The State Doesn't Know or Track the Cost...

Last week, Alabama attorney general Luther Strange stated, “...the agency doesn’t know or track the state’s cost for fighting (Tommy) Arthur’s numerous legal battles that have prevented his execution.” We’re sure that statement applies to all those on death row.

We’re also sure accounting methods have changed in all state departments with the advent of computerized record keeping, but to say the attorney general’s office doesn’t keep track of how much manpower and other resources are expended on various cases is unbelievable…or maybe not, since it’s Alabama.

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Let’s not forget we have a governor who cuts the education budget, then says education in Alabama sucks, then asks private citizens to fix it. We’re certainly all for private citizens taking an active part in local education, but these same citizens are also taxpayers who expect the state to use tax dollars wisely. Then again, see comment on attorney general’s office.

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Robert DeShawn Childers remains missing. New rumors crop up every day. We’re sure the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office investigates every lead, but it’s slow going. Most of Mr. Childers’ family live outside the Shoals area, making it even more frustrating for them.

We’ve been sent a great deal of information that must be verified before we can publish it; however, we do plan to blog an update at a later date. We have few doubts that whoever is responsible will be held legally accountable at some point.

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Vote tomorrow; your life may depend on it.

Jennifer Gray or Jon Hatton

Democrat Jennifer Gray is seeking a second term as superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools. Republican Jon Hatton is seeking to wrest the office from Gray. Who is better to lead Lauderdale County Schools?

We’ve seen much criticism of Gray in various areas, but have also seen a list of her successes. Hatton is something of an unknown quantity. He is currently the principal of Brooks Elementary in Killen. From all accounts the bow tie wearing educator is well liked and untouched by scandal.

One of the biggest issues seems to be Gray’s lunch money policy: No money, no lunch, and no donations taken. While we disagree with this policy, it shouldn’t be a career ending stance for Gray. Yet as a Democrat, Gray may lose simply due to straight ticket voting.

No one who blogs here has children in the Lauderdale system. We’ve attempted to delve deeper into some issues, but have not been able to ascertain some of the finer points of either candidate’s platform. Therefore, we’re not making a recommendation in this race. Do your homework and vote wisely.

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We’re often struck by comments from readers. Why do some think a person indicted for Felony murder can be given the death sentence? Along those lines, we recently saw a Lauderdale voter ask Jon Hatton if he lived in Lauderdale County.

It’s sad that the general public knows so little about our election laws. Yet these are the ones who help determine who will mold our government and our children’s future. We would suggest a short refresher course in civics for all would-be voters, but obviously the Democratic Party would shoot that idea down.

Tuscumbian Theatre/Florence Apartments?

Old movie theatres are treasures. Both Florence and Sheffield have renovated old movie houses to use for various concerts, plays, etc. We don’t often pass by the old Tuscumbian Theatre and had no idea just what was left inside.

A reader has mentioned that the stage area is still intact and the building would be perfect for a dinner theatre. We love the idea.

What say you, new Tuscumbia council members?

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From Cinema Treasures website

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A friend sent us a photo of work being done on the new apartments adjacent to Fred’s:

Lovely motif, isn’t it?

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Muskrat Villa

From a very savvy reader:

TAXPAYERS' MONEY and ELECTED OFFICIALS WASTEFUL SPENDING:

What a debate in the Tuscumbia mayor and city council race on whether or not Tuscumbia can afford, or need a RV Park (aka Muskrat Villa) at the Spring Park swamp bottom!

I own a business in Tuscumbia and truly hope before Tuscumbia puts us on the hook for such a money pit, they will look at the COUNTY RV park and closely analyze the cost to the taxpayers.

The Colbert County RV Park (the old alloys park) was donated to the County, FREE. Well, almost.......

The County Commissioners approved renovations in the amount of $820,000.00 with $160,000.00 in grants to help with the renovation leaving a debt of $660,000.00 (which includes employee costs and $15,000.00 in attorney fees - that was a hefty charge for reviewing a contract and filing deeds now wasn’t it?).

RECORDS show -  past 5 years -

INCOME is over $318,000.00

EXPENSES (renovation and yearly operations) total $1,146,000.000 - yes - 1 MILLION, 1 HUNDRED FORTY SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS.   This leaves taxpayers with a large debt for a “free” RV park.

In the best year - 2016

EXPENSES were $67,000.00

INCOME a little over $46,000 (Economics 101 would call this careless budgeting and malfeasance.)

EXPENSES WERE $21,000.00 MORE than the income!

What county or city programs suffers to pay the ongoing shortfall for this RV Park? —  schools, roads, jail, salaries? Granted, the park in the east end of the county has generated ONE JOB for a caretaker/manager.

There is little hope of ever generating income to cover expenses, or begin to recover the renovation costs and attorney fees of $660,000.00 with yearly losses over $21,000.00 a year.

EACH YEAR this RV Park will go further and further in the RED- creating a greater debt for the taxpayers.

TUSCUMBIA - This is not what we want in our city!

Shouldn’t these hundreds of thousands of dollars be sent to the mayors for infrastructure that would encourage and generate JOBS?

We, the public, are tired of the waste and ready for a change - not a short change.

It’s time to STOP the irresponsible budgeting and wasteful spending on projects that will never grow our economy.

Surely Tuscumbia officials understand finance and budgeting a little better than this county commission. If they can’t see a LOSS of $660,000.00 to date and growing debt of $21,000.00 a year for a RV Park doesn’t pass the smell test, then they all need to be sent home on November 8th!

This ain’t Robin Williams “RV” comedy movie, this is our community’s future!

We need a hero that will step up to challenge the status quo and WORK for JOBS and SERVICES! VOTE for CHANGE that will IMPROVE our ECONOMY, STREETS, BRING  JOBS and LOWER our TAXES!!

WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP!!!! WE NEED JOBS!!!!!

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While we're not endorsing either Clinton or Trump (we pretty much think both candidates are beneath contempt), we're amused that anyone would criticize the investigation into Hillary's e-mail debacle by saying most congressmen have done the same thing. How did that argument work when you used it on your mother?

He's Not Dead, Jim!

Once again, Tommy Arthur's life has been spared. Once again, Arthur will return to a solitary cell on death row where he will have few amenities, almost no food, and certainly no company except for the occasional impersonal visit by a corrections officer. Why does he want to live?

We've stated before that we have very mixed opinions of the death penalty. If anyone ever deserved to die for his crimes, Arthur probably does. Of those who have supported Arthur, let's ask this: How do you feel about the death of Jodey Wayne Waldrop? Did you know that Waldrop was one of six men murdered in the St. Clair prison during a 36 month period?

While Waldrop's killer has been indicted for the crime, three of the other five deaths were investigated, but failed to produce an indictment. While we're changing the legal system, let's see if we can't manage equal justice for all.

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It seems our attorney general is intent on having Robert Bentley all to himself...so no impeachment? Let's hope Big Luther knows what he's doing.

License Commissioner/Escape Room/Minor

The general election is approaching at only a slightly slower speed than Tommy Arthur’s execution. Lauderdale County will be selecting a new License Commissioner. Democrat Tony Cox vies for the position against Republican Rodney Pettus. Both men are more than qualified in every aspect; therefore, we’re not making a recommendation. Do your research and vote your conscience.

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We passed by the Escape Room earlier today. It appears they are already adding new challenges, or at least renovating. We encourage some of our readers who’ve previously dared to try their escape skills to send us a review.

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Judge Mike Jones has now recused all Lauderdale judges in the Dillard/Staggs/Mitchell case. The minor? She was mentioned in the July indictment, not the May indictment:

Click to Enlarge

Yes, it's ambiguous...

The Election Is Upon Us!/Xavier Armstead

Election, Veterans Day, & New Council

By: The Midnight Rider

Election

We only have a few days left before we vote for a new President. Please gather your facts and vote. If you don’t vote you cannot complain about the candidate. That one vote might be the deciding factor. Who is the best candidate? I don’t know. During this Presidential Election run, especially during the Debates, I am not sure that Scooby Doo would not have been a better candidate to vote for. For better or worse, I believe I am going to vote for Trump. My Grandfather would be turning over in his grave if he knew I was not voting Democrat. Let’s hope that the Candidate that is elected can turn this Country around.

Veterans Day

As you may know, Veterans Day is Friday, November 11th, 2016. Make sure that you thank a Veteran for their Service on this day. Actually, you should be thanking a Veteran every day for the Service. They are the ones that have made this Country safe for you. Some have even given the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Tuscumbia City Council

The new members of the Tuscumbia City Council will be taking over. Basically, you will be getting a brand new Council. It will be interesting to see if these new members can improve Tuscumbia as promised during the Elections. I think they will. Let's hope so.

I am and always will be, the Midnight Rider.

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One of our regular readers has been a victim of Xavier Lamont Armstead. Unfortunately, it seems that Armstead's crimes have not all yet been added to the list for restitution:

Xavier Armstead