Franklin County Times - March 6, 2024

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners

said It was very unex-

but

was

a dream come true I have waited for this moment my whole life I have been over the moon about it ever since I won ”

In addition to being crowned Miss RHS 2024 Willis also won in the categories of Most Photogenic, Best Talent and Best Evening Gown She also received the Viewer’s Choice award The event is the main fundraiser for the annual staff All money raised goes toward making the price of yearbooks as cost-effective as possible Eighteen contestants from grades 9-12 took the stage competing in categories including interview, talent and evening gown A winner from each grade was also named for Most Photogenic, chosen from students who opted to participate in that category

and a Viewer s Choice Award (based on votes the night of the pageant)

OTHER PARTICIPANTS

The pageant also included 18 Little Sisters and 19 Rising Stars The Little Sisters are Russellville Middle School students who chosen by the contestants to introduce them during the talent competition The Rising Stars come from Russellville Elementary and West Elementary, and they accompany their contestant onstage during the evening gown revue

The pageant featured special entertainment from the Addie’s Flip, Tip and Tap Trio, which consists of Tinley Cleveland, Ruby Harbin and Lyza Shaw Herring; and from last year’s Miss RHS 2023, Sarah Morgan Miss RHS 2022 Madeline Cooper

served as emcee for the event Lauren Mae Wallace is in her first year as Miss RHS Pageant director She said the event is “so much more than just a beauty pageant, adding that in 1984 “Susie Malone turned the pageant into a scholarship pageant, and our winner receives scholarship money that can help her further her educational career In the pageant Willis’ Rising star was Baylor Bradford, daughter of Rhett Bradford and Brittany Bradford Her Little Sister was Audrey Claire Kiel, daughter of Jamie Kiel and Melissa Kiel “I have enjoyed working with them,” Willis said Baylor has been my Rising Star all four years I’ve participated in Miss RHS, and Audrey has been my Little Sister for two years ”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR

MISS RHS 2024

After graduation, Willis plans to get a degree from the University of North Alabama, then return to Russellville to teach second grade and perhaps serve as cheer coach While at UNA, Willis will try out for the cheer team I ve always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little,” Willis explained I just think that I could open up so many little kids’ eyes I love being with them ” In addition to the recognition and prizes Willis said she has benefited from participation in the pageant in other ways I think I’m a lot more confident now to talk in front of big groups, she explained “Being in the pageant has also helped open me up to more things instead of just staying to myself and the whole week of the pageant

is really fun

ALTERNATES

Chloe Sheffield, daughter of Chad Sheffield and Karri Cummings, was named first alternate Her talent was an Acro Jazz dance to “Orange Colored Sky” by Natalie Cole A senior, she is a member of the RHS varsity cheerleaders, tennis team, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of Alabama and Franklin County Junior Leadership Stella Hill, daughter of Eric Hill and Tara Hill was named second alternate Her talent was a lyrical dance to My Way by Frank Sinatra A senior, she serves as president of Future Health Professionals (HOSA), is president of Family Career and Community Leaders of America and

See MISS RHS, Page A2

RCS holds annual Black History Month program

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

A number of students spoke and sang in the Russellville City Schools auditorium Feb 26 as part of the annual RCS Black History Month program. Amir Williams introduced the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing, performed by Symia Bell Airielle Cooper, Matthew James, Devin Jones, Eian Nance and Kalesha Sears, as well as Williams RMS teacher Aaron Freeman

PHOTOS BY MARÍA CAMP

Aaron Freeman directs Russellville Middle School Students in singing the national anthem as part of the annual Russellville City Schools

Black History Month program. See

Miss RHS

is a member of the RHS

cheerleaders She serves as a medical intern at Russellville Hospital and Burns Nursing Home She is the current Franklin County winner in the Distinguished Young Women program Caylin Pinkard daughter of Josh Pinkard and Tabetha Pinkard, was named third alternate Her talent was an Acro Jazz dance to “The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson A senior, she serves as cocaptain of the RHS varsity cheerleaders and is an ambassador for RHS Career and Technical Education She is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America and Christian Students United

GRADE

REPRESENTATIVES

Ella Colagross daughter of John Colagross and Brea Colagross, was named eleventh grade representative Her talent was a tap dance to “Play that Funky Music” by Wild Cherry She is president of the Technology Students Association, vice-president of Future Business Leaders of America, class representative for Christian Students United and a representative for the RHS Student Council

Continued from

She also serves on the Franklin County Junior Leadership team Lily Cate Pace, daughter of Brian Pace and Jennifer Pace, was named one of two tenth grade representatives Her talent was a vocal performance of That s Life as sung in the TV show Smash Pace is a member of the RHS varsity cheerleaders, varsity tennis team, RHS Peer Helpers and serves as an officer for Christian Students United She also serves in the student praise band at Tharptown Baptist Church Ellie Willis, daughter of Nick Willis and Heather Wills (and sister of the new Miss RHS, Annie Willis), was also named a tenth-grade representative Her talent

Black History

directed and played the piano Often referred to as The Black National Anthem ” it was written as a poem more than a hundred years ago by James Weldon Johnson a NAACP leader, with his brother, John Rosamond, composing the music The song became used in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the Civil Rights movement Ebony West introduced the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem RMS students Kymani Williams, Jasen Noel, Darron Jones Zameriya Fuqua, Christian Mosley, Kambreya Abernathy, Jeliyah Jackson JaZara Byrd and Ariah Wilson under the direction of Freeman, took part Russellville High School senior Matthew James talked about the why of Black History Month Alejandro Martinez Macias, a seventh grader at RMS, read his poem My Dream which opens with “My dream is for the world to live in peace, for people to be able to live their lives without being hated, for every trace of discrimination to be ceased, for all racism to be faded ”

Zameriya Fuqua, a RMS sixth grader, read her poem Rosa Parks Kalesha Sears, Symia Bella, Kaleiah Bell and Airelle Cooper presented facts about Black History Month, including sharing the names of some notable African Americans from Alabama locally including RMS principal Tony Bonds, the first Black administrator for the Russellville City Schools; Annette Harris, the first Black student in RCS; and Sonequa Martin-Green a film and television star from Russellville Others from Alabama mentioned in the program included Lionel Ritchie, a Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter; Bo Jackson, a professional athlete; Octavia Spencer, an Academy award-winning actress; Jesse Owens an Olympic gold medal track athlete; and Dr Mae Jemison the first African American woman to travel to space Eian Nance, a junior at

was clogging to “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan She is a member of Christian Students United, Future Health Professionals (HOSA), is an underclassman editor for the RHS annual Staff and is captain of the RHS junior varsity cheerleading squad, where she additionally serves as chaplain and was named an All-American cheerleader She was previously named Miss Watermelon Queen for her age division and won awards for “Prettiest Smile” and Prettiest Dress Ticelee Gholston daughter of Jay Gholston and Brandi Gholston, was named ninth grade representative Her talent was a Jazz Hip-hop dance to “1,

RHS read Maya Angelou’s poem entitled “Still I Rise ” Devin Jones, a senior at RHS, introduced the guest speaker Brian McGuire, a member of the RHS Class of 1998 In high school he was class president, band captain and voted captain of the varsity basketball team After high school, McGuire attended the University of North Alabama and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa He’s currently employed in the steel field and he is also a master Mason, a Shriner and is involved in other organizations working to give back to the community

2 Step” by Ciara She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the RHS junior varsity cheerleading squad, the RHS softball team, track team and the Student Booster Club

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Cindy Coan, a lifelong resident of Franklin County, received the Lifetime Golden Crown award Coan served as the Miss RHS pageant director from 2017-2023, when she relinquished her director duties after accepting the position of RCS Child Nutrition program director “I’m honored to be among a group of women

“Even though it’s been years since I walked the halls of this school, I still keep up with RHS through social media even though I don’t live here anymore,” McGuire explained Russellville is and always will be home I’ve noticed over the years that y’all have Black History programs When I was in school not too long ago, that didn’t occur, but I’m happy that it does today McGuire talked about Dr Martin Luther King’s Aug 28, 1963 I Have a Dream Speech ” sharing

but by the content of their character ” He then asked the audience to consider what the content of their character is proceeding to define “character” as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual ”

McGuire observed as he looked into the program audience that he noticed “people of all colors sitting together,” adding this would not be possible in 1963 ”

“In 1963, Dr King’s children could not attend school with their white counterparts, not because of the content of their character, but because of the color of their skin ” he continued, noting in the same year, McGuire’s own parents couldn t attend Russellville “They went to Reedtown School,” he added, but I m thankful by the time they were able to attend high school, they did get the chance to attend Russellville High School and graduate ”

He highlighted some of the differences

This might seem like a long time ago but it wasn’t You are all just a few generations removed from a time when you would’ve gone to separate schools, played on separate teams and even drunk from different water fountains ”

To illustrate, he shared a memory from when he was in high school and told his parents about going to Frosty Inn to socialize with his friends, and they told him about a time when they weren’t allowed to sit inside and eat, instead having to order from and receive their food from a window

As I stand here today I tell you that I’m thankful for the content of Dr King s character, McGuire continued “He wasn’t free to go into those same restaurants His kids went to separate schools and even drank from those separate water fountains Because of the content of his character he decided that change should come It wasn’t just Dr King There were many included in the Civil Rights struggle I’m thankful for them I’m thankful that I was able to attend RHS graduate from here and that I went on to the University of Alabama

and received my Bachelor of Science ” McGuire said he was able to do those things “because of the ones that stepped out of their comfort zones before me adding when he attend the University of Alabama, one of the first places he went was Foster Auditorium where students used to go to register for classes, noting there s a star in the concrete there marking the spot where, in 1963, Alabama governor George Wallace stood and said

Continued from page A1

Segregation now segregation tomorrow and segregation forever ” I m glad that wasn t the case ” McGuire added going on to share that when he thinks back on his times in the Russellville City Schools he recalls “the great friends that I made, the great band directors the great coaches and the great teachers that I had ” With a local election coming up March 5 he noted while many in the

PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP

Alejandro Martinez Macias, a seventh grader at Russellville Middle School, reads his poem entitled “My Dream.”

Trapp

Patrick Shremshock

March 19

Leta Smith

Michael Cole

Lauren Singleton Brink

March 20

Kristie Ezzell

Tina Nelms

Heather Elliott

Karl Carter

March 21

Susan McKinney

Danny Fretwell

Deborah Williams

Ray Hayse

Suzanne Hester

Emily Fleming Blanton

Harold Hill

March 22

Adam Tyra

Channing Wright

Kinsley Palmer

Avery Watts

Billy J Burfield

Annette Sneed

Krista Graham

March 23

Maddison Melecio

Peggy Hyde

Tammy Willis

March 24

Wayne Ray

Larry Sherrill

March 25

Joel Aldridge

Dana Carpenter

Brooke Pounders

Madylin Trapp

Heidi Madden

Avion Vandiver

March 26

Doug Green

Hayden Bell

Rachel Balding

Allison Burks

Billy Vinson

Dorothy Landers

March 27

Brayden Malone

Sabrina Wells

Willodean Davis

Mike Gaston

Drew Strickland

Ryder Bowling

March 28

Della Hammack Clement

Alaina Vinson

Sherene Wade

March 29

Liam Morehouser

March 30

Loranda Scott

Ansley Horner

Cory Trapp

Jacob Shremshock

March 31

Lynn Suddith

Joyce Baker

Zack Bishop Liveigh Hester

April 1

Hugh Plott

Kylee Plott

JeniLee Flanagan

Patrick McGee

Stanley David Baker

Rena Ussery

April 2

Helen Blevins

Brandi Barnett

Nathan Grissom

Trent Stephenson

Kyra Greenhill

April 3

Catherine Hall

Elmer T Hovater

Laura Hicks

Graceann Robinson

April 4

James “Bo” Goss

Libby O’Neal

Harley Voyles

Shane Ergle

Brian Mitchell

Lexi Daniel

Joanie Uptain

Maggie Uptain

Roy Cornelison

April 5

Jimmy Balentine

Peyton Bingham

Susan Hooper

Rhoda Jackson

Obituaries

Shirley Annette Harbin March 3 2024

Shirley Annette Harbin 84, of Russellville, passed away March 3 at her residence She was born on August 15, 1939, to Cecil and Etta (Cothrum) Harbin in Franklin County

She was a member of Liberty Chapel Freewill Baptist Church for more than 40 years and was a charter member of the church when it was established Shirley put in many hours to help build the church and served as a mentor for many of the other members Many looked up to her and came to her for spiritual advice She had many sayings she loved to share, but her favorite was “Hang on, hold on we re all going home ” Shirley worked as a supply clerk at Golden Poultry for many years

She is survived by her daughters, Regina Jones, Fredia Richey, Rita Richey Karen Richey; son Jamie Richey (Amy); sisters, Reba Pace, Deborah Nicholson; brother Ray Harbin (Linda); two grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, J C Richey; father, Cecil Harbin; mother Etta Cothrum Harbin; sister, Elba Hayes; brother, Tommy Harbin; son-inlaw, Randie Jones; and grandchild, Shannon Jones

Visitation was held at Akins Funeral Home March 5 from 5-8 p m Funeral services took place at 1 p m on March 6 at Liberty Chapel Freewill Baptist Church on Hwy 81 in the East Franklin Community Bro Orbie Pierce and Bro Delmer Duboise officiated Burial followed in the Liberty Chapel Cemetery Pallbearers were family and friends

Land Transactions

Feb 14

• Dinah McNeill to William Glenn Sowell, clerk s

Jeffrey J Riddle to Tricia Galbreath, sale contract

Jerry B Wade to Ryan A Wade, warranty

• Freida Edgar Wade Fowler to Ryan A Wade, warranty

Feb 15

Page Housing LLC to Alton Hester, survivorship

• Cody Smith to Page Holding and Development, warranty

Bobby Pullin to Tiziana Duran Moore, warranty

Calendar Of Events

Akins Funeral Home assisted the family The family would like to offer thanks to Dr Kevin Kelly and his staff, as well as Akins Funeral Home and staff

Alice Corinne Blackwell March 2 2024

Alice Corinne Blackwell, 95, of Russellville, Ala , passed away in her home March 2 Corinne was born March 24, 1928, to George Butler Sr and Marilee Dilworth Butler in New Hope, Ala After she graduated from New Hope High School in 1946 she went on to study social work at the University of Montevallo After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, she started her career as a social worker for the Alabama Department of Human Resources Corinne married her high school sweetheart John William Blackwell, on March 9, 1951 They lived together until his passing in 2005 The couple had one child Denisha Lee Blackwell Corinne worked fulltime while supporting her husband in his many endeavors and carrying out her duties as a loving mother She retired in 1980, after which she spent her life loving and caring for her dear husband daughter two grandchildren and two great grandchildren, placing family before herself whenever able She was a member of the Washington Ave Church of Christ in Russellville Ala She kept

Feb 16

• Ricky L Pounders to Ricky L Pounders, survivorship

• Anthony Britnell to Charlie Britnell, warranty Jason Paul Miller to Mary Cruz Gonzalez, warranty

• June Attaway to Donirea Blackburn warranty

• Anthony Logan to Anthony Logan, survivorship

• Winona Logan to Anthony Logan, survivorship Winona Logan to Anthony Logan, survivorship

Robert Betz to Regina Burns Cantrell, power of attorney

a daily social routine in her retirement community She was active and sharp until her dying day Corinne was predeceased by her parents as well as her siblings, George Butler Jr and Annie Louise Butler She is survived by her daughter, Denisha Blackwell; her grandchildren, Bradley (Keisha) Boyd, Jennifer (Matt) LeMay; and two greatgrandchildren, Tyler Blackwell Boyd and Elise Corrine LeMay her namesake Gene Ellison, Calvin Parmer Brad Boyd Matt LeMay Randy Cooper and Dean Thompson were the pallbearers Visitation will be held March 8 from 2-3 p m , with the funeral service directly following, both at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville Ala In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue 3432 Old Columbiana Rd , Hoover, AL 35226

Blake Russell Hargett

March 4, 2024

Blake Russell Hargett, 29 of Haleyville passed away March 4 Visitation was held March 6 from 12-2 p m at Spry Memorial Chapel, with a service directly following Burial was in East Franklin Cemetery He was the son of Darryl Hargett and Amanda Smith

Opal Mae McDuffa

Alexander March 1, 2024

Opal Mae McDuffa Alexander, 92, of Phil Campbell passed away

Adelaide Betz to Regina Burns Cantrell, power of attorney

Tommy Christopher McAfee to Barry Kent McAfee, power of attorney

Tommy C McAfee to Barry K McAfee, power of attorney

Feb 20

Lora Ruiz to Herman Glenn Warren, affidavit

Lora Ruiz to Gerardo Garcia survivorship

• Gerardo Garcia to Valley State Bank, assignment miscellaneous

Maria Isabel Chacon to Demesia R Martinez Lemus, power of attorney

Connie Keeton Popp to Hillcrest Memorial Garden, quit claim

March 1 Visitation was held March 5 from 1:303:00 p m at Spry Memorial Chapel, with a funeral directly following Burial was in Shady Grove Cemetery

Terry Lee Green March 1, 2024

Terry Lee Green, 72, of Russellville passed away March 1 A memorial service was held March 4 from 5-7 p m at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville Br

Phillip Keith Palmer Feb 29, 2024

Phillip Keith Palmer, 68 of Russellville passed away Feb 29 Visitation was held March 4 from 6-8 p m at Spry Memorial Chapel A service took place March 5 at 1 p m at Spry Memorial Chapel Burial was in Bethlehem Cemetery

Joseph Ernesto Siepp Mares Feb 27 2024

Joseph Ernesto Siepp Mares, 52, of Russellville, passed away Feb 27 A memorial service will be held March 15 at 3 p m at his residence, 6035 Waterloo Rd in Russellville

Clara Mae Harvey Feb 26 2024

Clara Mae Harvey 95 of Phil Campbell, passed away Feb 26 Visitation was held Feb 29 from 5-7 p m at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville The service was held March 1 at 2 p m at Antioch Baptist Church in Phil Campbell Interment will be at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery

Bobby Wise Feb 26, 2024

Bobby Wise, 89, of Russellville passed away Feb 26 at his residence Funeral and burial arrangements will be announced later Akins Funeral Home is assisting the family

Ramon Gonzalez Mejia to Fredy Adolfo Gonzalez, corrective

Marriage Licenses

Feb 14

• Jonatan Rangel to Hannah Marie Barrera

• Triston Alexander Tubb to Kayla Paige Hamilton

Feb 20

• Ivan Rojas Ceballos to Leticia Juan Diego

• Erick Lee Hipps to Emily Isbell Sartin

Feb 21

• Nash Kevin Humphres to Megan Regina Dill

Contact Your Elected Officials

Hodges Mayor and City Council

They say it takes a village to raise a child A similar sentiment might be shared about creating a magazine

The new Franklin Living is out today – inserted in your Franklin County Times, if you’re a subscriber – so we want to encourage you to pick one up As you enjoy this and each issue, we d also like to encourage you to take a moment to notice just how many people are involved in putting it together every other month

This community magazine is truly a joint effort With that in mind, we really want to take a moment to brag on everyone who has a hand in its creation While our staff of course, works hard in crafting the feature stories and serving the needs of our valued advertisers we also have an amazing team of contributors who are so dedicated and committed to sharing their ideas in their respective areas of expertise They deserve the spotlight

Emily Mays has been writing our Money Matters feature since mid-2018 –nearly six years now – and her consistent focus on good financial advice has been an excellent part of ourmagazineeversinceshe came on board She always has practical, timely tips and insights for personal finance matters that apply to all of us In this issue, she has some thoughts on vaca-

tion budgeting that are really going to get you in the mood for any upcoming travels on your calendar

A majority of Franklin County folks are people of faith, and we want to serve that in Franklin Living It’s a lifestyle magazine, after all, and so many of our readers’ lives are driven by their Biblical convictions Philip Goad took on the Faith Focus piece when he began preaching at North Highlands Church of Christ in 2020, and he has been a faithful contributor to each edition with sound, Biblebased insight to provide a dose of spiritual education for each issue We think he has an inspiring way of sharing a message that isn’t preachy but that will apply to your life and make you think In this latest edition he tackles the concept of self-control – and who among us doesn t need a little more of that from time to time?

We partnered with Katernia Cole-Coffey and the Franklin County Extension around 2019 to augment the magazine s ability to offer advice on everything from home décor to gardening to nutrition to family interactions We’re thankful Katernia as director of the Extension, has continued to see the mutually beneficial value of using Franklin Living as a platform for reaching people with Extension

information The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has a mission to “deliver research-based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being ” With this issue you can kickstart your spring planting – and see more successful growth thanks to the Extension s tips We hear from many that one of their favorite features in each magazine is the recipe section Amy McCollum, retired Family and Consumer Sciences teacher began sharing her expertise for Taste of Franklin starting in 2021 Every good lifestyle magazine needs recipes and Amy has been so good to share her delicious ideas with us From her own rec-

ipes to those from family and friends and more she’s always cooking up something yummy – like in this edition, recipes for the cookbook of a famous country star Our newest contributor is Lori Skinner who began sharing her Reading Recommendations in 2022 As the library director at Northwest Shoals Community College, she’s an expert voice, and her must-not-miss titles have been a great addition to Franklin Living We hope you have taken the opportunity to try some of her recommended reads

It takes everyone to make Franklin Living happen and with this issue as with each one, we could not be prouder We hope you love it as much as we do

FCERA learns about property tax for seniors

The Franklin County Education Retirees Association held its February meeting at the beautiful Weatherford Centre in Red Bay Community Spirit Bank served a delicious luncheon Gene Ellison presented an interesting program entitled “Property Tax Info for Seniors He provided handouts which dealt with property classification, assessment rates, homestead exemptions and Franklin County millage rates Ellison stressed that a homestead is not automatic It must be requested and signed for A Regular Homestead is available to all homeowners for a single-family resident Homestead exemption 2 (Act 91) is for persons over age 65 with adjusted gross income less than $12,000 on their state tax return Homestead exemption 3 (Act 48) for persons over age 65 if their taxable income is less than $12,000 on their last federal income tax return, line 43 also for perma-

nently or totally disabled individuals In Franklin County, you still pay $1 35 per parcel of property And Homestead exemption 4 (Act 92) for persons over 65 regardless of income All of these need to be applied for prior to October 1

President Sandy Gibson gave a brief update on the bills introduced in the state legislature that affect education HB152 proposes regulating, taxing and licensing specific gaming activities in the state, overseen by a gaming commission established by the legislature This bill has the potential to significantly

Mayor

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Black History

audience would not yet be old enough to vote, that they should consider registering and voting as soon as they can You want to know why it’s imported to me?

It’s my personal way to express which candidates will better serve me and the other reason I always go vote is because there was a time not long ago when people that looked like me weren’t allowed to vote They were denied the right to vote, not because of the content of their character, but the color of their skin ” McGuire talked to the audience about an upcoming anniversary of Bloody Sunday, an event that occurred March 7 1965, where 600 protestors who met at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala “were savagely beat-

en because they were trying to get access to vote, adding prior to that “there was another protest by other people who wanted to vote, where Jimmy Lee Jackson was “savagely beaten and murdered by an Alabama state trooper because he wanted the right to vote ”

“Bloody Sunday caused so much national attention that it led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” he continued, “so the reason I get to go and vote every time there’s an election is because of others who came before me, people who literally were beaten and died for that right ” McGuire ended by saying he wanted to leave the audience with a few key points One, be of good integrity Your integrity is what

Continued from page A2

you would do even if you don t think anyone is watching And by the way somebody’s always watching Two, make good use of your time We all have a set amount of time on this earth, so make good use of it Your time is something that you can never get back Three figure out your talent and use it Everyone here was given a talent from God You may be good at something, but make your life better Use your talent “Last but not least I ask you to do what’s right even when it’s not popular or even when it s not comfortable to do so There’s always going to be good days and bad days in this game called life but I promise you, the good days will always outweigh the bad Tough times don t last but tough people do ”

who built the program up to

something meaning-

young women in RCS, including Mrs Lela Ray Mrs Susie Malone and Dr AnnaKay Holland I’m proud to see the torch being

passed to the next director, Lauren Mae Wallace, and coordinator, Kellie Singleton, who are both pageant alumni and want to see the program continue and grow I leave

pageant in capable hands ” Dr Heath Grimes, superintendent of Russellville City Schools, was named the 2024 Honorary RHS Annual Staff Member

PAGEANT STAFF Lauren Mae Wallace served as pageant director and stage manager Kellie Singleton served as pageant coordinator and program designer and editor

Hannah Bendall was the assistant coordinator and backstage manager Ava Oliver was the choreographer Mandy Barksdale was the auditor Ralph Parrish, of Graph-X

Designs was the T-shirt designer Jacey Moore and Peyton Parrish were the social media managers

MORE MISS RHS, See pages B7-B8

Lela Ray one of the co-founders of the Miss RHS pageant, celebrates with the contestants before the show

LEFT: Ellie Willis (left) congratulates her sister Annie Willis (center) along with Sarah Morgan (right) last year s Miss RHS CENTER: Lela Ray one of the co-founders of the Miss RHS pageant, congratulates the newly-crowned Miss RHS 2024, Annie Willis. RIGHT: Aidyn Kate Marshall dances with her Rising Star Abby Rose Hein.

LEFT: Ticelee Gholston dances with her Rising Star Reese Mayer RIGHT: The escorts for the Miss RHS 2024 competition take the stage.

Approval for more than three million dollars for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

Over the weekend the U S House of Representatives C o m m i t t e e o n Appropriations released the first batch of Fiscal Year 2024 funding bills to be voted on this week.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the projects he secured for the Fourth District in these funding bills Included in the 14 projects is $3,892,000 for the City of Russellville for a new Russellville Public Library/multipurpose community center

“Members of Congress know the needs of their districts far more than a Washington bureaucrat,” Aderholt said That s why I’ve always supported directed spending for local projects during the annual appropriations process The 14 projects

in the Fourth District that I have secured funding for all have a direct impact on people’s lives, on economic development and on educational opportunities This is the

kind of work members of Congress should do for their districts and for their constituents.”

Russellville mayor David Grissom said he received a call Monday

morning from Kreg Kennedy in Aderholt s office to inform him of the development, telling him, “Congressman Aderholt had been working hard and wanted to let

me know that there was forward movement on the appropriations process and they anticipate that your project will be signed into law by the end of the week.”

Grissom said he shared the news Monday with the Norris family who donated the land behind Russellville City Hall for the project. “We look forward to sitting down with our engineer and architect very soon to begin the building and planning process,” he added. “This will be a great addition to our downtown district in the City of Russellville.”

Russellville Public Library director Joshlyn Bowen shared her enthusiasm for the development.

“I am so very proud of what our hard work has accomplished ruing my time as director,” Bowen said “This has to be one of the most momentous occasions we have had at Russellville Public Library On behalf of Myself, my staff, and our

library board, we want to thank Congressman Aderholt for securing the federal funding for this project and so many more that he has fought to bring to North Alabama during his time as our congressman.”

“None of this would have been possible without his work,” Bowen added I would like to thank Mayor Grissom and the Council Members for standing behind the vision we had for RPL when I began as director It is amazing to see what can be accomplished when we all work together for the advancement of our community We have lots of work ahead of us to complete this project, but we are up to the task, and we are so very excited to have the new Russellville Public Library and Media Center be a focal point in this wonderful community and be a beautiful reminder of what amazing things we can accomplish through teamwork and determination.”

Alabama announces Fall 2023 graduates

Thank You So Much For Your Vote and Support In Yesterday's Election.

Russellville baseball squad extends winning streak to three games

By

Brannon King

For the FCT

The Russellville varsity baseball team led by head coach Jess Smith has won three consecutive games to improve to 5-5 on the season

Russellville 8, Austin 1

The Golden Tigers went to Austin High School Feb 27 and defeated the Black Bears mark-

ing Russellville s second win of the season over Austin

The Golden Tigers outhit Austin 10-5 with Cayden Johns, Brandt Cummings, Eli Boutwell and Michael Scofield collecting two hits each Daniel Askew and Devin Green also hit safely for RHS Askew collected two RBI while Cummings, Boutwell, Scofield and Ty Engelthaler had one each

Brandt Cummings pitched five innings and allowed no runs The senior right-hander struck out seven walked one and gave up three hits Engelthaler pitched two innings and struck out three batters

Russellville 3, Mars Hill 1

Russellville hosted the Mars Hill Bible School Panthers Mar 2 and the Golden Tigers got the vic-

tory All three RHS runs came in the third inning, and the lone Mars Hill run came across in the seventh Russellville had four hits, and they were by Daniel Askew, Brodie Vandiver KJ Murray and Tripp Cleveland Askew had the only Russellville RBI

Three pitchers saw action for RHS Johns got the start and pitched six scoreless innings allow-

ing five hits Gunner Sappington got one out in the final inning, and Ty Engelthaler finished the game on the mound

Russellville 13, North Jackson 7

Brandt Cummings hit his second grand slam home run of the season to help lead the Golden Tigers to victory on Saturday

Cummings went 3-for-3 at the plate as did Neyland

Baker Baker had two doubles while Cummings, Sappington and Boutwell had one each Scofield had two singles and Askew had one Cummings had four RBI while Boutwell, Vandiver and Sappington had two each Baker Murray and Scofield also added RBI Cleveland and Engelthaler pitched for RHS Cleveland worked three frames and Engelthaler was on the mound for four innings

Russellville softball goes 3-1 at Corinth Invitational

By Brannon King

The

portion of the season with a close loss to the Hatton Lady Hornets Feb 27

Hatton grabbed a 2-0 first inning lead on a home run before RHS answered with runs in the first and third innings to tie the score Brooklyn Butler put the Lady Tigers ahead 4-2 in the fourth with a home run, but Hatton outscored RHS 4-1 the rest of the way Russellville looked to have tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, but a runner interference call erased a run

Paislee James and Addison Holcomb led Russellville with two hits each Both players hit doubles, Holcomb added a triple and an RBI while Khristyan Huerta doubled for a RBI Additional RHS hits came from Emma

Campbell, Jemma Moore and Kristin McGlaughn Jacey Moore pitched a complete game for Russellville The senior struck out 10 batters and walked one while throwing 130 pitches

Russellville 7, East Limestone 2

The Lady Golden Tigers went to East Limestone Feb 29 and leaped over the opponent in the fifth inning to get the win

Addison Holcomb and Bryleigh Butler had two hits each for Russellville Jacey Moore and Huerta also had hits Huerta had two RBI while James Holcomb and Jemma Moore added one apiece Brooklyn Butler pitched two innings and Jacey Moore threw five scoreless innings allowing no hits or walks

Russellville 2, Corinth (Miss ) 0

Russellville opened play in the Corinth Invitational Mar 1 and the Lady Golden Tigers got the win in a fourinning game over the home team

Emma Campbell had the only RHS hit and RBI Jacey Moore did the pitching for Russellville The right-hander struck out seven and allowed two hits and a walk

Kossuth (Miss ) 3,

Russellville 0

Kossuth shutout RHS

The

Russellville 6,

PHOTOS BY BRANNON KING

Eli Boutwell is ready to take a swing versus Mars Hill.

PHOTOS BY BRANNON KING

Russellville’s Emma Campbell catches a pitch versus Hatton.

RCS track and field runs into new season

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

“We won in both boys and girls,” explained track and field coach Chris Boatwright of the Feb 27 meets, “for a cumulative win with 22 medals place finishes This is huge for our team, as we have more than 50 athletes on the roster that are competing for top place finishes.”

Lourdes Ellis, one of the new middle school

athletes in seventh grade, grabbed a second-place finish in shot with a 27-11 throw EJ King, a new senior track athlete, won gold in the high jump and silver in the boys’ 400-meter dash “He’s exceptional in basketball as well, Boatwright said “He jumped 5-8 in high jump during the meet and ran 54.80 in the boys 400-meter dash.” Cash Crumpton, a junior multi-event athlete

who has grabbed indoor state qualifying jumps in both high jump and long jump grabbed silver in the Feb 27 meet with a 19-10.50 jump Crumpton has signed to play with the University of Cumberland to continue his track career following his senior season. Senior javelin thrower, Tait Barnes, will compete for a state title again this year following his junior season 156-0 throw at state He placed second

in the Feb 27 meet with a throw of 135-0 ft. and plans to qualify and shoot for top three at state this year Barnes is a multithrower, throwing for javelin, shot put and discus Cesar Felipe snagged gold in the boys 3200meter run. Felipe pushed the limit of trying to break the school record in the event but came out about five seconds shy Connor McFall set the record last year, as a freshman, with a time of 12:23 Felipe

grabbed first in the Feb 27 meet with a time of 12:27.

“Our plan is to prepare for our first road meet at Muscle Shoals March 7,”

Boatwright said. “Having more than 50 athletes on the roster, I was a little intimidated, but they are very driven, and I think they feed off of us coaches, so our players get a lot of pump from us, and they use that to go compete.”

He explained several senior leaders are setting the tone for the team, not-

ing the season is “starting off great with everyone wanting to be a part.”

Boatwright said he’s optimistic about what the season will bring, adding, “We have got everyone in the place where we want them. Our middle school roster has grown this year and we have many students in seventh and eighth grade wanting to be a part of this team, and several are on our varsity roster as they compete at a higher level

Franklin County Schools softball highlights

Phil Campbell 7, Phllips 2

OTHER

and struck out four Kadence Taylor had a hit, two RBI and scored a run Macey Welborn had a hit RBI and scored a run Sidda Rogers had a hit and scored twice HIGHLIGHTS

Belg reen: Lily Blackburn had two hits and was the winning pitcher in 1-0 win over Decatur Heritage; Blackburn had two doubles in a 7-7 tie against Addison Hanna Borden had three RBI Brooke

taking a 6-3 lead after three innings The Bobcats tied the game in the fourth inning scoring three runs Phil Campbell got the walkoff win on a Brittney Coffman single scoring Kadence Taylor Mia Ambrosio had two hits and scored twice Sidda Rogers had a triple two RBI and scored twice Coffman had two hits, a RBI and scored a run Macey Welborn had a hit, RBI and scored a run Addie James got the win in the circle

LEFT: Lourdes Ellis, one of the new middle school athletes in seventh

a junior multi-event athlete,

Franklin County Schools baseball highlights

By Bart Moss For the FCT

Tharptown 9, Belgreen 3 Maddux Cochran picked up the win, going five innings, allowing seven hits, three runs and striking out eight. Dylan Dolley and A Hamilton doubled twice Dolley had three hits, a RBI and scored twice Hamilton had three hits four RBI and scored twice Jackson Clement had two hits, including a double and three RBI. For Belgreen, Will King and Landon Cox had a two-hit night.

Red Bay 14, Belmont 13

Red Bay took a 6-2 lead after three innings

Following that there were six lead changes that culminated in a walkoff win on a single by Carson McGee, scoring Ty Reynolds Eli Farris homered and doubled, had a four RBI night and scored twice Dallas Terrell had three hits, including two doubles and scored three runs McGee had three hits, three RBI and scored twice, including the game winner

Red Bay 15, Colbert Heights 9

Red Bay had a 12-hit game The Tigers got home runs by Carson McGee and Reed Hamilton

Hamilton had two hits six RBI and scored Ty Reynods had three hits, including a double four RBI and scored Dallas Terrell had two hits, two RBI and scored three times

Red Bay 10, New Site 4

Red Bay built a 7-0 lead after four and half innings Hunter

Strickland had three hits and four RBIs Ty Reynolds had two doubles, a RBI and scored

He was also the winning pitcher with eight strikeouts Eli Farris had three hits a RBI and scored twice Jeramiah Thorne got the save, striking out six in two innings

Hamilton 10, Phil Campbell 7 Cody Quinn had two hits three RBI and scored a run Bentley Hill had two hits, including a double and four RBI.

Hamilton 14, Phil Campbell 6 Braxton Mayfield had two hits Bentley Hill had two RBI on a double Cale Faust doubled.

PHOTOS BY BART MOSS

Do

Russellville AL35653 within fourteen (14) days after the last publication of this notice or a judgment will be entered against you A hearing has been set in this Court onApril 11 2024 at 10:00

AM in the Franklin County Juvenile Court at which time you may appear and contest the same if you so choose

DONE this the 15th day of February 2024 Anita Scott Clerk of Juvenile Court 02/21/24 02/28/24 03/06/24 03/13/24 ADID 584105

IN THE JUVENILE COURT

Miss RHS 2024 Results: Meet the Contestants Viewer’s Choice Annie Willis

All results are listed in order from ninth grade to twelfth grade.

Best

Highest GPA: Madi Willis, Lily Cate Pace, Ella Colagross, Avery Watts

Best

Ticelee Gholston is the daughter of Jay and Brandi Gholston. She is a freshman at Russellville High School and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the RHS JV Cheerleading squad the RHS Softball team, the RHS Track team, and the Student Booster Club

Aidyn Kate Marshall is the daughter of Bonnie and T.J

and Wade Marshall. She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and is a member of the RHS Marching Hundred where she serves as captain of the Tigerettes Danceline She is a member of Christian Students United, RHS Peer Helpers Future Business Leaders of America and is an officer for Health Occupation Students of America.

Madi Willis is the daughter of Jeremy and Jennifer Willis She is a freshman at Russellville High School where she is a member of RHS A Capella and the RHS Marching Hundred as a majorette She serves as a class representative on the RHS Student Council and is an officer in RHS Cristian Students United. She also serves as first-chair bass clarinet in the RHS Symphonic Band.

Audrey Caroline Oliver is the daughter of Jamie Oliver and Jon Oliver She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and a member of RHS Musical Theatre Science Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and serves as co-captain of the RHS JV Cheerleading squad She is also an instructor and company competitive dance team member for Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap

Haylee Patrick is

daughter of Jimmy Patrick and the late Ellen Patrick. She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and a member of the RHS Volleyball team and Future Business Leaders of America She also serves in her church’s youth choir

Ellie Willis is the daughter of Nick and Heather Willis She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and a member of Christian Students United, Future Health Professionals (HOSA), the RHS Annual Staff serving as an underclassmen editor, and is the captain of the RHS JV Cheerleading squad, where she additionally serves as chaplain and was named an

cheerleader She was also named Miss

Queen for her age division and won awards

Emmy Green is the daughter of Milton and Cortney Green. She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and a member of the RHS Varsity Cheerleaders, the RHS Student Council, Christian Students United RHS Peer Helpers, and she is part of the student praise band at Tharptown Baptist Church.

Lily Cate Pace is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Pace and Jenny and Jeremy Reed. She is a sophomore at Russellville High School and is a member of the RHS Varsity Cheerleaders, RHS Varsity Tennis team, RHS Peer Helpers, serves as an officer for Christian Students United and serves in the student praise band at Tharptown Baptist Church.

Ella Colagross is the daughter of John and Brea Colagross She is a junior at Russellville High School where she is president of the Technology Students Association vice-president of Future Business Leaders of America, class representative for Christian Students United, class representative for the RHS Student Council and serves on the Franklin County Junior Leadership team.

Ticelee Gholston

Aidyn Kate Marshall Haylee Patrick

Madi Willis

Audrey Caroline Oliver

Ellie Willis

Emmy Green

Lily Cate Pace

Ella Colagross

Talent – Jazz Hip-Hop dance to 1, 2 Step by Ciara

Talent – Point ballet performance to an instrumental of “As it Was” by Harry Styles

Talent – Vocal performance of Can t Help Falling in Love with You” by Haley Reinhart

Talent – Baton twirling to Move by Little Mix

Talent – Jazz dance to “Get Ready” by The Temptations

Talent – Clogging to Conga by Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan

Talent - Lyrical dance to Piece by Piece by Stephanie Rice

Talent – Vocal performance of “That’s Life” as sung in the TV show Smash

Talent – Tap dance to Play that Funky Music by Wild Cherry

Miss RHS 2024 Results: Meet the Contestants Viewer’s Choice Annie Willis

All results are listed in order from ninth grade to twelfth grade.

Highest GPA: Madi Willis, Lily Cate Pace, Ella Colagross, Avery Watts

Best Interview: Ticelee Gholston, Lily Cate Pace, Ella Colagross, Chloe Sheffield

Best Evening Gown: Ticelee Gholston Lily Cate Pace Ella Colagross Annie Willis

Best Talent: Madi Willis, Lily Cate Pace, Ella Colagross; and a tie between Stella Hill and Annie Willis Most Photogenic: Ticelee Gholston Emmy Green Karley Fletcher Annie Willis

Karley Brianne Fletcher is the daughter of John Harkins, Jenny Fletcher, and the late Joey Fletcher She is a junior at Russellville High School and a member of the RHS Marching Hundred where she serves as co-captain of the Tigerettes Danceline, the RHS Annual Staff, and Health Occupation Students of America. She is a member of Florence First Students and is employed by The Ville Nutrition.

Caylin Elizabeth Pinkard is the daughter of Josh and Tabetha Pinkard. She is a senior at Russellville High School where she serves as co-captain of the RHS Varsity Cheerleaders and an ambassador for RHS Career and Technical Education. She is a member of the National Honor Society Future Teachers of America, and Christian Students United

Avery Watts is the daughter of Chris and Niki Watts She is a senior at Russellville High School where she serves as captain of the RHS Volleyball team, president of Christian Students United, president of the National Honor Society, and was a member of Franklin County Junior Leadership She also represented Russellville High School as a delegate at the American Legion Girls State program.

Rosie Solis is the daughter of Juan and Isabell Solis She is a junior at Russellville High School and a member of the RHS Marching Hundred serving on the color guard, RHS A Capella RHS Peer Helpers RHS Musical Theatre, and Franklin County Junior Leadership

Chloe Sheffield is the daughter of Chad Sheffield and Karri Cummings She is a senior at Russellville High School and a member of the RHS Varsity Cheerleaders, RHS Tennis team, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of Alabama, and Franklin County Junior Leadership

Ebony Unique West is the daughter of Pastor Mario and Laretta McCulloch. She is a senior at Russellville High School and a member of the National Honor Society, Franklin County Junior Leadership, National Technical Honor Society, the RHS Marching Hundred Tigerettes Danceline and was

Stella

Karley Brianne Fletcher

Caylin Elizabeth Pinkard

Avery Watts

Rosie Solis

Chloe Sheffield

Ebony Unique West

Stella Claire Hill

Kaitlin Hope Speck

Annie Willis

Talent – Jazz dance to I m in Love with a Monster” by Fifth Harmony

Talent – Acro Jazz dance to “The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson

Talent – Self-defense demonstration

Talent

performance

Like Me” as sung by Will Smith

Talent

Acro Jazz dance to “Orange Colored

by Natalie Cole

Talent – Jazz dance to “Dangerous” by Michael Jackson

Talent – Lyrical dance to My Way by Frank Sinatra

Talent

Talent