Shoalanda

Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan has offered us an update on the search for Mr. Elbert Farley Davis Jr's killer. We should have more on this next week:

About a year and a half ago we assembled all of the investigators, chiefs, and the sheriff of Colbert County for a day long summit to discuss the case. I felt it was important to have fresh eyes look at the case. We did not share our suspect list early in the day so that we did not influence their conclusions. At the end of the day the group had pretty much come to the same conclusions and suspect list that we had which at least made me feel that we were working in the right direction.

Most recently I asked Lauderdale District Attorney Chris Connolly to have his cold case squad to review the case. About 2 months ago his squad along with Dr. Greene of Alabama Forensics and our staff met at Mr. Davis residence to go over the scene along with reports and photos of the scene. I felt important because the residence was sold and the new owners were about to move in so it would be our last opportunity to go into the residence with it in much the way it was when Mr. Davis was attacked.

I am in constant contact with his (children). We meet each Wednesday to discuss where we are with the case. Ever since it took place anytime the investigators have someone in to interview on any crime they always ask if they have any information on the Davis case.

Please feel free to share any suggestions you might have that would assist us in this case. I just want to be able to give closure to the family and bring to justice those responsible for his death.

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This week Mark Montgomery pleaded Not Guilty to shooting two women and a pet dog dead. He will now stand trial in Lauderdale County and waste countless dollars of taxpayer money. Let's see...he told his sister he killed them, he had their blood on his clothes and shoes...yep, a jury should buy the not guilty plea.

Shoalanda

We've blogged about Laura Fitterman before. In fact, we have a link dedicated to her in our sidebar.

Laura Fitterman

Now Fitterman, using the surname Sherwood, has again been arrested in Lauderdale County on charges of animal cruelty. Laura and her husband Patrick are accused of cruelty to 25 horses and donkeys, plus two lamas, 50 rodents, and over 150 rabbits, cats, and dogs. They are both being held without bond in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

Undoubtedly, Fitterman-Sherwood and her husband will plead some kind of mental defect causing them to collect and the neglect these animals--they face one felony charge and 15 misdemeanor counts. Will Laura Fitterman stop now? We doubt it. Let's hope permanent monitoring is in her future.

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Frequently we read comments about various drug users; many say just watch the news for their obituary. Is that all we can do?

We are extremely interested in any new programs or therapy out there that can help these individuals. We know the methadone clinic in Sheffield is a savior for some, but what about others?

Today we saw the latest mug shot of a young lady we've blogged about at the request of her family when she went missing...twice. The change in her face was gut-wrenching. How do get help for someone who doesn't want it? Comments?

Shoalanda

DreamVision...that's a lovely name. They're bringing a dream vision to the Shoals, at least we think they are. Several readers have sent us links that challenge what the company says about itself. All great enterprises have detractors; so who's right? Perhaps only time will tell, but the Shoals has been burned before.

Not all announced projects that didn't materialize have been humongous like National Rail Car. There was that golf course/walking trail proposed for Sheffield some years back. Unlucky in love Sheffield was also promised a new cinema multiplex that failed to materialize. Then of course there's UNA's College of Integrative Health which has only one student this semester. We're sure there have been more failures, but those come to mind.

What do we know of DreamVision? Here's some facts that may...or may not...be problematic:

1. When Al.com attempted to contact DreamVision on Friday with some very pertinent questions, the company did not respond. Perhaps because the PR department had left for a long weekend? It's possible.

2. The company states on its website that it's "emotionally driven." We have no idea what that means. If it's raining outside, they don't feel up to working? It may be just us, but this is a strange way to describe a company that supposedly deals in millions or even billions of dollars every day.

3. Three of the top executives of the company are in the Silanskas family. A very wise lady once told us never to work for a family run business unless prepared for continual bickering, etc. Would this hold true for such a large company. Who knows?

4. The company's website says that it wants to make Texas the "epicenter of the theme park world." Does that leave any room for the Shoals?

5. The Texas theme park? It was announced at a Ft. Worth gala on June 1, 2013. So far there have been no other new developments.

6. The Ft. Worth theme park was originally slated for Dallas in 2011, but DreamVision owners abruptly changed their minds without giving an explanation.

7. At the 2013 announcement in Ft. Worth, DreamVision also announced its intention of building a theme park in South Africa (known for its extremely low crime rate) in two to four years.

8. Money, honey? So three theme parks are now scheduled, costing billions of dollars, and the company's only income is currently from? One short video on the market and one in production?

Let's hope it's true and doable, but let's not bet the rent money just yet.

*****

Been Accused of Blogging Something You Haven't? Why, Yes. Yes, We Have

Some time ago we remarked that we had no idea why this blog was considered "homophobic" by anyone. We received two replies that supposedly offered some of our previous comments. The only problem was that the comments came from another Shoals blogger--not us.

During the election season last fall, we opened our e-mail inbox to find at least 20 angry e-mails accusing us of publishing a statement from a Lauderdale County candidate that one of his ex-wives was responsible for the death of his son. To say we were gobsmacked would be putting it mildly. How anyone who reads this blog could think we would publish such a thing is beyond our reasoning.

So where was the statement published? In the same blog which produced the anti-gay remarks. Now this blogger says he, or someone, has been accused of writing something that actually came from our pen, so to speak. Mistaken attributions seem to come with blogging territory. We didn't blame the blogger in question when we received fallout for his words, therefore we humbly request he do the same.

Shoalanda

We, along with scores of others, recently received a press release from a group called "We Are Anonymous." We're not going to publish it here, but the release stated that it was the first with more to come.

Looking on FB for such a group, we did find: Anonymous Alabama

We're posting the link for any who might be so inclined.

*****

The flashing light on Cave Street in Tuscumbia that cautions motorists school traffic is entering or exiting? Apparently it's been out for some time. A reader has inquired; however, we're not sure whom to contact. If it's not working at all, it would indicate a wiring/contact problem. We suggest you try the Tuscumbia Utilities first and they can direct you further if needed.

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TotallyDecatur strikes again: Our local newspaper has a section for "State News." Apparently, whoever has been picking items to include in this section has also been including articles from Alaska. Our concerned reader states there is often more Alaska news found than Alabama news.

Observant editors, aren't they?

*****

Several readers have asked if DreamVision is connected to a former theme park outside Birmingham called Vision Land. No...two entirely different animals.

The DV press conference is slated for February 11th; at that time, more concrete plans will be announced for this proposed new theme park. How do we feel? Mehhh. Don't hold your breaths waiting for this one.

*****

May the Shade be with you tomorrow!

Shoalanda

What is a Safety-Smock? From Wiki: An anti-suicide smock, Ferguson, turtle suit, or suicide gown is a tear-resistant single-piece outer garment that is generally used to prevent a hospitalized, incarcerated, or otherwise detained individual from forming a noose with the garment to commit suicide. The smock is typically a simple, sturdily quilted, collarless, sleeveless gown with adjustable openings at the shoulders and down the front that are closed with nylon hook-and-loop or similar fasteners. The thickness of the garment makes it impossible to roll or fold the garment so it can be used as a noose. It is not a restraint and provides modesty and warmth while not impeding the mobility of the wearer.

This is the garment Laura Fitterman was wearing in her Lauderdale County Detention Center mug shot. We don't recall seeing any pics of inmates wearing these before--these could be the welcome addition of our new sheriff Rick Singleton.

*****

Yes, potential employers will check your Facebook page: Link

Maybe even your current employer will look at what you post. That is if you have an employer. You might not want one. Let's just say that if you work for Acme Widgets, you might not want to list your employment as: F*ck Acme Widgets. Just a hunch...

*****

We love memes, but we usually forget them rather quickly. Here's one of our favorite unforgettable two:

Shoalanda

It seems a strike may affect 10% of the nation's oil refineries and gasoline delivery for March. Yet yesterday was only the second day in February and prices are up. How much?

News articles are stating gas prices are up one cent a gallon in Los Angeles, but in the Shoals the price was up at most outlets anywhere from 12 to 17 cents. Interesting.

*****

From a Sheffield reader: On January 6th of this year, Sheffield Utilities Department was notified of 9 specific street lights that were out, or totally missing. 7 are located between the intersection of U.S. HWY 43 and Hatch Blvd and O'Neal Bridge, with 3 of these actually on the Sheffield side of O'Neal Bridge, itself. To date, only 2 of the 9 reported have been fixed. One would think that SOMEONE would take some initiative, or perhaps offer up some over-time hours, so SOMEONE from the utility department would see that the others get fixed.

Reminder, we are happy to post any statement from Sheffield Utilities at any time. We know that lights on O'Neal Bridge can be problematic; new fixtures are scheduled to go up when the bridge is painted this spring/summer.

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On the DreamVision front, the Texas company has announced news conferences for next week in both Ft. Worth and Muscle Shoals. The only real news immediately being put forth is that the Ft. Worth Park will be called DreamVision Mountain.

We're predicting the Muscle Shoals park will be dubbed "DreamVision Water Treatment Plant."

*****

The TimesDaily, an entity that officially doesn't name misdemeanor arrestees, recently announced the three UNA football players arrested for underage drinking will have their cases sealed. Hmmm, what's wrong with this picture? Have your case sealed, but be named in the TD once more. Have your case result in a conviction, and the TD won't publish your name. Ah, down the rabbit hole once more.

Shoalanda

A reader sent us this question: What are the odds of EVERY SINGLE GAS STATION in the Shoals having THE EXACT SAME prices for Regular gasoline????

Our only thought: It's a conspiracy! Seriously, we don't know, but it is an interesting question. Any reader comments?

*****

No matter what you may think of Judge Roy Moore, Kyle Whitmore of AL.com has christened him the "Ugly Face" that LGBTs will call to rally against. Perhaps for Moore, it's just any issue to keep him in the spotlight.

Some past actions of Judge Roy Moore:

1. He called the state's first case of mad cow disease a plot to help pass an animal identification system.
2. He told his replacement Chief Justice Gorman Houston that he was going to hell.
3. He placed a granite monument depicting the Ten Commandments inside the state judicial building...complete with the wording "c. Roy Moore." (We're pretty sure God doesn't like plagiarism.)
4. He said in 2005 that homosexuality shouldn't be tolerated in Alabama. (We're not weighing in on the right or wrong of that particular orientation. We just want to be sure Moore doesn't decide to not tolerate them with gas chambers.)

*****

We get, well...ridiculous mail. Yes, we recently received an e-mail that asked why the Quad-Cities Daily didn't notify the Baskins/Glover families of the Muscle Shoals Police conference concerning the double murders.

Let's see...first, why are you asking us at Shoalanda Speaks (of course, no one can convince these particular readers that we have no integral connection). Second, we're not aware that the QCD is responsible for notifying anyone about anything. It would seem logical that the Muscle Shoals Police would have notified these two families, but perhaps their previous encounters with some family members persuaded them that their appearance at the news conference would be in no one's best interest.

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Yes, for those who asked, Rodney Ivey is a cousin to recent murder victim Gary Baskins and nephew to Jerry Lee Ivy:

Rodney Shane Ivey Arrested

Shoalanda

A reader asked us if we would give a shout out to the Florence Texas Road House. Why? It seems that the restaurant, or its parent company, paid the entire funeral expense for Kayla Howard Glover, one of two murder victims in an unsolved Muscle Shoals shooting.

Funerals are expensive, and most restaurants would have simply made a donation, and probably a small one at that. If you're looking for a casual eatery tomorrow night, we suggest you try the Texas Road House.

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Once upon a time in Florence, a man in his early middle years worked for a large company that comprised part of a family owned empire. When the man died suddenly, his mother asked a friend to pick up a $500.00 death benefit she believed was coming to his estate. Since the person she asked to help with the estate had also at one time worked for one of these family owned businesses, he was aware of the death benefit and happily agreed to pick up the check for the older woman.

Alas, when the gentleman arrived at the business office, he was told there was no benefit. When he remarked that he had once worked for a sister company and such a death benefit had indeed been mentioned in his hire-on packet, the company representative stated, "Yes, but we've never actually had anyone to die while working here."

*****

The UNA football team lists 64 players for the 2014-15 school year. Of those 64, six have now been arrested since the start of the school term, or roughly 9%. That's not including some who were arrested last year and reinstated to the team.

We have to wonder what the overall percentage of student arrests is? We'll venture a guess that it isn't nearly that high. The team's most recent arrest:

Korey Jones

Shoalanda

It seems that both the Lauderdale and Colbert County Commissions have turned down a request from Shoals Scholar Dollars for a monetary donation. Both bodies have stated they will reconsider the request at the time of their next yearly budget meeting.

If you aren't familiar with the Scholar Dollars program, it provides free tuition to any Alabama community/junior college for any local student maintaining a certain GPA in high school and during their time in community college. Who is taking advantage of this program and what will it mean to the University of North Alabama?

First, we're going to divide high school seniors into two categories:

1) "If I can get the first two years of my college tuition completely free, I would be an idiot not to avail myself of the opportunity."

2) "Community college? No way; Mummy and Daddy are paying for me to have an upper crust college experiencce at (Alabama/Auburn/Harvard/Agnes Scott)."

Observant readers may have noted that we didn't include UNA in that last option. We have little doubt that those students who fall into category two are not considering attending our local university. UNA has faced monetary woes for many years. It has always been one of the state's poor stepchildren when it comes to funding. No, Shoals Scholar Dollars will not be assisting freshman enrollment at UNA.

The university has in the past decade turned to China and other countries for much of its student base. Is there a saturation point? We're sure there's one somewhere, but at what enrollment level, we don't know. The university's golden cash cow Zing Zang Zung seems to be missing in action. We're reminded of Andy Warhol who would collect precious gems only to toss them onto the canopy of his bed and promptly forget they were there.

While we have no doubt UNA has no desire to even remotely consider this option, Athens State University decided several years ago to cater to only juniors and seniors. It simply found it almost impossible to compete with the many local community colleges and made a last ditch effort to stay afloat...and it worked amazingly well.

We have no doubt that the Scholar Dollars program is a game changer. Our only question is how big of one.

*****

Monday is fast approaching and with it the advent of same-sex marriage. Will there be a run on local courthouses for licenses? We're guessing there will not be such a stampede locally, but there are some who have already announced they're ready to perform such ceremonies;

Who's Performing Local Ceremonies?

Shoalanda

We read with interest the list of those ordained to marry in Alabama who will perform ceremonies in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties...

Let us digress here that one reader called us a choice name for even mentioning it. Needless to say she is now banned. Our publishing a list of those who will offer these rites is not an endorsement of such.

Back to Yolanda, it seems that "Yolanda" actually lives in New York. This is a link to his page:

"Rev. Yolanda"

We doubt he, or should we say she, will travel to Alabama to wed anyone without quite a large fee.

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Who can perform marriage ceremonies in Alabama? From the Alabama Code:

Code of Alabama at 30-1-7

Persons authorized to solemnize marriages.

(a) Generally. Marriages may be solemnized by any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church or society of which the minister is a member; by an active or retired judge of the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Court of Civil Appeals, any circuit court, or any district court within this state; by a judge of any federal court; or by an active or retired judge of probate.

Notice the Code says "may." It does not say it is required of him.

*****

And just because we know someone will ask, no, Yolanda is not Shoalanda's sister.

Shoalanda

In December 2013, Killen police officer Wesley Lee Tidwell was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence. He has now taken a guilty plea which involves a type of anger management training and will serve no jail time. A reader has asked if Tidwell may still legally carry a gun.

While Alabama law does not prohibit such, federal law does indeed prohibit Tidwell from purchasing or carrying a firearm. In other words, his law enforcement days are over. Or are they? We have heard of persons prohibited from possessing guns running for sheriff and being elected.

Tidwell continues to serve as a volunteer fireman for the town of Killen and as an employee of the maintenance department. The 33 year-old Tidwell was also in the news a few years ago for tasing a suspect, but was cleared of all charges in that incident.

*****

Tuscumbia Chief Tony Logan has contacted us concerning the non-working flashing sign on Cave Street that indicates a school zone. The timer has been reset, and Tuscumbia officers will be monitoring the sign to ensure it continues to work properly.

*****

Chief Logan also informs us there is renewed interest in the homicide investigation of Mr. Elbert Farley Davis Jr. We sincerely hope this heinous crime can be solved. We know the Tuscumbia police remain dedicated to finding Mr. Davis' killer

Shoalanda

It seems not everyone who might wish to ask DreamVision CEO Rick Silankas a question about his proposed multi-billion dollar theme park will be able to. The upcoming press conference will be by invitation only. We assume the TimesDaily will be there, along with someone from AL.com. Let's hope there will be some hard hitting fact finding in the works.

*****

A reader questioned our use of Tony Mapes' photo while in character as Yolanda. We used that particular picture since it is his public persona--one that he uses to make money. After all, say "Barry Humphries" and see how many recognize the name. Say "Dame Edna" and everyone knows exactly who you mean.

As for Mr. Mapes coming to Alabama to perform weddings, his website indicates he's being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame on February 11th. That just might take precedence.

So, congratulations, Tony!

*****

Back to DreamVision, a reader has asked what we really think of it? Really? Can you say "Ponzi Scheme?"

Shoalanda

First, Shoalanda is an invited guest at tomorrow's press conference. We're guessing the QCD and PNS are also. Are we going? No, our pet raccoon still has hepatitis. (We're going to owe Woody Allen royalties on that one day.)

Here's the official document sent to our e-mail:

MEDIA ALERT

Press Conference

The DreamVision Company Announces Development

of World’s Largest Theme Park in Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Wednesday, February 11 at 11 a.m. CST

What:The DreamVision Company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is announcing its development of two of the largest theme parks in the world: DreamVision SoundScape in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to cover approximately 1,400 acres; and DreamVision Mountain/DreamScape in Fort Worth, Texas, which will be situated on approximately 5,000 acres. In addition to the theme parks, each property will include golf courses, water parks, hotels, theatres, concert venues, retail and more. Both parks will be built simultaneously, which has never been done by a single company.

When:Wednesday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to noon CST

Where:Marriott Shoals Hotel, 10 Hightower Place, Florence, Alabama 35630 – Main Ballroom

Who/Speakers:

The DreamVision Company is a family-oriented entertainment and media privately-owned enterprise with four business segments: CGI animation & film, live theatrical productions, music and theme park resort destinations.

· Rick Silanskas, DreamVision CEO/Chairman and award-winning composer and producer
· Ron Logan, DreamVision Chief Creative Officer and former executive vice president and executive producer for Walt Disney Entertainment

Press conference topics including but not limited to:

·         Details about the park including visuals
·         Approximate opening date
·         Estimated employment
·         Additional ventures and details

NOTE: Live streaming of the press conference begins at 11 a.m. for those who cannot attend in person. A recording of the press conference will be available on the same link. Click here to participate: http://thedreamvisioncompany.com.

RSVP: If you plan to attend the conference in person, please email pr@mclarkpr.com in advance. Thank you!

On-site PR contact:

Kathy Siefert

Marguarite Clark Public Relations

404-441-3669– mobile

For more information:

Trisha Clayton

Marguarite Clark Public Relations

t.clayton@comcast.net

415-706-3462

www.mclarkpr.com

*****

Looking at the invitation, we notice Bryan Robinson's name is not on the list of speakers. Since he's local, why isn't it? In case you missed the skinny on Bryan Robinson's local companies (at least two of them):

Who Is Bryan Robinson

*****

A reader has pointed out to us that the name Provident Global Capital bears a great similarity to Provident Funding, It's certainly not illegal, but could be misleading to some.

Robinson and his wife Rachel and assorted others seem to have founded at least five corporations in the Lauderdale County area. Bryan Robinson also has an office in the Keystone Centre, apparently having moved there from his Tombigbee Street location.

Twenty years experience. As our faithful reader said, is that combined? Combined with whose?

*****

Tomorrow's press conference seems to be limited to one hour. The Ft. Worth conference did not allow any questions, at least we have been informed that was the case.

So, anyone want to buy into Shoalanda's Hoverboards? We'll bring you what your parents thought would be here by 1999.

Shoalanda

First, we want to stress that no one here hates Muscle Shoals City or Muscle Shoals High School. Any past blogs about either have been initiated by concerned citizens/parents. That being said...

A reader who felt we "hated" Muscle Shoals, has informed us that boys' basketball coach Jody Lanier has just resigned. The info was from a very reliable source. Is it true? We haven't been able to verify it.

What we can definitely say is that Muscle Shoals lost last night to Lee High of Huntsville...actually they didn't just lose, they got skunked as some of the males out there might put it, with the final score of Lee 60/MSH 31.

We wish Coach Lanier the best whatever the truth of the matter.

*****

Let's visit LogicLand, that much maligned theme park. First we'll take a ride on the infamous NitPicky. DreamVision say its 5K acre park in Ft. Worth will cost 3.5 billion. So will its 1.4K acre park in Muscle Shoals where property and labor are cheaper. Hmmm, not very logical is it?

Let's next skip over to the Semantics ride. Florence investment broker Bryan Robinson says his business is "purpose driven." Silly us...we thought all investments had a purpose--to make money. No, inane semantics don't speak well of this business. Neither do referencing entities like the Alabama Music Hall of Fame which has never heard of DreamVision.

Robinson also says the money, all seven billion dollars of it, is already secured. It's so unlikely to come from just one source as to be 99.99% impossible. So how did Robinson, from Killen/Florence, secure this huge investment?

Does having a former Disney executive vice president on board mean anything? According Wiki, Disney has approximately 60 vice presidents and executive officers over its theme parks alone.

The property? Some say the Muscle Shoals reservation; we say not enough room for adequate entrance and egress. Between Tuscumbia and Littleville? Much more likely, but not in Muscle Shoals.

All our readers out there know the expression "pillow talk?" It means that if DreamVision had been looking into property here, there would have been at least some gossip, whether originating from pillow talk or from office staff snooping.

The opening is scheduled for 2019. Save the date?

Shoalanda

From today's TimesDaily:

How legislation, including a bill brought last year by state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has not been passed in our Statehouse is a tribute to the power of the lobby these legalized loan sharks have created. Oddly, or perhaps tellingly, the opposition to Orr’s bill was led by a Democrat, Roger Bedford, of Russellville, who failed to retain his state Senate seat in November’s election.

We'll just let our readers digest that statement. Feel free to send comments.

*****

Infrastructure? We were about to blog more about the road/highway situation any DreamVision park might produce here, but we see the TD has done an amazingly adequate job of enumerating problems that would face the proposed theme park.

However, one important problem should be stressed. DreamVision can build its own power plants, It can build its own waste water plant. It can build its own natural gas pipeline. What DreamVision cannot do is build its own state/county highways.

Think the State of Alabama could manage an adequate upgrade of Hwy 184 by 2019? Perhaps we should ask residents of Hwy 43 in northern Lauderdale County how they're enjoying their four-lane to the Tennessee state line completed on schedule in 2002. Oh, wait, no they're still working on that...only 13 years behind on the completion date.

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It seems the question on every thinking person's lips is "What's the scam?" Things it could be:

1. Scam for money by semi-delusional persons.
2. Totally delusional participants who really believe they can pull this off.
3. Rick Silanskas is actually Sacha Baron Cohen or Andy Kaufman (hey, they said he'd come back) and the entire Muscle Shoals area is about to become the brunt of one huge practical joke.

*****

Yes, apparently Bryan Robinson is a business partner of both Gary Baker and Rick Baker. He seems to have a lot of businesses with a lot of partners. Nothing wrong with that, but are any of these enterprises actually making any money?

*****

How to conduct business in the Shoals: Hire or elect the most qualified person, then fail to pay them enough, lose the wonderful asset, then be forced to pay his/her less competent successor much more than the original asked for in a raise.

Translation: Colbert County, perhaps you should reconsider your latest policy on salary increases.

Shoalanda

The Alabama Supreme Court has refused to hear Hershel Dale Graham's appeal in his Franklin County manslaughter conviction. This was the fourth and last appeal that Graham could have hoped for. Graham, now 51, will serve only two years in actual confinement, unless he's less than cooperative in prison--that's always a possibility. Graham is expected to appear before Judge Terry Dempsey one final time next week, after which he'll be taken into custody--over three years after he took the life of a young husband and father.

We previously reported that Graham had moved to Florence. This was in error; Graham's son is now living in Lauderdale County, while Graham himself continues to live in his father's home where the November 2011 Red Bay shooting took place.

*****

Christoper Martin, a man with no record of violence, got 20 years for shooting a man whom he had invited into his home. Neeler Keeton, a man with no record of violence, got 20 years for shooting a man who had struck him with rebar. Hershel Graham, with a juvenile record of violence, gets only two years for shooting a man whom he called back onto this property? Welcome to our justice system. Thanks again to Joey Rushing, Franklin County prosecutor, who fought to have Graham put away.

*****

Everyone knows what tomorrow is, right? So do you know who the "Ambassador of Romance" is? You don't? Well now you do...

Yes, the man's talents are endless.

*****

Several have chastised those who have taken on the mantle of skeptic concerning DreamVision; however, most of these individuals may not be aware of many similar, albeit on a lesser scale, schemes that have plagued the Shoals over the past 20-30 years.

If it really is in the works, we see the Chinese and Arabs are mentioned as the main backers. Arabs? The ones who won't rent hotel ballrooms to gay couples? That doesn't quite seem logical. That leaves the Chinese.

And we certainly had a wonderful experience with a Chinese businessman last year, didn't we? Zing Zang Zung still missing in action?

Shoalanda

His most recently postponed trial date was July of last year. Now accused murderer Jason Dewayne Green is slated to face the Franklin County Justice system in early March. We've lost track of the number of postponements that have plagued Shay Ledlow's family's attempts to see justice done.

If you need catching up on the various alleged crimes of Jason Green:

Jason Dewayne Green

*****

Remember Donald Wayne Darling II, the young man who brought such angst to the Lauderdale County District Attorney's office?

Who Murdered...?

It seems he's again in the news:

Update on Darling

*****

Happy Valentine's Day to all our readers!

Shoalanda

It seems that Florence (and perhaps Tuscumbia) will not soon be getting its own music industry related statue. The city is coming up 120K short on funding.

The Sweetwater Arts & Entertainment District is also still just a name. The TimesDaily continues to call it proposed even though the city has done the proper zoning and, or course, proclaimed it so:

The TD also continues to call the new RegionalCare hospital proposed. We have to wonder at what point the word proposed will no longer be used?

*****

That brings us to the announced DreamVisison theme park. Bryan Robinson says the next announcement will be the day the shovel hits the dirt. Hmmmm...so no one is going to be checking property transfers for a 1.4K acre land sale in the Muscle Shoals area? That brings us to TVA--can this hybrid organization even sell any land without an auction...a very public auction?

*****

Backers for DreamVision? Has anyone considered the Japanese? Bryan Robinson is a partner to Ryan Baker who is a partner in Charleston Laboratories which is currently in a collaboration with the second largest drug company in Japan. On February 12th, a Japanese investment consortium announced a 430 million dollar investment in a new Indonesian theme park. That's pretty small potatoes compared to 3.5 billion, but that investment would reflect the lower cost of production in that county.

*****

One of our wittier readers had an interesting question concerning the new park: Will they be moving the Coon Dog Cemetery as well?

Shoalanda

The last time we looked, Florence is in Lauderdale County. Each Florence resident who licenses a vehicle helps support Lauderdale County Schools, but state representative Phillip Pettus wants to take away Florence's vote. Wanna bet he still wants their tax dollars?

So just how is Phillip Pettus qualified to change our federal constitution (no taxation without representation)? Here's his bio:

Twenty five years as a State Trooper with the rank of Captain
Twenty years as a volunteer fireman with the Greenhill Fire Department
Umpires for Alabama High School Athletic Association softball games
Member of the National Rifle Association, Alabama Cattleman’s Association and Lauderdale County Republican Party
Married to his wife Mary for twenty nine years, parents of three children and five grandchildren
Attends Loretto Church of Christ

We notice he doesn't list any educational achievements. We infer civics and government weren't his strong points.

*****

Larry Stutts says he's in favor of an appointed superintendent. We're pleasantly surprised with that suggestion. We're not holding our breath, but it is the logical way to go.

*****

A reader tells us there are no school zone signs at Tuscumbia Middle School. We suggest contacting the street department first. Let us know what they have to say.

Shoalanda

We received a comment that was slightly nebulous. The commenter said (if we understood correctly) that we should check our facts on where Florence tax dollars go. Let's briefly look at sales tax.

If you purchase a retail item, with certain automotive, etc., exceptions, you pay 8.5% in sales tax:

Notice that 1.5% tax is remitted to the county government. Assuming Florence took in one million in sales tax in a given month (and we have no idea of the actual figures), $15,000.00 would be placed in Lauderdale County coffers.

Obviously, much of this money goes to roads and other expenditures beside schools. How much would the Lauderdale school system receive in Florence taxpayer dollars? While we don't have a figure for Lauderdale alone, we have found that in 2010, 27.92% of county school funding came from property and sales tax.

Yet Florence citizens are to have no say over who administers this tax? The Lauderdale school superintendent is working for Florence citizens as much as he/she is working for citizens of Center Star or Grassy or Central Heights.

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A recent commenter in the TimesDaily stated the state's probate judges should fight the closing of mental hospitals as they have gay marriage. Does this commenter really think probate judges have any control over such state hospitals?

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Another TD comment worth considering (be sure to read to the end):

This is in reference to the $3 million shortfall in the budget this year for Florence. I think what needs to be done is take that $3 million they give UNA, for which they don’t always know what it’s being spent for, and have Dick Jordan go down there and ask for it personally.

Shoalanda

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Just How Much Sales Tax Remitted in Florence Goes to Lauderdale County Schools?