The Madison Record - September 25, 2024

Page 1


ByGREGGPARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON– Getreadyfor oneofthemostanticipated eventsofthe year.TheMadisonStreet(MSF)will returnto thequaint,historicstreets of downtownMadisonnextSaturday, Oct.5

Markingits42ndyear,the MadisonStreetFestival, has something foreveryone.The eventiscarefully curatedto providea widerangeofactiv-

ities andattractionsthatcater toall ages andinterests.Itincludes ahometownparade; entertainment by local musicians; handmadedecor, clothing,jewelryandmanyotheritems for sale;pieces of fineart;collector vehicles forcar buffs;irresistiblecarnivalfood; amusements andinteractive activities for children; andboothafterbooth ofneighborspromotingtheir businesses,personalinterests andcommunity clubs.

See MSF Page 7A

Road Work Ahead

Signsfor theproject areinplace,including

oftheprojectontheeastboundroadway.

I-565 widening projectin Madisontostart this week

Theproject is expected to take twoyears to complete

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON–Thecontractor ontheI-565wideningproject statedlast week theyanticipatestarting work thisweek toexpandtheinterstatespur to six lanesthroughMadison. The$29millionproject stretchesfromwestofCounty LineRoadtoeastof Wall TrianaHighway. Itincludesadd-

ing athirdlaneoneachroadwayand wideningtwo setsof bridges —atBradfordCreek just west ofExit 9(Wall Triana Highway)and at Intergraph Wayand the NorfolkSouthern railroadjusteastofExit 9—to accommodatethe additional lanes. Widening willprimarily take placetotheinside of the existing roadways,where thereiscurrentlya grassy median.Thecontractorwill install concrete barriertoseparatetrafficfromthemedian work area. Thecontractor, Wiregrass Construction,planstobegin work Sundayevening.Motoristsshouldexpectlane closures between 7p.m.and6

a.m., Sundaynights/Monday morningsthrough Thursday nights/Friday mornings. Constructionis anticipated totakeabouttwoyears.

Acoveredsign nexttothe highway.Apolice car, ALDOT trucks,and asubcontractor’s signtruckare parkedonthe shoulder.

Aftercompletion, I-565will have aminimumofsixlanes fromI-65toMemorial Parkway (US-231/US-431)in Huntsville. Nearly 70,000 vehiclestravel I-565thoughMadison daily. PreviousI-565widening project

Aproject completedinlate 2021expandedmost ofI-565in LimestoneCountyto sixlanes.

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON -Ten trafficcameras and threeelectronicsigns willbe coming to Interstate565this fall, accordingtotheAlabama Departmentof Transportation.

The$5.2million “intelligent transportation system project” is alreadyunderway on I-565 from Mooresville RoadinLimestone County to U.S. 72in Huntsville, according to ALDOT. It willadd 10trafficcameras,three dynamic message systems and twoweather stations formonitoringconditions andaiding traffic flow on the corridor,ALDOTsaid.

Theprojectstartedin July with theinstallationofpoles forthe camerasandmessage boards,ALDOTsaid.It is set forcompletion in the fall.

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has beenpushing forthesigns for some timeto helpMorgan County andLimestoneCounty commuters to Madison County. “I appreciate ALDOT finally gettingthistrafficmanagement system inplace,”Orrsaid.“Ihave beenarguing foryears thatitwas aninsult forthe largestcity inthe state, Huntsville,not to have asystemthattheothermetropolitan areahave had inplace foryears.” Also,ALDOTisacceptingbids Fridayontwo intelligentelectronic signs on Interstate65 near Decatur.Thesigns won’t beoperational foratleast ayear.

TwoHarvestvolunteerfirefightersrecognizedforheroicactions

HARVEST -Two Harvest volunteer firefighterswererecognizedlast week fortheirheroicactionson aday with multiple emergencycalls. Accordingto fire officials, firefighter WilliamScofieldand supportmemberKaydynDavis were presented withaMeritoriousService Awardby HarvestFireChiefJakeChappell. OnSaturdayAug.17, at approximately 6:30a.m.,Harvest volunteers were calledouttothe Toneycommu-

nitytoassistwithmedical carefor twopatients in cardiacarrest. According toofficials, firefighter WilliamScofieldarrived first on sceneand foundtwomalepatientsin abedroom,bothincardiacarrest.He quicklyassessedthe sceneand quicklycheckedapulse,attachedan AED, and started providingqualitychest compressions. SupportmemberKaydyn Davisarrivedsecondon sceneand beganhelpingbyprovidingBVM ventilations. Approximately10minutes into the

William Scofieldand Kaydyn Davis were presented with aMeritorious Service Award.
TheMadison Street Festival willkickoffonOct. 5, at 9a.m.with aparade.

LOCAL NEWS

Photoofthe Week

Gregg L. Parker News Writer gregg@themadisonrecord.com

Maria Rakoczy News Writer maria@themadisonrecord.com BobLabbe Sports Writer bob0873@yahoo.com

CalebOdom Sports Writer caleb@themadisonrecord.com

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CORRECTIONS

TheMadison Record will be happytocorrect anyerrorswhich appear in thenewspaper or clarify anystatementswhich are unclear. To requesta correction or clarification,call256-7631150 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday -Friday, or emailnews@ themadisonrecord.com.

LILAMAE‘WENDY’ LOMBAS-KASH

Lila Mae“Wendy”Lombas-Kash wasbornOctober26,1950 on ahouseboat in Berwick,Louisiana. She passed peacefully at 7:27 p.m.in MadisonHospital on August 28,2024 at the ageof73. Lila wasaBerwick, Louisiana High School graduate, classof 1968,top10in her classwith afullscholarship to LSU NewOrleansSchoolof Nursing.She wasonlyabletocomplete one semester therebefore having to returnhomedue toher father’s ill health.

hersiblings

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MadisonPostOffice Madison, AL 35758

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POSTMASTER Pleasesend addresschanges: P.O. Box859, Madison, AL 35758 The MadisonRecordispublished each WednesdaybyTennessee ValleyMedia,Inc.

TheRecordisa member of the AlabamaPress Association

Alicensed commercial insurance agent inmultiplestates formanyyears, she later changedcareers, working forWal-Mart StoresInc., in storemanagementandas aSpecial Projects StoreCoordinator fornearly 17 years. Besidesher abundant love forher family, she lovedtospend her time cooking, gardening, traveling, readingbooksand learningnewthings. Reading wasthe wayshe discoveredand learned thattherewasmoretothe worldinto whichshehad been born.However, she neverlosther first love for allthingsLouisiana. She ispreceded indeath by her Father,FrankBartholomewLombas,her Mother,Lorena Marie LodrigueLombas,hersiblings,Frank“Bud” LombasIII, Ella Mae“Mynan” Cobbs, Delores“Duttie” Bertrand and Sandra “Nuni”Aucoin. She is survivedbyher husband,StevenBruce Kash, to whom she was married for51years,

Gary“Pug” Lombas,Lawrence“Titi” Lombas,James“Jimbo” Lombas,andher children and their families;daughter Heather KashBergsten (49),BretBergsten(59), NeilBergsten(10),son Travis Kash(49),Maria Kash (46),KellyKash (23),Levi Hyatt(1),Brooklyn Kash Tuten(21),NateTuten (22),Alexandria Kash(19), Joshua Kash(17),Harrison Kash (15),daughter KristiKash (47),Kiersten Grove(27),Alex Grove(31), Ashton Grove(4),Nolan Grove(3),MichaelMoskowitz (23),daughterErin Kash Howard (44),Caitlin Howard (20),SamuelHoward(9),son Sean Kash(36) and Sharon Kash(36). Lila’s“Celebrationof Life Service” washeld in Madison, Alabamaon Saturday, August 31,2024 at Legacy Chapel FuneralHome followedbyher burial in Madison at Madison MemoryGardens Cemetery. Pallbearers forLila were herson,Sean Kash,son-inlaw, BretBergsten, grandson-in-law, Alex Groveand grandchildren, Michael Moskowitz, Brooklyn KashTuten, CaitlinHoward, Joshua Kash andHarrison Kash.

Personkilledfollowing

MADISON -Aperson waskilled followingan incidentinvolving atrain inMadisononSaturday afternoon.

Theincidenthappened neartheintersectionof Palmer Roadand Front Street. AccordingtoMadison Police at thescene,abody wasfoundnearthetracks.

Theincident remains underinvestigation. The identity wasnot released by presstime.-WAFF

I-565

Abrieflookatnewsin Madison makingheadlines last week

Madisonmancharged witharsonfor August fireatapartments

MADISON-A Madison manhas been charged witharson fora fireat Arch Street Apartments in August,accordingto courtdocuments. Court documentsstate thatDavid FreemanBurgessintentionally caused damage tothe apartments. Documentsshowthe fire occurredon August3. Burgessis chargedwith first-degreearson. He wasreleasedona $60,000bond. -WHNT

Continued frompage1A

Theprojectwidened morethansevenmiles from westoftheI-65interchangetowestofCounty

LineRoad. TheRebuild AlabamaActfundedthe $14.3millionproject. VisitALGOtraffic.com

Manarrested in fatal motorcyclecrashon BlakeBottom Road

HARVEST -A man is deadandanotherisin jail after afatalmotorcycle crashinMadisonCounty. Accordingto officials, DennisSalazar,37, was killed after gettingintoa wreckwith RyanDohrmann. TheysaidSalazar wasthrownfromhisbike andkilled. Dohrmann wascharged withmanslaughter. Investigators saidthe wreckhappenedonBlake BottomRd. -WAFF

ordownloadthe ALGO Trafficapp forreal-time trafficand road condition information.

MembersofAuxiliaryUnit229withMadisonAmericanLegion, Post229 accepted theNational President’sAwardforExcellenceattheorganization’snationalconferenceinNew Orleans, La.

American Legion Auxiliary 229

earnsNationalPresident’s Awardfor Excellence

MADISON –AuxiliaryUnit229with MadisonAmericanLegion, Post 229has earnedtheNationalPresident’s Award forExcellence.

Led by JeanDowns,outgoingPresident of AuxiliaryUnit229,the groupaccepted theirprestigious awardattheAmerican LegionNationalConventioninNew Orleans, La.in August.

Unit229isoneofthemostactive units inAlabama. Themembershipsupports sending localstudentstoGirlsStateeach year,assistingthe Trailof Tearscommemorative motorcyclerideandstaffing aninformationbooth at MadisonStreet Festival,alongwithhelping veteransin paradesandschool events.

Inaddition, Auxiliarymembersmake gifts forveterans,handleupkeepofa flowerbed at Veteran’s Park in Madison andplaceholidaywreathsand flagson veterans’ gravesthroughouttheyear.The organizationsprepareValentine’sluncheons forresidentsandspouses at Tut FannState VeteransHomeinHuntsville, entertainthe veteranseachmonth by conducting“GameNight”andvisitother

nursinghomes.

“Oneofthenewerprograms we’resupportingthis year isthe PEER program providing veteranswithfreepublictransportationtickets,soveteranscangoto theirmedicalvisits at the Veterans Administration clinicin Huntsville,”Downs said. Establishedin2009,the NationalPresident’s AwardforExcellenceis presented onlyto five outstandingunits and one departmentannuallytorecognizetheir successin formulating goalsthatresultin noteworthy outcomes forAmericanLegion Auxiliaryprograms.“Thereare over 8,000unitsacrosstheUnitedStates,and Madison’sUnit 229 ishonoredand proud tohave wonthis year’s award,”incoming presidentMicheleKinneysaid. Foundedin1919,AmericanLegion Auxiliaryhas approximatelyonemillion membersfromallbackgrounds. Theauxiliary’s volunteersadministerhundreds ofprograms,givetensofthousandsof hourstoitscommunities and to veterans andraisemillionsof dollarstosupportits ownprograms,alongwith other worthwhile charities.Volunteersaccomplish thesegoals.

See AWARD Page 7A

OVERTHEEDGE -The KidstoLoveFoundation wrappedup itsbiggest fundraiser ofthe yearonSaturday. Atwo-dayeventappropriatelyenough called “Over the Edge”. Brave volunteers, includingMadison MayorPaul Finley,putonharnessesandhelmets,then rappelleddown thesideofthe 13-storyRegionsbuildingin downtown Huntsville -all aftergettingexpert training, of course. Former WAFF48 anchor LeeMarshall started Kids toLove20yearsago,determinedtoshine alightontheneedsof children in fostercare aroundAlabama. “The biggestthing for us is awarenessoftheneedfor foster parents,” MarshalltoldusonSaturday. “Weneedmorepeopletostepup. Reachoutto kidstolove. org,reach outtousonsocial media,we’dlovetotrain youand walkyouthroughthat journey ofbeinga fosterparentbecausetherearemorethan 6,000 kidsinfoster care in thestateof Alabamathat need alovinghomeand Kidsto Love works everyday tomeet their immediate needs.”-WAFF

ForkidslikeGwen

Because Gwen came to Children’s forthe diagnosis and treatmentof herblood disorder, shereceived thebest care availablethankstoground-breaking research madepossible by clinical trials forcancersandblooddisorders. The research happening todaywilllead tofuture cures,and itis happening hereatChildren’sofAlabama.

MADISON –Frequenttonguein-cheek referencesandhilariousasideswilldeliverafun-filled evening whenMessiahLutheran Dinner Theaterpresents“If MusicBethe FoodofLove”onSept. 28. This year’sshowfeaturesMessiah’s choirperformingselectionsfromthe hystericaloratorio, “TheSeasonings,” by P.D.Q. Bach, asatireofclassicmusical genres.Assortedsoloactswill fillouttheprogram. ‘P.D.Q.Bach’is apseudonym forPeterSchickele,whoparodies classicalmusic.

TheMessiahChoirwillsing “ToEverything ThereIsaSeason”(Seeger).SoloistsareSarah McCutcheon,soprano; Johnna Elegante,alto;GerryMyers,tenor;andBobGustafson.Bass. Thechoirwithfeaturedsoloistswillpresent“TheSeasonings,1 1/2tsp.,” whichincludes movements for“Tarragon of VirtueisFull”;“Bide Thy Thyme,” aduet by sopranoand alto voiceswith aslide whistle, windbreaker andtrombone;and “BytheLeeksofBabylon,”accordingtospokespersonLaura Peterson.

Anaria,“OpenSesameSeeds” by abass vocalistwillinclude kazoos,windbreakerandslide.

Otherhighlightsinclude“IAm aRock”(Paul Simon) by soloist AdamNeeley;“Astonishing” (JasonHowland)withsoloist JohnnaElegante;“HelloAgain” (NeilDiamond)and“OneDesire”(LennyLeBlanc)withsoloistBillSchroeder;andthecomicalduet,“Anything YouCanDo, ICanDo Better”(IrvingBerlin) withBillSchroederandKris Schroeder.

TheMessiahChoirincludes Bonnie Flowers,Jan Murphy, JohnnaElegante,AudreyGustafson,Laura Peterson, Hannah Seitz, LindaZutter,Holly Martin,BobGustafson,MarcNeeley, Adam Neeley,LeeSmith,MartinCampbell,Don Palmer,Art

Rockett,Andrew KingandBen Gremillion. BandmembersareRic Birdsong,Melanie Payne,Gretchen PerryandRandall Fields.The emceesareJustinand Jude Williams. During monthsbeforethe event, volunteers at Messiah Lutheranhave recruitedcooks, aservingteam,soundand lightingcrews, emcees,musicians, soloists,groupsandnonmusical acts. Thedinner menuwilloffer agardensalad, lasagna, garlic breadanddessert. Dinner will start at 6p.m.onSept.28. The maximum numberofguests will be96,so grab your tickets soon.

Thekitchenstaffincludes DorothySeitz, Kari Birdsong andAnita DeJong. Ticketscost $20 foradultsand $10 forchildren younger than12 yearsold. To buytickets,call the church office at 256-721-0041. Messiah LutheranChurch’s addressis 7740 U.S72W.inMadison. To volunteerto help,email Laura Peterson at worship_music_rep@mlutheran.orgor contact Randall Fields,whoserves asmusic director at Messiah. Event proceedswillbedivided between the Downtown Rescue Mission inHuntsvilleand Messiah Hymnal Fund to buynewer EvangelicalLutheran Worship orELWhymnals.

ByERINCOGGINS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON- MadisonMethodist Church willhosta veterans appreciationdinnertohonorthose whohaveservedorcontinueto serve. Thedinnerset forSaturday, Sept.28 at 5p.m.willfeature U.S. retiredMaj. Gen.JackLeide, author of “Professional Courage: My JourneyInMilitary Intelligence Through Peace, Crisis and War.”

Eventorganizers,presidentof theMadison Methodist Women’s Club,Carol Moats andpresident ofthe church’s Men’sClub,Rich Rogers,haveworkedonplanning the eventsince January.The church hasopenedupto several groupsservingveteransinthe pastfewmonths.

“Wehavemembersserving currentlyinvariousbranchesofthe military.”Moatssaid,“Wewantedtohave an eventtocelebrate veterans andtooffer information onopportunitiestothem.Richis deployinginlateOctober,sowe movedthe eventdateuptoaccommodatehisschedule.”

Beforeretiring in August1995,

LeidewasconcurrentlyDirector, NationalMilitary Intelligence CollectionCenter,Director,CentralMASINTOffice,Director,Defense HUMINT Service,withinthe DefenseIntelligence Agency.His careerhighlights include serving four combattours,threeasan airbornecompanycommander andthe fourthasGen. Norman Schwarzkopf’sDirector ofIntelligence,J-2 fortheGulf War.

“Maj. Gen.Leideis aneighbor ofRich andhis father-in-law, Doug

Loughridge.Theybecamefriends andtheyhelpedashewrote his story.Onceitwaspublished,they feltother veteranscould relateto hiscareer,”Moats said.

TheNoName StringBand willbepresenttoprovide entertainment. Representativesfrom Honoring VeteranLegaciesand ProjectLivingWaterswillalsobe present.

“Besidesfellowshipanda good meal, ProjectLivingWatersteaches veterans lessonsonhowtotie tiesfor fly fishing,” Moatssaid. “Theyalsotake fishing trips.”

Theevent isfreeandopen to all Madison area veteransand their families.Doorswillopen at 4p.m. andguestsdonothave to register to attend.

Moats says the church plansto offertheir facilities forother activities tailor made forveterans inthe future.

“Wesee aneed inthe community foraplace whereveterans groups can gatherinfellowship,” Moats said.“Our church would liketobecome thatplacetooffer friendship, encouragementand agoodmeal forveteransandservicemembers seekingconnection.”

U.S.retiredMaj.Gen. JackLeide

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Crematoryon-site

Family owned and operated - now in our 3rd generation John R Purdy, Loretta Spencer, Sarah Chappell

Huntsville BonaticalkGardenhelditssecondannual Poochesand Pupkinsevent lastweek,oneof the eventsfor Festifall. From creativecostumesto waggingtails, these pups(and their

totheGarden in truehowl-o-ween style. Morefun eventsatHBGareplannedforOct.

AL 256-534-2471 •laughlinservice.com

Festifallcontinueswithupcoming eventsatHuntsvilleBotanicalGarden

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE -At HuntsvilleBotanical Garden(HBG),thetransition ofsummerto fallthrough Octoberhasbecome aspecialtime.

Thegardenstaff has namedthisspecialtime, “Festifall,” forthe festive timeduring theseason. Visitorstothe gardencan

enjoybrilliantcolors of fallingleaves, entertaining activities,pumpkin displays andplentyof fun forall agegroups. Read aboutthe various events andprograms below, andbesuretocheck the website fordetails, ticketprices andregistration.

RaptorShows October3,11a.m.and 1p.m. Don’tmissthis fantastic all-agesprogramanda chanceto getupclose and personalwith awe-inspiringlive birdsofpreyfrom the Auburn University RaptorCenter.Discover their fascinatingnatural history andthecrucial rolestheyplayinour ecosystem.

AKiller80sHomecoming: MurderMysteryDinner October11,7-9p.m. Stepbackintimetoa

high schoolhomecoming like noother—one filled with mystery andsuspense. Enjoyadelectable meal prepared by Romana J’s andparticipatein an immersive theaterexperience. As the evening unfolds, you’llworkwith yourtabletouncover clues, solvepuzzles,and unmaskthe culpritbefore it’stoolate.Ages21+.

Little MonstersMash October12,10 a.m.–1p.m. Bringyourfamilyfor aday fulloffunand festivities at Huntsville BotanicalGarden’sLittle Monsters Mash!We’ve got adelightfullineupofactivitiesthatwill entertain kids ofall agesandcreate lastingmemories forthe whole family.Enjoy trickor-treating,photoops,live entertainment,education stations, pumpkindecorating, inflatables, games,

food trucks,and acostumeparade.

Small Steps Now, BigBloomsLater October15,5-6:30p.m.

Enjoythenextinstallation ofHBG’s adulteducation series,Lite Bites and GardenInsights,withthis presentationfromHBG educator RebeccaTurk. Shewilltalk aboutsimple things totryin home landscapes thisfallandwinter thatwillyieldlarge returns inthe spring.

Festive-ALE October 18,6-9p.m.

Raiseaglassandjoin HBGfor anightofcraft brewsand live tunes at theGarden’sFestiv-ALE event! This is your chance to savorthe finest local craftbeerswhile enjoyingthe vibrantsoundsof Huntsville’s ownmusi-

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE -Officialswith the South StarMusic Festivalhaveannounced who willbe replacing Jane’sAddictionafter theycanceledtheirtour.

Officialssaid TomMorello fromthe bandRage AgainsttheMachine willbe the replacementact.

Jane’sAddictionannounced last week they wouldbecancelingthe remainderof theirtour aftersinger PerryFarrellgot intoa fight with guitaristDave Navarro on stage at aconcertinBoston.

Set forthis weekend,Sept.28-29,the inauguralSouth StarFestivalwill be held at JohnHunt Park.Other artists include Blink-182, Gwen Stefani,Shinedown, Beck, Ludacris,TLC, Sublimeand Goo GooDolls.

Amassive sportsbar will featuremultiplelarge-screentelevisionsshowingSEC andNFL games.

“Iamexcited by theincrediblelevelof talent set toperform inHuntsville,” Mayor TommyBattle said.“Welook forward to asuccessfulcollaborationwithC3 Presentson thisinauguralfestival.” MayorBattle emphasized the significance of thepower-packedlineupin establishingHuntsvilleas aburgeoning destination forlivemusic lovers.Headded thefestivalrepresentsanother quality-of-lifeamenity formusic fansas wellas an economic driverfor theCity’stourism, service and retail sectors.

Huntsville MusicOfficerMatt Mandrella describedthefestival’slineupasa dreamcome true formusic fans.Hesaid C3 Presents’ decisionto startanew festivalinHuntsville speaksvolumes about theCity’sreputation and trajectory toward becoming aworld-classmusiccity. Formoreinformation, alongwith guides to navigatingtrafficandparking, visit SouthStarFestival.comor Facebook. com/SouthStarFest.

VBCtohosthighest-grossingconcertin50-yearhistory

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE –The Von BraunCenter(VBC)iscelebratingits50thanniversaryandison tracktohostthehighest grossingconcertinitshistory.

CountryMusicHallof Fame member, DeanDillon,willbethe centerof attention at the Von BraunCenterPropstArenain Huntsville,Alabamaasmany ofcountrymusic’sbiggeststars honorthelegendarysinger/ songwriteron Wednesday, October9thduring“SongsandStoriesofDeanDillon.”

Recently, theVBC wasshowcased multipletimesonnationaltelevisionduringcoverage of theSECGymnasticsChampionships;LeeGreenwood’s“AllStarSalute” tributeconcert; and“StillPlayin’ Possum:Music andMemoriesof GeorgeJones.”

The“SongsandStoriesofDean Dillon”concertisproduced by EMGPresentswith over$1M beinginvestedintothetelevised production.

“Iliketoaskpeopleiftheycan imagine what Huntsville would

looklikewithoutthe VonBraun Center,”commentedVBC Executive DirectorSteve Maples.

“WeknowtheVBCisa largefactor forHuntsville’squality-of-life andwetakethatrole veryseriously. Withourcityconsistently landingintop spotson national rankings, includingthe No.1 BestPlace toLive by U.S. News &World Report,peopleand businessesare constantlyrelocatingtothearea. TheVBC staff, our BoardofControl,andcity leadersaredeeplycommittedto ensuringthe VonBraun Center continuesmakinganimpactand remains aplace wherecommunitymembersandvisitorscontinueconnecting.”

“SongsandStoriesofDean Dillon”comesaftertwoother successful televisedtributeconcertsheld at theVBC Propst Arena whichhonored Lee Greenwoodandthelate George Jones.Likethoseshows,artists willpaytributeto songswritten orco-written by DeanDillonand made famous by Toby Keith, Vern Gosdin, Waylon Jennings, and KeithWhitley,whileothers willperform songs thatbecame

Award Continued frompage3A

AmericanLegion Auxiliary’s membershipincludesmaleandfemalespouses,grandmothers,mothers,sistersand direct/adoptedfemaledescendantsof Legionnaires.Throughits approximate 10,500unitsin everystateandsomeforeigncountries,the Auxiliaryembodies thespiritofAmericathathasprevailed through warandpeace.TheauxiliarysolidlystandsbehindAmericaanditsideals. AfterleadingUnit229 forthe pastseven years,JeanDownshassteppeddown asPresident,andMicheleKinneyhasac-

Heroes Continued frompage1A

event,thepatienthad regaineda pulse.

AfterHEMSIarrivedonsceneandbeganALStreatment,anothercardiac arrestcall wasdispatchedinthe Harvest community.HEMSIandotherHarvest membersremainedonscene while ScofieldrespondedwithDeputy ChiefDrew Gilberttothethirdcardiacarrest.

“FirefighterScofieldandSupport MemberDavis’squickresponseto the firstcall, recognitionoftheseverity of themedical emergency,quality chest compressionsand ventilationsresulted in asuccessfulpatientoutcome at the

Festifall

Continued frompage6A

ciansin astunningnaturalsetting.

BOOsandBeats October25,7-11p.m.

Whosays Halloweenisjustforkids?

Get readyfor aspine-tinglingnightof fun at BOOsandBeats,the ultimate adults-onlyHalloweenparty at HuntsvilleBotanicalGarden.It’s anightof costumes,cocktails,andcrazy beatsyou won’t wanttomiss!Ages21+.

Meow-o-ween Oct.28, 9a.m. –6p.m.

Join apurr-fectlyspookycelebration

MSF Continued frompage1A

“MadisonStreetFestivalisafreecommunity eventwithlive entertainment, performingarts,areasshowcasinglocal businesses,artsandcrafts galore,dedicatedzones forkidsandteens, festival food,sponsorexhibitsandfunsurprises around everycorner,”accordingtothe MSF website,madisonstreetfestival.org. Atraditional favorite,theMSFKickoffParadewillstartat9a.m. at InsanityComplexand reachChurch Streetfor the focused route.Whentheparadeends, theopeningceremonywillbeheldonthe mainstage.

“Come readytoshop’til youdrop, learnsomethingnew, unleash yourcreativityandmakeunforgettablefamily memories,”accordingtoMSFleaders. Ashuttleservice –whichisFREE–willtransportpeopletothefestivalfrom CrosspointeChurchat 78Hughes Road andMadisonCitySchoolsStadium at 211 CelticDrive.

From8:45to10a.m.,theCrosspointe Church shuttlewilldropoffatadifferentspot at thefestival.Anyone whorides during thistimeshouldgo to theMaple Streetshuttlestoptocatcharideback.

AssistedRide busesalsowillbe available. Anotheroptionisparking at the stadiumand walking ashortdistanceto enterthefestivalonWiseStreet.

hits fortheir owncareers. Artists alreadyannouncedto performinclude:Cody Johnson, Drew Baldridge, Dustin Lynch, MichaelRay, BillyCurrington, CraigMorgan,DeanDillon,Due West,ERNEST,GeorgeStrait, GrampsMorgan, Jamey Johnson, JustinMoore, Larry Fleet withspecial guestpro-golfer JohnDaly, LeeAnn Womack, MarkChesnutt, Neal McCoy, PamTillis,RandyHouser,Riley Green, RonnieDunn,Sammy Kershaw, Tim Watson, Vince Gill,andZachTop.

DeanDillonisathree-time Grammynominee with26 No.1 singlestohissongwritingcredit and wasnamed the1985BillboardCountryArtist of the Year. In1986,Dillon wasawardedthe NashvilleSongwriters award. TheCountryMusicAssociation (CMA)honoredDillonwiththe CMA Triple Play Awardin1995, 1996,1998 forpenningthree No. 1songs in a12-month period.In 2002,Dillonwas inductedinto the NashvilleSongwritersHall of Famealong withBobDylan and ShelSilverstein. Additionally,hehascomposed orco-writ-

ceptedthe roleofUnitPresident forthe 2025membership year.Kinneyiseligible forAuxiliarymembershipbecauseher husbandMichaelKinneyis a21-year Air Forceveteranand formerteacher at Bob JonesHighSchool and Calhoun CommunityCollege. Formoreinformation aboutAmerican Legion Auxiliary,emailKinney at drmkinney@hotmail.com, visitlegion-aux. org/Eligibility or attendUnit229’snext meeting at Black Patch DistilleryonOct. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

timeof arrivaltothehospital,” aFacebook post fromtheHarvestVFD stated.

ChiefChappell said the awardwas to highlight thededicationshownbytwo volunteers andtheirabilitytohandlea stressfulsituation.

“Duetothe outstandingeffort shown duringthreecardiac arrests in aonehourtimeframe,bothmembersactions qualify themfor theMeritoriousService Award. TheHarvest Volunteer Fire Departmentishonoredtohaveselfless members that providetopnotchcareto thecitizensoftheDistrict 4community.”

asHBGturnsMeowyMondayinto aHalloween extravaganza! Bring your feline friendsanddressthemup intheir most boo-tiful costumes foraday of fun at the Garden.Enjoyaleisurelystrollthrough the garden’sautumnbeauty,snapphotosof yourcostumedkitty againstthe vibrant fall foliage andconnectwith other catloversinthecommunity. Besuretocheckthe website forpertinentdetails.HuntsvilleBotanicalGarden’saddressis4747Bob Wallace Ave. Formoreinformation,call 256-830-4447, orvisithsvbg.org/visit/exhibits/#festifall.

Thefestivalfeatures Artist Alleywith visual arts,photography,sculptureand more;CraftersCovevendors whohave designedand created everything from hand-sewnblanketstowreaths;Business Showcasethatfeaturesthemany entrepreneursintheMadison area;foodvendors whosellsnacks,sandwiches,plates anddessertsand alltypes ofmouth-watering fare;andCommunityShowcase with organizations,both for-profitand non-profit,that willshowcasetheirservices,productsand outreach.

Twoseparate areas, theChildren’s Areaandthe TeenArea,willattract youthtoactivitiesandentertainment thatinterest theirage group. Expect plentyofsurprisesandsmilesinthese twodivisions ofthestreetfestival.

“Markyourcalendarsandjoinusfor aday filledwithlove, laughterandcommunityspiritattheMadisonStreet Festival!” MSFPresidentCrystalMcBrayer said.

“Curious about what makestheMadison Street Festivalsuchatradition?Go toour websiteatmadisonstreetfestival. org andexplore,”McBrayersaid.

TheMaduison Recvordwillpublisha guidetothisyear’sfestivalintheOct.2 printedition andonline at www.themadisonrecord.com.

ten55songs forGeorgeStrait, including19singles,11ofwhich wentto No.1.

TheLeeGreenwood tribute in 2021 wasthethirdhighest-grossing eventheld at the VBC at that

time,sellingouthotel roomsand creating anestimated economicimpactof over $1 million for theCity ofHuntsville.Just two shortyears later,inApril2023,

to 50%onTRAVEL,CRUISES,HOTELS, SHOPPING,ENTERTAINMENT,EATINGOUT,& more!

Limited timeoffer:

Viewwebsite fordetails. OfferendsSept30,2024

See

Footballroundup

#11TyDoughtyona carryinFriday’s game againstGrissom.TheJets

Jets stay perfect,Sparkman

HUNTSVILLE –The James Clemens Jetscontinued to roll unbeatenthroughitsschedule, blitzinghost Grissom38-18 at LouisCrews Stadiumonthe campusofAlabamaA&M.

TheJets,rankedsixthin Class7A by theAlabama Sports WritersAssociation,improvedto4-0overalland3-0 in Region4.

TheJets led31-0leadinthe

firsthalf on thestrength of threetouchdownpassesfrom GiovaniLopez.Tyrik Walker caughttouchdownpasses of 31 and45yards.KobeJohnson alsocaught a10-yardtouchdown. Lopezcompleted10-of17 for157 yardsand thethree touchdowns.Aaron Rowe and DonteSnodgrasshad rushing scores. Sparkman14,Huntsville12 Sparkman used asuffocating defensetoedgeHuntsville1412in aClass7A, Region 4clash

Fridaynight at WicksFamily Field at JoeDavisStadium. TheSenators(2-3 overall, 2-0 region) wonfor thesecond straight week. Sparkman alloweda safety,a fieldgoaland atouchdownona blockedpunt. Sparkman’s JabariDavis scoredon a4-yardrunand Zayden Bodner caught a31yard touchdown pass from Keaton Williamsas theSenators built a14-5 halftimelead.

bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON-LukeAlverson hasnarrowedhis choiceofcollege tothreemajor universities withhisdecisionon where to earnhiseducationandrun cross country within thenext month.Inthe meantime,the James Clemenssenior runner earned the AHSAA Cross Country Spotlight after becoming the first runnerinAlabama to break the15-minutemarkthisseason by postinga personalbesttime of14:49.25towin theSouthern Showcase heldatJohn Hunt Park in Huntsville.Hisposted timeranks him10thnationally accordingToMileSplit. “This wasthe firstracefor methisseason asI’vebeen on several collegevisits,but the competition in theracewas very good astheNo.4and No.12 nationallyranked runners were there,”saidAlverson.“The coursewas wetand muddy, but somehow Iposted my personal besttime.”

Bob JonesonFriday.Hekicked the game-winnerafter oneof histeammatesstrippedtheball away from aBob Jonesrunningbackontheseconddown of

Bob

and1-2inClass7A, Region4. Florence improved to2-2,2-0. Inthe finalminuteof regulation,the Patriots setupwith a firstdown at the Falcons’ 4-yardlinebuthadto settle

The6-foot, 155-poundAlverson startedtheracewith loadsof confidence and went outalongside thebestrunners keepingthem close by.With about1,000meters remaining, thetop James Clemens runner said,“I kickedinandwith 400 metersleftto go,Ipassed the lead runner and went ontoan eight-secondvictory.” Hisspotlightperformanceis justoneof what hasbecomehappenstanceforthestudent-athlete whohas a5.19 gradepoint average andisranked No.12in thesenior class at James Clemens whichtotals 536.His athleticandacademic talents have attracted someofthetopschools in thecountry. He narrowedhis choicesto Michigan, Duke and

won38-18. Photo by Adam Kelley
James Clemenssenior

Upcoming fall running races

MADISON- As the fall colors glow inthesunlightand thetemperaturesbegintodip toenjoymentlevels formost, the fall runningseasonisset tocomplete2024 andwillbea funstretchofmarvelousoutingsherelocally. From amarathondistancedowntofun runs withthe neighbors,the running communityhasplentyof events to chosefromand it’snevertoo lateto joinin thecomradery for goodhealth. Here’sthe listof events which couldbejusttheonefor you sponsored by the Huntsville TrackClub(HTC).Most requirepre-registrationand have trainingprogramsalready in progress at Fleet FeetSportsof HuntsvilleandMadison:

October12 Fleet FeetMonteSano15K and1-MileFunRun 7:30 A.M. MonteSanoUnited Methodist Church BrettAddington256-684-4389

October19 LizHurleyRibbonRun5K 8:00 A.M. HuntsvilleMiddle School Chris Hendley256-251-2210 November9 HuntsvilleHalf-Marathon

What to consider:Trail running forbeginners

WED,SEPT 25,20246:15PM 2700 Churchill Dr. 5800 Sq.Ft. in35801 ExcellentArea/Hospital/Schools Minutesfrom Downtown

THUR, SEPT 26,20246:00PM 4321 Baldwin Dr., ClosetoArsenal

SAT,SEPT28,202410:00AM LandAuction(33+- Acres) CorumLane(Next to 1120 CorumLn), Lexington,AL

TUES,OCT 1,20246:00PM 2219 Governors Bend Rd. 6000+ Sq Ft/5BR/4Bath/Granite/HW/View

MADISON -There’sa surge among the younger generationstoventure intotrailrunning for what theyconsiderafavoriteway toexercise and enjoynature. Inmany ways,starting something newliketrail runscan be intimidating at first forany ageparticipantas they theeffortshavebenefits galorefor youngand body.

Navigatingthehills,uneven surfaces,mud,rocks andotherobstaclesisno easytask,especiallyfora beginner,soexpertssuggest takingthenewfound exercise routine slowly andcarefully.Thosein the knowsuggestignoringthe running paceand distancealtogetherand justenjoythe surroundingsandconcentrateon your steps. Prep foryour trail runs withwords fromthe wise. Even if you’regoing outon atrail foranhour it’sbestto eatbeforeyou

THUR,OCT 3,20246:00PM Home/Personal Property 115HonnorWay,Madison,AL SAT, OCT5,2024 10:00AM 51+- AcresMeridain Str. Commercial Development+ (Commercial/R2B &R1A) Business/Restaurants/Condos/ Office/Residential,etc) THU,OCT 10,20246:45PM Estate Auction 110Peabody Road,Meridianville,AL 2010 Honda Accord SAT,OCT 12,202410:00AM

headout. Besure to bring water,aswellasasource ofcaloriesto helpkeep your bodycomfortable over changingelevation, temperatureand weather conditions. Quickenergy snacks and watercan be the perfectmixfor aventureintonature.

Considerlayersof clothing when running throughthe wildernessor scheduledto beoutfora prolongedperiodoftime. Lightweight garmentsare best.

Forbeginners, it’s always best tohave arunning buddywithyouout onthetrailsas younever knowwhatcouldhappen soit’smostimportantto prioritizesafety.Ifyou decideto hitthetrails alone, makesureyoutell afamilymemberor friend whereyouareplanning ongoingand whentoexpect your return.

Expertsalsoadvise to purchaseand wearthe properfootwear fortrail running. Theshoesused in thistypeof running shouldbe alittledifferent than your standardrunning shoe.

Now, fortheactual runningtechnique whentacklingatrail. Take quickstepsanduse

Alverson

ashortstride asquick stepsreduces theimpact forceonyourfeet, knees andhips.Inother words, avoidinjuries.It’sbest if youkeepyour chin up and payclose attention to theterrainso youcan anticipate yourcoming steps. Tryand keep your eyes peeledthree to four feetaheadof yourstep anduseside-to-sidemovements to navigatearound largerocks andotherobstacleswithout falling. Focuson pushingoff from andlandingon the balls of your feet. This easilypropels youforward and takes the strain offyourankles.Toassist oninclines,it’sbestto pump yourarms to create momentum. Muchlikea sprinterin anysport, us-

Continued from page 1B

UCLA.“Ihave family thatlivesin California, thusmypossible choice atattend schoolthereand my grandfather went toMichigan,so I’mlooking at them,too. Wherever Iattend,Iwantto studyelectrical engineering.”

Morethan250 runnersfromacrossthe Southeasthitthecourse located near Joe DavisStadiumonthe grounds of what

Roundup Continued from page 1B

ing yourarms topush/ pullthe remainderof the bodyastheeffort ismuch easier when thebodyis being helped. Even the mostexperienced trail runners will express to always respect thetrailandothers who arealongthetrailto enjoyinasimilar fashion. Most trailshave rulesand advice forsharingandenjoyingposted somewhere near thetrailentrance. Intimidationwill always beinthe forefront, especiallyfor thosehittingthe trails forthe first time. By being conscientiousof others,youcansafelyexploreandenjoythe trails. As the once famous Roy Rogers,KingoftheCowboys,used to sing,happy trailsto you.

wasoncetheHuntsville Municipal Golf Course, butAlverson wasdetermined to performwell againsthispeers,manyof whichare nationallyranked. He added, “It feels greattohavemyownnational ranking as my time is fast, butIneedto keep workingtowardmypossibly being named anAll-American at theend ofthe season.”

Michael ChobeysackedWilliams inthe end zonefor a9-yardlossand asafety in thegame’sopeningminute. MilesDaehn kickeda23-yard fieldgoal latein thehalf forthe Panthers(3-2,1-2).BenWatson scoredon a19-yardblockedpunt return inthe thirdquarter. Williams,asophomore, completed14of-31passes for237 yardsand atouchdown.Bodnerhad five catches for101 yardsand atouchdown. JonRozierhad six catches for105 yards. JordanGarner

intercepteda pass andhad threetackles and four pass breakups. MadisonAcademy 49, MadisonCounty7 ThevisitingMustangssurged to a42-0 halftimeleadand routed theTigers for theirsecondstraight win. MadisonAcademyimprovedto2-2 overalland 2-1inClass 4A,Region8. Madison Countyfellto1-4 and 1-3. The Mustangs traveltoArab(3-2)in anon-region game Fridaynight.

The fall running schedule for2024is filledwithmarvelousandcompetitiveeventsfor runnersofall ages. Photo Contributed

Sparkman namedGrandChampioninRocketCity Marching Invitational

Theannualcompetition washeldatMadisonCityStadium and hosted by theBobJonesHighSchool MarchingBand

BySTAFFREPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON -Just afew hoursafter putting away their instrumentsanduniformsoncethe Fridaynight gamesended,hundredsof highschoolbandmembers were upearly Saturdaytogeton busesandputon ashowoftheir own. Ardmore, Athens,Buckhorn, Decatur, Grissom,Huntsville,Muscle Shoalsand Sparkmanallsenttheirmarchingbands tothe2ndAnnual RocketCityMarching Invitational at MadisonCityStadium. Thebandstookthe field at 1:30andthe musicdidn’tstopuntilnearly 9p.m.

Thebands were beingjudged by apanelofexpertsontheirshow’s musical difficulty,marching synchronization,dance choreography,andthe overallentertainmenteffect forfans.Thedrummajors andpercussionsections were also graded. Attheendofthenight,theSparkman

Snapshot

Senators were named theGrandChampion,while MuscleShoals wasvoted the fanfavorite.

Bob JonesHighSchoolhostedthe event,andthe Patriotbandperformedas anexhibitionact whilethe competitors waited fortheirscores.

Bob Jones BandtreasurerCrystal Clontzsaysthey’rehoping to keep this event growing.Bandstypicallycompete intwotofour eventsevery fall. TheRocketCityMarchingInvitationalisoneof theearliestonthe calendar.

“Wewouldlove to have anyandallhigh schoolbands!”Clontztold WAFF 48.“It’s anopportunityto getoutand practicein frontofjudges. We have sponsorships andthisisanopportunityto getknown!”

Thestudentsalso hadanopportunity tosee what ittakes to competeand playat thenextlevel. TheAlabamaA&M Marching Maroonand Whitetookthe field for aspecialperformanceduring the event. -FromWAFF48

BUDDY WALK -TheannualBuddy WalkforMadisonCitySchools couldnothaveaskedfor amoreperfectdayinboth weatherand familyfun.ColumbiaElementarywasthehostsite.There wasagreat turnoutandwonderfulsupport fromfamilies,volunteers, walkers, MadisonCitySchoolsemployees,andstudentgroupsfromother schools.AmongtheschoolgroupswereDMSandBJ cheerleaders whocheeredonparticipantsanddistributedmedals.TheBuddy Walk, alsoknownastheBUDS(BringingUpDownSyndrome)supports thosewithDownsyndromeandlocalandnationalsupportprograms andservices.Itsprimarygoalistopromoteacceptanceandinclusion whilesupportingongoingeffortstoassistfamiliesaffectedbyDowns syndrome.HerearesomephotosoftheeventMCSsharedthisweek.

theGeorgeJonestributeshowbecame oneofthetop five highest-grossing events heldintheVBCandhadanestimated economicimpactof over$1.2millionfor theCityofHuntsville.Both events were latertelevisednationally, withtheGeorge Jones eventbeingpickedupbyPBStoair theHuntsvilleconcertmultipletimesin 2024. TheDeanDillontributehasalready brokenthe recordforthehighest-grossingconcertinthe VBC’s50-yearhistory. Inadditionto greatmusiccelebrated onstage,thesetributeshows alsohavea philanthropicimpactonthelocalcommunity.Duringthetapingofthe2021 televisionspecial,GreenwoodinpartnershipwithHelping AHeroawardedtwo adaptedhomestotwodeserving veterans – SFCScottBarkelow, USA(Ret)andSSG MichaelBrown,USA. Thehomes were provided by Louisand Patti Brelandof BrelandHomesinHuntsville.Following theGeorgeJonesspecial,NancyJonesin partnershipwithConcerts 4ACause,The WoundedBlueandtheVBCpresenteda fundraising checkofover$82,000toben-

efitthe familyofOfficerGarrettCrumby followinghisdeath and OfficerAlbert Morin whowascriticallyinjuredina shootingonTuesday, March28. Thefunds were raised throughguitarsales where buyers were ableto chooseanartist from thetribute’slineuptoautograph. The upcomingDeanDillontributehas donated100freeticketsto VetTix(anonprofit organizationthatprovides eventtickets tocurrentlyservingand veteranmembersoftheUS military and their families) andisdonating aportion of ticketsales toConcerts 4ACausefor their ongoing effortstoutilizemusicandcelebrity-driven eventstoraise awarenessandfunds foravarietyofcauses.Withsomeofthe funds,Concerts 4ACauseispurchasinga minimumof100guitars at Dean’s request whichhewilldonatetoMadisonCounty’s threepublic school systemstoprovide resources topotentialfuturesongwriters.

“Since1975,theVBChascreated alegacythatisunparalleledinthecommunity,”continuedMaples.“Itis an icon,a pillarofHuntsvilleand North Alabama,

and thereistruly nootherorganization or businessliketheVBCinthe region. We areproudtocontinue bringing iconic eventstothestate.Thisconcertwill provide asignificant platform to reacha largeraudienceand bring evenmorerecognitiontotheVBCand North Alabama.” Offering accommodations forall types of events,theVBCserves diverseaudiencesthroughdiverse events including major conferences,concerts,theatrical performances,sporting events,private events,andmuchmore. The50thanniversarycampaignhighlights what the variety of eventofferingsattheVBChave in common –theyeachbring peopletogether formeaningfulmoments. BoththeLeeGreenwoodand George Jonestributeconcertscreatedhistoric musicmomentslikeaduet by Wynonna Judd and Jamey Johnson,and arenditionof“SoulMan” by SamMooreand T. Graham Brownwith Lee Brice,Michael Ray, Janie Fricke,DarrylWorley,and Little Texasfrontman TimRushlow. The producersoftheupcomingDeanDillon

tributearecrafting yetanotherhistoric showcaseof renownedmusictalentthat willfeaturethosemultipleshow-stopping momentsthese eventshave quicklybecame known for.

“In the ageofonlinemediaand virtual experiences,the VBC remains aphysical landmarkuniting peopletogether –in person,”Maples continued.“Weare in the business ofcultivating experiences. Whether it’sgivinglocaltheatregroups and young dancers astage toperform on, providing aspace forgraduatesto share the momentof receivingtheirdiploma with familyand friends,bringingsomeone’sfavorite touringbandtotheir hometown, hosting thousandsofindustry professionalsas they shareinformation and securedeals,orcreating familytraditionsof cheering forHuntsvilleHavoc ice hockeyeachseason -nearly every type ofmoment,bigand small,happens at the VBC.”

Formoreinformation about the Von Braun Centerandthe50thanniversary, visit vonbrauncenter.com.

HISTORY with John Rankin

Howthe Madison Street Festival evolved into what itistoday

MADISON -Every yearthecityof Madison welcomes fallonthe firstSaturdayof Octoberwith aHallmark movie-likescene at theMadisonStreet Festival.Crafters, vendors,andfestival-goers fillthestreets ofquaintdowntownMadison,trains roll by nexttoMainStreet,andmusicfromlocalperformersandthesmellsoffestival food filltheair.This year,thefestivalfalls onOct.5.

Forforty-twoyearsnow, the streetfestivalhasbeen ashowingoflocalpride andcommunity.Inthattime,thefestival andits variousorganizershave createda legacy foritthatisnow widelyknownin MadisonCountyandbeyond.

HowdidtheMadisonStreet Festivalacquirethislegacy?

Well,Madisonhistorian JohnRankin believesthestorystartswithannualcommunityJuly4thbarbecuecelebrations at William’sSpring(todayknownasLady AnnLake)thatstartedin1914. Theannualbarbecue wasstarted by Madison sharecropperandentrepreneurJim Williamstobringthesmalltowntogether andhighlighthis mercantile.

“[Thebarbecue]broughtthecitytogether over acommonmeal. Allthrough thehistoryofmankindthat’sanimportantthinginany civilization.So,except forJim Williamsdoingthatwe’dprobably neverhavehad aStreet Festivalper se,butit evolvedthroughtimefrom what Jim Williamsdid,”saidRankin.

In1934, agroupofeightlocal farmers pickedupthetraditionandcontinued hostinganannual Fourthof July barbecue at LadyAnnLake. Aroundthistime, Jim Williamspassed away andpassed thetorch.That’salso whenthe gathering changedfrom asummer gatheringtoa fallfestival.

“When[Williams]diedthetowndidn’t wanttogive uptheannual gathering. So, ittransitionedfromonenametoanother. Insteadof July Fourth,it washot,let’s have itinthe fall.So,now it’sinOctober,” Rankinsaid.

Thecommunity gatherings evolved againand again overthe yearsandtransferredhandsfromorganizing groupto another.Inthe1980s,theMadisonGardenClubtook chargeandorganizedthe eventas acraft fair,callingittheMadison Street Fair.

AccordingtoRankin, “Everybody wouldcomeout every year forit.It was abigdeal.It wastheonlyannual eventin thetown,biggerthanChristmas!”

WhentheMadisonGardenClubdissolved,the gatheringtransferredhands totheMadisonStationHistoricalPreservationSociety.

ThePreservationSocietyexpandedthe ideaofcommunity gatheringsbeyondthe Street Festivalandorganized avariety of other eventsinadditiontothestreetfestivalincluding aDerbyDay,Christmas Parades,and TractorShows.Thesociety eventuallydecidedto focusontheseother eventsandpassedtheStreet Festivaloff to anewly-formedcommittee.

Today, thestreetfestivalhasits own dedicatedorganizingcommittee,which achieved501(c)(3)nonprofitstatusin2022, andanarmy of volunteersthatmakethe eventhappen.

Presidentofthecommitteesince2021,

CrystalMcBrayerhasbeeninvolvedin various ways withthe Street Festivalfor morethan25 yearsandhashad afront rowseattothe event’s evolution.

Sheobserved,“Throughoutthisperiod, Ihavewitnessedthe festival’s remarkableevolutionintandemwiththe growth ofMadison. Theeventhasseen asteady increasein attendance,mirroringthe expansionof our communityandeducationalinstitutions.Itistruly gratifyingto observe thecontinuedsupportandenthusiasmfromthecommunity,reflectingthe festival’senduringimportance and the vibrant spirititfosters.”

Indeed,asthecity of Madisonhas changedandtheorganizing groupof thefestivalchanged,the eventitselfhas changed overthe years. Some yearsit includedcraftsmandemonstrations,including aviolincraftsman performing livedemonstrations,cemeterystrolls at thehistoricMadisonCityCemetery,historicalhometours,aPioneerDaytheme, and araffle.

Inhermemoir“FromWagons to Rockets”,long-timeMadisonresidentGladys McFarlen True recalledwinninga fishing car at anearly iterationofthestreetfestival.

“WhentheStreet Festival firststarted, theysold chances fora lottery.Tohave aproperlottery, therehas to aprize—in thiscaseit wasa fishingcar. Ididnotlook at itor Iwouldnothave taken achance onwinningit, butitwas acarand it did run…Itputteredalongno fasterthanmy walkingpace,” Truewrote. Thefestivaleventuallyadded aparade thatnow showcases localorganizations andlocalschool bandsandsportsteams.

Just asit’staken different formsover the years,thefestivalhashad different causesit’sbenefitted.Earlyfestivals raisedfundsto buildthe gazeboindowntownMadison.Inthe1980s,asthepopulation grew andMadisonbroke away from theMadisonCounty SchoolDistrict and establishedits owndistrict,cityschools becamethemaincause.

Today, thefestivalhasexpandedits charitablegiving butstill focusesoneducation.Everywinter,MadisonStreet Festivaluses thefundsraised at the festival and awards grantstolocalschools, school clubs,andnon-profitsthatpromoteeducation.

“Weare dedicatedtohonoringthelegacyofour former volunteers andvisionaries by channeling festivalproceedsinto localeducational programs.Webelieve thatinvestingineducationiscrucial for thefutureofourcommunity.Bysupportingeducatorsandenhancingeducationalopportunities,weaimtocontribute meaningfullytothe growth and developmentofour children. This focusoneducationalignswithourmissiontocreatea lasting,positive legacy inMadison,”said McBrayer.

Speakingofexpansion,thefestival’s footprintand vendorofferingsare bigger than ever.Thefestivaltoday takes over theentiredowntown area withdifferent areassuchas, Crafter’sCove,Children’s Area, BusinessShowcase, Artist Alley, andStudentArt Area. Festivalgoerswill findtheseareasspread out alongMain Street, FrontStreet,Church Street, and MapleStreet. Theannual parade winds allthroughdowntownfrom Skate Park Drive downChurch Street, Front Street,

and SullivanStreet and finally to MadisonElementary.

Unsurprisingly, withhowmuchgrowth thecityhasseenexperiencedsince the festivalstarted,the numberof festivalgoershasalso grownexponentiallytoabout 30,000eachyear.

“It wasprobablyabout1998, Irealized there’sseveralthousandpeopleherenow. Itusedto onlybea fewhundredatmost, twoorthreehundred,”observedRankin ofthefestival’s growth.“It changed that muchfromasmallcommunity onlyto peoplecomingfromallaround,not just MadisonCounty,butLimestone County.”

Somemaythinkthe growth would ruin thesmalltown charmofthefestival, but McBrayersayspartofherteam’sgoal every year isto retaintheunifying, community-oriented characterof thestreet festival.

“Ourvision remainssteadfast: to unite thecommunityonthe firstSaturdayin October in HistoricdowntownMadison,a traditionupheldthrough 42 festivals,” she said.“Despitethefestival’s growthand theincreasedeffort required, our team meets year-round toensurewehonorand sustainthetraditionthatMadison holds dear.Ourcommitmentas volunteers is drivenbya deeprespect forthe festival’s legacy and itssignificancetoourcommu-

nity.” This year’sfestivalwill continue the growthfrom recent years.Itwillfeature thirteendifferentareas,holdinghundredsof vendors,crafters,andsponsors and will surelyattract thousandsoffestivalgoers.

“Weare deeplygrateful forthesupport fromour sponsors,vendors,and local businesses,particularly thosecontributing to our Teenand Children’sareas, whichadd atouchofmagictothe event. Their involvement isinstrumental in enabling us to host thisbelovedfestivalon the first SaturdayinOctobereachyear,” expressedMcBrayer.

Though the MadisonStreet Festivalhas experiencedmanyevolutionsand challenges (includingtheCOVID-19pandemic) over the years,itcontinues todayalive and wellas abeacon forcommunitypride andfellowship.

AsRankin putit, “It’salways been what cementsandmadenewcomers aware of the communityspiritas amixingpot thatwecan gettogetherandsharesomething.”

TheMadison Street Festivalwill take placeSaturday, October 5from9amto 4pm. It isfreeandopen tothepublic. Learnmoreaboutthis year’sfestivalat madisonstreetfestival.org.

Severalyearsago the festival featureda fewcarnivalrides.
TheMadison Belles, firstorganizedin1969, were abig partoftheMadison Street Festival paradeandfestivities formanyyears.

AutumnIsInTheAir! AutumnIsInThe Air!

Autumn,orfall,is oneof four seasons we experienceinacalendar year.Leaves turn vividcolorsand fall from thetrees.The weather coolsoff,and manypeoplebegintoenjoy sports,suchasfootball. Hayridesand pumpkins areeverywhereyou look,andhot cocoaisa popular drink. Theseare just afew things that come withtheautumn season. The firstdayof fallis September22,2024,and coincides withtheAutumnal Equinox whenthe sunisdirectlyoverthe Equator in theNorthernHemisphere. Thefartheraway we arefromthe sun, the cooler andshorterthe dayswill become.Manyactivitiesoccuratthistimebecauseofthenice weather. Many childrendress up forHalloweenon October31. Oktoberfest is celebrated in manyparts of theWorld, andThanksgivingiscelebrated in November in theUnitedStates. It is atimewhen manypeople preparetheir h er.Animals begintogather food in autumnand make preparations forthe wintermonths. Bi hfor thewinter, andfarmersharvest theircrops.

Acorns,Autumn, Bonfire,Chili, Cornucopia, Fall, Festivals, Football, Halloween,Harvest,Hayride, Leaves, Pumpkins,Sweater,Thanksgiving

FAITH

ByBECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

“And my Godwillsupply every needof yoursaccordingtohis richesin gloryin Christ Jesus”Philippians 4:19. Mytitleofcourseis fromtheLord’sPrayer foundinMatthew6:9-13.I thoughtit wouldbe appropriatetojustmeditateon this foramoment.

Hisprovision foryou and Iisbeyondmeasure. Hewillguide you, strengthen you,andfeed you.Hedoesn’t want you tobelazy butcryoutto HimthankingHim for

takingcareofyourdaily needs.

Itiseasytogripeand complainand forthoseof usinthe Westernworld we areblessedandthatcomes as aresultofournation being ablessingtoothers. Don’tactlikeaspoiled bratbutsincerelythank him forall youhaveand stopmakingcomparisons toothers.

PRAYER:Lord, Ithank youandpraiseyou forbeing agood Godwho watches overmeandprovides formedaily. In Jesus’ name.Amen. God’s LemonadeStandis writtenbyformerMadison residentBecky Miller.Her dailydevotionsappearon Facebookoratgodslemonadestand.blogspot.com.

St.AndrewPrimitive Baptist 1393 SwancottRoad

TheBrook 8573 Highway72

TrinityBaptist 1088 Hughes Road WallHighway Baptist 6597WallTriana BIBLE

FirstBibleChurch 29113 Browns Ferry Road

MadisonBibleChurch 1520 Hughes Road

CATHOLIC

St.John’sCatholic 1057Hughes Road

Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Parish 10509 SegersRoad

Pharaoh,Pharaoh, ohbaby let my people go.Hunh! If yousangthatinsteadof just reading the words, you’ve beenin church foraminute.It’s afunsongtosing aboutan intensetruestorywritten inthe bookofExodus whenGod showedHispowerand mightto Pharaohandall of Egypt. We’ve beenunpackingthedramain our youthSundaySchoolclass.

Moses wasanunlikely, andat first unwilling,deliverer. He didn’t want tobethe chosen one to leadtheIsraelitesout of captivity.HetoldGod overandoverthathewasn’tagood choice.ButGodhad aplantouse himanyway.WhenMoses wentto Pharaoh,hiskneeswereprobably knockingbeneathhis robe.His brotherAaronwas by hisside.

In apagan landofmany gods, Pharaoh hadneverheard of Moses’ godnamed“IAM.” Truthbetold, Pharaoh wasthekingofEgypt, but hadsethimselfupasthegodof Egypt.No onewasgoingtotell him what todo.

That canhappentous. It’s almost the Americanway:I am freetodo what Iwant.EvenChristianscan getattitude-ythinking we love God andall, butdon’t really want Himto tellus what todo.That’sonefootin heavenand onefootinEgypt.

InSundaySchool, we discussed howinthisdayand time we canfollowinPharaoh’s footstepsthinking

CHURCH OF CHRIST CentralValley 5700 MooresvilleRd.

Church of Christ Hughes Road at GoochLane

TheChurch of Christ on theHighway 7594 Wall Triana Hwy.

Church of Christ of Madison 556 Hughes Road

Monrovia

Church of Christ 595 NanceRoad

Swancott

Church of Christ SwancottRoad

Wall Triana

Church of Christ 7535 Wall Triana

CHURCHOF GOD FirstChurch OfGod 1547 Capshaw Road

EPISCOPAL

St.Matthew’s Episcopal 786 Hughes Road

GOSPEL

Bright Star Full Gospel 5167 Wall Triana Hwy

JEWISHSYNAGOGUES

Temple B’naiSholom 103LincolnSt. S.E.

LUTHERAN

FaithLutheran 660 GillespieRd

LambOfGod Lutheran 11716 CountyLine

MessiahLutheran 7740 Highway 72W

METHODIST

Asbury Church 980 Hughes Road

Asbury -Harvest 8089 Wall Triana Hwy

FellowshipUnited

Methodist Church 29768Huntsville Brownsferry Rd.

Good Shepherd United Methodist 1418 OldRailroad Bed

GraceUnited Methodist Church 2113 OldMonroviaRd.

Grady-MadisonAME 129 GoochLane

HarvestPointe Methodist Church 103 GinOaksCourt

ourselvesto bethekingorqueenof ouruniverse.(Imagine if Pharaoh hadsocialmedia.)Wecontrasted thatwithChrist’s wordsinMatthew 16:24todenyourselves,takeupthe cross,and follow Him. GodsaidHewas goingtodeliver Hispeople andHewasgoing todo it.Insteadofdoingthings God’s way, Pharaohchosetimeandtime againthehard way. Aninformal poll amongthe youthrevealedthat we,too,often go thatroute.(Since what’s saidinSundaySchoolstays inSundaySchool, Ican’t give examples.) We have been workingthrough theplaguesfor thelastfewweekseach onea reminderof all the wonders GodworkedinEgypt. Next

MadisonMethodist Church 127 Church Street

Parker Chapel Methodist Church 28670 PowellRoad

SpringhillUnited Methodist Church 1605 Zierdt Rd.

St.Paul United Methodist Church 6206thStreet

St.Peter UMC 107 StewartSt.

Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church 280 Ford Chapel Drive

MORMON

TheChurchOfJesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints 1297 Slaughter Road

NAZARENE MadisonFirst Church 8234 MadisonPike

NONDENOMINATIONAL Center Of Hope Church 5167 Wall Triana Hwy. Cornerstone Word Of Life 3783 Sullivan Street

FellowshipOfFaith Church 132 MapleStreet

Sunday willbethe finalplaguein

Exodus12. We willlearnthe importanceof the bloodand thatJesus is ourPassoverLamb. I’ve beencryingasI study.(Maybecryinga little as Itype.) Ihopetheir heartswill burn as we digin. Picturebeing inEgypt. The slaughterofthe lamb, thepainting of the bloodoverthe doorposts, hearts racing, the waiting,andthen theloudwailing. God wasonthe vergeofdeliveringHispeopleafter430 yearsof slavery! It wasintense. It wasdramatic.Itwas real.And He stilldelivers...on adaily basis. Psalm18:2is oneofmyveryfavorites: “TheLORD is my rock,my fortress andmydeliverer…”

GraceFellowship 11900 MooresvilleRoad

TheHarbor

Lifesong

chrome wheelswithnew tires, twokeys, Outstanding Condition! MustSee! Call 256-527-2125

CADILLAC:ATSLux2013$12,000Whtdiamondpearlext,grayleather int. Backup cam,moonroof,customwheelsand Borla exhaust. 2.0Turbo 73k mi Garage kept, serviced regularly,mech. perfect 256-2843866

HONDA:ACCORD, 2010 $12,950, LXS, 2-door coupe,only94K miles,silver, full power,automatic,alloywheelswith MichelinTires, twokeys, justserviced,outstanding condition! Call 256-527-2125 Decatur Antique/ClassicVehicles

RESTORERSDREAM!ORIGINAL1941 Chevy2-door Deluxe WW 16’Tires. Good upholstery.Ownerpassed. Mustsell auto items. Lastoffer,$9,000.00 Info andpics call 770-458-0281,850-348-8656, Tony,or emailjantuck@att.net Blountsville

SportUtility Vehicles

2015 CADILLACSRX Luxurycollection, only59kmiles,navigation,sunroof,rubyred withtanheated leather,factory polished wheelswithnew tires, justserviced,excellentcondition must see.$17,950256-5272125

CADILLAC: ESCALADE,2013 $21,950. LuxuryEdition,only97K miles, blackonblack leather,factory 22” wheelswithMichelin tires,sunroof, navigation, super clean SUV, MustSee! Call 256-527-2125

FORD: EXPLORER,2005 $6,900, Eddie BowerEdition,oneowner,3rdrowseating, stonegray color, 171,595 miles, great condition, Call 256-810-2992 Florence

FORD: EXPLORER,2006 EddieBauer Edition,4-door,new transmission andbattery,81K miles(transmissionhas less than50 miles) $6,200orbestreasonableoffer.Textonly256-633-8417 Sheffield

HONDA: CR-V,2014 $17,750. oneowner, EXLmodel,only87K miles, heated leather.,full power,sunroof,alloywheels with new tires,rear view camera,Excellent Condition. Call 256-527-2125

MAZDA: CS-5,2014 $12,950. oneowner, TouringEdition, white, full power,alloy wheels,rear view camera,two smart keys, just serviced, Excellent Condition!256-527-2125

SUPER RARE!2013 GMCYUKON XL Four wheel driveSLT,only71k miles, white… light greyleather,climateseats, navigation,sunroof,rearentertainment,2nd rowbuckets,justserviced,excellent condition$19,950256-527-2125

TOYOTA:HIGHLANDER, 2014 $19,950, XLE, allwheeldrive,pearlwhite,gray leather,navigation, sunroof,3rdrowseating, twokeys, alloywheels, justserviced, excellent maintenancehistory,excellent condition, Call 256-527-2125 Decatur

Announcements

PublicNotice

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

AUCTIONSaleDate: October24,2024at10A.M. TowProTowing 2511Washington St.NW Huntsville,AL35811 256-599-1381

2006 Ford Mustang 1ZVFT80N265148378 2010 Chrysler300 2C3CA5CV6AH182688 2017 Ford Escape 1FMCU0GD4HUA52788 2004 Ford Expedition 1FMPU17L74LB27496

2015 Chrysler2001C3CCCCBXFN680248

09/18/24,09/25/24 ADID 614515

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

FieldingTowingand Recovery 2322 ClintonAveW Huntsville,Al 35805 256-534-5883 October21,2024 At 8:00am

1995 BLACKJEEPWRANGLER 1J4FY19P6SP225780

1994 WHITEJEEPCHEROKEE 1J4FJ28S4RL107423

2010 WHITEDODGE AVENGER 1B3CC4FB7AN101661

2018 GRAYHONDACIVIC 19XFC2F59JE024080

2009 WHITEDODGE AVENGER 1B3LC46B09N566570

2000 GOLDHONDAACCORD 1HGCG5679YA106450

2010 REDPONTIAC G6 1GZA5E00A4127789

09/25/24,10/02/24 ADID 615527

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

FieldingTowingand Recovery

2322 ClintonAveW Huntsville,Al 35805 256-534-5883 October11,2024 At 8:00am

2013 WHITEFORDEXPLORER 1FM5K8ARXDGA33950

1998 REDHONDACRV JHLRD2842WC001059

2014 GRAYDODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXHG9EH164866

2014 SILVER CADDILLACATS 1G6AB5RXXE0105280

2010 BLACKHONDAACCORD 1HGCP2F31AA126273

09/18/24,09/25/24 ADID 614512

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

FieldingTowingand Recovery 2322 ClintonAveW Huntsville,Al 35805 256-534-5883 October02,2024 At 8:00am

2006 SILVER HONDAACCORD 1HGCM66806AD28516

2010 GRAYNISSANXTERRA S 5N1AN0NW7AC507590

09/18/24,09/25/24 ADID 614514

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be auctionedon October29,2024, at12:00 noon at MDMWreckerService,Inc. DBA: MayhallWrecker5000 Meridian Street N,Huntsville,AL 35810 256-536-5055

2017 KIARIO VIN# KNADM4A36H6117772

2004 NISSANXTERRA VIN# 5N1ED28T54C670549

09/18/24,09/25/24 ADID 614508

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be auctionedon Wednesday November6,2024,at8:00A.M. MIKE’SWRECKERSERVICE 1100 Hoover Street Huntsville, AL 35801 256-536-2226

2020 Dodge Charger (Black) 2C3CDXBGXLH166888

2013 Honda Pilot (Grey) 5FNYF4H5XDB071951

2015Land RoverLR4 (White) SALAK2V66FA756788

2008Toyota Camry(Black) 4T1BE46K18U743678

2004 Mercedes-BenzS600 (Silver) WDBNG76J14A427423

2022 KiaSeltos(Gray) KNDEU2AA9N7313575

2016 Hyundai Sonata(Silver) KMHE24L18GA035400

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (White)2MEFM74W24X647043

2021 ChevroletTrailblazer (Blue) KL79MTSL0MB017098 2011ChevyMalibu (Silver) 1G1ZC5E14BF194294

2004 Honda CRV(Gold) JHLRD78884C055849

2021 Hyundai Palisade (Black) KM8R54HE5MU175709

2013 Infinity JX(White) 5N1AL0MN1DC308179

2018 Ford Fusion (Black) 3FA6P0H7HJR160319

2003 Phaeton MotorHome (Beige)4UAAHBV83CK90513 09/25/24,10/02/24

ADID 614842

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be Auctioned on October08, 2024,12:00 Noon at 2327 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville,AL35801. ROADSIDETOWING 256-533-0809 1G1145S34HU2136252017 CHEVYIMPALA

09/25/24,10/02/24 ADID 615520

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be sold onAuction Date: October 22,2024 Time ofAuction: 8:00am Location of auction: Bradford’sWreckerService Inc/Bradford’sTruck&Trailer Repair(Formally KnownasAffordableTowing) 4651 SamDr Huntsville,AL35811 256-759-4060/256-508-8253

2010 MazdaTributeSilver 4F2CY0C79AKM09960 2006 Honda CivicBlack 2HGFG12696H547139 2016 Ford Fusion Red 3FA6P0G76GR172669 2017 Freightliner Cascadia White3AKJGLDR0HSHY8038 2012 BuickLacrosseSilver 1G4GD5E34CF261261 09/25/24,10/02/24 ADID 615530

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be auctionedon October28,2024, at12:00 noon at MDMWreckerService,Inc. DBA: Mayhall Wrecker5000 Meridian Street N,Huntsville,AL 35810 256-536-5055 2002 JEEPWRANGLERVIN# 1J4FA49S02P722592

09/25/24,10/02/24 ADID 615381

Need ajobchange? Checkour TNValleyStuff Employment ads today.

ABANDONEDVEHICLES

Thefollowing vehicles will be auctionedon November13, 2024,at12:00 noon at MDMWreckerService,Inc. DBA: Mayhall Wrecker5000 Meridian Street N,Huntsville,AL 35810 256-536-5055

2008 NISSANSENTRAVIN# 3N1AB61EX8L680180 2005TOYOTAAVALONVIN# 4T1BK36B65U008211 09/25/24,10/02/24 ADID 615327

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