2020 March/April Franklin Living

WILL STULTS | RALPH WINCHESTER | ANNA CAROL PORTER

March/April 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 2

Heart for

HEALING Russellville woman soars with career as flight nurse

CATTLEMAN of the YEAR KREWE with a CAUSE

LET'S GET DIGITAL! FOLLOW US TO SEE ALL THE CONTENT YOU LOVE IN PRINT PLUS MORE!

@franklinliving www.franklincountytimes.com

Editorial ALISON JAMES CIERA HUGHES

Contributors MARIA CAMP

Features 5

Faith Focus

TRAE DURDEN

6

What’s Happening

HEATH GRIMES

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Krewe with a Cause

CINDY COAN

GREG HAMILTON MONTANA HESTER EMILY MAYS Marketing PEGGY HYDE Administrative SOMMER MORRIS ____________________ Franklin Living is published bi-monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2020 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com

ON THE COVER: Laura Kroeger has been a flight nurse since 2017.

Soaring through the atmosphere as part of an Air Evac Heart for Lifeteam flight crew, HEALING she provides medical care in emergencies and transport between medical facilities across the region. For her story, turn to page 12.

12 Heart for Healing 15 Cattleman of the Year 18 Taste of Franklin 21 Education 22 Faces of Franklin County 25 Money Matters 26 Why I Love Franklin County

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WILL STULTS | RALPH WINCHESTER | ANNA CAROL PORTER

March/April 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 2

CATTLEMAN of the YEAR

Russellville woman soars with career as flight nurse

Franklin Living

KREWE with a CAUSE

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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

I

f you picked up a copy of our annual Progress edition that came out last month, you know we spent countless hours putting together that massive compendium on volunteer firefighting in Franklin County. Because of that hefty time commitment, the March/April edition of Franklin Living always presents a challenge, since content must be planned and pursued for it concurrently with Progress.

Of course, you’d like to think you could plan it ahead and space it all out neatly – but in community journalism as in life, it’s difficult to get things to fall into a nice tidy schedule.

So I’ll confess, I usually get a little worried about this March/April issue. Where will we find time to chase down beautiful magazine features when we’re putting everything we’ve got into Progress? How can we possibly craft two publications with equal passion and attention to detail?

That being said, I could not be more delighted with how this issue came together. It almost defies reality, how Franklin Living continues to exceed my own expectations month after month, year after year – and my expectations are none too low. We are proud to bring you an excellent selection of stories about Franklin County people.

From Laura Kroeger and her career as a flight nurse, to Ralph Winchester and his status as Franklin County Cattleman of the Year, we’re putting the spotlight on people who make our community one of which we can all be proud. You’ll also hear the stories of Will Stults, a performing songwriter from Russellville who is a guest columnist in the Franklin County Times, and Anna Carol Porter, whose desire to reconnect with old classmates and make a difference in the world drove her to launch a new civic-social group in Franklin County.

For the latest faith or financial advice, Trae Durden and Emily Mays are giving you the full benefit of their experience and expertise. In the Education Corner, our local superintendents get you up-to-date on some of the goings-ons in Russellville City and Franklin County Schools.

That’s not all, either. We hope you’ll savor every page of this issue and enjoy all the goodness it has to offer.

Alison James

For more information on how you can Promote YOUR Business in Franklin Living: Call 256-332-1881 Email: peggy.hyde@franklincountytimes.com

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Franklin Living

FAITH FOCUS

The Future is as Bright as the Promises of God

Y

ou are not God’s answer to every little situation, problem or poor circumstance going on in your proximity.

It’s OK to say no sometimes. You weren’t created to bear the responsibilities of your parents, your spouse, your kids, your church or your community.

It’s great if you can be there to serve others; it’s absolutely a glory to God and a credit to your character in Christ. But you aren’t the only person in the world who needs to take a situation and fix things.

You aren’t omnipotent, and neither are you omnipresent. You are not God’s answer to every little situation that occurs.

Jesus is. Jesus is our answer collectively and individually. Jesus is the answer because He is omnipotent, and He is omnipresent. He’s with the single mom struggling to make ends meet. He’s guiding the dad working long hours away so he can enjoy a few minutes at home with his kids. Jesus is with each of us, and He loves each of us as if there was only one of us.

It’s beyond time that we recognize His place and our own place in this life! He’s the Sovereign Lord, and we’re His creation. We’re made to glorify His mighty name!

He’s been perfectly clear in how we should carry that glorification out: “Do everything you do to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

You glorify Him as you serve. You glorify Him as you smile, as you help, as you do good to others. Your role in His marvelous plan is to keep

Franklin Living

the faith by loving others. All those situations you speak life into are glories to His name.

You aren’t operating based on your own strength; it’s through His strength that we are here to help others. He strengthens each of us to make the whole community stronger, more spiritual and better able to lift one another up! We’re not the answer; He is.

If God wasn’t a part of this, none of the good we all experience would exist. He can use even the little bit we do to move mountains. With us things might seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible! Isn’t time each of us remembers we serve a great and powerful God? He can do amazing and wonderful things in our hearts, in our families and in our community.

Instead of stressing about the things we think must be done, let’s leave a little room for Jesus to work, and instead of all the rushing around, let’s enjoy His presence through the love of our precious neighbors. We aren’t here to be the “fixers,” but we can hold hands and stand together while He mends us. A great step toward His strength that you could take this week would be to attend worship and Bible study with the church. Sing the praises of Him who loves you with others who know none of us are sufficient in and of ourselves!

Trae Durden has been the preaching minister at North Highlands church of Christ in Russellville since January 2013. He is married to Leann Durden, and they have a daughter, Darcy Grace, and a son, Dalton.

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What’s Happening Check out all the upcoming community events!

Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received by the first of the month for consideration for the next edition.

“Sleeping Beauty Kids” March 19 RCS performing arts sixthgrade students will bring “Sleeping Beauty Kids” to the RHS Auditorium March 19 at 7 p.m. In this show, it’s Princess Aurora’s birthday, and Flora, Fauna and Merryweather must use their fairy magic to save her from the spell of the evil sorceress Maleficent! This classic fairytale mixes songs from the beloved film, including “Once Upon a Dream,” with charming new songs like “Maleficent!” and “A Little Magic Now,” bringing the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty to a brand new generation of families. Entry is $5 or free for children younger than school age. Tickets will be available at the door.

Ronnie McDowell Concert Barrel Race March 14 and 28 The Cowboy Church of Franklin County will host two barrel race events in March, March 14 and March 28, from 2-9 p.m. at the church arena, 25100 Highway 24 in Russellville. Books open at 2 p.m., and the event starts at 3 p.m. Entry is $20 for the Pee Wee event, $20 for youth, $30 open and $5 exhibition.

Rockin’ at the Roxy March 14 The second Saturday night of each month at 7 p.m. is the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville.

The special guest for the March show will be Marty Harris, who has been called the world No. 1 Jerry Clower impersonator.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

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March 21 Ronnie McDowell will perform at the Historic Roxy Theater March 21 at 7 p.m. For the past 26 years he has performed in Russellville.

His fundraising concerts have benefited the Historic Roxy Theatre, the Chamber of Commerce and the local economy.

People come from all across the United States for his show. McDowell has a winning personality that has inspired a nationwide network of fans devoted to promoting everything he does. Call 256-415-3270 to reserve tickets.

Hodges Horse Camp March 21 There will be a horse camp at Hodges Equestrian Park March 21 with programs for two age groups: ages 4-8 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and ages 9 and older from 2:30-7 p.m. Cost is $35 per child, and campers will enjoy horse games, crafts, lunch, roping and horseback riding. There are 20 spots available for each age group. Call the park to book a spot – 205-935-3436.

Franklin Living

Partnership Banquet

Barrel Race

March 24

April 11

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin County Development Authority are hosting the annual Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquet March 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Centre. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Russellville.

The Cowboy Church of Franklin County will host a barrel race event April 11 from 2-9 p.m. at the church arena, 25100 Highway 24 in Russellville.

Books open at 2 p.m., and the event starts at 3 p.m. Entry is $20 for the Pee Wee event, $20 for youth, $30 open and $5 exhibition.

Relay for Life Basketball Tournament

Rockin’ at the Roxy

March 28 Pilgrim’s second annual Relay for Life Basketball Tournament will be March 28 at the Russellville High School gym, with teams of Pilgrim’s employees facing off on the hardwood to support the American Cancer Society. Admission for spectators is $1, and concessions will be available for sale.

April 11 The second Saturday night of each month at 7 p.m. is the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville.

The KGB will be joined by a special guest for each show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

“Aladdin Jr.” April 27-28

Easter Egg Hunts April 4 The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunts April 4 in three locations: Russellville at Hal Kirby Park, Phil Campbell at the Memorial Park and Red Bay at Bay Tree Park. Children are invited to come search for eggs, win fun prizes and meet the Easter Bunny.

Franklin Living

A whole new world is coming to the RCS stage as seventhand eighth-grade students perform “Aladdin Jr.” Shows will be April 27 and April 28, 7 p.m. each night. In this adaptation, the story everyone knows and loves has been given the royal treatment. Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. Entry is $5 or free for children younger than school age. Tickets will be available at the door.

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Anna Carol Porter Founder, Krewe de Guard

Krewe

with a Cause

New civic club targets environment, community needs Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MARIA CAMP

I

t all started when one Russellville woman was reliving her high school days of twirling a flag in the color guard. A passing thought – “Wouldn’t it be neat if a bunch of us color guard girls got together and did routines?” – led to the creation of what might well be called a movement in Franklin County.

Founder Anna Carol Porter calls it Krewe de Guard.

Porter was talking over her idea for a color guard reunion with a friend who lives in New Orleans, and she said her friend’s encouragement set her on a path to get the ball rolling – with her eyes set on getting a group together in time to celebrate Mardi Gras 2020. Her plans quickly grew beyond a simple gathering of old color guard friends to target creating a civic and social club on a mission to save the world – or at least make a difference.

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Franklin Living

Another realization also helped Porter shape her plans. As a member of the Book Lovers Study Club in Russellville, she said she began to notice one truth distinctly: all her fellow club members were her mother’s age. “I’m the youngest one in there, and I noticed there’s not really a club of younger people, and we needed one,” explained Porter, 34. “So many of us were involved in various clubs in high school and showed leadership, but we’re just not doing it in our community.”

From Feb. 4, 2019, when Porter had her first spark of an idea, Krewe de Guard grew slowly at first. Porter began floating the idea by friends like Maletha Walker and Marlena Young Jones, discussing everything from what kind of events the new group could host – like a gingerbread contest or a fun run – to how Krewe de Guard could be a force for good in the community, from

funding scholarships for arts students to leading environmental efforts.

“When I would see people I went to school with who I thought would be interested, I would give them a brief of what was going on,” Porter said. She found her ideas were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and Krewe de Guard began to pick up speed.

As the 2020 Mardi Gras season approached, Porter said she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to pull off her intended inaugural event. As an actress in the Historic Zodiac Playhouse’s rendition of “Chicago,” Porter said a demanding rehearsal schedule seemed to mean her dream of a Russellville Mardi Gras parade was going to be a no-go for 2020. When the production got moved back, however, and rehearsals took a temporary back seat, Porter thought a Mardi Gras parade might be in Krewe de Guard’s reach after all.

The only problem was that Mardi Gras season was already in full swing, and the optimal opportunity for a local parade was less than two weeks away.

“My team is amazing. It’s full of decorators, creators and doers,” Porter said. With such a team behind her, she knew they could pull it off. The last hitch was getting the Russellville Public Library – which Porter had selected as the first beneficiary of a Krewe de Guard event – on board. One day she met with library director Ashley Cummins, and the next day she met with the library board, changing their skepticism into cautious optimism with her own confidence. “We can do this, if you’ll allow it,” Porter told the board. With board president

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Lela Ray out of town, Porter had to get her final permission by phone. Perhaps it was fate that Ray had, in fact, traveled to a Mardi Gras event, and Porter was able to quickly garner her support – and, as a bonus, to line up the grand marshal for her parade.

“We worked night after night at the library and some of the Krewe de Guard’s members’ houses,” said Porter, whose team created signage and costumes and worked logistics tirelessly to let the good times roll in Russellville.

A few days later, Feb. 8, downtown Russellville welcomed its first Mardi Gras parade – and Krewe de Guard celebrated its first successful event, raising more than $600 for the library.

Of course, parades are nothing new to Russellville, with the Christmas, Veterans Day and Homecoming parades being community favorites. The Krewe de Guard parade, however, brought a little something different to the streets with its environmentally-friendly focus.

The parade welcomed only non-motorized vehicles, like golf carts, bicycles and scooters, and there was no plastic used in the parade.

Porter said all signage and other supplies will be recycled and reused in next year’s parade, and the Krewe put a particular focus on keeping the streets clean of the debris often left behind after such an event. “You should leave a space the way you found it,” said Porter. “Being on this earth, I feel like I have an obligation to be a good steward of the earth and do what I can to get people to notice what’s going on.” In conjunction with

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Lela Ray Grand Marshal Krewe de Guard Mardi Gras parade

Franklin Living

the event, the Krewe de Guard also donated money to plant 32 trees – 20 in the Amazon and 12 in California. Porter harbors a passion for caring for the environment and reversing humanity’s carbon footprint, and it’s a concern shared by her fellow Krewe members.

“The mission is so important because we as a people have to be aware of the things that are going on around us,” said Tammy West, 37.

“It’s deeper than what we think. Our world is deeply being affected when we don’t make simple choices. As a whole, if we work together, the impact that Krewe de Guard could make might start off little, but I feel we could change the world. When you get passionate people together, you can change the world.

“I got involved because I love what Krewe de Guard stands for,” West added, “and I love how passionate AC is about the environment and things that truly matter.”

“I joined Krewe because I think it’s an admirable goal to encourage younger adults to be involved with the community through other organizations and community events,” agreed David Atkins, 28. “I think the Mardi Gras parade went well for Krewe’s first event. I’m pretty certain it was the first emission-free, litter-free parade for Russellville to ever have. I’m a lover of the outdoors; one of my biggest pet peeves is litter. Hopefully this can start a trend where other parades in town want to be litter free.

West and Atkins are two of the 23 people who now make up Krewe de Guard, and Porter said all those who are interested are welcome – both people who live in Franklin County as well as those who perhaps have moved away

but would like to be involved when they come back to visit. There is no membership fee; members just have to commit to the mission and help with Krewe projects through their time or monetary donations.

“It’s so much more than what I thought it would be. It grew fast, and I was very happy with how many people wanted to join,” Porter said. “My personality is to get things done. I knew it wasn’t about me; I can’t do anything without a team.” Porter said getting younger people – Krewe de Guard targets roughly those in their mid-20s through early 40s, although that is by no means a strict guideline – involved in the community is crucial to seeing Franklin County grow and improve. “We’re the next generation. The clubs right now are our parents and grandparents,” she said. “Who’s passing on the torch? We live here. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be doing our part to help.”

Porter said Krewe de Guard aims to pull off about seven events this year. The next event is now in the planning stages.

“I hope it will last,”said Porter, who is already envisioning the way future generations might pick up that torch of community involvement and environmental living. “I hope Krewe will stay as long as any other club that has been going on.”

For more information or to join Krewe de Guard, call Porter at 256-668-2830.

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Heart for healing Nurse’s career takes flight with Air Evac Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MARIA CAMP

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Franklin Living

O

ne afternoon Laura Kroeger was hard at work in her career as an ICU nurse when a colleague, who was a flight nurse, made an offhand suggestion: that she should become a flight nurse herself. Her answer: “You know – I should. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

That was how Kroeger’s ascent began.

The mother of four had spent her entire career in nursing, a passion sparked when she was young by her grandfather, who was a surgeon. “He was never at family functions – he was always late, or we would run by the hospital. I can remember being a little girl waiting outside the OR door while he was doing surgery, waiting for him to finish so we could see him for a few minutes,” Kroeger said. She found her own way into the medical field, choosing greater flexibility in hours as nurse. “I think maybe it’s a type of personality. I’ve always enjoyed caring for people and caring for things,” said Kroeger, who described herself as the “mothering type” even as a child. “I’ve always enjoyed doing things for others.”

After high school Kroeger enrolled in the Columbia State Community College nursing program in Columbia, Tenn., and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing from American Sentinel University. Following her graduation in December 2002, she took the required state board exams and went right to work.

Her career has run the gamut, from her start as a medical-surgical nurse, to a cardiac cath lab nurse, to working in medical device sales – “I was really interested in the technical aspect of the pacemakers and ICDs. It was just another aspect of cardiac nursing that I wanted to take a shot at.” That ability to pursue a variety of paths is part of what she loves about the field. “You can move around and do a little bit of everything.”

Kroeger, however, took that to an even higher level than most when she decided to pursue flight nursing. Although she said she was intimidated by the 24-shift and especially wondered how it would work with raising her children, she decided to broach the idea with husband Matt. “I went home that night and said to my husband, ‘What do you think about me going to work at Air Evac?’ He said, ‘If you want to do it, go for it.’”

What came next was months of credentialing to become approved to take to the skies.

“It’s not an easy role to get into. It’s very competitive. So it took about six months to a year for me to get an interview and get a job,” Kroeger said. During that time it was easy to get discouraged. “I applied for a job right in my hometown, and I wasn’t even considered.” But she kept pursuing

Franklin Living

her new dream, continuing to improve her understanding and knowledge of what a flight nurse needed to know while she waited for the right opportunity.

One evening in 2017, her opportunity finally arrived. “It was late at night, 8:30 or 9, and the manager called,” Kroeger said, recalling the moment she finally got that long-awaited job offer. “I was so excited. My husband was right there when I was on the call, but my son – who was 14 at the time – was in his bedroom already in bed … I said ‘Hudson, I’ve got the job!’ He gave me a big hug and said ‘Mom, you deserve it.’ He was just as excited for me as I was.”

With Air Evac Lifeteam – which was established in 1985 and today is part of Global Medical Response – Kroeger works a unique schedule: every other 24 hours for three shifts, a 12-hour shift and then seven or eight days off. Air Evac operates more than 140 helicopter air ambulance bases; Kroger reports to the base in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., which is about an hour commute – an hour she said is helpful for getting in the right headspace at the beginning of a workday and decompressing afterward.

A fight crew includes a nurse, a paramedic and a pilot who work together cohesively to respond to emergency calls as well as hospital-to-hospital transports. Crew members always work together on the same schedule, which means a high level of synergy among the three. “We almost don’t have to talk because we know what the other one is going to do, but we’re really good at communicating and getting a game plan together,” Kroeger said. “We’re always on our toes.”

A typical 24-shift starts with meeting with the crew rotating off to review the past 24 hours. Next Kroeger and her team will inventory the helicopter, making sure it is fully stocked with all needed medications and supplies, including blood products. While waiting for any calls to come in, they take care of other responsibilities like computer work, continuing education, chart review and even housekeeping tasks like cleaning the base, doing laundry and cooking meals, as the base is essentially their second home.

“I’ve got a trunk I keep there that has my bedding, and I go in with a backpack and a change of clothes. I leave my boots and my helmet there,” Kroger said.

The Lawrenceburg base’s response area might seem vast to some. Responding to a call could take from three to four hours, from the time the crew leaves the base to the time it returns. Kroeger is accustomed to flying as far as Fayette and Tuscaloosa to Memphis and Nashville.

The most challenging part of the job is being away from her family. In addition

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to Hudson, now 16, her children include stepdaughters Chelsi, 15, and Chana, 14, as well as youngest son Crews, 8. She said Crews has the hardest time with her schedule and is frequently sad when she’s gone. “It hurts your heart a little bit,” Kroeger said. “We are first responders. We work holidays, we work nights, we work weekends …

Santa doesn’t always get to come Christmas morning, and the Easter bunny comes without me every year.”

It’s a sacrifice, however, she feels is worth it because of the difference she is able to make, especially in rural communities, where a trip in a ground ambulance might take hours. “For us to be able to get there and provide rapid care and rapid access – that’s the best part of the job. You’re truly saving lives,” Kroeger said. The same as any first responder, “we see the worst of the worst. You try not to bring it home, but I think everybody probably brings it home to an extent …

It’s the hardest calls you remember the most, whether they are life lessons or absolutely heartbreaking. There are calls you never forget.”

The Kroegers moved to Russellville in March 2018 from Fayette to shorten Kroeger’s commute as well as establish themselves in a warm, friendly community. “We really love the school system and the small-town feel,” Kroeger said.

When Kroeger is “off the clock” for a seven-day stint, family time takes priority. They enjoy hiking, camping and traveling, and Kroeger said they are all “river junkies.” “We’re always on the water. We all wakeboard.” Kroeger also stays active with CrossFit five to six days a week – “It’s my coping mechanism and my stress reliever for sure” – and they often travel to visit her family’s farm in Lawrenceburg on Sundays.

As to her future, Kroeger said she hopes to continue as a flight nurse as long as she can, but when she’s ready to leave the skies for good, she would love to teach nursing or perhaps pursue a master’s in business administration.

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Franklin Living

Cattleman of the Year

Life of service lands Ralph Winchester county award Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER

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“I

just want to have a good, happy ol’ country life and good health.”

Ralph Winchester has that and more at his cattle farm in Red Bay. The Franklin County native also now has an award to signify the kind of life he has lived: Franklin County Cattleman of the Year, presented to him in January at the association’s annual meeting. Receiving such an honor, Winchester said, caught him completely off guard.

“It blindsided me, but I was really tickled to get it,” said Winchester, who has been in the local Cattleman’s Association for going on three decades and serves as a member of the board. “It was an honor. It really was … I like to fell through the seat. It brought tears to my eyes.”

Perhaps Winchester should not, however, have been so surprised by the award. Association President Caleb Beason said the 72-yearold cattle farmer was more than deserving, describing him as “hardworking and very personable.” Beason said directors vote on a recipient who is committed to service, leads by example, is active in the industry and is known for positive community interaction – Winchester to a T. “He just does a phenomenal job,” said Beason, who praised Winchester for his connections in the community and his long, devoted service. “He sets the example for a lot of others who are coming on.”

Winchester was born and raised just north of Red Bay in Pleasant Site, and his rural upbringing played a hand in the “happy ol’ country life” he lives today. “There was eight of us children – a big family,” said Winchester. “You’ve never seen so much love. We were a really close family.” His father was a farmer who was worked at Reynolds Aluminum Company in Florence and a factory in Belmont, and his mother was a housewife. “We all did our own chores and whatever we had to do to keep everything going … We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had a lot love.”

Winchester went to vocational-technical school after high school – which is why he can now perform all his own mechanical work and

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welding – but although he’s worked an array of jobs, from cutting hair on the Columbus Air Force base to serving as a substitute teacher and bus driver at Red Bay, the cattle farming industry has followed him all his life.

When he married wife Cheryl 50 years ago, her father had cows and helped him get started with his own herd. “I had 100 momma cows the first year,” Winchester said. “I kept those for several years, then I sold down to 40-50.” After a few years in business with his brother, Winchester said he tried to get out of the industry – until his pastor at Red Bay First Baptist Church wanted Winchester to partner with him in his cattle farm. That partnership lasted six or seven years; since then Winchester said he has tried to retire from cattle farming, but he just can’t leave it behind. “I’ll go to a sale, see a pretty one I like and raise my hand,” Winchester said. “I want a be a cowboy, but I’m too old.”

Nowadays the old cowboy has two horses and about 50 cows.

“That’s enough for one man.” He raises his beef cattle for sale, primarily at the Northwest Alabama Livestock Auction in Russellville, farming Black Angus cross and Charolaise breeds. His best cattle farming advice? “Buy the best bull you can afford. That’s the key to having good calves.”

He has three small farms – two in Red Bay at 30 acres and 25 acres plus 75 acres out toward Pleasant Site – and he said he loves every part of the job, from feeding to birthing. “I just love the rewards you get,” said Winchester, adding one of his favorite things is to pull up in the middle of the field on his horse or side-by-side and see the cows come to him for treats.

Cattle farming is time-consuming business, but Winchester gets help from a part-time farmhand and a 5-year-old next-door neighbor who is like a grandson – he calls the Winchesters Poppa and Mimi. On top of being a cattle farmer and a surrogate grandfather, however, Winchester has found plenty of other activities to keep him busy as well: he’s a deacon at Red Bay FBC, a longtime Masonic Lodge member, Red Bay Lions Club member and a Shriner. He also served on the county commission from 1992-1995 and on the school board from 2007-2012 – “anything with people involved where I can maybe help a little bit.”

He also hosts a jam session in his guest cottage every Thursday, when three to five buddies come over to pick tunes on their guitars, swap tales and enjoy fellowship until 11 p.m. or so, when they break to enjoy Cheryl’s homemade treats. “It’s just one of those things money can’t buy. It takes your mind off of everything.” He and Cheryl are also part of a couple’s group that goes camping together once a month.

Of course, out of all his involvement, being in the Cattleman’s Association is one of his top joys. Winchester said he particularly enjoys the fellowship among the directors. “This is probably the best board of guys you’ll ever work with,” he said. “Everybody knows what they’re supposed to do and what the cause is … I really enjoy being around all those guys and their families.”

A key focus for the Cattleman’s Association is reaching the youth, and that’s been a priority for Winchester personally as well. Although he and his wife lost both of their sons to miscarriages, they have embraced opportunities over the years to raise three boys who

Franklin Living

needed a little extra TLC. Winchester said these boys, who they treated like sons, had good parents, but their parents worked two or three jobs and need an extra hand. The Winchesters took them to church and taught them important life lessons like discipline – and of course, cattle farming. “We just tried to be there for them when they needed us,” Winchester said. “We’re just more than more than blessed, we really are.”

As long as he’s able, as long as the Lord continues to bless him and Cheryl – a breast cancer survivor – with good health, Winchester said he hopes to continue to be active and involved in his community.

“The Lord has blessed me so tremendously,” he said. “I just love helping people. “ “A lot of people right here in Franklin County need a lot of help,” he added. “I don’t do it for recognition; I do it because of love for people.”

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN

Banana Nut Bread

Give us this day our daily bread Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by CHRISTIAN MEDINA, RHS JUNIOR

Cooking with Coan Cindy Coan Russellville High School

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W

hether for a hearty breakfast, a mouthwatering snack or dessert or a sweet treat to give as a gift, Cindy Coan and her culinary students have a bread for any occasion.

These tried-and-true recipes begin in Coan’s home kitchen before she introduced them to her food students at Russellville High School. With each recipe requiring only a few steps, and two of them incorporating pre-made dough, she said these are great starter recipes for even the most novice of bakers – and yet produce tasty treats that will wow any recipient’s taste buds.

“For my students it gives them an opportunity to see how you can take one product and turn it into something else, as well as make quick breads from scratch,” Coan explained. “And these breads make great gifts; it’s something a little more personal.”

These bread recipes include both sweet and savory options to sate any craving and fit the menu for any time of day. Coan said the orange bread is tops warm from the oven for breakfast, while the banana nut bread is suitable for breakfast or a nice snack. “It says so moist, and we can make it ahead of time and put it in the freezer,” Coan said. The banana nut loaf is one of her favorites to keep

on hand to serve at a last-minute meeting.

The bacon pull-apart bread, on the other hand, is great as an appetizer or party food. “It’s really savory. It’s less breakfast than you would think,” said Coan, who recommended the biscuit-based dish for a tailgate. The sausage and cheese bread is another savory option, similar to the popular sausage ball but with richer flavors. “It’s really good as a breakfast bread or muffin.”

Pumpkin bread, with a rich cream cheese frosting is “one of my go-to favorites,” Coan added. “It makes two good loaves of bread plus some muffins.”

For each recipe, Coan said a few keys will help ensure a delicious final product: 1. Mix liquids first, and then mix dry ingredients, and then add the two together.

2. Don’t overmix. “It causes quick breads to not rise up high, so it’s very important that you never overmix quick breads.

3. Use good quality pans. For loaf pans, consider investing in parchment paper, since cooking spray doesn’t always work well. For Bundt pans, be sure to turn the bread out when it is fresh from the oven to help avoid sticking.

Coan emphasized quick breads, while delicious, are also an excellent way to add nutrition, with ingredients like bananas, nuts, green peppers and pumpkin bringing a range of nutrients to the table. Each of these recipes can also be used to make muffins and will freeze well.

Franklin Living

PULL APART BACON BREAD • 1 lb. bacon • 1 T. reserved bacon drippings • 3/4 cup onion, finely chopped • 3/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped • 1/2 cup melted butter • 3 (7.5 oz.) cans buttermilk biscuits • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 1. Cook bacon until crisp, reserving one tablespoon of drippings.

Crumble bacon and set aside.

2. Heat bacon drippings over medium heat. Add green pepper and onion and sauté until tender.

3. Cut biscuits into fourths and place in a large mixing bowl.

Add vegetables, crumbled bacon, butter and cheese and toss thoroughly.

4. Place in a Bundt pan or a 10-inch tube pan coated well with cooking spray.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Immediately invert onto serving plate.

ORANGE BREAD • 3/4 cup sugar • 1/2 cup chopped pecans • 1 T. grated orange rind • 2 (12 oz.) cans refrigerated flaky buttermilk biscuits • 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, cut into 20 squares • 1/2 cup margarine, melted • 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar • 2 T. orange juice 1. Mix first three ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Separate biscuits; gently separate the layers of individual biscuits in half.

3. Place a cream cheese square between two halves, pinching sides to seal.

4. Dip in butter and dredge in reserved sugar mixture.

5. Stand biscuits on edge in a lightly greased 12-cup Bundt pan, spacing evenly.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Immediately invert on to a serving plate.

7. Combine powdered sugar and orange juice; drizzle over warm bread. Serve immediately.

Pumpkin Muffins

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING • 1 lb. cream cheese, softened • 2 sticks butter, softened • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar • Chopped pecans, for garnish 1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth.

2. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated.

3. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

4. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired.

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PUMPKIN BREAD/MUFFINS • 4 eggs • 3 cups sugar • 2 cups pumpkin pie filling • 1 cup salad oil • 3 1/2 cups plain flour • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 2 tsp. baking soda • 1 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. nutmeg • 1 cup water 1. Beat eggs; add remaining ingredients.

2. Bake in greased loaf pans at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

3. This recipe makes three or four loaves of bread.

4. If desired, make into muffins and top with cream cheese frosting.

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Sausage Bread

CREAM CHEESE BANANA NUT BREAD • 3/4 cup butter, softened • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened • 2 cups sugar • 2 large eggs • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp. baking soda • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (1.5 pounds unpeeled bananas, about four medium) • 1 cup chopped pecans • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1.

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.

2. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

4.

Combine flour and next three ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended.

5. Stir in bananas, pecans and vanilla.

6. Spoon batter into two greased and floured 8x4-inch loaf pans lined with parchment paper.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, shielding with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over browning, if necessary.

8. Cool bread in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool 30 minutes on wire racks before slicing.

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SAUSAGE AND CHEESE BREAD • 1 lb. pork sausage • 1/4 cup chopped onion • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese • 1 egg • 1/2 tsp. Texas Pete hot sauce • 1 1/2 tsp. salt • Dash of red pepper flakes • 2 cups baking mix (Bisquick) • 2/3 cup milk • 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or use parchment paper.

3. Crumble sausage into a large skillet and cook along with onion until brown.

Drain on paper towels and cool.

4. In a large bowl, combine egg, cheeses, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well.

5. Add baking mix, milk and mayonnaise.

Stir.

6. To the mixture, add sausage and onions.

Mix until just blended.

7. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

8. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto plate to serve.

Russellville High School students who helped prepare food for the March/April edition of Taste of Franklin include: Yaneli Garcia-Bahena David Baltazar Tristen Bickerstaff Matthew Darracott Jennifer Diaz Ramos Jasmine Figueroa Keslee Fisher Molly Fuentes Devan Guzman Amanda Herring

Gracie Hill Silvia Jimenez-Salgado Niasia Nobles Silvia Pascual-Francisco Eduardo Perez-Luna Anahi Serna Ashton Shipley Sydney Smith Ismael Zavala-Marquez

Franklin Living

EDUCATION CORNER

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Franklin students participate in TVA Water Monitoring Program

ear the close of January, some Franklin County students participated in the Tennessee Valley Association’s Science Kids World Water Monitoring Project, sponsored by TVA and EarthEco.org.

Jess Wykoff, TVA Science Kids program director, reached out to me offering this free science program to our students, and I immediately informed schools of this wonderful STEM opportunity. The program is aligned with the fifth-grade science course of study; however, some of our fourth-grade science teachers were interested in having fourth-grade classes participate as well. More than 200 fourth- and fifth-graders from Vina High School, Red Bay Elementary School, Tharptown Elementary School, Belgreen High School and Phil Campbell Elementary School participated in the program.

Samples of water were collected from local lakes, and with water testing kits provided by TVA, students tested those samples to determine pH levels, among many other components.

Students were educated on how people can have an effect on the quality of our natural resource of water. They also learned ways to protect the environment.

The school system received $800 in supplies, including classroom sets of test kits with instructional materials. Jess Wykoff said as students begin to dive into science and engineering practices, it is the TVA’s hope that the water quality lab will encourage students to learn in a handson and fun way. She also said all teachers and principals were accommodating and wonderful to work with, and the students were engaged and excited to participate in the experiments.

Franklin County Schools are grateful for this fun learning opportunity for our students, and we appreciate TVA’s Science Kids Program manager for inviting us to be a part of this educational experience. The program received rave reviews from participating teachers and students. It was a very engaging way to get our students involved in preserving our natural resources and making sure they are doing their part to protect our lakes.

Greg Hamilton is superintendent of Franklin County Schools.

He and his wife Jessica have four children: Taylor, Carolyna, Dakota and Ty.

RCS looks to future with purchase of Mars Hill

I

n a field like education where things are ever-changing and evolving, it is so important to focus on forward thinking and looking to the future, whether it’s for the district as a whole, for curriculum, for technology – or for things like accommodating extra students and offering them better opportunities.

Russellville City Schools did this recently by coming to an agreement with Mars Hill Bible School to purchase the building where the existing Mars Hill Preschool is housed in Russellville.

After Mars Hill officials made it known they were planning to close this facility at the end of this school year, several of us at RCS saw this as an opportunity to expand our current Pre-K program and offer twice the amount of space we have now.

Ever since its inception, our Pre-K program has been limited in the number of Pre-K classes we could offer because of the space issues we have at West Elementary. Purchasing this building and moving all Pre-K classes here, however, allows the chance for expansion of the Pre-K program while also freeing up much-needed space at WES. And thanks in large part to Rep. Jamie Kiel and his forward thinking, we were able to make this happen.

Rep. Kiel knows the importance of Pre-K and the quality of Alabama’s First Class Pre-K Program, which we utilize at RCS. He even arranged a meeting at the building with Alabama’s Secretary of Early Childhood Education, Jeanna Ross. His efforts, along with the support

Franklin Living

of Russellville Mayor David Grissom and City Councilman Jamie Harris, were instrumental in this acquisition that will allow us to go from three Pre-K classes to six to serve a total of 108 students.

This is great news for the people of our community with children who are Pre-K age. The educational foundation children receive is vitally important to how the rest of their educational careers will go. Having this opportunity available to our students sets them up for success, and that is our goal for all of our students: to give them all the tools we can to help them succeed, both now and in the future.

Pre-K is also a great way for our impoverished students and English Language Learning students to get a better start on learning the prerequisites they need for kindergarten and beyond. With RCS having a higher-than-normal percentage of both these student populations, we know expanding the Pre-K program will be beneficial for everyone involved.

I am so thankful to work at a district and with a school board that is committed to forward thinking and that invests in our students and their futures, and I am thankful to have city leaders and a state representative who are forward thinkers as well. With everyone working together, we can continue to offer a high level of education here at RCS. Heath Grimes is the superintendent of Russellville City Schools. He and his wife Amy have three daughters: Leah, Halle and Erin.

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Russellville performing arts students help everyone “let it go” with a performance of “Frozen.”

Photos by MARIA CAMP

“Frozen” cast

“Frozen” cast members Nicholas McSpadden, Avery Guinn, Rady Smith and Abby Peters “Frozen” cast members Braden Bales, Alana Jenkins, Rady Smith, Joseph Franklin and Macy Bolton

Pam Nichols, Maebeth Franks and Lauren Jackson

“Frozen” cast members Caroline Sparks, Macy Vandiver, Braden Cole Voyles, Morgan Jenkins and Ava Voyles Bales, Natalie Busler and Roxanna Velez-Serna

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Avery McReynolds, MaryEllen Little and Ellie McReynolds

Franklin Living

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Lakely Mason and Liveigh Hester

Scarlett Sherron and Kelsey Aycock

Melanie Ward and Shellie Stockton

Rhonda Mills Jack and Hannah Mills

Waylene Stidham and Sharon Howard

Mylene Martinez and Patrice Smith

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Gracie Pounders, Andrea Mayberry, Tonya Prince, Hannah Bendall, Brenda Stone and Jennifer Rash

Camille Lynn, Katelyn Frazier and Ava Lynn

Patrick Odom and Jason Goodwin

Elene Whitehead, Bentley Jewell and Brandi Boyd

Zadie Cooper, Malorie Pace and Abby Boyd

Kristie Wells and Courtney Green

Jake and Leslie Sturdivant

Holly Williams, Sam Bresett, Melody Bresett and Dean Bresett

Callie and Collins Odom

Bernice and Al Weeks

Gary McNutt and Jeremy Clemmons

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Franklin Living

MONEY MATTERS

Money Habits You Wish You Had Known Sooner

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think everyone who is old enough to make their own money can attest to a lot of different money habits we wish we had known sooner in life.

The first one I can think of is buying a car while still in college. That was crazy! My parents had generously gifted me their old car, which was paid for, and when I look back now on that new car purchase senior year in college, I could shake that kid. By the way, the family car was a Jeep named Josephine, and to this day she’s still my favorite car. But at the ripe old age of 23, I wanted nothing more than that new, red car.

So, in the hopes of saving someone else buyer’s remorse, here’s a few money truths we can all live by.

Saving will always be the most important and the hardest lesson we learn. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.

Having money in your account does not necessarily mean you have money to spend. As a kid, I can remember asking mom to “just write a check.” For today’s kids, it’s “just use your debit card.” But just because there’s money there doesn’t mean it’s available. As a banker, I can tell you; we live in a society that does not keep up with their check registers. That is a life lesson we should all be adhering to: keeping up with how much money we actually have!

Comparison is a thief of joy. Buying something just because you want to be like someone else will never leave you truly happy. If you find yourself buying just for the sake of keeping up appearances – don’t. Wait two weeks, wait 30 days, then see if you still want it.

When it rains, it usually pours. So, plan accordingly. Just about the time you need new tires, the washing machine is going to go out, or there will be a leak in the roof, or a kid will need braces. An emergency fund can make a lot of difference in these situations.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Building, Connecting, and Discovering!

Events and Activities

Franklin County Awards Banquet, March 24th Easter Egg Hunts, April 4th Bay Tree play, "Cheating Cheaters", April 23rd - 26th Franklin County Junior Leadership Graduation, April 26th Relay for Life, May 1st, Russellville High School Stadium

Attractions

●Bear Creek Lakes●Red Bay Museum●Cypress Cove Bird Trail●Dismals ●Roxy Theatre-2nd Sat. of each month●Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ● 256.332.1760 www.FranklinCountyChamber.org ● info@franklincountychamber.org

Franklin Living

Learn to live on less than you earn. This might mean getting budget-focused, which I know sounds horrible – but it isn’t that bad if you think of it as more of a challenge than a punishment.

The budget helps you figure out how much you have to spend, save and splurge. Once you identify these numbers based on your income, all the other financial goals can fall into place.

Diligence pays off. Everything mentioned above is fleeting if it’s just temporary. The best money habit we can learn is to stay diligent! Mistakes will happen, and just like a GPS, we must recalculate and get back on the right path.

Emily Mays is vice president/senior marketing director at Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, working in finance for 13 years.

She is an enthusiastic social media marketer, financial literacy advocate and go local supporter. She lives in East Franklin and has one daughter, Lola, 11.

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Why I Love Franklin County

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Will Stults

ussellville High School 2001 alumnus Will Stults is married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda (Adams) Stults, and the couple is celebrating 15 years of marriage. They have one son, 13-year-old Dalton, who is an eighth-grader at Russellville Middle School. Amanda is a clinical manager with Medical Associates, and Will is a performing songwriter whose career has led him to play at The Bluebird Café in Nashville, the VBC in Huntsville and the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo – but he said he considers his family his greatest accomplishment.

1. What is your job title, and what does your work involve?

I’m a performing songwriter, which means I do solo shows as an artist while also working to have my songs recorded by others. That involves writing, demoing and pitching songs to musical acts primarily in Nashville’s country music market. I haven’t landed the big one yet, but I am closer than ever and have been told “no” by several famous people! It takes a lot of work just to be told no in Nashville. I am also the co-coordinator for North Alabama Songwriters, an organization that serves to develop and encourage other songwriters in this area.

2. What do you enjoy about it?

I believe songwriting is a calling. I see being a songwriter as service work, and my goal is to help people get through life. I enjoy the process of writing, and nothing is more satisfying than having something God created through me reach the person or people who were meant to hear it.

3. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County?

My mother, grandparents and in-laws have all at one time lived on County Road 64 at the bottom of Spruce Pine Mountain. When I was a kid I called that the home road, and I still love the feeling of being in that area.

4. What is your favorite Franklin County restaurant, and what do you like about it?

Lately my favorite thing has been getting Tortas from Los Primos downtown, but it’s really

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hard to pick between that and the Pupusa at Pollo Loco.

5. Why do you love Franklin County?

It’s home to me. I have traveled a lot for music and lived in Nebraska for 11 years growing up, but I always wanted to be back here. I believe we all have a place we’re meant to be, and for me this is it.

FAST 5 Favorite hobby: virtual reality Favorite food: S.O.S. Goal or ambition: I just want to die knowing I did what I was supposed to do.

Church: God is a big part of my life, and I’ve been all over Franklin County learning about him.

Something people might not know about me is: I’m an over-sharer. People know more about me than they want to, but my wife says I’m getting better about it!

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