Inspiration Landing Year Nine: Time to Throw in the Towel?

 

The year 2023 marks the beginning of the ninth official year of plans for Sheffield's Inspiration Landing. What does the City have to show for these nine years?

1. Several lovely dead-end roads to nowhere.

2. A beautiful short stretch of black fencing by a defunct music venue.

3. A large eye-catching sign at the entrance way.

4. Two USDA loans totalling $2,748,000.00, on which 13 payments have presumably been made.

5. A long list of changing promises from Memphis developer John Elkington, complete with publicity photos of smiles and handshakes.

If we've left out anything, we apologize. We now have to ask why the citizens of Sheffield are continuing to allow their leaders to keep up this farce?

*****

A tale of two brothers:

Joe spends a few hours each week scanning city streets for discarded metal to sell for cash. He makes around $50.00 a month from this endeavor.

Jim spends an equal amount of time driving to a nearby state to purchase $100.00 a week in lottery tickets.

Jim often criticizes Joe for wasting his time on his scavenging hobby, but Joe just laughs. At the end of the year, Joe has an extra 600.00 in his bank account, while Jim has spent $5,200.00 with nothing to show for it.

Isn't the City of Sheffield a lot like Jim who constantly brags of what his future will bring, but in reality will have nothing to show for time and effort except some huge bills. Better to think small and actually have something, no?

Will Ag Center Open in Ten Weeks?

 

It seems the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office has its own posse; it's officially called the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Posse Mounted Patrol Division. In ten weeks, the volunteer organization will be holding a rodeo at...the Ag Center on Highway 72. Big Ta Da!

The organization's Facebook page shows a committee selecting from four sites on Ag Center property. We assume everything will be portable. In other words, don't expect working toilets or sinks. 

A spokesman for the group has said there will be seating for between 1,500 to 1,800 paying customers for the two day event. Will there be protesters? We have no idea, but the annual rodeo in Limestone has successfully managed to keep them at bay for several years. 

We wish the organization the best, even if we don't personally support that type of money-making endeavor. Or should we say money-making attempt? We predict cool March weather combined with the lack of amenities will keep many at home. 

If any of our readers do attend, send us your reviews of the Ag Center set up. Perhaps Inspiration Landing can learn something.

Invitation to Russellville Electric Board Bash

 

Press release: If you live or work or go to church in Russellville you are invited to the Russellville Electric Board customer appreciation day on Thursday January 12 from 11:00 a.m - 2;00 p.m. This will be the only time you will ever get anything free from the REB so make sure you attend and eat until you are full. Due to media scrutiny about this event not being publicized, this is the first (and possibly only) year you'll ever hear about this event, so please attend!

.....

While on the subject of Russellville, please remember to pray for Kerry Gilbert. He is currently improving, but still has a long recovery period ahead. We'll update with more information when available.

Chances for Shoals Marijuana Dispensary Look Slim

 

All the applications are in. The state commission received 94 total, but only 18 for stand-alone dispensaries. The commission plans to issue only four licenses for such retail outlets. Five licenses will be issued to what the commission is calling integrated facilities that will include transport and cultivation endeavors.

If this latest news release is correct, there will be no more than nine dispensaries in the state. That does not bode well for chances that an area in the Shoals will obtain one of these coveted chances for a guaranteed tax revenue generator.

A commission meeting set for April 13th will release the names of the 94 applicants. There is currently no set date for any phase two in which more applications will be taken. 

Still, the Shoals may see medical marijuana dispensaries before the arrival of the Ag Center and Inspirations Landing...

Supporting a White Elephant, but Not a Homeless Dog

 

If you discover an abused or homeless dog in Florence, the Florence Animal Control will soon arrive to resolve the situation. If you spot a similar animal in Killen, Waterloo, or other Lauderdale County towns, you'll have to wait until the county sheriff's office decides to send someone...an officer not usually trained in what to do or which laws apply to what areas of the county. How do you think that works?

While the above photo is a stock image, the photo below is not - it's a photograph of a deceased dog reportedly found last month on County Road 81 in Lauderdale County:

After years of meaningless promises, the Lauderdale County Commission now has a chance to join with the City of Florence in providing adequate animal services. In fact, Florence is willing to pay half the costs even though more than 50% of the animals housed in the shelter come from outside the city. Props to Florence!

Why would a commission who has promised countless dollars to a pie-in-the-sky Ag Center (otherwise known as Tim Melson's White Elephant) not wish to take a more than fair approach to county animal control? 

Please contact the Lauderdale County Commission to ask, no, demand, that they do their job:

Danny Pettus 256-810-0050
dannypettus@juno.com
Roger Garner (256) 627-7008
ronald1778@att.net
Fay Parker
256-648-3061
fayparker@gmail.com
Joe Hackworth
256-767-9780
hackworthjoe@comcast.net
Brad Black
256-710-8340

Brad Black has no e-mail? Time to move into the 21st Century, Brad.

I'm Prince & I Support This Message

Prayers for Kerry Gilbert's Health

 

Many in the Shoals know Kerry Gilbert. The Russellville resident has long been a fixture on the local music scene. Most recently, he joined with us in helping with a campaign to increase fosters and adopters for dogs and cats awaiting a home at the Florence-Laudersale Animal Shelter.

If you haven't heard, Kerry is in the hospital with a serious respiratory infection. While we don't have an official update on his condition, we do know that our friend needs prayers right now. Kerry is a dedicated Christian, historian, and animal lover, as well as being a fantastic singer/songwriter. In other words, the world needs more individuals like Kerry Gilbert.

Please stop what you're doing right now to say a prayer for Kerry. God will hear and God will answer. Our brother in Christ needs us now; let's not let him down.

Happy New Year 2023!

 

Another year, another chance...or how about 52 chances? This year, why not make your resolutions one week at a time? You may not keep all 52 of them, but we bet you'll still accomplish a great deal.

Good luck!

Shoalanda & Staff