Alternative news and discussion for Scottsboro, Jackson County Alabama and the Tennessee River Valley as I see it. Responsible comments to articles welcome. As always, "Watch for Snakes," particularly those wearing suits.
JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822
"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."
Last night was a Regular meeting of the Scottsboro City Council. Please note the agenda items below.
Items of interest: Agenda Item 1 - $3500 was approved for the Jackson County Spay Neuter Pets group for Charity Car show at the Goose Pond Park facility amphitheater; May 4, 2019 from 8 AM to 2 PM
Agenda Item 3 - Mowing Contract awarded to Mt. Top Maintenance as low bidder, $42,225.
Agenda Item 7 - Request for Applications for Municipal Judge of the City of Scottsboro, Alabama no later than March 25, 2019, by 12 noon on that day. The current Municipal Judge has resigned with an effective date of March 31, 2019
UPDATE - March 20, 2019 - Public Records Request, Dated: 3-19-19
Under the Alabama
Open Records Law 36-12-40 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to
inspect or obtain copies of said public records, (Describe the records or
information sought with enough detail for the public agency to respond.)Also give the reason why you wish to review
these records. (You must give a valid reason)
Dates of Records Requested – September 1,
2018 thru March 15, 2019
1)Records Requested:
Consultation Report, Memorandums of Record, Human Resource Management Report
from Ms. Hope Hicks, Esq., an Attorney hired to conduct - Inquiry, Findings or
Suggestions relating to the Scottsboro Municipal Court and personnel employed
by the City of Scottsboro Municipal Court, and/or within the City of Scottsboro
as an Employer of employees, as a result of complaints relating to Sexual
Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, the Creation of a Hostile Work Environment,
or a violation of Civil Rights as it relates to employees of the City of
Scottsboro.
2)Records Requested: Complaints of Sexual Harassment,
Sexual Discrimination, and Creation of a Hostile Work Environment relating to
the Employees of the City of Scottsboro working in the Municipal Court of
Scottsboro, Alabama. Complaints made to Mayor, Human Resources Director, and/or
the consulting Attorney, Ms. Hope Hicks, Esq., regarding the previously
mentioned subject matter.
3)Records Requested: Any Findings, Memorandums,
Documents or Reports related to the subject matter requested above, within the
date range listed above, including documents from City of Scottsboro’s Mayor, any
City Council Member, Human Resource Director, Municipal Court Judge, or Finance
Director.
Records Requested are to be utilized for non-profit
news reporting on my blog, “In the Boro,” https:arklite.blogspot.com. Records provided may be
released to other area media outlets. Information requested serves a public
purpose to inform citizens.
Scottsboro's First Monday Trade Days is the longest continuous historical event in Jackson County Alabama and the City of Scottsboro. The last Mayor to strongly support this event was Mayor Dan Deason.
The event has taken big hits in the last few years, primarily due to the intentional denigration by an earlier Tourism Advisory Committee, which recommended the event be held one time a year; a city councilman who commented that it was not worth the time and effort; and a Scottsboro event coordinator under Mayor Potter who went to the square and literally ran people off. The current City Council has offered very little support for the event, but offers considerable support for conflicting events. There should be an effort to advertise Scottsboro and all it's events. This photo - Earliest known photo of First Monday (photo owned by G. Morgan, former proof photo from the Asheville Post Card Co.)
Scottsboro Boys Trial was on a First Monday, April 1931. (photo owned by G. Morgan from obsolete news paper file auction purchase - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.)
1955 Ford Times photos - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.
21st Century First Monday, photo by G. Morgan
MY POSTING ON FACEBOOK REGARDING "DOWNTOWN SCOTTSBORO" MARKET ON THE SQUARE
Downtown Scottsboro, Market on the Square - conflicts - non-profit status and relationships. Co-mingling of funds, governmental and non-profit funds? This letter was provided via Facebook messenger and the Downtown Scottsboro Facebook site early this morning.
At last night's City Council meeting, March 27, 2017, it was stated that “Downtown Scottsboro” is a non-profit 501c3 organization.
The City Council voted to cover the activities regarding ‘Market on the Square,’ on the City of Scottsboro's insurance as a co-sponsor of this event. I asked for your 501c3 status on March 9, 2015, you did not answer my request. I'm once again asking for proof of your non-profit (NP) status, if you have a NP status.
What is your relationship to the ‘Revive Scottsboro’ group? Is the ‘Revive Scottsboro’ group a 501c3 organization connected to “Downtown Scottsboro?” I ask this question due to my removal from the ‘Revive’ group when I asked about its’ purpose. I noticed discriminatory comments, and questions about inclusivity of all citizens. It is and was my opinion that the ‘Revive’ group is a discriminatory organization which does not stand up to tests regarding supporting equitable treatment of all citizens. Leadership of the group failed to answer simple questions regarding purpose of the group.
Upon review of your Facebook page it was noticed that previous funds allegedly provided to this group were paid, per your request, to the DRA, Scottsboro Downtown Redevelopment Authority for Christmas decorations, the DRA is a corporate entity of the City of Scottsboro.
Does the “Downtown Scottsboro” organization have a board and leadership, do you have an official organization, do you have bylaws, and what is your connection to the DRA? It has been previously stated that you are not connected with the DRA, obviously that is not true since you advertised a place to send checks on your Facebook page,to the DRA as pictured below https://www.facebook.com/downtownscottsboro/
"Downtown Scottsboro" in your Downtown Market flyer you state you are a non-profit entity and that you collect funds. As such, and with the connection to the City of Scottsboro, and the DRA it is important that you disclose your non-profit status.
The issue of revitalization/redevelopment are important issues, and Scottsboro is in need of a strong revitalization/redevelopment program. However, its purpose and activities were questioned during its’ formation. The American Planning Association has specific guidelines regarding Redevelopment Programs. Previous article and questions raised about the DRA and their purpose along with video regarding its’ formation. http://arklite.blogspot.com/…/scottsboro-city-council-work-…
All of this is confusing, I'm asking for clarifications regarding relationships to the Scottsboro DRA, “Downtown Scottsboro” and Revive Scottsboro. Please respond on Facebook Messenger or my email address, as supplied on Facebook messenger. I would like to see a copy of your 501c3 status, if you have one.
The three above photos were taken form the "Downtown Scottsboro" Facebook page, a public page on Facebook. ( the photos copy purpose are Fair-Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary). The Market on the Square is one week after First Monday.
SCOTTSBORO CRUISE-IN
The Cruise-In on the Square was a great benefit to the First Monday Event and drew large crowds. It was announced at last nights City Council Meeting the Cruise-In would be moved to behind 50-Taters in the old K-Mart parking area.
This event was conceived to support First Monday as this poster depicts. The event is to be moved off of the Square beginning in April 2017. The Scottsboro City Council approved a $4950.00 Tourism Grant for the event to be located behind 50-Taters on County Park Road. There was no prior discussion as to the intention to move the Cruise-In event. It seems the movement of the event was reached in secret.
The Cruise-In supports children in county schools who cannot afford food after school is out, an admirable program. I wish them the best of luck. It is unfortunate the City of Scottsboro does not support this event remaining on the Square. The early events were held surrounding the current city hall.
Links regarding the Cruise-In supporting it with videos and lots of pictures, going back to 2008.
During the Scottsboro Budget hearings I had requested funds to advertise First Monday and/or the City of Scottsboro. Not one City Council Member, nor our current Mayor said anything about any level of advertising support. The silence was broken by Dr. Andrew Hodges of the Downtown Revitalization Authority stating, First Monday should be supported.
CONTRACT AND GRANT FOR NEW SCOTTSBORO ENTRY WAY SIGNS
When this came before the City Council I asked if this sign could be attached to the new entry way signs
There was no commitment to this request, silence regarding the City Council supporting First Monday is not golden. The City of Scottsboro does have the First Monday Event on the City website.
The City Council and the Mayor need to take a leadership role in this city regarding the various events. The last Mayor to offer constructive event planning and coordination was Mayor Dan Deason. Hopefully, the current council and Mayor will wake up and realize they have a leadership responsibility.
DOWNTOWN SQUARE RENOVATION
Square renovation will begin on April 17, 2017. The renovation will begin on the east side, starting on the southeast corner.
SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - DUEL SESSION
Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan
WORK SESSION AGENDA
WORK SESSION VIDEO
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
Click on image to expand.
(note the items marked on the work session agenda as agenda)
Monday evening was a work session of the Scottsboro City Council, there were 2 items which were discussed. 1) The Mission and Vision for the Tourism Advisory Committee was discussed, to be placed on agenda for next council meeting.
2) The Solid Waste Department has 22 dumpsters which need to be declared surplus at the next council meeting.
Reports: The Mayor and Mr. Miller discussed the success of the First Monday Cruise-In. Mayor Potter commented that approximately 100 cars attended the Cruise-In event.
Nice Old Ford, trailer, gas powered wagon, ice box, and of course a blender for refreshments on that hot day at the track or game. What a rig, very cool, slick as greased light'n. Cool "Power Wagon", trailer and of course a portable blender. Muscle Chevys, a '58 and a '55 (My, my how Broad Street has changed.)
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This Saturday was a beautiful mild day for a car show. Great show with prizes, kiddie rides, food and great cars. The number and quality of muscle cars was impressive. Great show for the promoter and the City of Scottsboro. Debbie Woods was responsible for the coordination of this show, her efforts and professional abilities displayed were admirable. Many visitors from out of town were present for the show. Payne's was doing a brisk business, I stopped by for a Cherry Milk Shake. Good food and great treats may be enjoyed at Payne's on the Square.
Facebook has permanently suspended my account, CENSORED, for telling the truth about Donald Trump's criminal history and disclosing facts about racial discrimination in Scottsboro and our nation. Garry Morgan : 03/15/2025
Copyright Info
All Rights Reserved for writings, video, photographs and art by Garry L. Morgan.
U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Rule: "Section 107 contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, nonprofit educational purposes and research. Link: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html
Total "In the Boro" Pageviews
Scottsboro Police Department Web Site
""The police are the public, the public are the police. The police are the only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties that are incumbent on every citizen in the interest to community welfare and existence." - Sir Robert Peel, 1829 https://www.scottsboropd.org/
The Sunlight Foundation uses cutting-edge technology and ideas to make government transparent and accountable. Click on image to learn more.
THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY
"I can say with confidence that the federal government needs a major overhaul. Don’t get me wrong, most public servants in government are highly educated and dedicated professionals who are committed to “the greater good.” At the same time, the government has become a bloated bureaucracy that is based on past conditions and in too many cases, federal programs and policies can’t demonstrate that they are generating real results that benefit the American people."
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David Walker President and CEO The Peter G. Peterson Foundation http://www.pgpf.org/ ; former, recently served for 10 years, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
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NPR's story on David Walker: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124460237
"public intelligence"
"What is Public Intelligence? Public Intelligence is an international, collaborative research project aimed at aggregating the collective work of independent researchers around the globe who wish to defend the public’s right to access information." http://publicintelligence.net/
A Nuclear Engineer's Report on the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant
Danger Zone: Aging Nuclear Reactors
Incident at Browns Ferry (PBS 1977)
History of nuclear power safety issues which the 1975 Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant fire brought forward. This video has been censored by the nuclear industry. The trillion dollar multinational nuclear death industry prefers to keep you the citizen in the dark and feed you crap.
Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. Click on image for a tour. Left click & hold mouse to move image.
Bellefonte Efficiency and Sustainability Team/Mothers Against Tennessee River Radiation http://www.matrr.org/
"TVA at the Crossroads" a SACE Film.
"America is at an energy crossroads and the Tennessee Valley Authority has a choice to make: Will it cling to old coal power because of its historic significance or will it retire its oldest, dirtiest and least efficient plants and lead America into a clean energy future?" TVA At The Crossroads from SACE.
****************************I'm GARRY MORGAN, a Christian, U.S. Army (AMEDD) retired, Race Relations/Equal Opportunity Specialist (U.S.Army, Retired DOD-DRRI-DEOMI) a citizen of Scottsboro Alabama, a Baylor University grad-Go Bears, a political activist and a political Independent as I believe political parties divide the citizenry whom they are suppose to represent. We must learn the lessons of our history or we will surely repeat our mistakes. I think the greatest problem facing our nation is the massive national and personal debt.
