The Madison Record - March 29, 2023

Woman’s body found in Lady Ann Lake

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Madison Police said Monday a body was found in the Lady Ann Lake Sunday morning.

Madison Police Captain Lamar Anderson confirmed officers responded to Lady Ann Lake at around 7:30 a.m. after someone called to report that there was a body. Capt. Anderson said the body that was pulled out of the lake was identified as a woman.

Authorities had not released the name of the victim at press time, but Capt. Anderson did indicate MPD believes there was no foul play involved and this was an unattended death.

This is the second time a body has been pulled from the Lady Ann Lake this year. A missing man was pulled from the lake by the Huntsville Police Department in January.

Special election

The city of Madison has put together a list of questions and answers concerning the upcoming May 9 special election.

Page 6A

EVENTS

Urinetown, The Musical

For their spring musical, James Clemens Theatre will present a hilarious study in satire, “Urinetown - The Musical” next week.

Page 7A

ONLINE

Madison man named new President/CEO of Still Serving Veterans

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Still Serving Veterans organization has named a distinguished Navy Rear Admiral, who is a Madison resident, as President/ CEO, effective April 1.

MADISON HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS LIFE - Authorities confirm a person died in a house fire in Madison Friday night. According to Madison Fire and Rescue, they were called to the fire on Kauffman Circle around 6 p.m. HEMSI Officials said the victim had already died when crews arrived. Madison Fire and Rescue crews were able to put the fire out in about 15 minutes, but the house is a total loss. “Upon arrival our crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions in the home with high heat,” Madison Fire and Rescue stated in a report about the incident. “They made an aggressive interior attack and push to quickly knock down the fire and search for any victims. While the outcome was not what we want it was not from a lack of extreme hard effort and work from our crews.” The cause of the fire is under investigation. The victim’s name had not been released at press time.

Madison Chamber of Commerce honors local business community with “Best in Business” awards

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Several businesses kicked off the weekend with a celebration on Friday. The Madison Chamber of Commerce honored excellence in business during the 2023 Best in Business Awards ceremony held at James Clemens Au-

ditorium.

According to Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Epling, businesses were nominated for the awards starting in January for a variety of categories. “It allowed the diverse group of Madison businesses an opportunity to be recognized amongst other members of the Madison

community,” Epling said.The nominations were then sent to a local Chamber in Birmingham for an unbiased vote on the winners.

Taking home the big prize, Mozaic AV Integration won “Best Business of the Year”. They were followed by Anglin Reichmann Armstrong and Two Men And A

See BUSINESSES Page 2A

Richard B. Landolt, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret.) will lead the non-profit organization, based in Huntsville. Landolt will assume full leadership responsibilities from Paulette Risher, Major General, U.S. Army, (ret.). After 11 years of compassionate leadership, Risher is stepping back from her roles of CEO, Chief Programs Officer and Board of Directors member.

To prepare for the best successor, Still Serving Veterans’ Board of Directors conducted a five-month, nationwide search.

Founded 17 years ago, Still Serving Veterans is a support organization that offers no-cost career counseling nationally and Veterans Administration claim and resource assistance throughout North Alabama.

“We looked for an individual who embodies the characteristics of a servant-leader, is a veteran and has the experience to continue the onward and upward trajectory of service to our veterans,” John T. Wright, Colonel, U.S. Army (ret.) said. Wright is Chair of Still Serving Veterans Board of Directors.

During his 32-year career in the U.S. Navy,

Mass casualty drill prepares Calhoun students for ‘tragic reality’

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

DECATUR - Jessa Wylie was sitting in a test center at Calhoun Community College and had no time to react when a masked gunman entered and started shooting, striking her in the lower face and breaking her jaw.

Wylie was one of dozens of “victims” Thursday in a simulated mass casualty drill that began at 9 a.m. at Calhoun’s Decatur campus in one of the testing facilities.

Mark Branon, Calhoun’s inter-

im dean of Health Sciences, said this was the 13th annual simulation. He said they have held a variety of different mass casualty drills over the years.

“Today was a domestic issue with a disgruntled student on campus that decided to start shooting in a testing center,” Branon said. “It was a full testing lab, 75-plus students in there. A student walked in the back of the room and just opened fire on students. The students only had two ways in and out of the room: One was a back emergency exit and

Students scream as they ran out of a computer lab where shoots were fired during a simulated mass casualty drill at Calhoun Community College on Thursday.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Epling (left) stands with representatives of Mozaic AV Integration after presenting them the “Best Business of the Year” award at Friday’s ceremony. Photo by Susan Few

Photo of the Week

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee accepting applications

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee is currently taking applications from interested citizens to serve on the committee.

The MPCAC functions as the community conduit for citizens and the Madison Police Department. The committee, made up of nine appointed members, is selected by each city council member for their respective district along with seats appointed by the mayor and the chief of police.

Applicants must be Madison residents and qualified electors, pass

Landolt

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2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID Madison Post Office Madison, AL 35758 (USPS 324-960)

Businesses

Truck.

a criminal background check, and may not be city employees, elected officials or family members of either.

Places for seats 2, 4, 6 and the mayor’s appointment will expire soon, with a current vacancy for place 7. Once appointed, the seats will expire in 2025. Application submission deadline will close April 12. For information, go to www.madisonal.gov.

Continued from page 1A

Landolt commanded Amphibious Forces for the 7th Fleet (Task Force 76) in Okinawa, Japan, and directed five humanitarian assistance efforts throughout Asia. He also served as Deputy Director of the Expeditionary Warfare Division on the Navy staff and was a senior fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group.

After retiring from the Navy in 2014, Landolt served as Executive Director of Public Safety for the City of Mobile. He was then appointed Secretary of Defense Representative to NATO and Europe/Defense Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 2017 to 2021 in Brussels, Belgium.

Continued from page 1A

“All of our Best in Business nominees should feel proud of all they’ve accomplished, and we are proud to have so many businesses and business professionals who truly care about the Madison community and work hard to see it grow,” Epling said.

This year’s winners include:

Start-Up Business of the Year

• Gold - Lemon & Lavender

• Silver - All Things Madison

• Bronze - Wafle-Bitte

Health & Wellness Business of the Year

• Gold - Pure Barre

• Silver - Burn Boot Camp

• Bronze - Fleet Feet Huntsville-Madison

Professional Service Business of the Year

• Gold - InSight Strategic Solutions

• Silver - Flourish

• Bronze - Rocket City HR Consulting

Essential Service Business of the Year

• Winner - Two Men And A Truck

Culinary Business of the Year

• Gold - Wafle-Bitte

• Silver - MyKitchen HSV

Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality Business of the Year

• Winner: Wine and Design

Best Small Business of the Year

• Gold - Sweet Tea Communications

• Silver - Rachel Brown Homes

• Bronze - Rosenblum Realty, Inc

“I’m excited about joining the SSV team and look forward to continuing the great work of this award-winning organization. This new role is particularly meaningful as it will allow me to give back to the men and women who have honorably served our nation,” Landolt said.

“My family and I are happy to be setting down roots in the veteran-friendly Huntsville community. I look forward to upholding and growing the SSV mission which aligns with my passion for giving back to our veterans,” Landolt said.

For more information about Landolt’s appointment, visit www.ssv.org/ blog/2023ceo-landolt.

Best Non-Profit Business of the Year

• Gold - Kids to Love Foundation

• Silver - The Madison Street Festival

• Bronze - The Enrichment Center

Best Business of the Year

• Gold - Mozaic AV Integration

• Silver - Anglin Reichmann Armstrong

• Bronze - Two Men And A Truck Community Servant of the Year

• Winner: Stephanie Mills, Two Men And A Truck

Excellence in Leadership & Service

• Winner: Delores Baker, Baker’s Learning Kitchen, LLC

The Madison Chamber also chose to recognize an Ambassador of the Year, meant to recognize one ambassador of the Madison Chamber ambassador program and their effort to create community conversations and grow businesses. As well as, the Spirit of the Chamber Award, meant to recognize a deserving Madison Chamber volunteer that worked behind the scenes and made a substantial impact on moving the Madison Chamber forward in 2022.

Those selected for these honors are:

Ambassador of the Year

• Winner: Stephanie Johnson, Mozaic AV Integration

Spirit of the Chamber Award

• Winner: Jan Bias, Redstone Federal Credit Union

LARGEST SELECTION OF RECLINERS

SPEED RACERS - Mill Creek Elementary School racing had a good weekend at the Trojan 30 Greenpower Race in Hazel Green. Car 700 won 1st place in the overall, 1st place in circuit, 2nd place in slalom and 2nd place in drag. Car 750 placed 3rd in the overall competition. Way to go!

The work at Kids Kingdom in Dublin Park is underway, however, project managers are expecting delays. Weather and supply chain issues have not helped the timeline for crews to complete the construction of the new all-inclusive playground. The city’s public works department was temporarily called off to work on recent storm damage. However, Madison Parks and Recreation Director Kory Alfred is optimistic now that April is almost here. He said crews should start installing the playground equipment within the next couple of weeks. It will take about six weeks, he said, and then they must install the fencing. A prefabricated restroom building with a kingdom theme will be delivered in August, but the city will have temporary facilities available until it arrives. Also, the city is planning to plant 20 to 30 shade trees. Alfred said the new Kids Kingdom playground should be open to the public around the end of May. Photos by Caleb Odom

Airport passenger numbers expected to return to pre-COVID numbers by end of next year

By ERICA SMITH news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Airline travel locally has rebounded since the coronavirus pandemic dramatically curtailed it three years ago this month, and a travel agent and airport official expect it to reach preCOVID levels next year.

Faye McWhorter, owner of Elite Travel in Decatur and Huntsville, said 2019 was the best year she has ever had in 32 years of business, and she had anticipated the next year would be just as good.

Instead, “2020 went to the bottom, except for some business travelers that had to travel in spite of COVID,” she said.

“People did not travel that year.”

McWhorter said airline travel fell to 5% of her agency’s business 2020.

In 2019, 50% of the agency’s business had been for airline travel. She said her business has gained strength in 2023.

“It won’t be as good as 2019, but I think we’re rebuilding and we’re getting back up there,” McWhorter said. “I’m saying we’re probably back to half of the (airline) business we had in 2019. It’s increased tremendously over the last year.”

McWhorter said a big reason her agency is not yet back to pre-COVID numbers is that it has to redo travel plans canceled by the pandemic.

“We’re still replacing business that was booked and paid for, for travel in

2019 and 2020 that had to be kicked down the road,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of time for free, booking for free, because we made that money in 2019 and we’ve got to service it now; part of it is that.”

McWhorter said she is very optimistic that they are well on the road to recovery and will be back to 2019 numbers by 2024.

“I think people have been denied their opportunity to travel and I think they’re aching to travel,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a good time to travel.”

Huntsville International Airport has experienced an increase in passengers since the pandemic and plans to be back to preCOVID levels by the end of 2024. In 2019, the airport had 1,445,365 passengers.

Local and state leaders respond to claims Biden is working to keep Space Command in Colorado

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - Hunts-

ville Mayor Tommy Battle and U.S. Representative Dale Strong have responded to a Washington Post editorial published Thursday claiming the White House may soon reverse the decision to bring the U.S. Space Command to Huntsville.

(See an editorial on the topic from Mayor Battle on page 5A)

conducted properly, each time resulting in Huntsville being named as the best spot for USSPACECOM. We look forward to Space Command being headquartered where it belongs, the Rocket City.”

According to the city of Huntsville’s Communication Director Kelly Schrimsher is also working on an editorial column about the situation that will be available soon.

During 2020 when the pandemic hit, the number of passengers dropped 61.3% to 559,420.

In 2021, there was an increase from the previous year to 940,830 passengers and the number rose in 2022 to 1,201,105 passengers. Through the end of February this year there have been 190,344 passengers which is a 30.6% increase from the end of February 2022.

Mary Swanstrom, Port of Huntsville public rela-

The Post editorial stated, “The White House appears ready to reverse a Trump administration plan to relocate the U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Ala., because it fears the transfer would disrupt operations at a time when space is increasingly important to the military.”

Battle stated, “The results of an exhaustive, objective, data-driven study, twice performed, show that Huntsville, Alabama, is the best location for Space Command headquarters. That recommendation was examined in two thorough reports – from the Government Accountability Office and Department of Defense Inspector General – finding the DoD’s study was

Representative Strong, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement:

“Redstone Arsenal has consistently ranked as the #1 location to host the headquarters of U.S. Space Command. The indisputable facts of this situation are: The Air Force led a robust basing process which complied with federal law, and the DoD IG and GAO confirmed the original decision. Redstone Arsenal was consistently the top choice to host Space Command headquarters and Colorado wasn’t in the top three. The decision of where Space Command is located should remain in the hands of the Air Force and should not be politi-

See SPACE COMMAND Page 8A

Not just spinning their wheels

Teacher pay raises, increased Medicaid funding included in Ivey budget proposals

By CRAIG MONGER 1819News.com

Huntsville electric bike entrepreneurs win Singing River Trail competition

news@themadisonrecord.com

ATHENS — A bicycle ride through Colorado with his parents inspired Nathan Tucker to develop an electric bike rental business in north Alabama with Ash Moorer, and their startup idea along with plans to tie it into the Singing River Trail won a regional entrepreneurial competition Monday at Athens State University.

Tucker said he has always loved the outdoors and is a mountain biking enthusiast. His parents came to visit him when he was living in Colorado, and they decided to go biking in Aspen.

“We went to a rental place for them to get a bike and they had electric bikes. I was like, ‘Oh, this will be great. We can go so far today,’” he said. “They got those electric bikes and I watched them zip up and down hills, all around Aspen, Colorado, while I pedaled my butt off all day.

“I was exhausted, and they still had energy; they’re in their 60s,”

Tucker said.

When Tucker moved back to Huntsville, he said he looked for an electric bike rental store.

“I was like, man, there’s probably someone doing this around here because my parents do it wherever they go,” he said. “I looked and no one was doing it. This is a need and an opportunity.”

Tucker and Moorer, both 40 and from Huntsville, have been working on developing their business for about nine months and launched March 4. Tucker said they wanted to create a business for more people to enjoy so they started Rocket City Electric Bike Rentals.

“The basis is just providing an outdoor recreation activity that more people can utilize outside of your typical, what you think of when you think of outdoor enthusiasts,” he said. “You can rent from us hourly, half-day, full-day and you can travel up to 45 miles on our battery; you can make a day of it.”

Tucker and Moorer finished in

first place out of eight finalists in the second Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition modeled after television’s “Shark Tank.” Seven judges heard pitches from the entrepreneurial finalists in the event attended by at least 220 people at Athens State’s Carter Gymnasium.

The finalists were chosen from 45 applicants from eight counties.

Tucker said they plan for their business to complement the Singing River Trail, a 200-mile walking/biking trail that when complete will run east-west across north Alabama. It will have trailheads in Decatur on either side of the Tennessee River and a spur proposed to run to Athens.

“Looking to the future with the Singing River Trail, (our goal) is to create a seamless map with hubs along the way so you can travel from one destination to the next,” he said. “Charge your bike up overnight, get up the next morning and do it again.”

One of the judges, Jim Odom, said he had several reasons for choosing Tucker and Moorer as the top entrants.

“They had worked so hard getting into it, they had a good plan, and it was a good fit with Singing River (Trail),” Odom said. “I thought they had a better chance of success, and they could be more helpful to the Singing River.”

The event’s $20,000 in prize money was split between the eight finalists. For taking first place, Moorer and Tucker received $5,000, which they plan to use for marketing their business.

“With the money, we’re really working on improving our marketing, getting the word out to people,” Tucker said. “We’re so new, so many people have never heard of us. (Supplying) hotels and the visitor’s center with brochures and literature … and posting some local advertisements would be a big part of that as well.”

Tucker said winning Launch Tank makes him feel excited, honored and validated.

“We took a leap of faith with something that no one’s doing in our area

with the goal of getting to the Singing River Trail,” he said. “By coming here today and winning and realizing that, hey, other people believe in us, too, is validating.”

Winning second place and $4,000 was Jonathan Fowler, 41, from Huntsville, for his company Fow Wow Designs which has been operational for 10 years. He makes shirts, stickers, mugs, hats and other merchandise with interesting designs on them.

“I make punny, funky designs for the people, places and things of Alabama; try to spread local love,” Fowler said.

Fowler said with his winnings he plans to make Singing River Trail passports that people can fill with stickers representing the cities they have been to on the trail and that would be sold at local shops.

“I created a journal passport, so it has all the towns along the Singing River Trail so far,” he said. “People can journal out their trip either before or while they’re taking it in. Trying to connect the people that are on the trail with the local businesses.”

Mike and Meeka Fellows won last year’s competition with their business, Selah’s Acres RV Park and Resort Development. They were awarded $5,000. Meeka said they have opened their RV park and campground in Hazel Green since last year’s event, which was in Decatur.

“We have four glamping (glamorous camping) spots that we rent out daily,” Meeka said. “We’re in the last steps of finalizing our tiny home … and we have built an organic garden. We are building a bathhouse for our campers. We have rustic camping, and we have glamorous camping and we’re still building out our RV lots.”

John Kvach, Singing River Trail executive director, said the trail is currently in eight counties and will soon be in nine or 10, including Marion County in Tennessee. He said right now they are working on the master plan for the western part of the trail from Decatur to the Shoals.

Huntsville Botanical Garden to provide plant, landscape expertise for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners

STAFF REPORTS

news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley today, forging a new partnership between the two organizations. The MOU outlines the Garden’s commitment to provide training for new local Habitat homeowners so they can learn the basics of plant care and landscape maintenance for their new homes.

Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley offers their partner families an opportunity to own a home that is stable and affordable. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. While Habitat’s mission is focused on providing housing, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley recognized there was a knowledge gap for new homeowners when it came to how to care for their new landscapes.

“One of our priorities is to coach

our partner families to be self-sufficient,” said Habitat’s Executive Director Jeremy Foulks. “This partnership will strengthen the homeowner’s knowledge and experience so they can continue to take pride in their new home for years to come. Our entire staff is enthusiastic about this cooperative effort.”

“We are so excited and eager to contribute to the wellness of our community in this way,” said HBG Chief Executive Officer Sue Wagner. “It makes so much sense for us to combine our expertise—theirs in building houses and ours in horticulture—to help these homeowners on the path to successfully caring for their new homes, inside and out.”

In addition to helping build the houses, Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley also offers classes and counseling on finances and homeownership to help clients become successful homeowners. Beginning in May, HBG’s Learning, Programs and Education (LPE) department will offer classes for Habitat clients to learn how to care for, maintain or

improve the landscapes that come with their new homes.

“One of the Garden’s core values is ‘collaborate with compassion,’” said HBG’s Director of LPE Rebecca Turk. “Our educators, horticulturists and plant scientists are such valuable community resources, and we are always happy to share expertise outside the physical boundaries of the Garden.”

HBG is partnering with local sponsors to provide a basic set of lawn care tools for each homeowner in the class. Classes will focus on lawn care basics, how to choose and grow new plants suitable for their landscapes and basic tool maintenance.

“The Garden’s mission is to connect people to plants in order to support a healthier quality of life for the region,” said Wagner. “This partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley directly supports our mission to help improve quality of life for the people in our community, and we are honored to work alongside their organization.”

MONTGOMERY — Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her budget recommendations for the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and the Alabama General Fund (GF) to the legislature as it resumed its regular session.

The budgets are for the Fiscal year 2024, which begins in October 2023 and runs to September 2024. Both funds are currently operating in a surplus.

Ivey’s proposed GF budget recommendation, which encompasses all non-education spending, includes a total requested amount of $2.9 billion.

That’s over $230 million more than in 2022 and consists of a nearly 7% increase in spending for the executive branch.

The proposed GF budget would include a 9% increase in Medicaid spending, totaling nearly $863 million.

It would also include a nearly 10% increase in spending to the Alabama Department of Corrections, bringing the total to over $661 million. The increase would not be enough to cover the proposed $300 million additionally needed to complete the construction of the new prison in Elmore

County.

The proposed $2.7 billion ETF budget would increase by 6.5%, bringing the total to $8.8 billion, which would provide a 2% pay raise for teachers, among other things.

The ETF budget also contains Ivey’s recommended $400 tax rebate she announced in her state of the state address earlier this month, which would transfer over $966 million to the Department of Revenue into the “tax rebate fund.” The proposal references an unfiled bill, which will need to be voted on independently to approve the rebates.

“Alabama, especially considering the state of the nation’s economy, is on sound footing,” Ivey said in a statement. “Our budgets are strong, and that is, no doubt, because of the fiscally conservative approach we have taken and continue to take. Just as every Alabama family budgets to invest, pay their debts and increase their savings, my budget proposals do just that for our state. From returning our taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars back to them to making historic investments in our students’ education, these budgets will help foster a strong Alabama today and a stronger Alabama tomorrow.”

Huntsville approves architectural contract for Hays Farm Central Park

STAFF REPORTS

news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Plans

for a new 9-acre urban park in South Huntsville are on track after the City’s approval of an architectural contract Tuesday.

Hays Farm Central Park will be in the Hays Farm development off South Memorial Parkway. The mixed-use project will contain single-and-multifamily housing units as well as commercial development and office space.

The $284,800 architectural contract between the City and Bostick Land-

scape Architects includes design of a restroom facility, gazebo, water feature and splash pad. The park’s conceptual design features several other quality-of-life amenities such as a playground, outdoor classroom, fitness area, gardens, walking paths and a connection to the City’s existing greenway network.

The park is a joint $5.6 million project between the City of Huntsville and Hays Family. The Hays family donated the property and $1 million toward the project. Bids for the park’s construction will be advertised this summer.

Gov. Kay Ivey

STAFF REPORTS

Nathan Tucker, left, and Ash Moorer, owners of Rocket City Electric Bike Rentals, make an animated pitch for their startup business during the second Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition. They received the first prize of $5,000 in the event at Athens State University.

bumblebee bat—also known as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat—is the smallest mammal in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Importance of Madison’s May 9 special election

I moved to Madison in 2004, after living many years in an urban New Jersey city. I have been continually learning about Madison, and am vocal about issues that need citizen input to make Madison a better place to live. I regularly attend Madison City Council meetings, City Council Work Sessions, and City departmental ‘open’ meetings. I believe it is important to be an involved citizen to keep Madison City operating as a place that I am proud to live and call home. Staying very active with local city government, I want to monitor and ensure that proper and legally correct actions are performed by our Madison elected and appointed officials. I encourage Madison residents, to get involved with Madison government and decisions, to help keep Madison as a town we all want to live in.

EDITORIAL

The City Manager initiative, is not a new idea to Madison and was tried before, failed for the people in 1981/82, and they recalled the city officials to go back to a more representative form of government. However, today, we are faced with a serious threat and if adopted, Madison residents lose a lot of voice and transparency in our government if we do not turn out to vote it down at the May 9thspecial election.

I do not want to see higher taxes, added bureaucracy, the loss of voter’s voice in local government, and the financial waste that I saw in New Jersey. It is critical to keep an elected Madison Mayor with the right qualifications running our city departments. This is so important to Madison’s future. Please vote NO on May 9th.

Sincerely,

Margi Daly-Agnello Citizen of Madison

Stick to data-based decision on Space Command headquarters

By TOMMY BATTLE Mayor Hunstville

For decades, Congress and each Administration insisted that Department of Defense decisions about the location of important military installations be based on clear, objective analysis. Those decisions are made using independent data and metrics, not personal preferences. It is how every significant decision has been made, to include Base Realignment and Closure determinations, and the process has served our country and our military well.

The Department of Defense used this same strategy in its analysis of where to permanent-

Economic incentives remain good for state

By BETH CHAPMAN

my, improves communities for families and schools where they are located. That’s true across our state as a whole.

ly locate its new Space Command headquarters. Multiple communities across the country went through a thorough and exhaustive vetting process twice and, each time, the results were the same – Huntsville, Alabama is the best choice. Not only did Huntsville score highest, but Colorado Springs fell well short of second place on that list. The data clearly shows there are multiple locations better suited for the United States Space Command than Colorado Springs.

To reverse longstanding policy requiring site decisions to be driven by objective, measurable data is the worst thing we can do for our country and national security. Politicians will certainly grandstand and advocate for their communities, and top military

personnel may also have preferences on where they want to live.

All that is to be expected and can make entertaining headlines. It is not, however, the way our country makes important military decisions.

The mission of Space Command, its headquarters, and the future of space defense should be determined by facts – not by politics, personalities or personal desires. The integrity of this process should remain data based, devoid of politics, and in the best interest of the defense of our country.

An objective examination said Huntsville is the #1 location for Space Command. It’s time we honor that decision and move forward with the important work of protecting the United States of America and our global allies.

It ’s YOUR money, access it

Chapman

When I worked for the governor in 1995, I vividly remember complaints people made about our state giving incentives to bring new businesses here. There were tax cuts and special incentives given to one company government officials said would bring other companies of its size here if the state invested in just that one.

But people still complained. They argued it wasn’t worth it.

That company was Mercedes, and the other companies that have come here because of those incentives are Hyundai, Toyota and Honda to name a few.

Incentives given to one company produces millions of dollars for our econo-

In 2015, the Alabama Legislature passed two economic development incentive programs — the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act. Through such legislation, Alabama has seen over 40,000 new jobs and $22 billion in new investments.

It’s estimated that over the next 20 years, Alabama will see a 173% return on those investments.

There have been four projects in Shelby County where I live. This county alone has received Jobs Act incentives resulting in over $38.4 million in capital investments. These strategic investments in our region created 347 higher-paying jobs for county residents and other Alabamians.

Additionally, these high-tech compa-

See CHAPMAN Page 8B

Do you look for opportunities to help?

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

I had an early morning newspaper route when I was twelve years old. One of my customers was Mr. Striplin, the president of our local bank. On a pre-dawn morning as I struggled with a bike load of papers, he stepped out his front door in his house coat and slippers and said, “Bruce you need a motorcycle,” I replied, “I can’t afford one.”

“Come down to my office and I’ll give you a loan” Mr. Striplin said. That afternoon, with my 12-year-old signature, I signed a one-page finance agreement and became the proud owner of a Honda 90 motorcycle. Mr. Striplin saw a young person trying to better himself and he lent a hand. I remember his kindness and when I see

others trying to do the same, if I cannot help, I at least try not to hinder.

That memory guided my actions on a cold January afternoon. Barreling down I-40 from Knoxville, TN headed home to Huntsville, AL. I saw an old car on the side of the road, hood raised, and 4-ways weakly blinking. A little bit further down the interstate a man and a little boy holding his father’s hand were walking on the side of the road. I know you are not supposed to pick up strangers, but the little boy clutching his dad’s hand tugged at my fatherly instincts. Braking my RV, I pulled over, in a minute, the man and boy’s face appeared in the open door. I told them to come on board, it was misting rain and 40 degrees outside. The stranger gave heartfelt thanks as he and his son settled in.

“The next exit will be just fine,” he said. As we rolled up the exit ramp, not a

See THE STORYTELLER Page 8B

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Special ongoing coverage of Madison’s May 9 special election

EDITOR’S NOTE: A vital decision affecting the future of Madison is fast approaching. A May 9 special election is planned for city voters to decide whether to stick with the current city structure of a strong elected mayor acting as the city’s CEO with a 7-member city council operating in a legislative capacity. Or, change to a city manager form of government where the city is mostly run my a city-council appointed manager and the mayor’s functions are reduced as that

roles becomes mostly part of the city council.

The Madison Record has been bringing readers information about this proposed change for months and will continue to present all sides of the issue in a neutral position.

This is not the first time a city manager to run the daily operations of Madison has been proposed. The latest push began with Mayor Paul Finley when he appointed the “Madison Governance Tran-

sition Committee” in August 2021 tasked with looking into the proposed change and develop a recommendation for the city council. They recommended the city should shift to a council-manager form of government. Since then, city leaders, including Mayor Finley, have expressed strong support for the transition, saying it will help Madison manage growth more effectively. You can read more about this in past reporting on www.themadisonre-

cord.com.

To answer many questions citizens have been asking about the proposed change, the Madison Mayor’s Office has posted the following Q&A on the city’s website at www.madisonal.gov. Another good source of information about the special election is the local advocacy group, “I Vote Madison”. You can check out their website at www.ivotemadison. com.

- John Few

1. Why did the City of Madison start researching the Council-Manager form of government?

The City of Madison currently functions with a Mayor-Council form of government. After a recent petition from the community, the City of Madison was legally required to hold the special election on changing the form of government. Research into the Council-Manager form of government originated from community members who formed committees to analyze the topic, considering Madison’s recent growth. The committee solicited enough signatures for the measure to be presented to the Probate Judge. In accordance with the Council Manager Act of 1982, once the required 10% of voters from the last general election signed the petition, the Judge of Probate notified the Mayor that Madison was legally bound to hold a special election to vote on the measure.

2. Does City Council get to make the decision on changing Madison’s form of government?

No. Based on the state government precedent established in the Council Manager Act of 1982, the citizens of Madison will vote in a special election whether to change the form of government or to have it remain the same.

3. When will the special election be held?

The special election will be held on May 9th using regular Madison city polling places, from 7 am to 7 pm.

4. What does a “Yes” vote mean?

Voting “Yes” means you are in favor of transitioning to a Council-Manager form of government. If passed by the people, Madison would transition to the new form of government when the next administration comes to office in November of 2025.

5. What does a “No” vote mean?

Voting “No” means you are not in favor of transitioning to a Council-Manager form of government. If the measure does not pass, Madison would remain in a Mayor-Council form of government.

6. What is the difference between a Council-Manager versus a Mayor-Council form of government?

In the Mayor-Council form of

government currently utilized in Madison, there are 7 council members, one per district, with a non-voting mayor. This means the mayor does not vote on matters presented to the Council and is responsible for managing all daily operations and formulating the city budget for Council to approve. The City Council sets policy and makes the final decisions with information provided by Mayor and employees. Mayor appoints the city administrator, and together they manage city projects.

In a Council-Manager form, Madison would transition from 7 voting Council districts to 6 districts with a voting Mayor. The City Manager would be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city; appoint and remove department heads; present a budget to the council. Mayor sits as the “voice” and “face” of the community.

7. How would this affect the mayor’s role?

Currently in the established Mayor-Council form, Mayor serves as the primary lead of all City operations that reports to Council to make final decisions. Mayor does not vote on Council related matters. Mayor serves as a “CEO” of Madison and is responsible to run the day-to-day operations of the city. Mayor formulates a budget, recommends policy changes to Council, appoints and removes department heads, serves as the “face of the city” at community events, and focuses on relationship building at local, state, and federal levels.

In a Council-Manager form, the Mayor serves as the President of the City Council, has a vote, and sets the Council agenda. In this role, the Mayor presides over all meetings of the City Council. In the council-manager form of government, the Mayor and each elected Council member have an equal voice on setting policy. They also have an equal voice on hiring and retaining a city manager in order to make certain that the programs and services approved by the elected officials are delivered effectively, efficiently, and equitably by professional staff. The Mayor is a key leader in economic development and serves as the “public face” of the City. Additionally, the Mayor is the city leader

of inter-governmental and regional relations. In this role, the Mayor will engage with other elected officials pursuing the interests of the city whether at the national, state or local level of government.

8. Will we still be able to vote for the mayor and will this change the length of his terms?

There will be an elected mayor in either form of government. The mayor’s responsibilities will be dictated by the type of government. If passed, the mayor’s term would still serve for 4 years at a time. The mayor would still be put in place by a vote of the people.

9. How would this effect the city council’s role? Council will still have equal voice in setting policy for the City of Madison. It would require redistricting the City into 6 districts versus the currently established 7. City Council will still serve their 4 year terms. Council’s role remains the governing body of the city in either form of government, however, in a council-manager role, the Mayor is the city council president.

10. Would this vote change anything externally? i.e., taxes, utility costs. No. The vote in favor or not in favor has no effect on taxes or other City operations. Utility companies are autonomous from the City and set their own rates for their customers.

11. How would this change effect other functions of the city government/departments?

City departments and employees would report directly to the City Manager for business matters. The City Manager would also oversee hiring and firing employees, while also carrying City projects to fruition throughout administration changes.

12. How is a City Manager held accountable for the performance of their position?

The City Council shall appoint the city manager for an indefinite term, but the council may remove the manager “at any time” by a majority vote of the entire Council. The Council-Manager Act also allows a City to require a Manager be bonded for claims of errors and omissions.

13. What qualifications are required of a City Manager?

The Council-Manager Act requires that a City Manager may be selected solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to his actual experience in, or his knowledge of, accepted practice in respect to the duties of his office. The Act also requires that the City Manager shall reside within the municipality after appointed. The City can require additional qualifications not expressly stated in the Council-Manager Act including requiring master’s degrees in relevant studies, significant experience in the administration of a city and/or other qualification desired by the City.

14. If a majority of voters decide to transition to the Council-Manager form of government, when will the new form of government be implemented?

The new form of government cannot be implemented until after the next election of Mayor and City Council. Once the new administration is seated in November of 2025, Mayor and Council would then lead the hiring process for the City Manager position.

15. What would be the salaries of Mayor and the City Manager?

For both forms of government, salaries have not yet been defined.

16. Would a City Manager be an employee or an independent contractor to the City?

Alabama Code Section 1143A-18 provides that a Manager “shall be an officer of the city” therefore, a City Manager would qualify for all benefits available to an employee of the City of Madison.

17. Would a City Manager serve at the discretion of the Council?

Alabama Code Section 11-4318 provides “[t]he council shall appoint the city manager for an indefinite term, but the council may remove the manager at any time by a majority vote.”

18. Would a City Manager have the authority to terminate officers such as the City Clerk, City Attorney or Police Chief?

Alabama Code Section 1143A-28(2) provides that a City Manager would have authority to appoint and remove “all officers and employees of the municipality” except for members of various appointed board members (including library board, zoning board or municipal utility board). Although the City Council would continue to appoint the City Clerk-Treasurer pursuant to Alabama Code Section 11-43A-28, a City Manager would have the authority to remove the City Clerk, City Attorney and/or the Fire & Police Chief.

19. If the Council-Manager ballot measure passes, which Council would have authority to appoint a City Manager: the outgoing City Council or the incoming City Council of 2025?

The incoming City Council would only have the authority to appoint a City Manager with the authority and duties detailed under the Council-Manager Act of 1982. There is authority for a City Manager to be appointed prior to November 2025; however, any City Manager appointed prior to November 2025 would serve under a Mayor-Council form of government with less authority/duties than those enumerated under the Council-Manager Act of 1982.

20. The Council-Manager Act of 1982 references different classes of municipalities. What class municipality is the City of Madison?

The City of Madison is a Class 8 Municipality. Alabama Code Sections 11-40-12 and 11-40-13 designates the class of a municipality as of the 1970 U.S. Census population data. Since this law has not been amended to change class designations pursuant to later census data, the City of Madison remains a Class 8 municipality.

Q&A from the city of Madison concerning the proposed change in city government structure and the May 9 special election

Madison Community Band to present “An American Spring” concert on April 4

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Madison Community Band

(MCB) kicks off its 30th anniversary celebration with “An American Spring” on Tuesday, April 4, at 7 p.m.

The concert at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Road, will be the band’s eighth annual Spring Concert and its first performance of 2023.

James Clemens Theatre to present “Urinetown - The Musical” next week

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – For their spring musical, James Clemens Theatre will present a hilarious study in satire, “Urinetown - The Musical” next week.

Showtimes for “Urinetown” are April 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.; April 8 at 2 and 7 p.m.; April 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.; and April 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. in James Clemens Auditorium.

After seeing “Urinetown” on Broadway in 2002, teacher Amy Patel performed in Huntsville’s 2009 production. “Last year, Huntsville High School did a one-act version of ‘Urinetown.’ My students went crazy over it,” Patel said. “I knew this was the perfect year (for) the show.”

Among the show’s qualities are

its comedic script; a good blend of male/female roles; ambitious music; and a challenge to both actors and technicians.

The premise of “Urinetown - The Musical” originated when the composer visited Paris and was surprised at the number of pay-for bathrooms. “The composer imagines ‘Urinetown,’ a town where people are forced to use public pay toilets. Corrupt lawmakers and greedy corporations take advantage of regular people who simply want to use the bathroom,” Patel said.

“The satire makes fun of politicians, government, musical theater . . . even its own title,” she said. The main character Bobby Strong falls in love with Hope Cladwell. Bobby is unaware her father is president of Urine Good Company, the water util-

ity. “Already you can tell it’s a little ridiculous.”

In the show’s music, “Run, Freedom, Run” is an upbeat anthem with gospel vibes as Bobby rallies people in freedom fighting. “A Privilege to Pee” allows Penny Pennywise to defend her public amenity, frequented by poor people in town.

“It’s funny when people scrunch up their noses when they hear the show’s title, but . . . it has to have a ridiculous title,” Patel said. “There’s really nothing inappropriate about it -- no foul language, no inappropriate subject matter, except ‘potty’ talk.”

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, military and senior citizens.

For more information, visit Facebook/James Clemens Theatre and Instagram.

Triana, Madison and Huntsville are planning fun Easter egg hunts starting this weekend

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – After a cold, wet winter, both Madison and Triana will host Easter egg hunts to herald the holiday and the long-awaited dawning of Spring.

Triana Public Library is working in partnership with the Town of Triana Parks and Recreation Department to host a Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 1. Children will start their searches at noon; the event will extend to 2 p.m.

The egg hunt will start on the library’s patio. Coordinators will divide age groups into different hunting locations. As an added bonus, a Senior Brunch will treat older citizens in the Town Hall community room starting at 12:30 p.m. Triana Public Library’s address is 357 Record St., just south of Triana Municipal Building. Mayor Mary Caudle welcomes residents to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun for the entire family.

Madison

A springtime tradition in Madison, the Easter “Egg”-stravaganza is scheduled for April 8 at Dublin Park, 8324 Old Madison Pike. Sponsors for the event are City of Madison Parks and Recreation De-

partment and Rocket City Martial Arts.

The egg hunt for onethrough five-year-olds will start at 9 a.m. The hunt for six- to 10-year-olds will begin at 10:30 a.m.

On Dublin soccer fields, youngsters can enjoy face painting and playing on inflatable amusements. Organizers said that the children might even catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny hanging around the park. Children will have a chance to win prizes.

During the hunts, the Easter Bunny will be available for photographs with the youngsters.

To attend the Egg-stravaganza, free shuttle service will run from Bob Jones High School to Dublin Park. Only motorists with handicap parking permits can park at Dublin Park.

For more information, please call 256-772-9300.

Also on April 8, the Special Needs Easter Egg-stravaganza will open at 1:30 p.m. for check-in and registration in Dublin’s main building. Sponsors for the event are The City of Madison, Madison City Disability Advocacy Board or MCDAB, Autism Support of Alabama, Making Connections and AMBUCS.

An egg hunt at 2 p.m. is dedicated for infants through three-year-olds.

Other hunts will be held for 10- through 15-yearolds and another for ages 15 and older.

From 2:30 to 4 p.m., indoor activities inside Dublin’s main building will be sensory-friendly with games and crafts. The Easter Bunny will attend for photographs. The children can enjoy snacks and refreshments.

This event is intended for individuals with special needs of all ages, along with their immediate families. Families must RSVP to participate in the event by April 1 by sending email to mc@autism-alabama. org. Include the child’s name and age.

For more information, call 256-772-9300, or visit www.madisonal.gov/spe-

See EASTER EGG HUNTS Page 8B

The concert program will feature performances drawn from America’s vast musical heritage of folk songs, marches, symphonies, immigrant influences, popular tunes, and more. The band will present timeless music created by Aaron Copland, Percy Grainger, Charles Ives, Joseph Wilcox Jenkins, Clare Grundman, and Frank Ticheli.

“Even though we’ll be indoors, we want the au-

dience to experience an April day on the town green, filled with people and the sound of music on the breeze,” said band announcer Bryan Cobb. “We also want to give them a taste of the rich and varied legacy of American music.”

The Madison Community Band formed in 1993 with 15 members. “The initial group played for a local dinner theater and wanted to stay together,” said music director and conductor Dave Ryan. A Madison resident, Ryan has served the band in those roles for its entire existence. The band has been a labor of love for him and an outlet for his passion for music.

To learn more about the Madison Community Band and its upcoming events, you can visit them on the Web at www.m-c-b. org or on Facebook.

The band will celebrate its 30th anniversary with multiple performances, starting with Tuesday’s concert at Grace United Methodist Church.

The Easter Bunny at Dublin Park for the city’s annual Easter Egg hunt during a previous year.

James Clemens Theatre will present the hilarious satire, “Urinetown - The Musical” April 6-15. Photo by Everlong Photography

then one was where the shooter was. They were pinned down.”

Wylie, 23, from New Market, said when the masked gunman entered the center, everyone started screaming.

“I was unable to scream because of my jaw but I was trying to motion for help as best I could,” she said. “It was a little frightening to hear the blanks go off and … being lifted into the ambulance. It was also a little frightening seeing all my friends help me.”

Wylie’s neck and T-shirt were covered with fake blood as she was transported by ambulance across campus to the Health Sciences Building, which served as a hospital in the simulation. It was determined that she would be sent to an operating room for surgery.

“I think unfortunately with the climate of the nation right now it’s important for us to know how to handle something like this, especially as paramedics and nurses,” Wylie said. “It kind of put it into a more tangible understanding. I learned all of it textbook-wise, but it’s good to be able to see step-by-step, in-person.”

This was Wylie’s first mass casualty simulation. She is in her final semester at Calhoun’s Decatur campus as a nursing student.

Branon said the goal of the simulation was to give students practice in handling a traumatic event.

“Do we expect everything to go perfect, no,” he said. “But what we do expect is we expect to see our students learn from the event.”

There were over 200 students participating in the simulation, Branon said, many of them studying emergency medical services.

“EMT and paramedic students, they managed the scene, and then in (the Health Sciences Building) it was our nursing students, our medical lab students,” he said. “Even our dental and physical therapy students got involved because several of them were patients. It was the entire health sciences team.”

Branon said there were at least 10 ambulances, among other emergency vehicles and personnel, at the event.

“We have fire departments, Madison Fire Department, Decatur Fire Department. We have law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Bethany Ring, 35, from Madison, is in her final nursing semester at the Huntsville campus and was considered a fatality during the drill.

“We saw the shooter come in; we

were in the second room. He went into the right side of the computer lab, shot those students, came through the doors, shot in our room,” she said. “We were in a computer lab doing an exam and didn’t have time to respond before we got shot.”

Ring was shot in the back of the head while sitting at a computer and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It was very chaotic, very loud, people were screaming, so I feel like there was a sense of terror that went along with the whole thing,” she said.

This was Ring’s first mass-casualty drill. She said she felt the event was important.

“The tragic reality of our society is that mass-casualty events happen and for people in our field, the medical field, law enforcement, this is going to be a part of our life,” Ring said. “For the medical professionals, you need to know how you’re going to react in that scenario, how to help as many people as possible.”

Audrey Black, Lakin Persell and Kaitlyn Clark, who are all in their final semester, were emergency room charge nurses during their first simulation and directed the ER.

Persell, 21, said that during the event, “I felt adrenaline even though this was a simulation. I’m going to Huntsville’s ER once I graduate and it just felt like good preparation for what could inevitably happen in the future. It was a good time to train.”

Clark, 25, from Decatur, said her initial reaction to hearing about the mass casualty was to be scared, but that did not last.

“Adrenaline kicked in, your fight or flight. … It was definitely scary and definitely true because it could happen any day,” she said. “It is so important to be prepared for things like these.”

Persell said the simulation was important for this area given its tourist attractions and tornadoes.

“Mass casualties can happen all the time at anytime so it’s good to be prepared, no matter what field you’re going into,” he said.

Branon said the drills are a success regardless of how well the students react.

“All you have to do is identify what went wrong and then when it happens in real life we know what to fix,” he said. “Did it go perfect, no, but what disaster does go perfect? That’s why it has the name ‘disaster.’”

VON BRAUN CENTER PROPST ARENA

Travel Continued from page 3A

tions manager, said this year’s numbers are expected to match 2022 numbers.

“We can project this year pretty much on last year and last year we had just over 1.2 million,” she said. “At this point it’s hard to know what the future is going to bring, but I would say, without change, I would expect us to be at least at 1.2 million like we were last year.”

Swanstrom said the airport had a record number of passengers in 2019, and 2020 was on track to be just as strong until the pandemic hit. She said the increase of passengers from 2020 to 2021 can be attributed to several things.

“I think you can attribute that to the airlines coming back, as they began to put back on staff and routes,” Swanstrom said. “I think the development of the vaccine and the availability contributed to customer confidence to fly safely. And also, people were just getting a little bit of cabin fever and they wanted to travel again.”

Swanstrom said they

have seen an increase in all types of travel since the pandemic began to fade.

“Traditionally we’ve been heavily focused on business travel but we’re seeing so much more leisure travel now,” she said.

Ultimately, the responsibility to increase passenger numbers is up to the five airlines flying in and out of Huntsville, Swanstrom said, but the airport does have a hand in it by meeting with the airlines.

“Something our business development department is always working on is upgrading of equipment so bigger planes, more capacity,” she said. “It’s just as important as new routes and new places to go.”

Not only were people flying less during COVID, but Gas Buddy Spokesman Patrick De Haan said they were driving less as well.

“COVID caused (gas) demand to plummet, which is why gas prices dropped so significantly in spring 2020,” he said.

AAA Spokesman Clay Ingram said travel is now returning to normal both

Space Command

with flying and driving.

“2020, 2021 were pretty bad years for travel but 2022 was a different story,” he said. “Our numbers are pretty much back to pre-COVID numbers. The number of people flying is up significantly over the last two or three years … and the number of travelers as a whole are pretty much back.”

Ingram said this year there may be record numbers for those traveling by automobile.

“Last year we were close to the 2019 levels but higher than 2018 levels,” he said. “I think this year we’ll be on track to do as well or better than 2019 which was our biggest travel year.”

Ingram said they are expecting this year to be a great travel year.

“It feels like we never had a break,” he said. “If you’re out there traveling, it’s long lines in the airports for security and check-ins and it just feels like we never had a pandemic from a travel standpoint.”

Continued from page 3A cized. The decision should be what is in the best for national security of the United State of America. I am hopeful that the Secretary of the Air Force will announce a final basing decision soon.”

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said recently he will decide “fairly soon” where to put the headquarters. The service is conducting further analysis because “we want to make very sure that we got this right,” Kendall told reporters earlier this month at an Air Force Association conference in Colorado.

The decision to move the headquarters from its provisional home in Colorado has been met with a years-long, highly political debate. In a letter sent to President Joe Biden on March 1, 94 politicians, business leaders and military personnel from the western state argued that the command should stay in Colorado Springs.

In the last days of the Trump administration, the Air Force said on Jan. 13, 2021 it selected Army’s

Redstone Arsenal as its preferred location for the permanent headquarters. The announcement caused Colorado leaders to decry the move as highly political. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville recently stated during a speech on the Senate floor that the facts surrounding the case for Huntsville being the best choice still remain — regardless of politics.

“It’s unfortunate that members from states that weren’t even really [in the] running for SPACECOM headquarters are trying to tie completely unrelated political issues to a fact-based decision,” Tuberville said. “The decision to put SPACECOM in Huntsville was based on facts — and facts alone — and evidence of what’s best for the military and for the country and national defense. That decision was then reconfirmed by multiple independent studies. The DoD Inspector General and the GAO confirmed that Huntsville was the number one location for SPACECOM

— based on things like workforce, existing infrastructure, education, and the cost of living.”

“Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville is far and away the best place for SPACECOM. This is not my opinion, it’s fact. It’s fact from several studies. Attempts to change that with progressive talking points are shameful and purely political. It’s really a shame.”

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt echoed Tuberville’s comments, adding that the decision should ultimately be left to the U.S. Air Force and should not be “politicized” by the Biden administration.

“Selecting a fifth-place finisher would obviously prioritize partisan political considerations at the expense of our national security, military modernization and force readiness,” Britt said. “Alabama’s world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future.”

Students tend to wounded fellow students during a simulated mass casualty drill.

A wounded student is taken to an ambulance during the drill.

Personnel from different agencies stand by during a simulated mass casualty drill.

Student Ashlie King cries for help for her friend Jessa Wylie during a simulated mass casualty drill.

Two EMT students help Caroline Reed during the drill Thursday.

Drew Bell of Madison robustly gave all of Madison something to be proud of as he earned All-American status four times and twice earned the title of National Champion in Louisville, KY recently.

Page 3B

Sports column

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON COUNTY - Madison County could soon be home to a PGA-approved golf resort according to reliable sources divulging details to this reporter.

According to my unnamed sources, a 1,200-1,400-acre, $100-million PGA-sanctioned project is proposed to be built along what is now Bob Wade Lane and soon to be Northern Bypass. The proposed resort will feature two 36-hole layouts, high-dollar hotels, and restaurants along with housing adjacent to the golf course. The land

has yet to be purchased, but according to landowners, they have been approached by developers from Florida seeking the land, utilizing a local commercial real estate and sales company based in Madison County, and divulging some details about the development.

Huntsville is currently home to the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour’s Hometown Lenders Championship held annually at The Ledges, the private golf course in southeast Huntsville.

I have reached out to several authorities to try and confirm the talk among landowners and golf professionals, but I have yet

UAH takes series finale 7-1 over West Georgia

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The No.

7 University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team won Sunday’s rubber match by a score of 7-1 over West Georgia in the final game of a threegame Gulf South Conference series at Charger Park. UAH improves to 25-5 (12-2 GSC), while UWG slides to 7-25 (3-12 GSC).

On Saturday, Huntsville split a doubleheader against West Georgia with a 11-10 loss in game one followed by an 9-1 win in five innings in game two.

to hear officially from Madison County. The PGA responded by indicating any updated news is located on its website, but did not confirm nor deny the project. The City of Huntsville responded via e-mail and stated, “The planning department was contacted, and they said there are lots of rumors flying about this property that are untrue, and the golf course is one of those rumors.” Other unnamed sources have indicated the project is still up in the air, but is close to being finalized. Two of those sources indicated the project could be a PGA-TPC Resort.

During Sunday’s series final, Kinley Adams led the Chargers offense in the victory on Sunday, as she went 3-for-4 with one run and a team-high two RBI against the Wolves. Adams now leads UAH with a .463 batting average on the season, which ranks sixth in the GSC.

Gracie Green also had a multi-hit performance with a 2-for-3 day at the plate that also included one RBI.

Josie Thompson was strong in the circle for the Chargers in her start, turning in 4.2 innings with one run allowed and one strikeout. She improves to 3-1 this season.

Katie Bracken hurled 2.1 inning of scoreless relief out of the bullpen, while racking up three strikeouts in the contest. Bracken’s ERA slides to 1.18 with her performance, as she went for 7.1 innings during the weekend series with one run allowed and seven strikeouts.

The Chargers hit the road to the Magnolia State to continue GSC play Saturday and Sunday at Delta State.

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The life of a travel hockey player from Alabama is full of road trips, hotel rooms and weekend practices.

The 14U AA Alabama Thunder Hockey team is coached by Jared Ross, a UAH player who played for the Philadelphia Flyers and views this program as a pathway from him to give back to a southern hockey town that has been good to him.

“It was something I always

wanted to do,” Ross said.

“Huntsville is obviously wellknown for hockey. It’s been around for a long time. I knew once I got done that this was something that I was going to be doing. With my kids, I have two boys, they both play obviously helped me make a decision to get back involved and start helping the community out.”

The Thunder are the top 14U team in the state of Alabama and they have a trip to Denver, Colo. on the schedule for Wednesday, March 29 for the

Tier II USA Hockey National Championships.

“We are excited representing Alabama and going to a national-level tournament,” Ross said.

“It is obviously an honor to represent the state and do that. Being the best 14U Double A team in the state is obviously something that we are excited about.”

In Denver, the Thunder will play three games in a preliminary round followed by a qualifying round that is single-elim-

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The Northeast Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) will host the 2023 Team Celebration and Fundraising Dinner on Tuesday, April 4, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the South Hall of Von Braun Center.

The evening of Christian fellowship, along with a delicious sit-down meal, will feature its keynote speaker Jonathan Evans the current chaplain of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. The 41-year old Evans played football at Baylor University

Drew Bell

Sources indicated North Huntsville and Madison County will possibly soon be the home of a new PGA Golf Resort with a 36hole layout.

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON --- The scoreboard gleamed brightly and the grass of Toyota Field was immaculate as James Clemens baseball took down Creek Wood (TN) 7-3 on Thursday, March 23.

The Jets have made themselves comfortable in recent years at the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

“We enjoy coming here,” James Clemens head coach Johnny Johnson said.

“The Trash Pandas do a very good job of being hospitable and letting us have this tournament and have since that year that we were coming out of COVID. They’ve been great to work with and just keep a wonderful field. And for our guys, what a wonderful venue to come play in.”

The stage for this matchup was special and the game did not disappoint either.

The Jets were led offensively by third baseman Nate Guyse who ended up with a home run and two sacrifice flys that gave him a total of three RBIs in the victory.

James Clemens grabbed the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Colten Payton’s sacrifice fly scored the speedy Francisco Ramirez who had singled the at bat before.

Not to be outdone, up stepped Guyse right after Payton and all the third baseman did was unload on a pitch with an echoing crack.

The ball was launched deep to left field where it hit the top of the fence on the yellow stripe.

“If I’m going to be honest here, I think it did hit the yellow,” Guyse said.

“That’s why I stopped at second. I was about to hit my double celly.”

As Guyse was planning his celebration and making sure he didn’t trip over his own feet, the umpires called the ball a home run so that was that.

“Oh it was a once in a lifetime thing,” Guyse said.

“I’ve always dreamed of hitting a bomb here. Really it was surreal to be real.”

The home run made James Clemens’ advantage 2-0 after an inning.

Creek Wood got back into the game in the top of the third inning thanks to Wyatt Lovell’s 2-run double that knotted the score at 2-2.

One of the bigger moments of the contest came in the bottom of the third when Luke Davenport gave the Jets the lead once more with his RBI triple that made it 3-2 Jets.

“I was hunting a fastball in that at bat,” Davenport said.

“Something up in the zone and that’s what he gave me. The at bat before, my timing was kind of off so I was really trying to get my foot down and work through the ball.”

On the mound, James Clemens

turned to the lefty Satchel Wheeler who tossed six innings with six strikeouts and two walks while allowing two runs and five hits.

“So I struggled a little bit in the first few innings,” Wheeler said.

“I walked too many people, gave up a few hits but I found a way. I started throwing a lot of strikes. My offspeed started commanding a lot better and that’s really what we are looking for.”

The run support was ever-present for Wheeler who had settled into the game in the later innings.

The Jets hung two runs on the Red Hawks in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings to lead 7-2 going

Trash Pandas to kickoff third season at home next week

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The third installment of the Rocket City Trash Pandas is set to get underway next week under an official full moon. Opening Night for the 2023 season of Minor League Baseball in North Alabama is scheduled for Thursday, April 6 with the first pitch thrown at 6:35 p.m. inside Toyota Field.

“We have three consecutive nights of fireworks planned to open the season,” said Garrett Fahrmann, general manger of the Trash Pandas. “We had the best home record in all Minor League Baseball last season with the combination of great energy and lots of great fans at every game. We’re really excited about picking up where we left off with this team from a season ago.”

The 2022 version of the Trash

Pandas had a spectacular year after winning the first and second half standings battle in the division and took the overall Southern League regular season title as well with an 81-57 record including 49-20 at Toyota Field. The Trash Pandas lost two games to one in the first round of the post-season playoffs to the Tennessee Smokies. Due to the season ending on a low note, it’s only natural the team has a sour taste heading into the 2023 campaign.

Of those returning with memories of last year’s ending no one feels the pain more than second-year manager and 2022 Southern League Manager of the Year Andy Schatzley, who said, “We’re instilling in the players at spring training the commitment to what we’re trying to do is build a brand.

A hard-nose brand of baseball with a group of people con-

cerned with the greater good, meaning the fundamentals of the game. Their production and

talents will take care of what we see after that.” The Double-A affiliate of the

Booth heats it up on the mound as Patriots thrash Winfield City 11-0, downs Cullman, Buckhorn

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Patriots made it look easy in the second game of a Saturday double-header with an 11-0 five-inning beating of Winfield City on Saturday, March 25 at home.

Bob Jones left fielder Aidan Doyle punished the Pirates in two at bats with two hits and four RBIs.

Braden Booth was a force on the mound and at the plate for the Patriots as the right-hander closed out his weekend with five scoreless innings of one-hit ball that included seven strikeouts and just one walk.

“Braden Booth is really heating up,” Bob Jones head coach Jared Smith said.

“He started a little slow this year on the mound and wasn’t pitching like he was capable and he has really figured it out the last two or three times and really you just kind of sit over here and let him go to work.”

At the plate, Booth did his part there as well with a walk, two hits and a RBI for the red-hot Patriots who have won nine straight games and 15 out of their last 16.

The three Bob Jones runs in the bottom of the first inning were sparked by first baseman Reece Cato, who knocked in a pair with his oneout single.

“I got to two strikes and just saw a pitch away,” Cato said.

“And I saw that there was a big

Tickets still on sale for 2023 Athletic HOF banquet

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame will be honoring its Class of 2023 at the annual banquet, presented by TOC, on Monday, April 10 at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall.

Tickets for the banquet are currently on sale on the Hall of Fame website, www.hmcahof.com. Tickets are $44 and must be purchased through the website. No tickets will be sold at the door.

hole in the middle of the field. So I was not trying to do too much, just get a hard ground ball up the middle and it scored two.”

Doyle accounted for the third run of the first inning with an RBI single that plated Cato.

Just like that, Bob Jones was off and running. Booth followed up the offensive momentum the Patriots had built by striking out the side in the top of the second inning.

“I was just trying to get up there and throw strikes,” Booth said.

“My team gave me a lead, so I was just trying to get a quick inning and

get us back hitting so we could score more runs.”

No. 17’s plan worked because Bob Jones was just getting started with the bats as the game moved into the bottom of the second.

The Patriots went off in the second inning with five more runs to make the score 8-0 Bob Jones.

The moment that really stood out was when the bases were loaded with two outs and Doyle launched a ball deep to left center.

“Not gonna lie, I thought it was out,” Doyle said with a big grin.

“I kind of pimped it a little bit but,

See BOB JONES Page 4B

provided

Havoc took on Mayhem as the regular season play winds down

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The Huntsville Havoc (32-18-1) fell 5-4 to the Macon Mayhem (12-36-3) on Sunday, March 26 at home in a game full of goals and late drama.

It took a late power play goal by left winger Rhett Kingston to break a 4-4 deadlock at the 17:28 mark in the third period to propel the Mayhem over Huntsville.

The game was tied with time running out in the final period when Havoc defenseman Dominick Procopio took a costly cross-checking penalty that put Huntsville on the penalty kill at 16:14.

The puck found Kingston in the middle of the offensive zone and his wrist shot through traffic rotated past The Havoc net minder Sammy Bernard into the back of the net for the game-winning fifth goal.

As it stands, the Hav-

oc are third in the SPHL standings with 66 points and only trail the Peoria Rivermen (74) and the Birmingham Bulls (71).

The Mayhem took an early 1-0 lead in the game when Jamie Dorsey scored from the right side at 11:24 in the first period.

The Havoc answered with a goal of their own at 13:58 when Kyle Clarke’s backhander beat Macon goaltender Ben Churchfield to make the score 1-1.

Before the first intermission, Mayhem forward Caleb Cameron gave his team the 2-1 lead with a goal at 17:17.

The score stayed at 2-1 Mayhem for a while as neither side scored in the second period.

Things started to get a little crazy in the third period as the goals started to come in bunches.

At 3:54 CJ Hayes added to the Macon advantage with a goal that made the score 3-1 Mayhem.

It was suddenly just

See HAVOC Page 5B

6:35 p.m. Photo by Bob Labbe

Nearly 5,000 Havoc fans packed the VBC on Sunday to watch Huntsville take on the Macon Mayhem..

Bob Jones batters did their part on the plate as they dismantled Winfield City on Saturday.

Sparkman coach named Coach of the Year in Class 7A girls basketball

Three Sparkman players honored by being named to the 2023 All-State Basketball Team

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Three members of the Sparkman High basketball program have been recognized among the 2023 ASWA All-State Basketball Team. In boys, Will Hawkins (G, 6-4, Sr.) was chosen on the Class 7A Third Team All-State, while in girls, Kennedy Langham (G, 5-9, Sr.) was selected as First Team All-State and

Jets

Continued from page 2B

into the top of the seventh.

Creek Wood was able to score one run in the seventh against Hunter Harris, who had entered the game in relief for Wheeler, but it would not be enough as the Jets held on for the win.

Friday, March 24: James Clemens 5, Oakland (TN) 0

The Jets returned to Toyota Field on Friday night where they proved to be too much for Oakland, blanking the Patriots 5-0 with Luke Davenport on the mound.

Sparkman girls’ head coach Jarvis Wilson was chosen as Class 7A Coach of the Year.

“My family is excited for me as they saw all the hard work I put into this team and get them to buy into our program and the direction I wanted them to go,” said Jarvis, who just completed his second season as head coach of the Lady Senators. “My award is a credit to our athletes.”

With just two starters returning from a season ago, and with five freshmen on the team roster, expectations were certainly low because of those facts. Midway through the recent season Wilson made changes within his players in consideration of playing time on the court and soon the squad began as a team that could play well and face any opponents with exceptional talent. The players began to buy into Wilson’s

a lot of energy coming out there today.”

The Jets ace pounded the zone and left the Patriots shaking their heads in frustration under the lights of the Trash Pandas stadium.

“I felt like I haven’t really had to bring out my curveball much this year,” Davenport said.

“It’s mostly been fastball, slider and two-seam. But tonight, I got to bring it out some and it was really effective today. I threw really well.”

coaching style and by the post-season the team finally found its identity.

“Overall, the players worked hard and soon performed up to their potential, and by area play, they were ready,” added Wilson, who’s squad finished state runner-up (26-10) falling to Hoover 55-44 in the State Championship game.

The 45-year old coach has now been named Coach of the Year in three classifications. He earlier was presented the prestigious award in Classes 5 and 6. He received the award in 2016, 2019 and 2021 at Carver High where he won a 5A State Championship.

The Bob Jones Lady Patriots were also represented on the ASWA All-State listing as Jakyah Smith (G, 5-10, Fr.), a super freshman, was named to the Second-Team among the All-State players.

When the dust had settled, the Jets had a 3-0 lead for Davenport after one inning.

It was more of the same in the bottom of the second inning when shortstop Andrew Lawrence’s RBI single plated Aiden Cook who had led off the inning with a bunt single and a stolen base.

The second inning also showcased the relentlessness of Hayden Markfort who reached base on a throwing error by the Oakland shortstop.

it always feels good to put a ball off of the wall and get three RBIs with it.”

Doyle’s swing sent the ball off of the barrier and a Winfield outfielder crashing into the fence with a sickening crunch that sounded like a goose flying into a garage door.

“We had an incident the other week where some dude like smacked into the wall and got blood everywhere,” Doyle said.

“I thought it was going to be a part two of that. I’m glad he’s ok.”

By the bottom of the third inning, Bob Jones had turned the base path into a conga line with three more runs that made the advantage 11-0.

The starting hitters were removed for bench players who sent the Patriot dugout into a frenzy of whoops and cheers.

When Bryan Roop came in to bat for Cato, his teammates lovingly jeered him as he searched for something to drive.

Roop popped the ball up to first for what appeared to be an out and began to run toward first base.

But the ball drifted and the Winfield first baseman dropped the chance causing the Patriots dugout to explode with glee for Roop who reached on the error.

With the game seemingly well in hand, the only question left appeared to be if Booth was going to throw a no-hitter.

The Pirates had other thoughts as Hayden Ballard dashed the no-no in the top of the fourth with a leadoff single.

What happened next might have been some of the best play from the Bob

Golf Continued

Jones team as it completed three consecutive defensive gems to keep Winfield stifled.

First, a dribbler toward the mound was initially dropped by the pitcher Booth but he recovered with a swift under-hand flip to first base to record the out.

The second was a ground ball to the Bob Jones shortstop that was gloved and then nearly lost before being thrown at the last second to narrowly get the runner out at first.

The final out of the top of the fourth inning showcased Booth at his best as the pitcher pounced on a ball that was near home plate.

The Patriot hurler turned around and threw a laser to first base to send the batter back to the dugout with nothing but more disappointment. Due to lopsided score, the game was run-ruled after five innings.

Friday, March 24: Bob Jones 11, Cullman 4 Reece Cato led the charge for the Patriots with his 3-hit four RBI performance against Cullman on Friday.

Game One Saturday, March 25: Bob Jones 7, Buckhorn 5 Bob Jones was tied 2-2 after seven innings with Buckhorn in the first game of a Saturday double-header. The Bucks collected three runs in the top of the eighth inning to grab a 5-2 lead. The Patriots stormed back in the bottom of the eighth to score five runs that included a walkoff 3-run home run by Sam Mitchell.

from page 1B

According to sources, the golf course will take up to 400 acres of the proposed project.

nities, as well as, a commitment to environmental excellence. Virtually all tournaments on the PGA Tour are connected to local charities with more than $ 3 billion having been generated all time.

Davenport was his usual self out there for James Clemens throwing five scoreless innings with one hit and one walk while racking up nine strikeouts.

“I felt really good coming out of the bullpen today,” Davenport said.

“I hadn’t thrown much this week. It was a pretty light week so I had

Trash Pandas

The offense for James Clemens picked up where it left off on Thursday with two big innings to open the game.

An RBI single by catcher Colten Payton in the bottom of the first drove in second basemen Francisco Ramirez and then Payton was knocked in by Nate Guyse an at bat later.

Continued from page 3B

ball with enormous talents with several of the Trash Pandas players already making it to the Big Show with several more expected to make the jump to Major League Baseball. The 2023 roster for the Trash Pandas is expected to be filled with outstanding talent to be showcased at Toyota Field.

As the team will soon make its way to North Alabama, fans have an exclusive opportunity to meet the 2023 version of the Trash Pandas with the Meet the Team Dinner scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will feature a buffet-style dinner with members of the Trash Pandas roster and coaches mingling with attending fans for a night to remember. Fans can also enter raffles for a chance to win au-

Hockey

As the James Clemens right fielder neared first base, he was elbowed in the face by the Patriots first basemen who dropped the ball.

Not to be deterred, Markfort picked himself up off of the dirt, promptly stole second base, moved to third on a balk and eventually came in to score a fifth run for the Jets that would be all they needed.

The PGA-TPC is part of the PGA Tour and compasses only 30 elite TPC courses in the United States and one in Mexico out of the more than 30,000 golf courses in America. Only 30 match the standards of the TPC with the closest TPC courses to Huntsville located in Memphis (Southwind) and Atlanta (Sugarloaf).

tographed and game-used memorabilia.

Tickets are available for $75 each. Tables of seven are available for $400 with all proceeds going to the Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation. Limited number of tickets are available for the exclusive event, so check the Trash Pandas website for details.

The calendar for all kinds of fun events with the Trash Pandas also includes Easter Breakfast on Saturday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the SportsMED Stadium Club. The event features a breakfast buffet, photo opportunities and even an Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children.

As a new sun has arisen and the green grass has grown the newest

Continued from page 1B

For a program that has played over 50 games and traveled to places like Chicago, Phoenix and Columbia S.C. along with stops at Nashville and Atlanta, this journey to Colorado is something that the players are looking forward to.

“For these kids, there is a lot of hype for them and a lot of energy behind going up there and competing against teams that they have never seen before,” Ross said.

“We are playing a couple of teams from Montana and different areas were they haven’t seen a lot of hockey as well so it’s going to be fun to play against those types of teams that are really high level.”

Life on the road for the Thunder is also full of opportunities to bond as well with team meals and activities like Top Golf. This age group is also where some players have already hit a growth spurt while others might still be on the small side.

“They all compete real hard all of the time,” Ross said.

“They are bring different aspects to our team play that contributes to our success.”

It is Saturday, March 25 and the Thunder are taking part in a practice before the trip next week.

Pucks are smacking here and there off of the boards as Ross has the team going through their paces.

season of the Trash Pandas will include some new food and drink options at Toyota Field. Many southern staples return, but new items include the Corked Bat, a wine bar on the third base concourse with a selection of seasonal wines.

One of the highlights of the new editions for 2023 will be the “All You Can Eat Wednesdays.” All tickets are specially priced with a $9 increase to include a selection of food and drinks at an “all you can eat” status.

“We have lots of fun planned this season here with the Trash Pandas with upcoming bobble heads, 27 fireworks nights, AYCE Wednesdays, the always popular kids run the bases and new Halo Blue jerseys, just to name a few,” added Fahrmann.

The coach barks out orders in between shrill whistles for different drills. Ross takes time to draw up plays on the whiteboard for the team to work on.

The Thunder coach glides around the ice chomping on some gum with a relaxed gaze of someone firmly in control of the situation.

For this team that was built from Huntsville and Birmingham-area kids, the stage will be massive up in the Rockies, but they have coaches who believe in them and parents who support them through it all.

All that remains for the Thunder is to go up there and show everyone what north Alabama hockey is all about.

Sources have verified talk of such a development, which would mean millions to the local economy and the possibility of the resort hosting a tournament on the PGA Tour with the biggest names in professional golf arriving here for play.

Owned, operated, and licensed by the PGA Tour, the TPC Network’s courses are designed by some of golf’s most elite architects. The TPC courses are known for their outstanding conditioning and ame-

The parcels of land said to be involved are located in both the city limits of Huntsville and the jurisdiction of Madison County and are located on both the north and south sides of Bob Wade Lane just west of Memorial Parkway. The City of Huntsville would like the proposed developed to be within the city limits and has been in conversations about the possibility of the land being annexed into Huntsville. There has been some talk the City of Huntsville is looking to possibly open a new Municipal Golf Course after closing its longtime course location off Airport Road and Memorial Parkway. The Madison Record will stay the course of any development. ination.

Havoc

Continued from page 3B

3-2 Mayhem when Austin Martinsen cut into the Macon lead with a goal for Huntsville at 5:42.

The Mayhem scored again at 6:11 when Tommy Munichiello found the back of the net that made the score 4-2. Things got really interesting when the Havoc bagged two goals to tie the game at 4-4 thanks to Sy Nutkevitch at 6:57 and

then Gavin Holland at 10:36.

In the end, it was Kingston who was the hero for the Mayhem in this game with his goal that pushed his team over the edge and sent the Havoc fans home full of disappointment. Huntsville is back in action on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. as the Havoc play host to the Pensacola Ice Flyers.

graduating in 2005 and was part of the NFL as a member of the off-season or practice squads as a fullback for six teams including the Cow-

boys, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins and Houston Texans. Evans is the son of noted Christian author, speaker and pastor Dr. Tony Evans. The younger Evans is

a graduate of the Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian Leadership. For more information aboyt the North Alabama FCA, visit www. northalabamafca.org.

Sparkman second-year head coach of the Lady Senators basketball team Jarvis Wilson has been named Coach of the Year in Class 7A girl’s basketball by the Alabama Sportswriters Association.

James Clemens alum contends for TV foundation award

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Colin Beyersdorf of Madison has been nominated for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation’s 42nd College Television Awards.

Bob Jones High School HOSA gain 21 berths to international conference

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – From Bob Jones High School, 42 students in HOSA Future Health Professionals travelled to the State Leadership Conference in Montgomery on March 1-3. Twenty-one of those teenagers placed and qualified with outstanding presentations for the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas in June.

Approximately 100 schools participated in the conference with 1,800

students and teacher advisors.

“We were so impressed with the level of commitment our students demonstrated in their preparation,”

HOSA Advisor Kara Koler said. A registered nurse, Koler teaches in Bob Jones Medical Academy and Project Lead the Way. (In rebranding, the HOSA organization kept its acronym but now uses the name, “Future Health Professionals.”)

These students earned first to third place to win medals and qualified them for the international conference:

• Behavioral Health -- Thais Anslanbekov, first; Morgan Dunham, top six.

• Biomedical Debate – Areej Gouda, Maribel Marrero and Dhara Pate, second.

• Clinical Lab Science -- Alina Vu, first; Samantha Smith, third; and Jackie Sullivan, top six.

• Cultural Diversity -- Lucy Phillips, second.

• Dental Science -- Pranav Ramesh, first.

• Epidemiology -- Pranav Sath-

Beyersdorf is an alumnus of James Clemens High School. Currently, he works as Director of Sports Production for Auburn University’s Eagle Eye TV.

The foundation’s annual College Television Awards recognize and reward excellence in student-produced programs from colleges across the country. At a red-carpet awards ceremony, television celebrities will announce winners in the competition on April 1 at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, Calif.

Beyersdorf has been nominated, along with two of his classmates from Auburn University, in the Sports category for “Sports Night in Auburn.” Beyersdorf served as a writer on the project, which Television Academy members selected from more than 132 submissions from colleges and universities nationwide.

“Sports Night in Auburn,” a weekly sports program, is broadcast on the university’s student-run television station, Eagle Eye TV. The nominated episode features Auburn’s basketball win over the Ole Miss Rebels; gymnast Suni Lee’s perfect 10 on the beam; and updates for Auburn teams in golf, softball and tennis.

“Coming from a small

Registration continues for sixth annual Mustang Mud Run

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - It’s dirty. It’s challenging. It’s for everyone. The sixth annual Mustang Mud Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 where participants age 12 and older will face 23-plus obstacles within a 5K (3.1 miles) distance on the campus of Madison Academy located on Slaughter Road. The obstacle course is situated on the campus of the private school and along and through Indian Creek and the adjacent wooded areas.

Some of the obstacles each participant will face include Tarzan Twist, Jump The Fence, Big Dipper, Road Kill, Log Run, Muddy Whopper, Tangler and Swamp Sludge, just to name a few awaiting the onslaught of challengers. Organizers stress the fact the race is held rain or shine and offer tips

for those who look to the fun-filled event: you must cross a creek, but do not have to be able to swim, medical staff on site, not a timed event and bring a Q-tip…the mud gets everywhere.

Groups and teams are a big part of the event and are welcome and group discounts are offered.

The object of the Mustang Mud Run is to have fun, not to finish first. Proceeds from the event help to bring upgrades to the classrooms and overall facilities at Madison Academy to help enhance the Christian based learning environment. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the First Stop homeless ministry.

The family-friendly Mud Run includes the “Lil’ Muddy 1K” for kids ages six and up. Participants in the adult Mud Run and who have youngsters taking part in the 1K event are encouraged to

run alongside their children in the 1K. The race will have a lead staff runner to show the participating kids where to go in their fun-filled jaunt in the mud. Safety personnel are stationed throughout the courses of both events.

Fees for the races are $55 for an individual in the Mud Run and $25 in the Lil Mud event. A family of four or more receive a $5 discount for each family member. A team of eight or more are charged $50 per person. Parking at the school is $10 per vehicle.

Participants can expect to slip, slide, climb, jump, slog and swing their way through the course to the finish line. Multiple heats will be held, including one for the more elite racers. For more information about the 2023 Mustang Mud Run, and to register, go to www.mustangmudrun.com.

town in Alabama, I didn’t grow up thinking I could work in television,” Beyersdorf said. “This recognition shows me that I can have a future in this field, and winning would just cement that message to myself.”

“The Television Academy Foundation could also help me achieve my career goals by putting me in touch with people in the industry,” Beyersdorf said.

In 2021 at James Clemens, Beyersdorf was on his way to early recognition for his work with television. Fellow students and he in JetsPress film studies at James Clemens submitted videography projects that won awards with the All-American High School Film Festival, the world’s largest high-school film festival. Beyersdorf was recognized for his work, “Strings Attached,” in the category, Broadcast Journalism: Sports Feature. College Television Awards nominees for 2023 will participate in professional-development activities from March 29 through April 1, including a special screening of all nominated projects. The nominees will network with industry professionals at a breakfast and visit Hollywood studios.

Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation works to preserve the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. For more information, visit TelevisionAcademy. com/Foundation.

Colin Beyersdorf of Madison has been nominated for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation’s 42nd College Television Awards.

HOSA members from Bob Jones High School impressed judges at the State Leadership Conference in Montgomery

Magicians and Magic Tricks!

A magician, or illusionist, is someone who performs magic tricks. A magic trick is an illusion (something that appears to be real but is not) which is created by a magician in order to entertain and amaze other people. A magic trick can be very simple, like a card trick, or very complex, like a disappearing act. Magicians use many strategies to create their illusions. Special props which appear to be normal items are often used in creating illusions. Mirrors, smoke, and methods of distracting the viewer, like fancy costumes and loud music, help to keep the audience distracted from seeing how the trick is performed. It takes magicians years to learn tricks and many hours of practice to perfect their skills. Some magicians perform for a living, but most just learn for the fun of it. Some of the most famous magicians include Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, Harry Houdini, Carl Ballantine, Max Holden, and David Copperfield. One rule that all magicians have is that they never reveal their secrets! What magic tricks do you know how to do?

Connect The Dots

Magician’s Maze

Optical illusions are when things appear to be one way, but they are actually another. Magicians use these to trick us. Below is a drawing of a queen. Flip it upside down, and you may see an old man instead. See if it still appears that way to you when colored in.

Word Find Optical Illusions Find The 8 Differences

Abracadabra, Act, Ballantine, Cards, Copperfield, Disappear, Hat, Holden, Houdini, Illusion, Magicians, Mirror, Practice, Rabbit, Robert-Houdin, Smoke, Trick

Last words

On! On!

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. - Philippians 3:13

Don’t stop. Walk on. Move forward. Don’t look down or back. Press ahead. March on. Stay focused. Don’t compare.

In your day-to-day struggles to have the right thinking, the enemy tries to get you to focus on the negative or make-up scenarios, that if you act without waiting, big-time backfires will most likely occur. I am pretty certain everyone is dealing with something. There are no perfect people. Only God

is perfect.

So brother and sister, get that Bible out, dust it off. Don’t be afraid to write in it. I have heard of churches that don’t emphasize the truth being in the Bible and the way to gain victory and get stronger is to read it. Start today in the book of John in the New Testament. Pray daily and keep looking up to the cross of Christ.

PRAYER: Your love is hard for me to fathom Lord but I know you are working behind the scenes with prayers I have cried out to you. I need only be still. Help me not be impulsive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on Facebook or at godslemonadestand.blogspot. com.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

By DAWN REED

Moses is just about to die. In a few pages, he will climb Mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah and then be buried by the LORD (Deuteronomy 34). I’ve been dreading it for days.

Reading the Bible chronologically this year, the LORD has breathed new life into the old, old stories I have read so many times.

Over the last several weeks, I have sojourned with the Israelites as they made their way to the Promised Land. I was with them as they plundered the Egyptians on their way out of town. My heart raced as they ran through the Red Sea on dry ground. (You don’t walk when chariots are after you.) I listened as they complained about no food, no meat, no water and felt Moses’ anger as he struck the rock he wasn’t supposed to. (I would’ve done the same thing.) My heart ached in the Desert of Paran when the people listened to the wrong voices instead of Joshua and Caleb. The journey to the land flowing with milk and honey should have taken only 11 days,

The Tribute Quartet will be singing at Berea Baptist Church in Athens, AL on Sunday evening Apr 16 at 6PM. Admission is free. A love offering will be received. Berea Baptist is located at 16779 Lucas Ferry Rd, Athens, AL 35611. For more information, call Gary Wilson at 256-497-9763.

yet spanned 40 years.

Today, Moses is giving last instructions to the multitude he has been leading for so long. One last time, he longs to impart wisdom to the stiff-necked people who have tried the patience of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They have complained, grumbled, and balked while He met their every need. What could Moses say to leave a lasting impact?

As I read the Scriptures, I hear pleading in his voice. He knew these people well, their strengths and weaknesses. He had walked with them for four long decades.

Moses’ words in Deuteronomy are not difficult to understand. They were important for the children of Israel and for all of us today:

• Love God first-with all your heart, soul, and strength (6:5). Then teach that to your kids…when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Basically, all day and all night-even if/when they roll their eyes.

• Do not forget the LORD. “When the LORD your God brings you into the land…in houses filled with all

kinds of good things…then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD…” (6:10-12) Humans are good at forgetting the LORD after the crisis has passed.

• Do not follow other gods (6:14). There are reasons.

• Do what is right and it will go well (6:18). Simple instructions that pack a punch: Do the right thing. Period.

• In the future, when your kids ask why you follow the laws of the LORD, tell them the stories (6:20-23).

Some of Moses’ very last words were filled with encouragement for the children of Israel as they were crossing into the Promised Land-finally: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6. Good words for us in 2023!

Deuteronomy 34:7 reports, “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” At 120, still strong and didn’t need glasses!

After the death of Moses, the Israelites grieved for 30 days. I will miss him, too.

Lauren Daigle will be at The Orion April 14. For information, go to theorionhuntsville.com

Boat Learning Double HitterKnots and Weather

The America’s Boating Club would like to invite the public to a boating lunch and learn class from 10 until 3 on Saturday, April 15, at the Lake Guntersville Yacht Club.

The cost is $10 to cover the cost of lunch, drinks and snacks. Please call or email Chuck Wills to reserve your spot at 256 506 7773 or willscharles@ gmail.com.

Knots and Line Handling:

The Knots You

Need to Know 10 a.m. - noon

Do you know which knots to use in every situation? Learn to securely attach your boat and other useful applications.

Learn how to secure your boat to docks, piers, and other boats; handle rescue and repair situations; manage running rigging; anchor securely; and tow other vessels or people. This seminar has been designed to help you to know which lines and knots to use in each situation. You’ll gain knowledge and hands-on experience selecting the appropriate line and tying the 10 most useful knots, bends, and hitches; and you’ll learn how to care for the lines on your boat and on the dock.

Lunch Break noon to 1 p.m.

Basic Weather and Forecasting

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The safety and comfort of those who venture outon-the-water have always been weather dependent. This seminar is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course. The complex subject of weather is presented in a way that is both understandable and useful to help boaters be safer on the water.

Egg hunts

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cialevents.

Huntsville

Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1, from 9-11 a.m.

Now in its second year, the Eggstravaganza offers even more for families and children, ages 12 and under, to enjoy at John Hunt Park, 2151 Airport Road SW, Huntsville.

The morning will begin with the Easter Bunny arriving on a Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) truck to meet his friends and take pictures. Around the park, there will be more than 10,000 eggs for children to hunt. Find a golden egg and receive a special prize!

There will also be face painting, inflatables, Easter-themed games and crafts, and special guests.

In addition, children can check out the Huntsville Police Department’s Mustang Patrol Unit or sit in a fire truck.

Arts Huntsville announces plans for 41st Panoply Arts Festival, set for April 28-30

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Arts Huntsville held a press conference last week to detail the plans for the 41st Panoply Arts Festival on April 28-30.

Over four decades, Panoply Arts Festival has evolved into a premiere arts weekend showcasing the greater Huntsville area’s innovative spark through a three-day celebration of art, music, and more. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle joined local artists, musicians, Arts Huntsville board members, volunteers, and staff at the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau to talk about the upcoming festival.

The main sponsor this year is Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

Panoply’s 41st celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 28, showcasing regionally celebrated bands and musicians, the fan-favorite juried Art Marketplace, art and STEAM interactives, a largescale community art project, craft beer and wine, food trucks and more. This year the festival will again span across Church Street and into Big Spring Park East.

Featured Music: Panoply 2023 will feature over 30 bands and musicians that make Huntsville the place to be for music today. Performers from all genres — jazz, rock, R&B, indie rock, blues, pop and more – will entertain festivalgoers on Panoply’s two stages: the Indie Stage and the Showcase Stage, presented by Pepsi.

HOSA

eesh, top six.

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• Health Education -- Hannah Evans, Kennedi Gore, Jenna Hooper and Emily Lee, third.

• Medical Law & Ethics -- Gwendolyn Sexton, first, and Soorya Ramesh, second.

• Nutrition -- Elaine Bao, second, and Cindy Liao, top six.

• Pathophysiology -- Puja Chopade, second.

• Pharmacy Science -- Connor Nguyen, first, and Enni Nguyen, second.

• Physical Therapy -- Alicia Walker, first.

• Veterinary Science -- Zaylee Rogers, third.

• Healthcare Issues -- Anish Katoch (also Biomed Debate), third. Also at the conference, Maribel Marrero was elected 1st Vice President and Secretary of Alabama HOSA. “Maribel is now the third consecutive officer from Bob Jones, following Nini Nguyen in 2021-2022 and Emily Lee in 2022-2023,” HOSA Spokesperson

Chapman

The Showcase stage will feature a homegrown favorite, The Wanda Band, on Friday. Wanda made her solo debut at Panoply in 2012 as a Panoply Homegrown Talent Winner and in 2019 she debuted her band at Concerts in the Park. She has carved out a name for herself regionally, gracing the stage at last year’s Shoals Fest, and she was recently named one of the “5 Huntsville Bands with the best shot to become Famous” by Matt Wake, Entertainment Reporter with Alabama Media Group.

Saturday features a medley of music that starts when the gates open at 10 a.m. The festival welcomes eight regional powerhouses that are gracing the Pepsi Showcase stage for the first time. Some Saturday performers include: newly-formed Trick Zipper Trio (comprised of Aaron Stapler, Dusty French, and Billie Allen) and Karmessa, a singer-songwriter known locally for her performances with Element XI and touring nationally with Ruben Studdard. Closing out Saturday night is Huntsville’s own Rob Aldridge and the Proponents.

Uncut Magazine wrote in 2022 that “Rob is an Alabama native who is finally starting to get noticed as a songwriting frontman capable of gnawing a hook and a finely weighted turn of phrase,” and NPR calls them “an Alabama rock & roll band you need to know.”

On Sunday, the Showcase Stage will kick off with The Silver Silos featuring local favorite Alan

Hannah Evans said.

“We have had more than three consecutive state officers,” Koler said. “Emily Lee was our previous year’s HOSA State Officer. Any HOSA student can run for state office but only four students are elected from across the state. Competition is stiff so winning an election is a great accomplishment,” Koler said.

The conference offered more than 50 events from which students can choose to compete, along with skills workshops and motivational speakers. (hosa. org/guidelines) Activities include knowledge tests, prepared speaking, job seeking skills, medical innovations and scientific posters.

“Many events have a firstround knowledge test, and the top scores compete in a skills presentation,” Koler said.

By participating in conferences, students realize their confidence level and leadership abil-

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nies enhance the innovation ecosystem in Alabama.

These specific projects are: McLeod Software Corp.; BioHorizons Implant Systems, Inc.; Therachem Research MediLab, LCC; and Avanti Polar Lipids, LLC.

Bringing these companies to Shelby County enabled it to expand entrepreneurship, drive economic growth and transform our county and state into a hub

Storyteller

Little on drums and close out with up-and-coming 17-year-old country music singer/songwriter Jackson Chase. In between, performers Pat Jamar, Luna Koi, Remy Neal and Moontown Music will take the stage.

While the Showcase stage features local and regional bands, Panoply’s Indie Stage, located in Big Spring East, plays host to many of Huntsville’s singer/ songwriters, duos, and instrumentalists such as Josh Taylor, Winslow Davis, Chelsea Who, WD Flow, Christie and Alli and one of Huntsville’s favorite husband and wife duos, Common Man.

Panoply Poster Artist

Each year, Arts Huntsville commissions an artist to create an art piece that captures the spirit of the festival and the community. This year’s Panoply poster artist is Denise Onwere. While Denise is new to Panoply, she’s already well-known as an artist and arts educator at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Denise grew up in Los Angeles, the daughter of Grammy-nominated jazz artist Jeff Clayton of The Clayton Brothers. As a child, Denise watched her father perform with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, BB King, and Madonna, and music served as an early inspiration in her self-taught career as a visual artist.

“We knew when we asked Denise to create our Panoply 2023 poster artwork that she would capture the energy and excite-

ment of Huntsville’s arts, entertainment, and music scene,” said Arts Huntsville Executive Director Allison Dillon-Jauken. “Denise’s celebration of Panoply showcases iconic highlights of the festival’s setting in Big Spring Park. It celebrates the art, music, and fun that festivalgoers of all ages have experienced at Panoply for over four decades in a dynamic way.”

Onwere will sell her original paintings at Panoply Arts Festival, and festivalgoers can purchase merchandise featuring her artwork at the Panoply Stores. Arts Huntsville will also offer a limited number of signed posters for the public to purchase.

Hands-on Activities: Panoply’s STEAM Street, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, will celebrate the 41st anniversary of the Panoply Arts Festival with special activities. mer and Straight to Ale. Panoply Arts Festival will be held April 28 – 30, 2023. Panoply 2023 Hours by Day: Friday, April 28, from 5-9:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Art Marketplace closes at 7:30 p.m.); and Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, volunteer sign-up, and to purchase tickets, visit the Arts Huntsville website at www.artshuntsville.org/ panoply-arts-festival/. Follow @ ArtsHuntsville on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates leading up to Panoply Arts Festival.

Counts

for technology and innovation. The progress and impact being made here in Alabama is benefitting our workforce and delivering innovative solutions on a national and global scale.

These important incentives are set to expire in July. But the Alabama Legislature has the opportunity to renew and enhance such incentives in this regular legislative session. A top priority should

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gas station, motel or restaurant was in sight. I asked, “Where are you headed?” We had traveled in nearly complete silence. The father’s voice cracked as he said, “The hospital over in Cleveland.”

“Be glad to take you there,” I replied, “That’s over 40 miles”, he softly spoke. This was one of those moments when you must decide, being polite is holding the door open or not interrupting someone’s conversation, it is easy enough to do. This situation required more than politeness or a lame excuse, (thinking about the

two-hour delay getting home). I turned loose of my schedule and focused on helping. My woe is me attitude and self-pity I was wallowing in went right out the door.

“Let’s roll,” I replied. With that, a torrent of words tumbled out of the soldier’s mouth, - “I have just arrived from a tour of duty in Iraq; Hardship discharge, to come home and take care of our 3-yearold son and be with my wife, she has terminal cancer. When my car broke down, I did not know what I would do. The soldier continued, “I remember my grandmother

ity improve significantly with preparation and actual participation in the event, Koler said.

be raising the cap for incentives (currently at $350 million) in order to stay competitive in recruiting prospective companies to locate in Alabama.

I encourage you to contact your legislators and ask them to renew and enhance the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act. Doing this allows us to compete with other states in recruiting new businesses. Bringing

telling me many times, “Don’t make prayer your last thing, but your first thing.” Sir, I prayed, and you stopped, Grandma knows what she is talking about.” I pulled up in front of the hospital and wished them God’s speed, as I stood up to open the RV’s door, the soldier grabbed me in a bear hug and the little fella wrapped his arms around my leg. With tears in both of our eyes, we stood in silence rejoicing in God’s love for us. It is true, neuroscientist report, doing a good deed without expectation of anything in return,

HOSA is open to students in grades 9-12. Anyone interested in a healthcare career can join.

them here means a better economy and a brighter future for Alabama’s businesses, work force and families.

It’s worked before, and it can work again.

Beth Chapman was Alabama’s 51st Secretary of State. She now owns Beth Chapman & Associates, a political and public relations consulting firm. She can be contacted at bethchapman.com.

releases a powerful dose of “feel good” flooding you with love, joy, and peace, that feel good feeling is simply God’s presence. Just another example of how the Good Lord made us, (We are made in His image). That day we experienced the power of God’s love.

Bruce Walker chooses to see the humor in life’s events. In addition to writing a weekly column, He speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller.com

From Bob Jones High School, Maribel Marrero, at left, was elected 1st Vice President at the HOSA State Leadership Conference this year. Emily Lee was elected as a state officer in 2022, and Nini Nguyen (not pictured) held office in 2021. Being elected to office at the HOSA conference is a coveted honor.