Brent Woodall & a Church of God Preacher

 

The race for Alabama State Auditor has added two new contenders. Originally from Decatur, attorney Brent Woodall has spent most of his adult life in Montgomery, but moved to the Shoals to take over the law practice of retiring Billy Underwood. Woodall seems universally liked and will make an interesting addition to the race.

Also chiming in is a Church of God preacher called Stan Cooke. As of now, Cooke is quite the outlier. Well, it is Alabama. 

Others are predicted to join the fray in the next few weeks. Jackie Zeigler, wife of current Auditor Jim Zeigler, is the name most mentioned. 

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Anyone attending the big to-do in Tuscumbia on Tuesday? Send us your take on the announcement and those in attendance. 

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It's Inspiration Landing...on its face again. Even Singin' River Brewing is outdoing the new venue. Stay tuned...

Too Classy for the Shoals?

Father's Day 2021

 

This Father's Day is a twofer. Not only is it the day to honor or remember our fathers, it's the First Day of Summer. That's right, summer starts at 10:32 tonight in the Shoals.

If you're a dad, make this summer count. Spend some extra time with your offspring while you can. We can promise you that nothing else will yield such a high reward.

Shoalanda & Staff

Big Announcement in Tuscumbia on Tuesday?

 

According to several of our contacts, there will be a big announcement coming out of Tuscumbia on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. E-mail invitations have been sent out to summon the select to a political reception hosted by a local office holder.

May we assume this local politician will be seeking to fill the position of state representative being vacated by Andrew Sorrell? Would we also be safe to assume that the race for this office is going to become another free-for-all?

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We've always believed that a big frog in a small political pond can do much more to help a community than a small frog in a big political pond. Obviously, not everyone sees it that way. Good luck to Mayor Kerry Underwood in whatever path he chooses.

Martin Supply Takes on City of Florence

 

First a comment we received on yesterday's blog concerning the proposed demolition of the city auditorium (Current incarnation since April 1983):

I really liked the latest blog. It shows perfectly the conflict of interest within the whole city government. They have no problem tearing down a historic building but want others to get permission to repaint. This group is the worst ever.

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The second objection to Florence's new downtown master plan? The demolition of the approximately 50 year-old parking deck. Who and why?

Martin Supply was founded in Sheffield in 1934 by Louis Martin. The company moved its headquarters from Colbert County to the old Rogers Department Store building several years ago. Pictured above is a pedestrian bridge that the city paid for to connect the deck with the Rogers building at the request of Martin Supply.

Today the Martin Company is managed by Louis' three grandsons who are opposed to the razing of the parking deck. Two city council members requested a delay in the vote. Jimmy Oliver and Bill Griffin are at best on the fence. The two councilmen voted against an immediate decision; that vote is now scheduled for July 6th.

Would Martin leave the 125 Court Street location if the deck is demolished? We sincerely doubt it for several reasons. Does the council president care how the Ruggles brothers feel about the deck? We sincerely doubt that also.

Florence Courts More Controversy

 

So far, we've seen two complaints concerning Florence's plans to tear down the old city hall and parking deck. The first concerns what is now the City Auditorium at 102 Pine Street.

This historic building has gone through several remodels, but is still structurally sound. Will the new Historical Commission fight to keep it? At least one commission member would be conflicted. Brian W. Murphy also works for the city which has chosen to raze the building...at least if we understand the plans for this multi-million project. 

Remember the Frank Perry Home for Nurses? It was an absolutely breathtaking Art Deco structure that was torn down with the old ECM complex. Many wondered why until the land was sold to Joel Anderson Jr. for a nebulous project. 

Apparently historic isn't that historic if money is involved.

Mo's Right on This One!

 

While we had some fun yesterday about Mo's description of process servers, we have to agree with him on trespassing claims. Not everyone does; Alabama Political Reporter columnist Josh Moon claims an attached garage is not part of one's home. Really?

Moon might want to check court rulings on that. Also, that would mean at least one local capital murder indictment is unfounded. Remember Benjamin Davenport, currently charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling, killing a Muscle Shoals woman?

Speaking of Davenport, we understand his trial has been postponed. That's not surprising in capital cases, yet it's never a positive thing. We're sure the family of his victim, as well as his spurned wife, want a swift end to this legal limbo.

Mo Brooks Needs Remedial Sex Education

 

Peahen & Peacock

We're pretty sure we've never before had a good laugh while reading the political section of the news, but Mo Brooks has given us one this week. This is a quote from our U.S. Representative concerning a lawsuit:

"Swalwell’s attorneys lied again when they strutted in front of the news media like peacocks in heat and falsely accused me of avoiding Swalwell’s lawsuit service when the fact is they could have served me roughly a hundred times before, during or after both Swalwell and I voted together on the House floor, or served me by U.S. Mail to my home address. In fact, when they finally got serious about serving me with the lawsuit, they served me not once, not twice, but three times, all within one week!"

In case you've forgotten (like Mo), only female animals come into heat. Males are ready to rumble 365 days a year. We're guessing Mo has never considered that all peacocks are male. Female peafowl are called peahens. 

A certain Alabama senator from the Plains was heard to exclaim: Elect Mo! He makes me look intelligent!