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."
Jackson County Courthouse north entrance, photo by G. Morgan.
--Video at bottom of page.--.
ANNOUNCEMENT AND AGENDA
County Road 189, near Bridgeport (Click on image for an expanded view.)
Google Maps aerial photo CR 189. Fair Use for non-profit news and commentary.
County Road 189 repairs are expected to be complete by late January early February time frame in 2022. Repairs are expected to cost approximately $1.2 million.
In other county road and Public Works business, Mr. Jonathan Campbell, Jackson County Engineer, discussed with commission several needs: 1) Road repair budget, very tight, expected minimum need is $4 million dollars. 2) Rebuild Alabama funds may be utilized which involves coordinating actions with smaller municipality Mayors in the county where county roads are within municipal town limits. 3) Public Works truck needs discussed with commissioners. Needs for 9 trucks were discussed which ranges from heavy duty tri-axle, Medium duty, and light duty trucks. 4) Assistant County Engineer hiring process has been underway. There is a specific candidate which is being considered which meets all state and local requirements, the name was not announced today. More information should be forthcoming at the December 27, 2021 meeting.
Use of the old DHR, Department of Human Resources, building was discussed at today's meeting. The primary concern was regarding roof replacement. Studies are to be conducted regarding building usage, public safety, health; it was stated a public hearing would be conducted regarding moving county offices and citizen/business impacts.
Google Maps ground photo, Freedom Lane, old DHR Bldg.. Fair Use for non-profit news and commentary.
Bryant Community Center Usage discussed. Use of the building is of concern, this includes deed restrictions by previous owners which will involve funding availability for the Community Center. It was stated the center now serves approximately 800-1000 meals per month for those unable to acquire meals and food.
Google Maps aerial and ground photo, Bryant Al.Community Center, Fair Use for non-profit news and commentary.
Last item, Opioids settlement, $22K to Jackson County, vote to approve resolution for receipt of settlement funds, approved. It was mentioned that Scottsboro is slated to receive $88K. More info: https://nationalopioidsettlement.com/
Next meeting of the Jackson county Commission will be December 27, 2021.
!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Fair Use for Merry Christmas wishes - non-profit news, education and commentary, artist/publisher unknown.
Locations of known and suspected hazardous material burials and disposal sites, numbered sites described below. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency and ADEM Alabama Departmentof Environmental Management contacted in 2015 and 2017 regarding site status. Not on National Priorities List as previous owners bankrupt; state, county, local government entities and developers have not insured property is cleared of dangerous hazardous materials. There have been no efforts to place site on National Priorities List, NPL, due to the negligent attitude - "Out of site, out of mind;" and "money before human health." Fair Use of Google Map with numbered sites, described below, for non-profit news, education and commentary.
NFRAP-Site does not qualify for the NPL based on existing information
EPA ID:
ALD000826636
EPA Region:
04
County:
JACKSON
Federal Facility Flag:
Not a Federal Facility
The City of Scottsboro, Alabama is intentionally ignoring hazardous materials surrounding the Goose Pond Island area adjacent to the old Aluminum/Copper smelting and fabrication site, Revere-Norandel-Scottsboro Aluminum near and next to homes on the island and surrounding proposed developments.
Map of the proposed rezone as described in the above petition link, which opposes the rezoning effort.
Public Document - Fair Use for non-profit news and discussion.
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AREA GOOGLE IMAGES
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Goose Pond Island Area
(Google Map Images - Fair use for non-profit news reporting, education and commentary.)
Specific Hazardous Material Areas, Brownfield/Superfund Site, identified by the EPA but never funded for cleanup
Satellite image of old copper-brass-aluminum plant site.Note large pond south to southeast of the former plant site. This pond contains hazardous materials as described below indicated within the Brownfield Site. Other specific areas indicated on below maps. (Google Map images below - Fair-use for non-profit news reporting, education and commentary.)
Hazardous Materials Area 2-Pond Site and environs
Hazardous Materials Area 2-Pond Site
EPA Brownfield
Known Hazardous Materials Locations (Field Survey and Interviews)
Site 1 - Metals Processing Plant, Basement and immediate environs
Site 2 - Pond Site and environs
Site 3 - Multiple Berms with leaking barrels
Site 4 - River Dock Area, worker reports of haz-mat barrels dumped off of dock area
Site 5 - Multiple Disposal areas, not specifically identified, including 2nd small pond area.
Site 6 - City of Scottsboro Property, evidence of large bore holes for 55 gallon drum burial, southwest of power line center, 300-1000ft., trail road, near number identifier; other potential unidentified areas.
Field survey and observation of sites and conditions performed 2005 -2013.
Information regarding the Brownfield/EPA Hazardous materials dump site. This is a Brownfield site, Superfund Cleanup Site, which has not been funded for cleanup. Many dangerous chemicals and substances are buried and concealed in this area. https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/CurSites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0400067
They are: ". . . toxicity and carcinogenicity of metals such as arsenic [23, 24, 25], cadmium [26], chromium [27, 28], lead [29, 30], and mercury [31, 32]. Because of their high degree of toxicity, these five elements rank among the priority metals that are of great public health significance." Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment (nih.gov) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/
Public info from cancer dot gov; Fair Use for News, education and commentary.
The City Council made excuses for hazardous materials dumping which has existed for more than 50 years, sickening the people of Scottsboro, Alabama. Jackson County has one of the highest cancer death rates in Alabama as demonstrated by the U.S. Government Cancer Death Rate Map of Alabama. Gross long term negligence obvious on the part of political officials.
Video of council meeting, presentation at 16 minutes 25 seconds into video regarding hazardous materials. It is unfortunate that some think it is my responsibility to report to the EPA problems, the problems of hazardous materials have already been reported and identified. The problem is the lack of action on the part of political officials including this city council, previous political officials of the city, county, state and federal officials.
AGENDA
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SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2021
Scottsboro City Council Meeting video --- video includes explanation by developer's representative regarding the Goose Pond Development proposed, item 8 on the agenda, 8 minutes 25 seconds in the video.
MEETING AGENDA
1. Present Employee Service Awards
2. Discuss Proceeding with Rezoning Property located at 218 Bob Jones Road
3. Discuss Street Dedication in Memory of Dr. Wayne Patterson
4. Discuss Resolution for ALDOT Maintenance Agreement for Traffic Signals at County Park and 72
5. Announce Library Board Vacancies
6. Announce Museum Commission Vacancies
7. Announce Zoning Adjustment Board Vacancy
8. Discuss Proceeding with Rezoning Property located at Goose Pond Island
Regarding the proposed and future Goose Pond development of the area identified in this article, it is this citizen's opinion based on the current Brownfield/Superfund Cleanup site identified by the EPA, due to hazardous materials dumping in the area while plant operations were occurring, there should be no further development of the area surrounding the former Revere Copper-Brass & Aluminum -Norandel/Scottsboro Aluminum plant site until there is an extensive environmental survey and study completed and the existing hazardous materials are removed. Failure to perform an extensive site study and survey, including removing known hazardous materials is gross negligence. References contained within this article.
November 22, 2021 UPDATE: The Scottsboro City Council approved the rezoning of the property discussed at previous meetings, link to video: https://youtu.be/vXPg5NNR8KU . Developers Public Hearing will be held on December 6, at 5PM, Scottsboro City Hall, agenda item 7 in the scheduled City Council Meeting - Regarding the Hazardous Waste, Brownfield Site, linked above, not on National Priorities list, the City Council has neglected their responsibility of stewardship regarding public health of the citizens of Scottsboro, Al., specifically those on Goose Pond Island.
UPDATE - December 6, 2021 Public Hearing Regarding Rezoning Issue at 13 minutes 15 seconds into the video, link: https://youtu.be/sx-C0NhbGpE
Expressed degree of concern, specifically at 6 min 58 sec. Scottsboro City Council Meeting - 12/22/2021 - BE CONCERNED MY FRIENDS.
Scottsboro City Council Work Session. Employee Awards, Public Hearing, Alcohol Beverage License, Citizen Objection, 21 minutes 22 seconds, to the City of Scottsboro buying, selling, profiting, or loss utilizing Tax Payer Funds for the sale of beer at BBQ Cookoff - Not the roll of city government or city employees being utilized to sell beer or any other alcoholic beverage. The question arises, does this sale of alcohol violate Scottsboro's Municipal Code?
Note - The City Attorney mentions that alcohol has been sold at the Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Complex, and that is true. However, GPC is designated as an "Entertainment District" by the City of Scottsboro Municipal Ordinance. Link: https://library.municode.com/al/scottsboro/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4ALBE Note - Section 4-29 consumption of alcohol on public right of ways, streets, parking areas etc; also note the designation of GPC as an Entertainment District, Section 4-131, 4-132, 4-133; Unlawful Acts and Offenses - Section 4-134 .
Scottsboro Board of Education, Page Administration Building, photo by the Scottsboro Board of Education, Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.
Scottsboro Board of Education
Work Session, Citizen Presentation, 2 Way Communications On Facebook via Scottsboro City Schools Site, blocking /censorship of citizen comments. Facebook Reference: https://www.facebook.com/Scottsboro-City-Schools-201213873233894
After the meeting I spoke to the Scottsboro School System Superintendent Mrs. Amy Childress regarding the Scottsboro City Schools Facebook site blocking/censorship of citizen comments on the site. She indicated (paraphrased), citizen speech would be reinstated on the site in support of two way communications between the public and school officials.
Scottsboro City Schools has reinstated citizen comments on their Facebook site. Thank you.
Many Thanks to the Jackson County Commission for Their Commitment to Transparency in Government
The Jackson County Commission had began live Facebook video of their meetings earlier in the year. The video record and live showing of the Jackson County Commission meetings may be seen on Facebook at, link: https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL
Justice Brandeis did not have the benefits of technology as we do today, the technology of the internet, the information dissemination of social media in our world, nations states and communities of the 21st Century. "Judge Brandeis and the History of Transparency:" https://sunlightfoundation.com/2009/05/26/brandeis-and-the-history-of-transparency/
We hear many complaints regarding the dissemination of disinformation, "fake news," on the internet's social media platforms and formal media. Disinformation and misinformation is a problem, utilize critical thinking, media referencing and resource skills to sort out disinformation and misinformation, the internet is your friendly tool to accomplish the task.
Beware of those who would attempt to diminish the importance of information technology and the benefits of social media in the dissemination of information to you the individual in our communities. Beware of the government endorsed censor who would endeavor to remove the expression of thought and words, even that of disinformation and misinformation. --- The Tools for discovering Truth in all media formats = critical thinking, media resourcing and research: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/digital_media_literacy_draft_v5.pdf , verbal and written expression are our personal tools; our system of Justice, our Constitution and Laws, protect our Rights of Speech and insure responsible actions, these are our individual and societal tools.
In the words of James Madison, 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."
Jackson County Courthouse, north side. Photo by G. Morgan
Meeting Was Continued until June 30, 2021 at 3:30 PM for an Executive Session
AGENDA
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Meeting Was Continued until June 30, 2021 at 3:30 PM
Concerns about undisclosed funds of the AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN for Jackson County
2 Problems - Regular Session 1) Your Regular Session was minimally intelligible, only with enhanced sound could it be understood. Miraculously, it was discovered during the work session beginning, the sound was off on the commissioners microphones.
Work Session: 2) MONEY - MONEY -MONEY - MONEEE! Everybody is wanting to help themselves to the reported $10 million dollars of the American Rescue Plan Funds, specifically for Jackson County (Didn't know about that, huh?); Scottsboro gets $2.8 million. The Mayor of Scottsboro was given the authority to approve the funding of the $2.8 million available to the City of Scottsboro. It appears the commission is not being upfront about this reported $10 million dollars funding available to Jackson County, according to reports from other government officials. Trails, coffee shops, running clubs, bars; Venable has already discussed his plans in Hytop, and again today. How about the ROADS destroyed by storms, the trafficking of drugs by the Mexican Cartels, (I'm sure the GOP political regime would like to deny this fact identified by the DEA.), then there are the poor people???
What was it that Doctor "212 Mile Singing River Trail" Cavinish said? Besides the $50K grant on behalf of Jackson Co, "excitement" planning, not approved by the Commission. Paraphrased - "For some of y'all, I'm preaching to the choir," lets throw some spirituality into his propaganda. Of coarse, when your priorities are corporate and the influential wealthy for a go to the "Arsenal" utilizing the Greenway, a massive "Greenway Project," Economic Development, miracles will happen according toDoctor "212 Mile Singing River Trail" Cavinish.
Next - lets bring in Abraham Lincoln, "better angels of our nature," this quote refers to the conflict of the Civil War and division of our nation; equating this statement by Lincoln into a trail project is a display of propaganda for the purpose of acquisition of money which the commission has not mentioned anything about.
Question after the quote - Quote, "Having heard the vision y'all have." What exactly was that vision? Besides removing money from county coffers that has not arrived.. This is propaganda from corporate and state entities to take money from the people of Jackson County Alabama beyond approval of Jackson County Commission, with no mention of the specifics of the American Rescue Plan Funds.
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.
