Vandals, Visigoths, & Skunk Apes

Like the beautiful Christmas decorations on display each year in Wilson Park in downtown Florence? Each was handmade by employees of the Florence Electricity Department. The first year they were displayed, some were stolen. We don't recall if these magical figures were ever found or not, but the wonderful employees who designed and crafted the decorations on their own time again pitched in to replace them. We assume these arches, angels, and reindeer are all more firmly secured since their debut year.

Now vandals have upset the statue of William Christopher Handy and dragged it a quarter way across the park. Thankfully the statue received only minor damage. Yet our tax dollars paid for the workmen to replace the sculpture on its pedestal, and if more work is needed, out tax dollars will pay for that also. The story of vandalism to such a well-known attraction in Florence will make national news...and perhaps some reporters will even add racial overtones to the tale of brainless thugs who decided to "have some fun."

Last month a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest was stolen from a cemetery in Selma, presumably to sell for its metal content. It's possible our vandals had a similar motive originally, but decided to retreat to a darker area of the park after spotting a police patrol. The town of Selma has issued a reward for the thieves of the Confederate general's likeness. Perhaps we in Florence should do the same in order to teach these neo-Visigoths a lesson. Or were they Ostrogoths? Maybe just skunk apes on the prowl for another victim?

*****

Shoalanda

Alabama Senate Bill 5/Justin Joins a Select Club

It's amazing that the Alabama Senate has chosen to decree when life begins. We doubt many of our senators could state the date summer will officially arrive; however, that's not the theme of today's blog. We're going to play along with our illustrious state lawmakers and stipulate that life does begin at fertilization.

Our state senate says they in no way wish to outlaw in vitro fertilization, but that illustrious body must realize not all fertilized eggs are implanted into the would-be mother. So...what happens to these mini-lives?

1. The parents could choose to donate their fertilized eggs to another childless couple, but we doubt this happens often since most people don't wish for others to raise their biological children.

2. A lab worker/owner decides to discard the embryos.

3. A long-term power outage destroys the embryos.

4. The world ends in some manner. (We predict the second coming of Christ at some point, but if you prefer, it could be caused by a collision with a rogue comet named Bubba Ho-Tep. Scientists are after all entitled to a sense of humor.)

Let's go with option number two--a medical enterprise has gone bankrupt and no longer has the means to store the frozen embryos. Will you and I as taxpayers have to pay for a new home for these microscopic cells? Think about it. Someone has to...

*****

Note: If you don't give a flip about the latest antics of the Sourwater Gang, feel free to skip to the next item.

First it was E.T., then Trader. More recently it was D.K. Now it seems our regular commenter Justin has been included in one of Sweetwater's staple replies. No, gentle readers, Justin doesn't exist. He's just a figment of someone's imagination--just someone who was created with the intent to defame the wonder workers who have done so much to restore Florence's long-neglected ante bellum mansion. Yes, several associated with one of the weirdest blogs known to man have pronounced Justin a little man who isn't there.

A quote from the blog where he is misidentified as "Jason:" Obviously, I have another admirer disguised as a hater calling themselves ‘Jason’.  While I am relatively certain ‘Jason’ is not their real name and whoever it is probably is not even a man but yet another woman...

We don't know if Justin is our friend's real name or not. That does not make him any less real. While Justin doesn't always agree with us, he has always been a gentleman and provided interesting food for thought--all in all a worthy debate opponent. We're thinking of requesting these four men offer a reply to their detractors. When is Sweeps Week for blogs anyway?

*****

Yesterday, we reported that J. J. Common was among the first 126 arrested in Franklin County during a widespread drug sting. While Common was among those arrested, he was in the Franklin County jail having been returned from the Limestone Correctional Facility for a hearing on his December 2011 kidnapping charges. We're happy to make that correction for our Franklin County contacts, and happier still that he was not back on the streets.



Shoalanda

J.J. Common Among 126 Arrested in "Spring Clean"

Yesterday we reported as many as 300 were on tap to be arrested in "Operation Spring Clean." As of Tuesday morning, 126 had been officially identified, and warrants were still being requested and served. The Franklin County Times online has now listed the 126 who were first to be arrested, and one name caught our attention:

John James Common, 28, 503 South Carrol St., Russellville, two counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (within 3 miles of a school and/or housing project)

From our December 20, 2011, blog:

John James Common, aka J.J., is a familiar figure around Russellville. It's hard to miss his small truck with the bullet holes in the passenger door. Common, 28, has several convictions involving drugs and is no stranger to prison. Our sources in the Russellville Police Department say he has his own entrance with a revolving door.

On parole for his drug offenses, Common was wearing an ankle monitor yesterday when he broke into the home where his ex-girlfriend was staying and attempted to kidnap the 21 year-old. This is the same girlfriend he once hit in the belly while she was pregnant. We're pretty sure they've kept his bed warm at the Limestone Correctional Facility. We're also pretty sure he qualifies as a habitual offender. 

"28 year old John James Common is facing Burglary, Theft, Attempted Kidnapping, Assault and Domestic Violence charges after the incident." Let's hope J.J. stays away for a long time...

From a December 31, 2011 comment:

JJ has been in and out of trouble all of his life, well every since I knew him (which was when he and I were 14). Right after I first met him he beat up a younger kid really bad and went to detention (1998),after that he got into trouble for raping a mentally challenged girl,he plead guilty but was a juvenile at the time)1999). The he went to jail for drugs got out on house arrest got pulled over with drugs in the car took off running and was caught...at that time he had a gun and crack-cocaine in the vehicle he abandoned. He was sent to prison((2003-2005 not sure the exact date) Then he got out again and starting back selling drugs. He was involved in a wreck that killed a woman and broke his hip. He was arrested shortly there after for you guessed it drugs. While in Franklin County jail he got a charge for prison contraband,and bribing an officer. They sent him to prison(2007) Oh and did I mention he was again on house arrest when he got arrested this time...broken hip and all. He got out 2010 and been arrested probably about 3-4 times since. One time was in Lauderdale county for shooting at someone. He was on FEDERAL house arrest monitor during this last little stint he pulled. Oh and let's not forget about him running onto the Russellville football field to shoot a player he had a problem with back a few years ago.

Apparently J.J. didn't stay away for any appreciable time. Yes, prisons are crowded, but do we need John James Common back on the streets of Russellville in another three months? We're sure District Attorney Joey Rushing will have his hands full due to this drug sting; nevertheless we hope he pays special attention to J.J. Revolving door doesn't even begin to describe Common's recidivism adequately.

Ah, so much crime. Let's add a little romance to the story. An employee of the Franklin County Jail tells us Common will be taking a court ordered paternity test during his stay...



Shoalanda

Massive Drug Bust in Franklin County/Tommy Arthur--Senior Citizen

Police sources say the newly formed drug task force in Franklin County began raids in the early morning hours Monday and continues their quest as we write this. One source outside the police department stated as many as 300 were scheduled to be arrested. If that number is even remotely close to the actual number of arrests, local jails will be filled to capacity. Perhaps some dealers will be charged under Federal statutes and taken to Huntsville. (The Franklin County Times reported 126 taken into custody by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday.)

*****

In today's world of longevity, sociologists now describe the last era of human life as beginning at 70. This is a mark that Tommy Arthur recently passed, and we're now seeing him described as "a senior citizen" on death row. By all definitions, Arthur is indeed a senior citizen. Many predict he will die on death row before he is executed.

There's nothing humorous about Arthur's crime, yet there is something amusing in the fact that his supporters wish to spare his life because he is now a senior citizen. We have to ask why Arthur's case has aroused so much interest when such others as John Forrest Parker were executed with comparatively little fanfare.

Related post: John Forrest Parker's Path to the Death Chamber



Shoalanda

You Just Lost 8K Dollars

Yes, if you live in Lauderdale County and are a taxpayer, you just lost $7,938.00 simply because the Coffee Health Group wouldn't turn over records to the TimesDaily. The local newspaper sought access to the documents pertaining to the sale of the ECM hospital to RegionalCare. The law says such records are public and therefore required the health authority to reimburse the TD for any and all legal fees associated with it's ongoing request.

Why wouldn't the Coffee Health Group turn them over? So far they haven't made their reasons public. 8K is a drop in the proverbial bucket of tax revenue, but it's still a lot of moolah to most local citizens. Now we await the location of the new RegionalCare facility. It must be make public this month, and we're not expecting any surprises...of course, that doesn't mean we may not get one...or several.

*****

Some free history: For those who live in the eastern end of Lauderdale County or Limestone itself, each Saturday in April will provide a free history walk beginning at 10:00 a.m. There's no charge for the tours which meet at the corner of Beaty and Market Streets. The five walks include:

• Athens Square Historic District

• Beaty Historic District, Washington Street and Old Town Cemetery;

• Athens State University, Big Spring Memorial Park and College Inn;

• City Cemetery.

• Houston Historic District



Shoalanda

Hershel Graham/ Kimberly Bynum Court Updates

Franklin County Courthouse

Hershel Graham waived his right to an arraignment last Friday and pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Martin Andrasik. His trial is scheduled for later this summer. It seems unlikely that Franklin County will pursue related charges against Graham's son Elijah, who has publicly announced he will be leaving Franklin County as soon as he is able to do so.

Related post: Why Wasn't Elijah Graham Indicted?

*****

A March 21st pre-trial for Kimberly Bynum has been continued. Her Franklin County trial is still presumed to be scheduled for this summer. After the verdict in the Amanda Duboise Watkins case, we may assume Bynum's attorney is being exceedingly vigilant in preparing for her case related to admitted sexual misconduct.

We are still receiving reports that Bynum has married, but have been unable to verify this. If anyone can provide us with documentation, please do so. This could greatly impact her trial.

Related posts: Kimberly Bynum's Long Term Affair?

*****

Not since Mike Royco and Lewis Grizzard has there been a national columnist more adept at humor than Reg Henry. Recently Henry has come under fire locally for...well, for being humorous. We suspect his detractors are closet Puritans who beat their rugs, add lead to their gasoline, and support the current management of Sweetwater Mansion. If you're not familiar with Henry, here's his bio. He appears every Sunday in the TimesDaily--one of the few things they actually get right.

Reg Henry

Shoalanda

Doers Actually Get Something Accomplished...Eventually

Rear of Weeden Home

You've probably heard the old joke: There are two kinds of people in the world--those who divide the world into two kinds of people and those who don't. Today, we're going to divide the local population into four types:

1. Those who couldn't care less about the area's problems. Those who fall into this group ask what the area can do for them, not vice versa.

2. Those who really don't want to do any work, but want to take credit for any work that is done. If someone else does it and they get no credit for it, then it's wrong.

3. Those who have tried to help this area, but have become discouraged by those in Group 2.

4. Those who have (usually) had many false starts, but keep on trying until they actually accomplish something.

In yesterday's blog we honored local writer and filmmaker Thomas Beane as a local hero. We're sure Thomas has had many projects that didn't work out as intended or are still in the editing stage due to unanticipated problems. That's life. To his credit, Thomas Beane has many completed projects that have greatly benefited the Shoals and will continue to do so for years to come.

One of Thomas' most noteworthy projects is his video on Sweetwater Mansion, aka the Weeden Home. Thomas made the video while a student at the University of North Alabama, long before owner Susan Leigh Smithson allowed Cynthia Johnson to act as "Director," but now a certain group who has recently taken to Shoals cyber space has denigrated Thomas' work, calling him a trespasser at best. Let's look at some recent dialogue:

Click to Enlarge

"Carmen" asks if "you people" ever tell the truth. We're not exactly sure to whom she's referring, but we can see that Thomas has been accused of trespassing. How did Thomas reply to such a statement?

"I could care less about the issues surrounding Sweetwater or the community division between the various groups. I also have no interest in attacking people in public or private. However, I do have an interest in defending myself. My name is Thomas Beane. I did do a film project with a production crew at Sweetwater for a class that I had at the University . I did not trespass onto the property. I would not even agree to any subject within the film until I had permission and cooperation. I had permission from Charlotte Dean at Cypress Realty, who was under contract and had the listing for the property at the time. I contacted her to receive permission, which was granted. She also provided a CD copy of interior pictures for our use, which I picked up at her office. On the day that we filmed, Florence Police Department responded to a call at the property, someone had seen us at the gate. An officer came out. I talked to him about why we there and told him about the project. I provided the name of the realtor and the officer called her office. After talking with her, he left. All of this was recorded on both the radio transmission log and documented at the police department in the shift log. I discussed all of this with Cynthia Johnson and we agreed that there was no foul committed. We resolved the issue for all parties involved. I did not talk to Smithson because I did not have to do so. The property was under contract with a realtor, as I mentioned. Mrs. Dean did not give me permission the first day that I called. She called me back. As to whether she talked to anyone about it, I would refer that question to her. I have no reason to believe that Mrs. Dean did not have the right to provide such permission. The project was never intended to be a commercial project nor has it been marketed as such. It was an educational project. Anyone who claims that anything other than this happened does so without knowing the facts of the matter. I met Glass while doing this project. I have maintained the same professional relationship that I do with anyone that I have worked, which are many. I do not know who writes the different blogs nor am really interested in participating in such. If someone has proof that I did this project illegally or if Mrs. Smithson has questions about my one-time interaction with the property, I encourage them to contact me directly. I will be glad to provide contradictory evidence. 

"For the record, I have never been inside of Sweetwater. I asked Charlotte Dean about the interior. She stated that it was unsafe, so she provided the disk with the interior pictures.

"I want to add that I offered the use of rights to the video to Cynthia Johnson to sell with all profits benefiting the Sweetwater restoration project. She stated that she would like to do that if they could figure out the best way to incorporate it into the fund drive. She also offered me a position working with the restoration project. These offers were made approx. one and a half to two years ago. I had to decline her offer because I am the primary caregiver for my disabled mother, which requires priority in my time. I have not heard back from her on the video matter. As far as I am aware in relation to the three phone conversations that I have had with Cynthia Johnson, there exists no conflict between myself and anyone official associated with Sweetwater or the restoration drive. So I find the above comments involving me surprising and false."

Once again, thank you, Thomas, for all you do for the Shoals area.

Shoalanda