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."
Family members of Court Referral clients tell stories of hardship to Jackson County Sentinel Reporter Will Whaley (Photo by G. Morgan)
Family members 'Protest signs' claim Court Referral places extreme hardships on families, forcing some into homelessness and going without food. (Photo by G. Morgan)
One lady related that a person had been placed on color code drug testing because a poor citizen did not have the money to pay for garbage collection in the county.
Allegations were made that Court Referral personnel had solicited for a "special treatment program" where clients would be placed into the program on Lookout Mountain when Court Referral personnel would be paid $1500.00. Allegations were also made regarding failed procedural/legal requirements in the security of urine specimen collection, transport and testing.
Hardships include being placed into extreme indebtedness, claims family members assisting in paying relatives fines. (Photo by G. Morgan)
VIDEO INTERVIEWS
One of my Facebook friends, Kim Rice, ask me what do I think is the perfect solution to problems at CR/CC, Court Referral Community Corrections, below is my answer and my reply to her question on Facebook.
Thanks for asking Kim. A comprehensive Medical Treatment program with long term follow ups is a solution to substance abuse treatment. Perfect solution to a government structured program such as we have locally is not possible; however, there are solutions and programs in conjunction with courts and medical treatment that is better than the current local program.
1) Abolish the non-profit program, the current non-profit status is being abused to hide disclosures which would normally be available under a government sponsored program. Another solution would be to keep the non-profit program but actively recruit funders to provide 90-120 day inpatient treatment with a yearlong follow-up outpatient program. Cost share program - The substance abusers are currently paying for their testing, once released from inpatient care, which should continue.Government agencies, pharmaceutical, alcohol manufacturers and distributors should contribute to funding programs. So should a portion of law enforcement seizures.
3) Currently, our current drug testing programs available to CR/CC do not meet Federal Standards. Other words, the current local standards within the Jackson County Courts System do not meet the standards of employment law or DOT testing standards. The folks who fail drug testing may be incarcerated by a legal standard less than employment law or the standard lower than a Commercial Truck Driver drug test. That is wrong. Guidelines may be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); there are no SAMHSA certified labs in the state of Alabama. https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing
The problem with what I am saying is money, money and more money. The current CR program diverts money from clients into the hands of attorneys, court system, managers of the CR/CC non-profit System. More money must be placed into treating the problem
medically long term, not enriching program managers, attorneys (which are not patient care providers), drug dealers and government War on Drug Agencies which have proven ineffective. Note this, what kind of medical treatment and follow-up could have been provided with the Trillion Dollars spent on the War on Drugs? Note 1) above.
Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.
These scenes are being repeated up and down the Tennessee River. It is uncalled for and results in depletion of the fishery. This type of abuse would cease if tournament holders and individuals would face stiff fines for this type of destruction to the fishery. This is not indicative of fishery stewardship, conservation, nor preserving our river system's ecosystem.
Sharon Thomas of the Lake Guntersville Conservation Group discusses Guntersville Lake Large Mouth Bass Fishing; creel limits decrease from 10 to 5, tournament fishing, over fishing pressures and failure to handle fish properly were discussed. Movement of a major tournament, Big Bass Splash, during spawning season has a detrimental result on the fishery
Sharon Thomas Presentation on Guntersville Lake Bass Fishing
In other business related to pollution of our area's waters:
Statement by the Director of the Scottsboro Water Sewer and Gas Board regarding the Alabama Attorney General's legal action listing the Scottsboro Water Sewer and Gas Board as Defendants, Case # CV900167.00 Filed Aug. 5, 2016 in the Jackson County Circuit Court for violation of the Water Pollution Control Act. “The State Attorney General's Office, along with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, has filed a complaint in civil court regarding certain violations of the Board's NPDES permit. These self-reported violations primarily occurred during heavy rainfall events that flooded our wastewater collection system. The Board will continue to work closely with ADEM, and our consulting engineers, to make improvements to our system and operate in full compliance of State and Federal regulations.”
Jackson County Courthouse, South Side. The Jackson County Commission is expected to have more budget woes for fiscal Year 2017, budget meetings are ongoing. 7% increase in health care costs, this years budget deficit is expected to be in the $400-$500K range. Photo by G. Morgan
Jackson County Agricultural Extension Office presentation by Mike Sims, County Extension Agent, on 4H Club projects and the Paint Rock Valley - The Farm - A 500 acre educational project, 800-900 kids participating in 4H projects. 10 miles of trails on The Farm.
The quote (courtesy Quora https://www.quora.com/Did-Einstein-really-define-insanity-as-doing-the-same-thing-over-and-over-again-and-expecting-different-results Fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.) Insanity - "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." " is generally attributed to Einstein in most online quote collections, however there seems to be significant debate about the authenticity of this attribution. Others like Mark Twain, an old Chinese proverb and Benjamin Franklin have also been suggested as the originators, but general consensus concludes that they have a significantly lesser claim than Einstein."
"The earliest claim is that Einstein used and published the quote in his "Letters to Solovine 1951" however no specific reference has yet been supplied from that source. There is apparently an attribution to Einstein using this quote in a transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, Volume 71, p. 54, Wildlife Management Institute, published in 1975 although according to Bill Hood's answer, this volume was actually published in 2006."
"Other verifiable evidence of the quote's original authorship come from:
1.Rita Mae Brown's 1983 novel, Sudden Death, published by Bantam Books, New York p.68 (attributed to Jane Fulton)
2.Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) pamphlet - Step 2: A promise of Hope, p10, James G. Jenson, 1980.
3.Narcotics Anonymous - The Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous which was copyrighted in 1981. It is found on page 11 of the final "Review Form" which was distributed to the fellowship in November of 1981. The quote in that text is "Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results". "
It seems our political leadership have been drunk and stoned about the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant for more than 40 years.They succomb to corporate-governmental peer group pressure and are addicted to the drug of government promises and deceit. Unfortunately, they have never learned the lessons of our local history regarding Bellefonte. Such is the story with substance abuse. Shall we send our government's leadership to color code so that they may be tested for addiction?
Discretionary Fund
Committee meets, maybe for the last time. TVA-in-lieu-of-tax issue not
resolved, indecision harms local groups and agencies who depend on the funds to operate.
Clarion Article by Heather Garner
The Jackson County Legislative Delegation Discretionary Fund Committee met last week for what could be the last time. Committee members Senator Steve Livingston, Representative Ritchie Whorton, Representative Tommy Hanes, Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges, Commissioner Jason Venable and Revenue Commissioner Jeff Arnold were all present for the meeting. Livingston began the meeting by announcing that the discretionary fund account balance was over $1 million and the Legislative Delegation office account was around $69,000. Read more at the Clarion link - http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9507:discretionary-committee-meets-&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142
Former Jackson County Commissioner Horace Clemmons (photo by G. Morgan)
Former Jackson County Commissioner Horace Clemmons filed law suit against the delegation and members regarding the distribution of the funds.
"Clemmons responded to the new proposed bill and stated “While each bill the Delegation has proposed is better than the last, I still have problems with the latest one. My major concern is not with the bill itself, but the process that got us to the current bill. I have talked to several county and city elected officials and have yet to find one that was consulted. I believe the Delegation has a responsibility to determine what the other elected officials and the public want before passing a law that allocates our tax dollars. I also have an issue with the allocation of office expense and the County Commission Economic Development Fund. On the 2% office expense, I do not believe that it is legal for the Delegation to own a building that was paid for using tax money. I believe that we would all be better served if the County Commission provided office space and personnel for the Delegation. On the County Commission Economic Development Fund, I would only support that if it is clearly limited to support of local businesses. Large chains get plenty of (unneeded) support from State and Federal level. Local businesses are left out in the cold. Further it is worded so loosely that is could probably be used to fund a bond issue.”" Clarion link - http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9498:clemmons-responds-to-most-recent-tva-in-lieu-bill-&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142
HISTORY ON THE ISSUE & CURRENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION
SCOTTSBORO, Alabama -- State lawmakers from Jackson County have taken the unusual steps of incorporating as a nonprofit and buying an office building on the courthouse square in Scottsboro. http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/jackson_county_lawmakers_passi.html
Jackson County Alabama Board of Education Web Site Logo
(Fair Use for Non-Profit News Reporting)
Scottsboro, Alabama - August 25, 2015 Jackson County Board of Education Superintendent selection, part 1. The first three Superintendent candidates were interviewed Tuesday; the second two candidates will be interviewed Thursday. Full videos will not be released until Thursday evening. Selection will be Friday morning at the Jackson County Board of Education meeting.
After watching the videos and candidates, it is my opinion that Dr. Angela Guess was the most qualified for the interim position. Dr. Guess will be retiring at the end of her term and she serves as Assistant Superintendent at this time, The next full term county superintendent will be determined by election.
The Jackson County Board of Education declines to select the most qualified candidate and maintains its' history of having a male as the county board superintendent. Is the action discriminatory, that is not for me to say. However, there is the appearance of a discriminatory action and it is my belief there should be an investigation into the matter due to the failure to select the most qualified for the position.
Dr Angela Guess, Assistant Superintendent Jackson County Board of Education (photo by G. Morgan)
Opinion on Alleged Discriminatory Practice Regarding Jackson County Board of Education Selection of County Schools Superintendent; by Garry Morgan, Department of Defense Race Relations Equal Opportunity Management Specialist, DRRI-DEOMI, Retired
Dr. Guess was not afforded
the opportunity of an initial introduction, as stated by the board attorney. Question #1 was asked immediately after an explanation of how the interview
would take place. The Board Attorney ignored his own statement regarding the
interview process opening introduction by not allowing Dr. Guess an introductory statement afforded to the male candidates. All short video segments - http://arklite.blogspot.com/2015/09/jackson-county-board-of-education.html
Board
Member Cecil Gant's long and unrelated statements regarding selection of Dr. Edwards as Interim Superintendent during Dr. Guess's interview. Mr. Gant's statements were unnecessary, peculiar and brings to mind the declaration by Mr. Gant prior to the vote on Friday, August 28, 2015
regarding Dr. Edwards selection as Interim Superintendent was influenced by "divine guidance." ( video: https://youtu.be/mgreiIJezRY )Dr. Edwards is from Guntersville, as is
Dr. Reeves, the School Board Superintendent selectee.
There is the appearance of a discriminatory action. Mr. Gant's
diatribes may point to an attempt to cover-up an intentional action of sexual discrimination by indicating that "divine guidance" had taken place. Dr. Guess was passed over for selection as the Interim Superintendent, she was serving as the Assistant Jackson County School Board Superintendent..
It is my opinion, there should be a formal investigation regarding sexual discrimination by the Jackson County Board of Education regarding the failure to select Dr. Guess as Interim Superintendent and the final selection process for the Superintendent.
It is suggested that the United States Department of
Health, Education and Welfare should conduct an investigation regarding sexual discrimination as Federal Funds are being received by the
Jackson County Alabama School System. Three reasons for investigation - 1) Dr. Angela Guess appears to be
the most qualified candidate per the public interview process. 2) The unusual opening sequence by the boards attorney regarding Dr. Guess, and 3) the subsequent statements not related to the selection process by Mr. Cecil Gant when asking questions of Dr. Guess during the public interview.
Garry Morgan, U.S. Army Medical Department, Retired; Department of Defense Race Relations Equal Opportunity Management Specialist, DRRI-DEOMI, Retired
Jackson County Board of Education Superintendent Candidates Bios
The Jackson County Board of Education has a very informative "About Us" page listing with area demographics and schools listings, worth the time to check it out: http://www.jackson.k12.al.us/?PN=AboutUs
Ken Harding, Jackson County Alabama Schools Superintendent retired July 1, 2015
(Ken Harding election photo by G. Morgan)
Past Superintendent Ken Harding retired on July 1st, 2015. A Daily Sentinel article about Harding's retirement by Wes Mayberry quoted Harding as saying, "“God has richly blessed me in my career in the education business. In this job, even though I felt like I was being tested at times, I feel like this is what I was supposed to do,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of this system and am proud to have played a small role in getting the system to where it is today.” Read more at - http://thedailysentinel.com/feature_story/article_12aad77e-ef3a-11e4-8ff6-23c8fb06e374.html
Dr Dale Edwards replaced Mr. Harding as superintendent, passing over Dr. Guess as Interim Superintendent.
UPDATED - July 29, 2015 - The 1% Sales Tax vote for Jackson County Alabama will occur on Tuesday, August the 18th, 2015.
Publication of this article is for educational purposes, to inform citizens of an opposing view regarding the 1% Jackson County Sales Tax issue. Statements made by Stop the Grocery Tax PAC officials are their statements, not the opinions or political views of this blog's owner, Garry Morgan. Statements made in the handout pictured or in the below video should be fact checked for accuracy.
Inaccurate and misleading information is contained in the Stop the Grocery Tax PAC handout
(Click on image for an expanded view.)
Stop the Grocery Tax PAC. Ellen O'Connor is Chairperson of the PAC. PAC leadership is listed as follows on their Face Book site - The leadership of the organization consists of:
Ellen O’Connor – Chair; Trey Edwards - Treasurer; Kym Chapman; Kenneth Clemons; Allen Keller; James Stewart. Digital Media & FCPA Compliance services will be provided by Victory Social Media; Victory Social Media info - http://www.victorysocialmedia.com/#!services/c13ps. Face Book link for Stop the Grocery Tax PAC https://www.facebook.com/VoteNoJackson
There were approximately 32 people in attendance at this meeting.
The statement above is inaccurate and misleading on the card, The County Commission does not receive the $8.74 million dollars. This money is collected for the Jackson County and Scottsboro City Schools. The school funds may not be intermingled or utilized for any use other than schools. An agreement was signed and a resolution passed many years ago stating that this tax money must be utilized for the schools in Jackson County and Scottsboro. A sales tax does not mean only voters pay the tax, those who purchase goods at businesses in Jackson County pay the tax. Additionally, the $8.74 million is derived from multiple sources, not just the "2 cent" Educational County wide sales tax. Other taxes which make up the total amount of $8.74 million stated above going into the Schools Education Budget are automobile sales tax, manufacturing tax, vending machines tax, and agricultural tax, Basically the above statement contained in #4 is false.
In the above "No Tax" Fact Sheet handout, item 3, it is stated there is no accountability since the money goes into the general fund of the county commission. All county funds are audited by Alabama State Auditors, to say there is no accountability is not accurate.
Jackson County Courthouse South side. (photo by G. Morgan)
The question is asked and answers explored - What will happen if the 1% sales tax for Jackson County is not passed by the citizens on August 18, 2015. A down to earth discussion about curtailment of services in the video interview below. There are no free rides, services cost money. If passed by the voters on August 18, 2015 the sales tax for Scottsboro and other municipalities will be 10%.
2015 BUDGET DOCUMENT, SEPTEMBER 2014
(Click on image to expand view. Records request result.)
Total General Fund Income - $7 million dollars; total expenditures budgeted $7.4 million.
MAP DEMONSTRATING CURRENT COUNTIES WITH 10% SALES TAX.
(Click on image for an expanded view, map supplied by Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter.)
INTERVIEW VIDEO
Update 12:30PM July 15, 2015- SCOTTSBORO MAYOR Melton Potter's comments and questions below regarding the county's proposed 1% tax increase. Mayor Potter had provided the discussion notes previously; however, the notes were in draft form and I do not publish DRAFTS of public officials policy statements.
July 12, 2015, final version on July 14, 2015
1. Believe the county is experiencing financial difficulties and I know this commission is trying to correct mistakes from the past
2. Understand trying to ways to increase revenue
3. I wish the commission would have met with those cities to share ideas of ways to make the tax be helpful rather than harmful to our revenue.
4. In my opinion property tax is a more fair way to raise taxes. The nicer the house and more property the more you pay in taxes. Renters, those is government housing do not have to pay it. (ADOR “There are two reasons for your property taxes to increase: (1) a tax rate (millage) increase, or (2) an increase in the appraised value of the property. The first reason, a tax rate increase, would have to come from a vote of the citizens or by the taxing authority (County Commission) to increase (or decrease) the millage rate.
5. I believe you are looking to make your budget whole rather than how it will affect the municipalities
6. Passing this tax is detrimental to the municipalities
7. Scottsboro, Bridgeport, Stevenson are the 3 largest who currently have 9% tax (8 Cities total)
8. Dutton, Hollywood, Pisgah, Section, and Woodville also have 9% sales tax (Dollar General, grocery stores, Pharmacy’s etc.)
9. Passing this tax will move all these cities to 10% takes us to a whole different level
10. It will hurt the sales tax collections in these cities even though Mr. Hodges doesn’t think so.
11. If we suffer lower tax collections we adjust our spending. In the 2008-09 recession our sales tax collections dropped 6%
12. Our TVA ILOT money has also decreased significantly ($253,000) since 2010
13. We know how to manage our money in difficult times. If this tax passes and when it hurts our revenue we will continue to provide our services without cutting them
14. There are 460 municipalities in Alabama and ONLY 82 cities or 17% of them have 10% sales tax
15. No of those cities are within 75 miles of Jackson County
16. The nearest to our area is Calhoun County Piedmont, Jacksonville, Oxford, Anniston
17. Everyone around us has 9% (Guntersville and Marshall County municipalities, Huntsville, Gurley, Rainsville, Decatur, Cullman) except Fort Payne who has 8%. 3% goes to FP City
18. The people will have a choice of where to spend their money and spend it without driving too far
19. People in Woodville can go to Gurley (9%); folks on Sand Mountain can go to Rainsville (9%) or go to Fort Payne (8%).
20. South Pittsburg, and Jasper, and Chattanooga 9.75 and 9.25
21. There will be leakage to the areas around us costing the municipalities revenue we are now getting
22. Scottsboro is taking the risk of losing money while the County puts $3.3 million in bank from new taxes
23. Based on last year’s sales tax receipts from Scottsboro, Bridgeport, and Stevenson an additional 1 cent sales tax would earn $3.6 million (3,536,033) Scottsboro (2,805,618), Bridgeport (268,869), and Stevenson (461,546).
24. That number could reach as much as $4 million per year when you add the other 9 municipalities sales tax receipts into it
25. The commission has stated the money would go to fund volunteer fire departments, school resource officers, and economic development ($900,000)
26. $1.5 million to Public Works Department, and $900,000 to County General Fund
27. How much do you let the Econ Dev fund grow to before you move that money elsewhere? (10 years it will grow to $3 million)
28. I am concerned about future commissions and how they might spend the money
29. I do not see anywhere that you are giving money back to Scottsboro where most of the tax will be collected.
30. My fire department needs more funding, I could use more school resources officers, and I certainly need more paving.
31. Adding one cent to the sales tax collected in Scottsboro based on last year’s numbers would create over $2.8 million. Or 85% of the money you estimated the new tax would create would be raised here in Scottsboro.
32. I realize it is not all Scottsboro residents who pay this tax it is folks from the county, tourists, and those who pass through town. THIS IS TRUE OF ALL SALES TAX COLLECTED IN THE COUNTY.
33. 85% raised in the city limits of Scottsboro but yet you have not directly stated any projects you will do in Scottsboro
34. Scottsboro also generates 38% of the property tax created in the entire county.
35. The population of Scottsboro is 28% of Jackson County. Since we are the main economic engine of the county I would like to see 28% of the new tax money generated given to Scottsboro.
36. 28% of $3.3 million is $924,000. You allocate that to us and WE can pave roads, additional school resource officers, and equip our fire fighters. Still leaves you with $2,376,000
37. Let’s just say you want to proportionately give to other municipalities
Bridgeport 5% of population ($165,000), Stevenson 3% of population ($99,000), other 10 municipalities 1% each ($33,000 times 10=$330,000). THIS WOULD ALLOW MUNCIPALITIES TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR OWN FIRE DEPARTMENTS AS THEY SEE FIT, AND STILL leave $1,782,000 in new county money, WHICH IS 440% MORE THAN YOUR SHORTFALL.
38. Is it worth the risk of hurting your municipalities to raise $3.3 million when the deficit is $330,000? WHY RAISE $3.3 MILLION FOR A $330,000 DEFICIT?
39. Mr. Hodges that sales tax is a growth tax and he is correct. Why not just add a ½ cent sales tax and collect $1.6 million per year and let the tax grow at 3 to 4% per year Scottsboro’s tax has grown between 3 and 4% each year over the last 4 years
40. I took an oath to do what is best and to look out for our citizens in Scottsboro And seeing us stand to lose sales tax revenue when the rate goes to 10% and while the County Commission puts $3.3 million in the bank is not in our best interest
41. We ask our people to shop local all the time, and now we are saying shop local and pay the highest sales tax in North Alabama.
42. Again it is my job to express my concerns and you have heard them tonight for the first time.
43. It is up to everyone in this county to go vote and vote your convictions no matter what they are.
GENERAL NOTES FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES IF NEEDED
Library—County appropriates $11,500/year last 2 years have been $5,000 and $3,000
City of Scottsboro appropriates $135,000/year
Ways we have helped the County:
1. By state law it is the counties responsibility to provide an animal shelter. Partnered 50-50 in building animal shelter and also share in the monthly expenses. We have 3 full-time people and the county provides 1.
2. In the last 5 years the animal shelter has taken in approximately 6500 dogs with 4500 (69%) of those being dogs from the county
3. Saved the county over $100,000 in the last 5 years by not going up on the landfill rates when the contract allowed increases tied to the consumer price index. In fact the contract expired in 2010
4. Whenever the county builds on county property in the city limits there are no building permit fees charged. (Hospital and Nursing Home, County Park, County bus garage, etc.)
5. Scottsboro Fire Department just donated equipment to the volunteer fire departments
QUESTIONS FOR MR. HODGES ( G. Morgan's comments in parenthesis().)
1. By law are you required to adopt a balance budget? (By law all government entities are supposed to have a balanced budget in Alabama.)
2. How much have the counties ILOT decreased in the last 3 years?
3. How will the recent $600 million industrial announcement affect the county sales tax that goes to the school systems? Estimated increase per year? (Red Herring - School Tax and County General Fund are 2 different issues with 2 different fund sites which cannot be intermingled.)
4. How much is the special election going to cost and how will it be paid for when you already have a deficit? Was is already in the budget or has the commission amended the budget to pay for it? ($80K)
5. You have stated that the tax will cost $63 per person per year. How did you arrive at that number?
6. How much will an additional 9 mill tax add to the property tax of a $100,000 house? (The answer would be $900.00.)
Jackson County Alabama District 8 Senator Steve Livingston (left) and
District 23 Representative Tommy Hanes (right) discuss issues.
May 7, 2015 Scottsboro, Alabama - The Jackson County Legislative Delegation's 2015 Legislative Review at the Scottsboro Water Sewer & Gas Board's Operations Center. TVA-in-lieu-of-tax discussion, funds to be returned to county commission, Discretionary Fund Committee to be cancelled. Management reform discussed for Medicaid, Mental Health, and Prisons. Governor Bentley's $541 million in tax increases not needed. "$350 million" is the amount Mr. Hanes indicated would cover the budget, not $541 million. Thoughts on ABC Store privatization.
Welcome to Scottsboro. The Jackson County Courthouse clock tower may be seen in the background. The large clock towers served a time keeping purpose along the railroad. The Scottsboro sign has since been removed. (photo by G. Morgan)
CHANGES
(Photo usage - Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting in this article)
Circa mid-1960's Southern Railway Depot - Scottsboro, AL (Credit: Tom Rock)
The Scottsboro Depot Museum Today, a Jackson County Historical Association project.
Jackson County Alabama is rich in history. Some of the artifacts of our history may be found at the Scottsboro Depot Museum. The Depot is described on their web page: "The Memphis & Charleston Railroad figured significantly in the Civil War, and the depot was of strategic importance in the peace that followed. It served as the commercial, cultural, and economic center of a growing community. In 1870, the depot was designated as the center of a new town whose boundaries were to extend one-half mile in each direction. In 1891, a new passenger depot was constructed east of the old depot, but the original depot building continued to serve as the hub of rail freight operations for another hundred years. Since 1991, the depot has undergone renovation with funds from private donors and grants. Today, it houses a growing collection of photos and artifacts that reflect the importance of the railroad in Scottsboro's development."
After the business meeting of the Jackson County Historical Association (JCHA) Mr. Patrick Stewart gave a presentation about relic hunting and history of the area surrounding the Scottsboro Depot. The videos will be presented in two parts, Part 1, above, the Depot Tour and Part 2, below, JCHA meeting and Mr. Stewart's presentation.
The question - "Where did the 1500 wagon loads of rocks go?" Answer - to build defensive fortifications surrounding Scottsboro for the Union Encampments.
Before Mr. Wendell Page passed away he told me of a rock wall running north from the Park/Shelton Cemetery off of the Old Larkinsville Road. Mr. Page was certain this wall was connected to the Civil War. The wall is depicted below and is on the west side of the Mountain Ridge we refer to as Tater Knob. This appears to be the last remnants of an Union Army Defensive Fortification which would have ran north and south along the base of the mountain offering a formidable defensive line protecting the Union Soldiers and Command wintering and stationed in Scottsboro. (Photo's by G. Morgan taken in 2011.)
This area appears to be a cannon emplacement
Location of Rock Wall, last remnants of the Federal fortifications surrounding the encampment, red and yellow line in both Google Earth screen captures. The area of the wall is private property and should not be entered without the landowners permission
Skirmish at Scottsboro
Directed by Scott Lancaster for The Daily Sentinel Oct. 8, 2012
A report on my experience at the
Jackson County Court House during the tornado warnings this evening, April 3, 2015, approximately 8:30-9:00PM. There were two radar reported tornadoes during this time frame on or near the Jackson-Madison County Line. My Weather Underground Radar subscription indicated one tornado near the Jackson - Madison County line near Gurley. At that point I left to go to the nearest storm shelter, the Jackson County Court House.
Unfortunately some folks
employed by Jackson County do not realize the importance of pets to people in
storms. I was removed from the Jackson County Court House this evening during
the tornado warnings because I brought my pet with me. Never before had this been a problem with pets in the court house during storms.
Mr. Felix Jackson, EMA
Representative stated I must remove my dog, my reply, “I would not leave until
the storm was over.” Jackson informed me, “I could stay but the dog had to go
because of insurance reasons.” Again he was informed, “I would leave as soon as
the storm was over.” (BeBe, my dog, was in a harness and on a leash, very quiet
and much behaved.) His reply, "the dog must go but you may stay," My
reply, "no, I'm not leaving unless you get the Sheriff’s Department to
make me leave," and he did. If I must remove my dog, I would not have been present in the shelter.
Mr. Jackson left for a few
minutes and returned with two Sheriff’s Deputies, one Lieutenant and one Sargent.
On that note, Mr. Jackson informed me, "the dog must go, but you may stay." Again I stated, "I'll leave as soon as the storm is over," again Jackson stated, "the dog cannot stay." I was not going to put my dog out into the storm, BeBe was given to me by my wife before she passed away. No way was I going to treat my beloved pet in such a fashion
The answer would
have been to say this - "Mr. Morgan, dogs are no longer allowed in the
Court House, as soon as the storm is over please take your dog out and remember
that you may not bring your dog into the court house unless it is a service dog." When I left I informed Mr. Jackson, with the two Sheriff's Deputies
present, "you have not heard the end of this." Mr. Jackson replied, "You
know where I'm at."
There are no signs posted
at any entrance or exit at the Jackson County Court House that pets, during a
storm, are not allowed.
I've attended 99% of
regular commission meetings where decisions are made by vote, and never has
there been any notice or information placed into the public view or discussion
during any meeting about no pets in the court house storm shelter. BeBe has
been with me on several occasions in the court house to take shelter from
inclement weather. Never has there been a problem until this evening, when BeBe
and I were put out into the storm. Update: April 4, 2015 - 4:00PM I have been informed by Face Book message by those present witnessing the incident in the courthouse storm shelter, there was at least one other small dog present and Mr. Jackson went straight for me immediately after my arrival. Within 5 minutes of my arrival Mr. Jackson was asking me to remove my dog.
Discussing this incident with retired law enforcement, there is a question whether there is a law affecting Jackson County which prohibits pets from public storm shelters in Jackson County. Today there is a printer originated notice on the door of the storm shelter entrance that says, "No Pets Allowed." I saw no such notice last night posted on the door to the shelter entrance. When was there a county commission resolution passed stating this policy? After review of video and agendas for the past 3 years I can find no such policy approved by the Jackson County Commission. County Animal Control Ordinance passed by resolution contradicts the actions taken by officials of Jackson County.
As it turns out, pets in
shelters is a national problem, there is an answer, "pet carriers."
Scottsboro, Alabama, January 25, 2015 at Jesse Sue Bynum Auditorium, Board of Education - Page Administration Building; meeting of the Jackson County Historical Association, 40th Anniversary celebration. Presentation of "The 7 Wonders of Jackson County" by Judge John Graham in 4 parts, There will also be a short version soon.
Other History Videos of Jackson County The Jackson County Heritage Center
Web site of the Scottsboro - Jackson County Heritage Center: http://www.sjhc.us/
Jackson County, Scottsboro, Alabama "Someplace Special" The Scottsboro Depot Museum Video
Update: Sep. 5, 2014 - Jackson county commission Meeting. The Old Maple Tree gets a reprieve for now, until experts can be consulted as to the tree's life cycle and condition.
Scottsboro, Alabama August 28, 2014 - A 150 year old Maple tree in front of the Jackson County Courthouse is scheduled to be cut down on September 5, 2014 if the County Commission has their way.
A local area forester has stated the historical old tree is at the end of its life expectancy. Some folks want to save the tree.There has been no public written report from the Extension Service or Auburn University on this historic tree's life cycle or status.
The historic tree has stood through 2 courthouse fires, hangings, Jim Crow injustice, two world wars, and the many politicians of Jackson County.
The current commission is attempting to erect a monument to the Ten Commandments by utilizing a false reflection of history to accomplish erecting the monument; now the commission moves to destroy a true symbol of Jackson County History - the 150 year old Courthouse Maple.
UPDATE - THE PRICE OF BURLY MAPLE - THIS IS A BURLY OLE TREE
$100 for a 12--14 inch diameter 2 inch slab to $3000+ for a 10 foot by 3 1/2 foot board. Calls (2) to the Jackson County Commission which were made on Thursday, August 28, 2014 have not been returned as of this update which is 4:30PM Friday August 29, 2014. The price of Maple at Keim Lumber - http://www.keimlumber.com/maplehardsoft
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
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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
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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.
