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."
Approximately 200 citizens participated, the prayer walk for unity from the Scottsboro Boys Museum to the Jackson County Courthouse Square. Participant's line was a 1/4 of a mile long, and the entire width of West Willow St, in support of equal treatment, the end of racist practices and peace. Police officers walked with those participating in the prayer walk.
PICTURES
Circuit Court Judge Elect Brent Benson talked about what a courthouse is about - equal justice in support of the law. He stated justice is ordained by God, and spoke of St. Thomas Moore's prayer for lawyers. Mr. Benson spoke of Dr. Martin Luther King's statement, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Dr. Gary Spears talks about growing up in Birmingham, Al. during a time of racist violence by the Klan against black folks, which included the bombing murder of 4 innocent black children in the 16th St. Baptist church. Dr. Spears led the group in prayer.
Scottsboro Boys Museum Director Sheila Washington discusses the Prayer Walk for Unity.
Scottsboro Mayor Robin Shelton talks about the meaning of prayer. Acting Police Chief Ron Latimer discusses how the Scottsboro Police Department will treat every citizen with fairness, acts of brutality and excessive force will not be tolerated.
Jackson County Courthouse, south side (photo by G. Morgan)
Agenda and meeting video below this segment on Jackson County Courthouse structural instability.
Is the Jackson County Courthouse safe?
After 6 months and a geotechnical engineers report recommending IMMEDIATE tasks, corrective actions, and the acquisition of a structural engineer to further investigate the areas of visible structural deficiencies; there is no plan and there is no structural engineers report regarding the Jackson County Courthouse structural deficiencies noted and listed by Amiri Geotechnical Engineering Inc. provided to the Jackson County Commission (in PDF form).
Northwest side records storage area in basement wall cracking extends up to the hard ceiling structure where separation of ceiling and wall is evident. (All video and photos above and below are by G. Morgan.)
Ground subsidence, collapse, is causing structural damage to the walls and floors as seen in this photo of the north public restroom which is now closed due to unstable walls and tiles.
Floor subsidence, note the depth of floor movement, 2 inches as demonstrated by the gap in the panel against the outer wall. Approximately 25-30 feet from this location is the courthouse incoming natural gas line.
Unstable structural footings and soils beneath the basement floor slab on the northwest corner have resulted in the load bearing wall to collapse the floor structure by 2-3 inches. The footing structure and soil are not supporting the building weight in this area, or is there a sinkhole developing? The engineers report states testing must be accomplished, nothing has been accomplished per the engineers recommendations. If there has been further testing it has been kept secret, just as the geotech engineers report was kept secret until questions were asked about the closing of the northwest public restroom due to structural instability by this citizen journalist.
Southside entry, wheelchair ramp. The original concrete slab has collapsed approximately 4 inches exposing this space between the original concrete slab and the newer wheelchair ramp.
1912 structure wall separation demonstrated in the 2 above photos. This is the Circuit Court's record storage area immediately south of the northwest corner structural problems.
January 2019 a
Geotechnical Engineer Report was provided to the Jackson County Commission on
January 7 and January 9, 2019, a PDF of this report was acquired via a public
records request last week. The critical summary of this report states -
"Amiri Geotechnical Engineering Inc., Huntsville, Alabama: ". .
. it appears that storm water line
failure which had resulted in loss of soil in the sewer lines may have resulted
in ground loss under the footings and subsequently foundations subsided.
However, other possibilities such as sinkhole development or failure of old underground
structures, or other causes cannot be ruled out. Therefore, we recommend that a
subsurface exploration program be conducted in the area immediately outside of
northwestern end of the building to evaluate the subsurface conditions. We also
recommend the following:"
"1. In order to
reduce the possibility of further undermining of the same footings as well as
other footings and floor slabs, we recommend that the existing sewer lines be
tested to determine if there are any broken lines/failed lines that allow soil
loss into the storm or sanitary sewer lines. Any sewer line failure should be
repaired as soon as possible.
2. Retain a contractor to
underpin the affected area. Underpinning may be conducted utilizing Helical
Anchors or mini-piles. This should also be done as soon as possible to prevent further
damage to the building.
3. We recommend that a
Structural Engineer evaluate the integrity of this portion of the building as
well as other portions which require structural repairs."
Within the email the
engineering firm sent the commission back in January the following statement
was noted: Quote: " Please note
that recommendations for immediate actions are presented in the report."
More than 6 months later there have been no immediate actions taken regarding
either a structured plan or a comprehensive structural engineers report. There
were no blueprints, structural reports, or design reports, including historical
well locations surrounding the courthouse supplied to the engineer as indicated
in the report.
Courtroom 1, floor subsidence and cracking evident. Both entrances to courtroom one demonstrate floor cracking and a drop in the floor structure at the entrance to the courtroom. This area is part of the 1955-56 addition. There are other areas of wall cracking evident in this area.
Courtroom 2, uneven floor structure, appears to be areas of falling and/or collapse in this hallway entrance to courtroom 2. There are other areas of cracking of the floor structure evident in the courtroom 2 area, 1965-66 addition.
Video of courthouse structure instability
AGENDA JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION, WORK SESSION AND REGULAR SESSION
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."
It looks like the old Courthouse Maple will soon meet the saw. Jackson County Commission Chair Matthew Hodges commented that as much of the tree as possible will be saved for lumber, benches etc.
Report by Landscape Management Consultants (click on images for an expanded view)
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
First Monday circa 1915, the earliest known photograph.
First Monday circa-1935-1939
First Monday circa 1980-1990
First Monday circa 2000
First Monday Trade days history around the Square in Scottsboro, Alabama - Jackson County Courthouse Square - The Tradition Lives, despite some citizens and political leadership's negative attempts to destroy the event.
COMMISSION REPORT
in 2 Parts
Jackson County Commission Agenda
Big Issue - Purchase of trucks for County Solid Waste Management and Public Works: Purchases for Solid Waste - approximately $500,000 for 2 "garbage trucks." Purchases for Public Works - approximately $493,000 for 4 trucks.
In the right column you will find a new poll on Jackson County Courthouse Security. The poll question and answers: What do you think about the Jackson Co., Al. Courthouse Security Plan?
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Total Votes: 62 (3% error + or -)
--1. I favor only 2nd floor Security for the Courthouse where the Circuit Courts are located. Results for this question: 4--7%
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--2. I favor securing the entire Courthouse by securing the 1st floor, 1 entry, other doors exit only. Results for this question: 36--58%
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--3. No security is needed other than what exists presently. Results for this question: 7--11%
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--4. Secure not only the Courthouse but also need perimeter security. Results for this question: 15--24%
At the John Carter Brown Library, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island there is a verse about the lessons of History inscribed on the front outside wall in large block letters, it says "SPEAK TO THE PAST AND IT SHALL TEACH THEE." Unfortunately members of our Jackson County Commission have failed to heed the lessons of history. When history's lessons are not heeded, that are often repeated.
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The County Commission as a public body has lied to the people of Jackson County repeatedly concerning their financial ability to fund Courthouse Security. They have on previous occasions violated ethics and rules of law without being held accountable for their irresponsible actions. The citizens of Jackson County have received what they asked in the public officials they have voted into public office, some repeatedly. There will come a time when poor decision making and repeated flaunting of unethical, illegal and uninformed actions of the Jackson County Commission will result in costs to the people of Jackson County they can't afford.
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Violating standards of government such as open meetings and records disclosure laws may seem like small, insignificant problems to some, but those small, insignificant problems disclose a larger systemic malady which if not corrected may result in the financial ruination of Jackson County for future generations. This lack luster attention to standards of practice concerning the function of our local county government brings us to this point in our history, NO SECURITY IN OUR COURTHOUSE. A serious issue in this day and time. An issue which 3 elected officials on the Jackson County Commission have failed to heed the lessons of their history. These 3 Commissioners place not the lessons of history into their decision making process, they place their own personal values of ignorance and a lack of leadership into the decision making process of our county government.
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To live in historical ignorance is folly, our times require constant vigilance to insure the protection of citizens within our government's buildings and institutions. The most important vigilant assurances come from citizens. Citizens who are informed concerning issues, citizens who vote in an educated informed fashion, citizens who know their elected officials. There is nothing concerning the security situation at the Jackson County Courthouse that is surprising to me. I have been following the Jackson County Commission intently for the past 16 years. The sum of the decision making process of the local County Commission's leadership reflects the history of the Jackson County Commission, deceitful, lackluster, backwards, non-responsive, non-accountable, ignorant, lawless, unethical, irresponsible and now just plain stupid actions on several issues of vital importance. An uninformed citizenry has received their choice.
The U.S. Marshall"s Service reports the following most common weaknesses at county courthouses: -no screening for weapons; -public access directly into the judges’ offices; and -unprotected access to utilities.
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A search on Yahoo for a list of Courthouse Shootings reveals 2,900,000 entries. http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=courthouse+shooting+list&y=Search&fr=yfp-t-501&fr2=sb-top&xargs=0&pstart=1&b=21&xa=W6ig4FUq9xJrEtgkTY7Wkg--,1244719646 Coast to coast and in foreign lands Courthouse shootings occur. The Jackson County Alabama County Commission's failure to insure Courthouse Security is implemented, cancelling the Security Resolution then submitting an uninformed resolution which accomplishes creating more of a problem is nothing short of sheer stupidity. Even after Ms. Debra Parker and her Attorney, who has a civil case pending due to the last shooting at the Jackson County Courthouse, pleaded with the Commission to properly secure the Courthouse, the 3 Commissioners refused to act on the matter properly.
The Jackson County Commission normally meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 4:30PM. This month they are meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 4:30PM.
There were 9 items in the consent agenda, fund disbursal totaling $4470.68, Solid Waste write offs totaling $5163.98 and 3 items which did not disclose monetary amounts involved.
Old Business: 1) Minutes approval which resulted in a question of accuracy of the minutes. Mr. Blizzard mentioned there were inaccuracies in the previous minutes. Corrections were made and a vote was taken to approve previous minutes, motion passed. 2) North Sand Mt. Park Board vacancy filled, Mr. Romans. 3) County Park employees were added to the County Employees insurance plan.
New Business: 1) Copy paper for Jackson County Board of Education approved for $126.20 per case. 2) April 27 thru May 3, 2008 proclaimed as Volunteer Week in Jackson County. 3) Sales Tax Holiday, tabled till next meeting. 4) Update of County Point of Contact for Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Mr. Victor Manning reappointed. Mr Manning also spoke to several issues: A. Hazard Mitigation Grant approved for repeater and encoder installation for Scottsboro and Bridgeport Emergency Warning System. B. Decontamination Shelter Purchase recommendation to reject bid. C. Mr Manning mentioned that his vehicle has high mileage and is requiring frequent repair. 5) Otis Elevator Company awarded contract to maintain courthouse elevators, $230.00 per month was low bid. Upon inspection of the elevators it was discovered that door restrictors were required to be installed, the cost is $2100.00, work to be performed by Otis elevator. 6) County Engineer Requests: A. Labor hire due to recent death of Mr. Blizzard a long time county employee. Request was approved. B. Purchase of patch truck discussion. It was suggested that Mr. Rosenbalm and Mr. Manning acquire vehicle information from local dealerships to see if they can meet vehicle specifications and bid requirements. It was suggested that instead of vehicles being purchased from the state bid list see if they can be purchased locally. No action was taken on either vehicle purchase until information is returned from local dealers and the respective department heads report back to the Commission. 7) Hire of new employees for solid waste approved. 8) Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, Resolution approved for Estill Fork Water Project. 9) Approved funds for Mr. Rooter to pump grease trap at jail. 10) Annual inspection of Boiler and large Hot Water Heaters at jail, fees and a repair order to install an emergency kill switch for the boiler was approved. 11) Meeting at Highlands Medical Center on April 22, 2008 at 6PM concerning Jackson County Health Care Authority Audit results, County Commissioners will be in attendance. 12) The Commission went into an Executive Session, subject matter involved pending litigation and good name and character; upon return: A. Discussion concerning Courthouse Windows replacement contract. B. Drug testing instructions approved concerning a county employee retest.
A little history, 1st photo group: how the square appered in 1917. The second is from a 1970's post card.
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
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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.
