constitution?

An interesting side note is the fact Florence and Muscle Shoals are the only two cities listed in Alabama's top 50 population wise. There seems to be no new developments in municipality consolidation in Colbert County, and we can't say we blame Muscle Shoals for their stance on the subject.

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We know that several local citizens are members of various groups calling for a new Constitutional Convention. We would be delighted to publish a guest commentary from you on this subject.

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Update on UNA robbery: We reported Tuesday that our source at the Florence Police Department stated the robbers used the victims' cell phones to contact other would be victims. According to WAFF, their source at the FPD stated all those contacted were female. Apparently robbery wasn't the only intent of these three miscreants. There's no word on any reward as of yet, but one seems in order.

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One Trip Pass comments on Florence, Alabama: Link

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Need a ride in Sheffield? Or know what year this service ended?: Link

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

Hen House Prowler Strikes for Last Time?

Timothy Ron White is no stranger to Colbert law enforcement. Three years ago, the Spring Valley resident was arrested for third degree burglary. Yesterday he was shot after breaking into a hen house--ostensibly to steal copper. Authorities aren't releasing the name of the property owner, but public records indicate Billy W. Mills is the owner of the farm located at 3900 Ricks Lane in Leighton.

We're surprised that ten thousand dollars worth of copper was located in the chicken house, especially without an alarm system. Should the owner have shot White? We'll leave that up to a grand jury, but we do think White is lucky he wasn't removed from the Ricks Lane property in a body bag. Now the least White may expect is a first degree theft charge--probably as a habitual offender. Was it worth it?

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From our e-mail bag...

On the historic Florence home at 502 Walnut Street:

She (Delana Blake) lives there with her children. He (Jimmy Neese) lives with his mother in another house on Walnut Street. She (requested he move) a long time ago - Anonymous. (That must make for some interesting neighborhood association meetings.)

On Henry J. Searcy:

When I was 16 years old, I worked for Gene Crump at his first car Lot in Sheffield. Searcy, as he was called, went to the auctions in Mayfield, Ky. with us every week that he could. He taught me to drive very fast and very carefully. He also spent a lot of time just showing me things that every young boy did not have the opportunity to experience. He took me through the jail and showed me around the court house and police station. We both drove too fast and at times probably on the edge of danger. I was devastated when he was killed. He was one of those people in your past that you will never forget!!! To me he was a good man and special friend to me as a young boy. I think because of him; I grew up with a lot of respect for policemen. - Jim Smith

Thank you for writing about Chief Searcy. He was a wonderful man who I believe still has some family in the area that will appreciate it. Your blog has written about many people that would otherwise be forgotten. Thank you for caring. - Anonymous

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Many remember Glenn Shadix (Scott) from his days in the Theatre Department at UNA. Here's a brief clip featuring Glenn:

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

More on UNA Robbery/Friday Night Lights

According to sources at the Florence Police Department, there's been little headway made in the investigation of a robbery involving three or more UNA students last Tuesday night. You may read the basic story at this TimesDaily link; however, there was one aspect of the crime that has yet to be reported.

It seems the three robbers, one of whom reportedly carried a Glock, used the three stolen cell phones to text the individuals listed in the phones' address book. The miscreants' plan apparently was to lure other victims to a secluded location where they would also be robbed. We're hearing that some UNA students felt the university's automated warning system was too little too late concerning this would-be crime wave.

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Those Friday Night Lights

A Guest Commentary By

J. J. Ray

Recently I found the America no one hears about any more. I got to experience high school football. Many years have passed since I had been to a game. The crowds were cheering on both sides. Neighbors were visiting--some had not seen each other since last year. The cheerleaders were hollering "defense, defense" and the air was electric with excitement. Best of all this is America at her finest. The American flags were gathered about, they even played “The Star Spangled Banner” as all stood, and some even placed their hands over their hearts out of respect. A woman whom I had never seen before sang “God Bless America” without a lawsuit being filed to stop her and the game began.

The great part of this whole scenario is that it happens all across this great land from sea to shining sea in towns small and large.

Those that are in Washington now and their ACLU pals cannot destroy this America. From those green fields comes our next breed of leaders and patriots though they do not know it yet. The teams are a mix of races all playing with a common goal. Where else can the moms and dads, grandparents and friends from all races and religions come together and be just Americans. They just are enjoying the children playing a game chasing a small brown ball.

The smells from the concession stands with the kids working so hard and the girls giggling about this or that player and the fight songs from the high school band, it is one of our finest hours. These towns are the true backbone of this nation.

This had such a wakening effect one me I had to pass it on. Perhaps those that want to destroy this country with their socialist agendas have not been to a Friday night game lately. Perchance, this is what is missing in their lives--true red, white and blue America at its finest. When the game ended there was no somberness, each bade one another so long until next week and the stadium went dark. Thank God for “Those Friday Night Lights.” Have you been lately?

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Did you hear about the mysterious white powder that caused the closing of Decatur City Hall yesterday? It seems the substance was only baby forumula.

Some years ago at a courthouse in South Alabama, several employees arriving at work one Monday were immediately struck by the stench of decomposition coming from the ladies room. A quick peek in the trash can caused one employee to call police to report a fetus or stillbirth had been discarded...or perhaps worse.

After police and a forensics team arrived, along with the coroner, a cow's tongue was safely removed from the courthouse. Gingerly carrying the bovine body part out of the building, one detective was said to have looked more than slightly irritated when he answered reporters' questions--yes, it was definitely "full term."

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

A Few Words About National Alabama

In a previous blog, we suggested the TimesDaily should have asked employees how they felt about National Alabama severing ties with its parent company in Hamilton, Ontario. As far as we know, no employees have yet been interviewed, but here are some comments collected from indeed.com:

My husband was to interview and hire, was told by another NAC employee that he cannot hire someone with tatoos or facial hair, regardless of their qualifications. I don't think this is right, they should employ the best person for the position. I realize that the company wants to look good, but in my personal opinion, not hiring someone because of a beard or tatoo is being prejudiced.

They changed my husband's payday on us, causing problems for us, he didn't get his first check when he was supposed to. When he asked if he would be paid on the new date, their response was "You'll just have to wait and see."

I realize I sound disgruntled, but I am a college educated professional whose family has lost everything because of this company. It wasn't right, but they got away with it. I wish we had never gotten involved with them.

-()-

The starting salaries were good (as far as my husband went), travel was there... in Canada a lot. Benefits weren't too good. NAC has good ideas, state of the art facility is awesome but they make too many changes too often. This will hurt them eventually (I believe it already has). No perks or treats for employees.

-()-

My husband went to NAC, left the same company I suppose you work for, in 3 weeks they eliminated him without reason. They said "In Alabama they don't have to have a reason." We have lost everything and are financially ruined. They didn't stick to anything they had him sign, i.e. job offer letter, paying for certain things, etc. They changed everything on us once we moved our family there. Now we've lost our home, auto, credit, everything and they didn't blink an eye at it. We also heard that they've done this to about 3 other people in the AL location. Maybe it wont happen to you, but just be careful, I'd hate to see anyone else in the situation we are in.

NAC isn't all it's cracked up to be. They do have great ideas but they haven't worked all the "bugs" out yet like the competition has.

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Want to know what it was like to grow up in Cherokee before it became a war zone? This book by Jimmie McWilliams will tell you: Link

Shoalanda

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The Muslems Are Coming, The Muslems Are Coming

The Muslims Are Coming, The Muslims Are Coming

A Guest Commentary By

J. J. Ray

Everyone find cover, we are being invaded. The one thing in life that truly amazes me is our predisposition for fear. Truly, that what we do not understand we fear, “When all we have to fear is fear itself”. Watching with great interest the battle over the proposed Mosque at ground zero, I am still stunned. Not that I want it built on the spot where so many lives were lost at the hands of radicals. Rather, that the some in the Muslim community that want to be part of this country would prefer to inflict more pain and suffering on those that lost so much. Once again, that is only a few.

The question was asked by the talking heads if this were a Jewish temple or a Christian church would we object. No, it was Islamic jihadists that murdered and maimed all those people, not to mention the cost, which is in the billions. I do not think I can remember when we had a Jew or real Christian attack this country. This country forgave the Axis of Evil that started the Second World War, though it did take time. Remember time heals all wounds and wounds all heels.

Aside from their lack of respect by some regarding this issue most Muslims that I know are really very decent people. They are citizens of this great country but have a different religious belief than most of the Christians or Jews. In no way do I profess to understand the Koran, yet they however know a great deal about our Bible. Now that is interesting.

Make no mistake they live among us. Some are doctors, engineers, business owners etc. They cause no problems here in North Alabama. However, they are an additional asset for our community. Why then do we fear them so much? Because most of us get our information from the talking heads on the tube. Those jihadists Muslims that are discussed so much make up only a fraction of the Muslim population. Just as we have our problem people like the Skinheads and the KKK, they also have theirs.

Years ago, I had a Hindu doctor save my life. The doctor did not care what my beliefs were before she saved my life. Thank the Lord; she just saved my mangy hide.

Still I do not believe that ground zero is an appropriate place for a mosque. After all, is not it time we began to heal and forgive? The mosque would be a constant reminder of the pain and suffering. That does not mean they cannot build elsewhere. Perhaps we need to take the time and learn about our neighbors whether they are Muslin, Hindu, Sikh, Hebrew or Buddhist. You can never tell, they might just be normal folks.

If, I am not mistaken, did some folks that were searching for a place to practice their religion without reprisal not found this country?

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Time Out: A New Blog - J. J. Ray will be writing a blog for the new Shoals Internet magazine The Connection. Each week J. J. will place a local person or entity in "Time Out" over less than civic minded behavior. J. J. tells us it will all be in fun and no literal harm will come to those he incarcerates. You can also continue to find J. J. and his unique blend of politics and humor here with frequent guest commentaries.

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Our local hero today is Morris T. Lentz. Yesterday Morris and his fellow firefighters helped Rogersville remember 9/11. Besides his role of volunteer firefighter, Morris also participates in several activities geared toward promoting Rogersville and all of Northwest Alabama. We can think of no one who is truly more of a hero than Morris.

Shoalanda

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Special Report: National Alabama Sued for 354K

Last time I was in the plant it was pretty much idle. Very clean place, though. Great security team, it takes forever to get checked in the gate. Don't want any of those rail cars stolen I would guess. - From the TimesDaily Forum



Apparently security is a top priority for the National Alabama Corporation. In fact, security is so important that the rail car company contracted with Open Options for a security system costing at least $354,009.00. We say at least that much since Open Options has filed a claim for that amount. Due to the size of the claim, the suit will be held in Colbert County Circuit Court.

Open Options is located in Carrollton, Texas, and serves companies across the Southeast. Calling their innovative security line DNA Fusion, the company courts customers who use open architecture. You can read more about Open Options at this link.

Security is needed at any manufacturing entity. The price of scrap metal alone would attract the unscrupulous to the Barton plant; however, we have to ask what is so top secret that this much high tech security is required. We also have to ask why National Alabama doesn't have the money to pay Open Options.

Chief Henry J. Searcy--Shot Down on Streets of Leighton

In 1910, the majority of men, especially those living in rural areas or small towns, carried a gun. In 2010, few of us carry a firearm, at least on our person. It's easy to forget how close we remain to an era of frontier justice. It was just fifty-three years ago that the police chief of Leighton was shot down on a main street of that small Colbert County town. Perhaps few now remember him.

Henry J. Searcy was born June 1, 1919. The son of John H. and Nancy L. Searcy, Henry came from a large family. He joined the Army during WWII and served honorably as a member of the 1304th Engineer Construction Battalion. This unit departed Camp Sutton in North Carolina on February 1, 1944. By September 1945, they had served in campaigns in India-Burma, Burma, and China. We may assume by this time Henry Searcy wanted little more than to return to his home in semi-rural Northwest Alabama.

Searcy joined the Colbert County Sheriff's Department around 1947 and worked there almost eight years before joining the Leighton Police as Chief. From the Officer Down Page:

Chief Searcy was shot and killed from ambush at approximately 0500 hours. He had taken off his gun belt to adjust some equipment on it when a suspect opened fire on him with a .44 caliber rifle. Chief Searcy was struck ten times and killed almost instantly.

The suspect, who had earlier been charged by Chief Searcy for killing an animal without cause, turned himself in approximately 30 minutes later. He was charged with Chief Searcy's murder.

Chief Searcy was a WWII veteran and had served as chief of the 2-person Leighton Police Department for 2.5 years. He had previously served with the Colbert County Sheriff's Department for 7.5 years. He was survived by his parents, three brothers, and five sisters.

Henry J. Searcy is buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery off LaGrange Road in Franklin County. Henry rests here with his parents and some of his siblings. We know they would be glad that Lecia Ford remembered him.


Note: Yesterday we published Leighton Memories in which we failed to change the name of the police chief from Grissom to Henry J. Searcy. We have now corrected that. Thanks to Lecia for all her research.

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Thought for the day, 9/11: Remember the Alamo, Remember the Maine, Remember Pearl Harbor...But do we?

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Did you miss the Judi Letters by William Lindsey McDonald the first time around? We found one copy on eBay: Link

Shoalanda



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