The Madison Record - May 17, 2023

SCHOOLS

Coming soon!

A good situation in Madison City

Schools soon will get much, much better. Page 6A

Mill Creek Greenpower Team wins national title

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – First, they organized this school year. Next, they built a car and aced area and regional contests. At the first of May, the Greenpower Racing Team from Mill Creek Elementary School won the national title.

In fact, Mill Creek Greenpower Racing Teams had never entered a competition until Jan. 19 when they claimed first place overall at the Choccoloc-

co Green Prix Race in Oxford. For entrants from the elementary level or ‘Goblin’ division, a national ranking is determined by totaling a team’s top three scores for the season. Teams are ranked according to their overall scores from those top three races. Older students who drive F-24 cars competed at Talladega Superspeedway.

Greenpower is a premier Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM program that provides

students in grades 4-12 with a hands-on, project-based learning experience. Greenpower sessions engage students academically and build critical employability skills, according to Jacqueline K. Smith. A National Board Certified Teacher, Smith sponsors Greenpower and works as Mill Creek’s fifth-grade STEM teacher.

All Mill Creek’s Greenpower students were drivers, except as noted:

Fourth-graders — Savan-

See GREENPOWER Page 8A

Analysis of last week’s special election continues after voters say “no”

Nearly 75% of voters rejected proposed change in government

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Last Tuesday, Madison citizens resoundingly voted to reject the city manager proposal.

The unofficial numbers reported Tuesday night stand with ‘yes’ votes numbering 1,865 and ‘no’ votes totaling at 5,553. Nearly 75% of the 7418 voters casting their ballot in the special election wanted to stay with the current mayor-council form of government.

In the wake of the election results, Mayor Paul Finley stated, “The city of Madison was happy to see engaged citizens for this election. Our community voiced its opinion to continue operating under a Mayor-Council form of government. We have a proven track record of success with this form of government, and we have managed growth and numerous projects for long-term progress. Your elected officials will continue to work hard for quality of life in Madison. Whichever way you cast your vote, as Council and Mayor, we are encouraged in our community’s involvement with municipal government.”

For years, city leaders have been pushing for Madison to adopt a city manager form of government,

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - A Madison man has been arrested after traveling to meet with what he believed was a juvenile for a sexual encounter.

Ray Lawrence, 36, was arrested by the Homewood Police Department after he traveled to Homewood for the encounter.

He has been charged with traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a $90,000 bond.

Police said the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation by the Homewood Police Department and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

The Greenpower Team from Mill Creek Elementary School won the National Greenpower Championship in this STEM-related experience.

SPARKMAN SOCCER - Sparkman girls soccer head coach Samuel Tidmore holds up the state championship trophy after their victorious title win on Saturday. The Sparkman Lady Senators Soccer program made history at John Hunt Park with a 2-1 defeat of Auburn to become the 7A State Champions. The Lady Senators were powered by the junior Jayda Davis who collected two goals for Sparkman and 7A Playoff MVP honors. See full story on Page 1B.

Madison man arrested after allegedly traveling to meet minor in Homewood

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

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Madison

American Legion, Post 229 members will conduct a reverent remembrance on May 29 at their annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Opening at 11 a.m., the event will show respect for individuals who lost their lives in military service. The ceremony will be held in Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park at the east extent of Front Street downtown.

Legionnaires are inviting all residents to attend.

After Presenting of the Colors, a local vocalist will sing “The National

Anthem.” Everyone will repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.

Andrew Caudle, Chaplain of American Legion, Post 229 will give the invocation. Terry Frakes, Vice President of Auxiliary Unit 229, will read “In Flanders Field,” a war poem that a Canadian doctor wrote during World War I.

Following opening remarks, guest speaker Maj. Gen. (ret.) Emile P. Bataille will address the audience. Bataille was commissioned by ROTC in 1970 at Loyola University in Chicago. In 1971, Bataille was as-

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Madison City Council

Is Madison getting a science museum?

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Joe Iacuzzo and a group of other local scientists hope the answer to that question is a ‘Yes’.

Iacuzzo, the director of the Huntsville Science Festival and member of the Innovation for Education Foundation, and Ben Hoksbergen, Redstone Arsenal archaeologist, are spearheading an effort to bring a brand new science museum to Madison. They came before the city council last week during a work-session with a proposal and request to use former Hexagon (Intergraph) facilities, that are now owned by the city, as temporary housing for the museum.

The non-profit Madison Science Museum would be all-encompassing and include the scientific fields of paleontology, geology, archaeology, biology, earth science, engineering, environmental science, marine biology, and technology. Just a couple of the displays would feature real triceratops and tyrannosaurus skeletons with a 130-foot interactive, mural wall similar to one just recently created for the Smithsonian. The center would offer field trip, educational, and web-based programs for area students and play host to science conferences.

Iacuzzo’s experience with the Huntsville Science Festival convinced him that Madison is the perfect place for such an establishment.

“When I see the thousands of families at the science festival every year, I can see the thirst and the need for a science museum here,” he explained.

The city council, however, was hesitant to share Iacuzzo’s enthusiasm before asking serious questions about the plans for and future of the museum.

Council members Connie Spears, Teddy Powell, and Renae Bartlett all raised concerns about funding for the project.

According to Iacuzzo, the museum needs $1.5 million to remodel and outfit the former Hexagon building for the museum’s needs, and though he has companies

like Blue Origin and Amazon, and government agencies like Missile Defense Agency, interested in supporting the effort, the council worried the monetary support was not guaranteed.

Spears commented, “I think we’re a little premature in getting a building when you don’t have plans on how to support that building, and this looks wonderful. It looks amazing, but until I can see that you have actually sat down and figured out what the finances are and what the capital outlay is going to be before you can open your doors, I can’t commit on a hope and a prayer.”

Bartlett looked to the future sustainability of the museum and inquired into the amount of financial support the city of Madison may have to give the museum down the road to keep the doors open. She analyzed the city of Huntsville’s budget as an example of local precedent and found that the municipality gave over $2 million in total to EarlyWorks, Burritt, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Weeden House, and the Huntsville Museum Art.

“I looked at how much Huntsville has to support their own museums to be able to viable [and] that the museums still charge. They still have field trips. They do all of these things, but they can’t survive just on that,” she observed.

Additionally, Council member John Seifert pointed to the potential difficulty in competing with the established and popular science museums of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Cooks Museum of Natural Science along with the future North Alabama Zoological Society’s facility. Iacuzzo reported that he is already working on a partnership with North Alabama Zoological Society and believes the museum can uniquely attract the highly scientific community of Madison.

After airing all of these concerns and engaging in lengthy discussion, the council decided to table the proposal and revisit it in a June work session. So, the question remains: is Madison getting a science museum?

Changes come to two Madison city departments

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – A change in Madison city departments will combine the former revenue and city clerk departments into a single department. The change is coming upon the retirement of Revenue Director Cameron Grounds. It merges revenue into the city clerk’s office and increases the grades of the deputy city clerk treasurer and deputy city clerk license and revenue officer, as those positions acquire more supervisory responsibilities.

“This is also an opportunity to merge these two smaller department and keep those treasury functions under one umbrella of the city clerk department,” Director of Human Resources Megan Zingarelli stated at last week’s city council meeting.

The deputy court clerk will likewise receive a grade increase, in line with the other deputy promotions. A city employee, Gladys Williams, took issue with the deputy court clerk’s grade increase in public comments, asking for pay increases across the board instead of for a select few.

She said, “If a pay grade increase is considered for some due to a workflow increase, it only seems fair that it should be considered for all in the department.”

Mayor Paul Finley responded to Williams with a promise that widespread changes are coming to city positions in the future, “We have to start some place and tonight’s where we’re starting. We’ll continue from there.”

Additional items addressed at the meeting include:

• Video recording, archiving, and lives-

tream of May 8th City Council Work Session

The city issued a statement after some complaints saying they are aware of a technical issue with published agenda files not showing correctly on the city’s website: www.madisonal.gov. “Our IT team is currently working with our archive host to find a solution to the problem. We expect to have a solution by May 14th,” a statement from the Mayor’s office explained. “In the meantime, the public can still access the Agenda files by downloading them. To do this, simply click on the “Download” arrow and select “Agenda-PDF” next to the file you wish to view.”

• Permissive Use Agreement with Huntsville Utilities for City use of property near Mose Chapel Road, potentially as a recreation area

• Payment to Rogers Group, Inc. for $9,877.85 for work performed on the Sullivan Street widening construction performed through March 31, 2023

• Professional Services Agreement with S&ME for Environmental Consulting Services to develop an ADEM-required Monitoring Program and a revised Storm Water Monitoring Program Plan for $9,350

• First Reading for amending the City’s Fire Code

• Agreement with Renegade Fencing for installation of perimeter fencing at the Kids Kingdom playground in Dublin Park for $80,000

• Agreement with Pyro Shows for Independence Day celebration fireworks show for $14,999

The next city council work session will be held on Wednesday, May 17. It will start at 6:30 pm.

City asking residents to complete survey about how to use newly acquired properties

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The City of Madison Parks and Recreation department has recently acquired three different properties in the city of Madison, including the Hexagon Athletic Complex, Sunshine Acres on Mose Chapel Road, and the community center (former Three Springs building) under

renovation.

The city is currently gathering community input through a survey to develop cohesive master plans for these areas. Residents are asked to complete the survey, which can be found at www.madisonal.gov. It will close on Monday, May 22. For more information about these properties, go to www.themadisonrecord.com.

SEE YA LATER GATOR - An alligator was humanely removed last week from the Zierdt Road area after it was discovered near an apartment complex. According to a Facebook post from the City of Madison, officers with the Madison Police Department were dispatched to Zierdt Road Wednesday morning for a call regarding an alligator. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a six-foot-long alligator. Police then called in wildlife officials and an alligator wrangler to humanely move the alligator to a less populated area. The City of Madison urges anyone who sees an alligator to call the Madison Police Department so wildlife officials can safely and humanely move the animal.

Joe Iacuzzo proposed a Madison Science Museum to the city council last week during a work session. If approved, the museum will be held in the old Hexagon (Intergraph) facilities.

Annual fishing rodeo proves once again to be a true family outing

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

NEW MARKET - The water was calm, the weather near perfect and the smiles bright for the 40th annual Madison County Commission Fishing Rodeo recently held at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market. The free event for youngsters ages 5-15 featured 346 young folks drop their lines into the lake for the competition and a chance to frolic with family and friends while having a great day of fishing.

Participants were asked to bring their own rod and reel or fishing pole, and, if possible, their own bait. Once on site, the fishing competition began with participants broken into two different age groups to haul in the best fish of the day. Prizes for first and second place were awarded based on the weight of their two largest fish brought to the weigh-in. The grand prizes were a computer tablet and new bicycle. The first-place winner in each age division was awarded the choice of the two prizes while

the second-place finisher awarded the remaining prize.

The final results were: 5-9 Age Group- 1. Sabrina Johnson, 5.0-pounds and 4.9-pounds, total 9.9. pounds, 2. Carson Henry, 4.5-pounds and 3.0-pounds, total 7.5-pounds. 10-15 Age Group- 1. Ciara Frazier, 10.2-pounds and 3.9-pounds, total 14.1-pounds, 2. Dylan Ramirez, 4.4-pounds and 3-pounds, total 7.4-pounds.

In addition to the fishing contests, the Madison County Commission held a contest for highest grade point average based on each youngsters’ report card they brought with them to the Fishing Rodeo. One winner was chosen in the K-4th grade with the second winner coming from grades 5-10. Each won a $50 Visa gift card.

Each child participating was automatically eligible for drawings for some great prizes. Once their name was chosen from the stack of registration forms, that child was then able to choose a prize from an array of prizes presented by the Madison County Commis-

sion. Those prizes included water slides, sprinkler, fishing poles, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, baseball and bat, water balloons and launcher, stomp rockets, racket set, ring toss, trac-ball, kites, mini-golf set and others.

Numerous businesses were sponsors of the event and assisted the Commission in hosting the family-friendly gathering.

Kelly Sales Company donated the fishing bait (worms) along with additional required fishing supplies (stringers, hooks, bobbers) and Huntsville Coca-Cola donated all drinks and the trailer used at the concession stand. Ragland Brothers provided the food, condiments and cooking supplies. Additional supporters included Senator Steve Livingston, representative Ritchie Whorton, Representative Rex Reynolds, Bill Penney Toyota, K-Electric, Wiregrass Construction, Citizens Bank & Trust, Madison County Shooting Association, Woody Anderson Ford, The Pants Barn, TriGreen, B&B Auto Parts and NH Funeral Home.

Renewed planning effort to provide fresh analysis of West Huntsville opportunities

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville’s boundaries have grown over the past decade, prompting the City to update its long-term planning efforts along its western corridor.

The City on Thursday authorized an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., to conduct market analysis and visioning for future development in West Huntsville along Interstate 65.

The effort is a continuation of a 2011 Master Plan for Western Annexed Lands within Huntsville-annexed Limestone County. Shane Davis, Huntsville’s Director of Urban & Economic Development, said consultants would update portions of the original plan while also providing economic analysis on properties not previously included.

While creating the 2011 master plan, the City worked with a variety of stakeholders, including landowners and economic development partners.

The completed plan yielded a shared development strategy that encompassed about 10,000 acres of annexed property.

Davis said the 2011 study proved to be a “win-win” for the City, landowners and citizens.

“Since 2015, the original study area has produced over 16,000 new jobs, added $6 billion in private investments to the tax rolls and today generates over $700 million annually in payroll within the area,” he said.

The goal was to not only identify land uses of the study area, but to also analyze return on investment from future development as well as identify essential long-term infrastructure investments. Davis said the renewed effort should produce similar results.

“We want to complement the successes of the original plan while also identifying new land uses and infrastructure that ensure Huntsville’s solid economic outlook regarding jobs and tax base,” he said.

The City of Huntsville has contracted with a consultant to conduct market analysis and envisioning for future development in West Huntsville along Interstate 65. (Credit: Marty Sellers/GTEC)

Huntsville introduces plan to help boost revenue, commerce in downtown area

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – The City of Huntsville will soon consider an ordinance to declare certain property as surplus and enter into a lease agreement with a new-to-market restaurant concept.

During the regularly scheduled City Council meeting Thursday, the City introduced an ordinance to declare a 7,000-squarefoot parcel of land near the southwest corner of Cleveland Avenue Northwest and Meridian Street North as surplus. Officials have determined that no City department or division needs the property for public or municipal use.

The City also proposed an agreement to lease the

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

property to Barracuda, which would build a walkup-style restaurant and open-air garden at the site near AM Booth’s Lumberyard. Jim McGuffey, Huntsville’s Deputy Director of Urban and Economic Development, expects the agreement with Barracuda would increase sales and use tax revenue, promote commerce and serve as a catalyst for entertainment and development in the downtown area.

The Louisiana-based restaurant currently operates Taco Stand and Margarita Garden units in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Huntsville site would be Barracuda’s fourth location. The Council will vote on the measure at its Thursday, May 25, meeting.

The 40th Annual Madison County Commission Fishing Rodeo was held recently at Sharon Johnson Park in New Market.

Old “Tater” Johnson

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist Hurri -

cane Valley, Al.

Back in the tail end of this valley where the ridges rise up over you, and sunlight gets scarce, there is a place, in the early 20th century, that moonshiners, gamblers and other various characters gathered. Old timers in Hurricane Valley still remember a trail the moonshiners used to carry their “white lightning” into TN and points beyond without crossing a road or a revenue agent.

Living in one of those little cabins, snuck back up in the woods, was old Tater Johnson who lived by himself. He was so mean that a rattlesnake wouldn’t claim kin. This was the place we bought and renovated, our 700 sq. ft. cabin. We got to know Tater through the things he left behind in the woods, along the stream and waterfalls behind our place.

Tater was known for a lot of things, none of them good, but he could do three things exceptionally well, make moonshine, play cards and fight. Skin like leather, he had a ponytail on his face and corn rows over his eyes!! He wore tattered overalls and a bandanna, back when he was a kid someone said he got converted but it didn’t stick, he must have been baptized in dirty water!! He could cuss like he was getting paid for it!! You never saw him without an ole Pall Mall hanging out of one side of his mouth.

In 1937 he came down with a nagging cough, Doc Ha-

den from in town (Huntsville) told him that he was not long for this world, he had galloping consumption (Tuberculosis). This diagnosis got Tater thinking about meeting his maker, ever since he was a little boy he had heard about that great big ol party they were going to have up in heaven, someone said it was like this; (their mother’s cousin’s sister in law’s aunt had an out of body experience and went to heaven, this was her eyewitness report) : Turnip greens piled high, salt back pork, country cured ham, tomato gravy, chocolate soup and banana pudding; it was a feast that would never run out. They said she had proof she had gained 5 pounds while she was out of her body. He sure wanted to go and with his end near, he just didn’t know how.

Tater figured he was making one of his last moonshining runs out to old Gurley Pike where he would meet the driver that would spirit his makins’ up in the mountains of East TN. Tater’s moonshine was in demand…it was so smooth you would down half a jug before you could choke it off, so clear you could read tomorrow’s newspaper through it if you drank enough. Making his way back he saw the lights of the community church and through the open window he heard the singing, pulled up in the yard, and coasted to a stop. The young preacher from Nashville was talking about that, “ Banquet in the Sky” heavy on his mind was what Doc Haden told him.

See STORYTELLER Page 8A

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thank you for voting down the city manager proposal in special election

Dear Editor,

“We the People”, residents of Madison City would like to thank all of you who contributed by taking the time to research, listen and understand the issues in changing our government and supporting the effort to maintain our current form of government, consistent with our Constitution.

This was a pure grassroots, citizens’ campaign that pulled together and continued to grow over several months expressing our voice in local government. Our grassroots effort formed with neighborhood

clusters against a well-funded organized, powerfully backed group with outside influences. We saw the urgency in responding to preserve our votes and voice on keeping the executive branch of government and separation of powers. This was a joint effort of all parties, diverse cultures, young, old, and different backgrounds. Encouraging to see new 18-year-old voters understanding this issue.

We hope our City Officials listen and heed the message sent by voters in this Special Election. We’d like them to work on balancing growth

and focus on everyday issues facing our city such as safety, rising crime rates, improved infrastructure, roads, lighting, transparency, etc…

We encourage our citizens to continue their interest in local government. We can monitor through the city website, attend meetings, and participate to help steer our elected officials to the voice, vision, and needs of the people.

Ultimately our vote is our voice. We need to encourage qualified citizens to engage and run for office so we have better representation.

Margi Daly

Time to continue improving Madison

Dear Editor,

Thank you voters for retaining our Madison City form of government. Thank you to the hard-working city employees, and especially those who had extra work efforts before, during and after this Special Election.

This has been a wake-up call to many Madison residents to be aware, informed, and involved.

The margin of the election results is also a wake-up call to the Mayor and the City Council to better listen to Madison residents, so that they can lead the efforts to improve Madison – and not listen exclusively to outsiders and heavy economic development schemes at the expense of city infrastructure needs and what Madison residents have as priorities.

Mayor Finley, in a recent TV interview, stated the Mission of Madison includes these important things: quality of life; keeping us safe; allowing us to get to and from work easily/safely; and leisure.

I have addressed at city council meetings during public comments, specifics on the agenda at hand and non-agenda items my feed-

Election

back which dovetails these Mission items. In my opinion, volunteers appointed to some of the city committees need to change, to include people outside of Madison Forward proponents. The Mayor and City Council can better lead when they know and understand what goals residents want to attain in the short term and long term. Madison residents have been patient; some voted yes on this election because they were badly desiring things with the city to improve – not necessarily for what the change in government meant but to have things get better. Some residents do not understand that newer subdivisions have sidewalks because the city requires the builders to put in the sidewalks before a certificate of occupancy is granted. However, the main thoroughfare areas in Madison that need sidewalks and street crossings need to have resources applied to have these installed– and this is a big benefit to many on quality of life, but also is an improvement that can be readily seen by all Madison residents.

The extra costs the City Man-

Continued from page 1A

saying the move will bring better stability to the operations of the city.

Mayor Paul Finley kicked off the process by appointing a committee in August 2021 tasked with looking into the proposed change and developing a recommendation for the city council. In early 2022, the “Madison Governance Transition Committee” unanimously recommended that the city should shift to a council-manager form of government.

To bring the issue before the people in an election this time, as required by law, a petition dispersed by a local citizens group, Madison Forward, was approved by Limestone County and Madison County probate judges in February.

If the change had been approved by a majority of voters, it would have required redistricting Madison from the current seven districts to six,

with the mayor serving as an electedat-large city council president. The mayor would have become the “face of the city”, representing Madison in public events and in meetings with neighboring cities, and a city council-appointed city manager would run the daily operations of the city. The proposal generated lively de-

agement structure of government would have as annual costs – I would suggest some of those funds could be spent on raising some of the lower ranking city employee salaries or providing some financial work incentives. Madison City’s HR department can be directed by Mayor Finley to examine how to better reward employees, while offering fair compensation and work incentives within the pay system structure. I learned during this past year that the city offered Dave Ramsey Financial Peace enrollment for city employees, but they were not offered an option for cash instead. Certainly, someone who already has their home budget running well actually receives no real benefit without a cash option. I also heard at Madison’s last city council meeting that the only bi-lingual city employee was questioning the pay grade increases in her department and was speaking up for the other employees in that department as well as herself on examining more closely the pay grades/employee pay in that department.

Bernadette Mayer

bate in the weeks and months leading up to the election.

We asked key players on both sides of the issue several questions examining what can be learned from the vote. You can read that story at www. themadisonrecord.com.

Below are the election unofficial results:

Samantha Ramsdell isn’t just taking a bite out of supersized sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. She’s just taken a bite out of the record title for the widest mouth (female) as well! Not only does Samantha hold a record for the world’s largest mouth gape (female) with a larger-than-life mouth that stretches to a massive 6.52 cm (2.56 in), but her sizeable jaw also has an incredible width of 10.33 cm (4.07 inches).

Alabama Writer’s Forum rates

Bob Jones’ creations as superior

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Alabama

Writer’s Forum has recognized and honored the creative work by several students at Bob Jones High School.

Individual compositions, along with group submissions, placed in the top ranks of the forum’s contest:

• “Exceptional Graphic Design and Layout” --

“The Eclectic,” an annual compilation of students’ literary work, was praised for its format and flow. Students submit short stories, poetry, nonfiction, scripts, comics, art and photography for the publication.

“The Eclectic,” the award-winning literary magazine by student authors, usually contains submissions for more than 100 people. Students in the Multimedia Publications design class compile 300plus pages for “The Eclectic.”

• Senior Portfolio Scholarship – Madison Tanner earned this award.

• Nonfiction Finalists –Emily Duong and Gianna Dieselberg produced the works for this honor.

• Fiction Finalists – Students who achieved this level of recognition are Gianna Dieselberg, Emily Duong, Eve Hampson, Darci Kilpatrick, Astrid Muffet, Abby Neely and Luke Sloan.

• Poetry Finalists – The writers for award-winning poems are Steven Borden, Gianna Dieselberg, Darci Kilpatrick, Astrid Muffet and Thomas Sigler.

“Congratulations to these students,” Brandy Panagos said. A National Board Certified Teacher, Panagos advises for “Patriot Pages” news site and “The Eclectic.” She teaches creative writing, multimedia publications and design, along with English and business-career tech courses.

For more information, visit writersforum.org.

Lanford named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at Bob Jones High School

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Steve Lanford guides many students to successful careers in construction. He was named “Teacher of the Year” at Bob Jones High School.

“I am humbled that my peers selected me for Teacher of the Year. I’m so proud of the successes of my students,” Lanford said.

Before 2012, Lanford worked in the construction industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in building science from Auburn University and, then in 2013, a teaching certificate from Athens State University.

He taught for two years at both Sparkman High School and Marshall Technical School. He joined Bob Jones’ faculty in 2016.

“To be honest, I was looking for a job, and the Bob Jones opening kind of fell in my lap,” Lanford said. “In 2016, school started in Madison City on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a post was made for Construction Teaching at Bob Jones, which my wife saw. I applied and the rest is history. I’m very fortunate to have landed at Bob Jones.”

He teaches classes required under Alabama Board of Education Course of Study for Construction. The National Center for Construction Education & Research or NCCER is the program partner that offers certification of students.

Lanford’s classes are NCCER ACM CORE, NCCER BC-1 Framing, NCCER BC-2 Site Preparation, NCCER BC-3 Construction Finishes and Senior Pathway Project. He’s an authorized OSHA 10- and 30-hour trainer in Construction and General Industry; CORE students can receive an OSHA 10-hour Construction Card.

Lanford sponsors the Engineering and Construction Club.

“I believe that I teach ‘real life.’ Being in the industry for so long, I share all manner of things that I’ve learned. If you can’t communicate, it will be hard to be successful,” Lanford said.

All Lanford’s students must engage in mock interviews to prepare for employment. “Our mock interviews are graded, and the interviewer gives detailed feedback. In real life, feedback is you’re either hired or not,” Lanford said.

His students learn math applications

unique to construction, building layout, squaring of buildings and walls and simplified math equations. They use tools and read drawings.

This semester, his CORE class completed all requirements quicker than any previous class. All students received OSHA 10-hour cards and NCCER certifications. “The most important success, though, was witnessing students helping another student learn how to use tools and do projects successfully. Caring for another student’s success in adversity is the greatest accomplishment I’ve seen,” he said.

Most days, Lanford can reflect and rate the time successful. “My students accomplish a lot. The best (experience) is when I learn something from a student,” he said.

His wife Pam and he have owned daycares about 30 years. Pam is President and runs daytime operations.

Their older daughter, Amber Keith, graduated from Auburn for a bachelor’s degree in English, Alabama A&M University for a master’s degree in English; West Alabama for media specialty; and is pursuing an admin degree.

Previously, Amber she taught English at Liberty Middle School; now, she’s media specialist at Monrovia Middle School.

Their younger daughter, Ashley Berchekas, graduated from Athens State University in accounting. She works as an accountant for Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Many people don’t realize that Lanford holds a third-degree blackbelt in taekwondo and taught 22 years in his own dojang. He travels to American Taekwondo Foundation tournaments with his part-time trophy business.

A product of a long line of carpenters, Lanford learned in his father’s construction company, eventually becoming a skilled carpenter as a teenager. Lanford’s skill helped greatly in studies at Auburn.

“My most important interest is my family. I love being a part of my grandkids’ lives,” Lanford said. Those grandchildren are 16, 14, 11 and two five-yearolds.

This Huntsville native also likes gardening. He teaches for North Alabama Craft Training Foundation in an apprenticeship program to benefit tradesmen education.

Madison to expand music, art and STEM in elementary schools

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – A good situation in Madison City Schools soon will get much, much better.

When the 2023-2024 school year starts, staffing at all MCS elementary schools will include a teacher for art, music and STEM. For several years, MCS’ strategic goal has included these new teachers.

“Now, thanks to support from the board and assistance from a STEM grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity or DoDEA, it will become a reality. All elementary students will have art, music and STEM instruction year-round,” MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said in his “District Update.” (madisoncity.k12.al.us)

High school teachers in art, music and theater often have stated the need to increase this instruction in MCS elementaries. “Certainly, early exposure will help identify interest and create better performers later,” Nichols said.

Other benefits will result. Classroom teachers will have more collaborative planning time. “Art and music programs also help children tap into their creative side and hone skills that might not be the focus of other content areas, including communication, fine motor skills and emotional intelligence,” Nichols said.

“Also, studies have shown that students from districts with strong arts programs scored higher overall on statewide tests

in math, science and citizenship than students from districts without,” Nichols said.

The $2 million grant will help in expanding STEM programs in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and strengthen career and technical education programs in secondary schools. The DoDEA grant will provide highly-qualified, welltrained STEM teachers, evidence-based activities and project-based STEM literacy, along with awareness of STEM careers, state-of-the art supplies and motivated advisors for STEM careers, Nichols said.

A planning team for curriculum in the Elementary STEM Program has been working already on building a firm foundation for STEM expansion.

The MCS Instruction Department has definite goals to reach.

The STEM program’s goal for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade is to develop 21st-century skills and a foundational knowledge base important to STEM fields and global citizenship. This program also is designed to prepare students for middle school STEM opportunities and create awareness of pathways to STEM careers. (mcsinstruction.com)

The STEM teachers in MCS are Julie Vandiver, Kawana Gardner, Megan Hockey, Jennifer Corley, Clairissa Stegherr, Megan Gowan, Carlalee Mckee and Sarah Stewart. For more information, visit dodeagrants.org or madisoncity.k12.al.us.

Steve Lanford, who teaches construction and building courses, is “Teacher of the Year” at Bob Jones High School. Lanford, second from right, accepts his prize from district administrators.

Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, all MCS elementary schools will include a teacher for art, music and STEM.

The 2023 Asbury Car & Bike Show at Asbury Church planned for this Saturday

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Asbury’s biggest community event will be bringing in over 200 eye-catching cars, bikes, and trucks for a spectacular day for the entire family on May 20 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. With free admission, all kinds of vehicles are invited to participate, including hot rods, cruisers, pick-ups, hogs, vintage beauties, and exotic imports. Free hot dogs will also be served!

“Last year’s show was a roaring success, and we love seeing the ex-

citement this event brings every year as car and bike enthusiasts roll in their vehicles to offer a fun day for the community,” said Bill Munts, Pastor of Operations at Asbury. “It’s a great way for members of the car scene to connect and give families in our community a free experience together too. We look forward to welcoming everyone onto our campus!”

Fees will be poured back into Asbury’s ministry efforts through things like local partnerships with organizations that serve the vulnerable in our community such as the Downtown Rescue Mission,

Asbury’s Oil Change Day Ministry, and Royal Family Kids Camp.

The 2023 Asbury Car & Bike Show will take place at Asbury’s north parking lot on the Madison Campus at 980 Hughes Road. Entrance will be from Gillespie Road. Attendee parking will be available behind Building 3.

For vehicle registration or sponsor info, visit asburycarshow.com.

On-site vehicle registration and check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on May 20. Voting will be completed by amateur judges from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. with trophies awarded at 12 p.m. No rain date is scheduled.

34TH ANNUAL HUNTSVILLE CLASSIC FEATURING MARTINA MCBRIDE

May 20 • The Orion Amphitheater • www.theorionhuntsville.com

Country music superstar Martina McBride will perform at Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s 34th annual Huntsville Classic this May! The concert will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Orion Amphitheater. The money raised through the 2023 Classic concert will benefit Huntsville Hospital’s Heart Center through Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Proceeds will help fund a second dual-source cardiac CT scanner that will reduce patient wait times for diagnostic scans from two months to an anticipated two weeks. This investment will truly be lifesaving for men and women right here in Madison County and from across our region! By purchasing a concert ticket, you are helping ensure our local not-for-profit hospital can continue meeting needs and that heart patients can receive the essential care they need, when they need it.

WORLD! The EarlyWorks School of Wizardry begins with an adults only (21+) evening on Friday, May 19, followed by a family friendly weekend fun Saturday and Sunday. Come celebrate all things Harry Potter at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum in downtown Huntsville with themed crafts, Quidditch and a museum-wide scavenger hunt! Muggles welcome and costumes in encouraged.

THE BOOK OF MORMON May 12-24 at the Von Braun Center broadwaytheatreleague.org

The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical. This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word.

For more events, go to www.themadisonrecord.com and click the “events” tab at the top of the home page.

The Asbury Car & Bike Show is one of the largest events in Madison.

Storyteller Continued from page 5A

He didn’t hear Brother Roberts come up to his old Model T truck but when the preacher asked him if he wanted to come inside, he hesitated and finally said, “not tonight, I’ve got to get on”, but Bro Roberts could tell by the look in his eyes, his mouth was saying no but his heart meant yes. He asked him if he wanted to pray right there. They prayed and old Tater felt the burden lift. Next Sunday, at the end of the revival, all those who wanted to be baptized came up front. The whole church grew quiet, when from the back door on the left hand side, Tater walked in, his beard combed straight and clean, eyebrows trimmed and wearing a freshly washed pair of overalls. Brother Roberts came out of the pulpit and the first neck he hugged was ole Taters, right behind him the whole church welcomed him into the fold, even those who knew him by his moonshine shook his hand.

Dinner On Ground

That Sunday under the big live oak trees, sheltering the concrete fellowship tables, the ladies of the church loaded them down with Hi-Ball pies, fried chicken, turnip greens, chocolate soup, tomato gravy and salt cured ham. Tater went out to his old truck and proudly hoisted a 5-gallon blue clay jug with a spigot on the bottom and sat it on the table. Several looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes wondering what was in that jug. After the blessing was said, Broth-

er Taylor nearly knocked Sister Riddick

over getting to that spigot, now we don’t know if Bro Taylor was relieved or disappointed when he turned the spout and iced tea came out!!

From that day forward old Tater never missed a service, until he died a year or so later, the church tower bell rang across the valley, like it always did when someone died, so many showed up to dig his grave they had to take turns. You see, Tater spent his last days sharing with anybody that would listen how he once was lost but now he was found and he was going to a supper up there and eat all the banana pudding he could hold. Anyone that knew Tater before and knew him now, this gave them hope. If God could change Tater well……..

Some of us look back longingly at those days and those that can’t remember that far back romanticize what it was like, but the truth is, out here in our valley, we still have those kind of days, a neighbor helps a neighbor, when an emergency arises, friends still show up, God still forgives and the Son still shines. Storms blow through, but in God’s hands it is just a breeze.

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

signed to the 4th Mechanized ID and later served with 4th Missile Command in Korea. He transferred to Army Reserves in 1972.

Bataille’s service included assignments as Assistant Inspector General for the 86th USAR Command and as Aide-deCamp to the Commanding General. He successfully led a company command in 314th Army Security Agency Battalion and a Battalion Command in 85th Custer Division.

In August 2001, Bataille was called to active duty and assigned to U.S. Strategic Command as Director for Combat Support/J6-J4 at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb.

Bataille retired from Active Duty in August 2004 after 34 years in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and Illinois National Guard. He is a founding member of Coming Home Retreats, now offered in Huntsville. Bataille is a 4th Degree

Greenpower

Knights of Columbus member at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison. He and his wife, Carol Martindale Bataille, have three daughters -- Stacy, Shannon and Shelley -- nine grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

After Bataille’s presentation, Mayor Paul Finley and District 2 Commissioner Steve Haraway will speak. Madison Community Band will perform “The National Anthem.” Leaders will complete the Posting of the Wreaths.

Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus will oversee Raising of the Colors. Post 229 Command Larry Vannoy will speak at the ceremony’s ending.

Post 229 expressed a special thankyou to Madison Community Band, Post 229 Honor Guard, Girl Scout Troop 926, Scout Troop 201, Knights of Columbus and Haraway.

For more information, visit americanlegionpost229.org.

Continued from page 1A

nah Barnard, Tyler Barnard, Harrison Bock, Austin Brown, Peter Gosier, Jaiden Lawrence and Pit Crew member Jack Nivens.

Fifth-graders — Clark Asher, Eli Brown, Sophia Brown, Devansh Goyal, publicist/ photographer Lillian McFadden, Evelyn Mustell and Julius Whitehorn.

This year, Mill Creek competed against strong teams, including Allen, Phenix City, John F. Kennedy and Ben Bright elementary schools. “Alabama, Georgia and Texas have some of the fastest teams in the nation,” Smith said.

“My kids were so excited,” realizing their national win, Smith said. “When the season started, we never imagined that we would end up winning the national championship. Our kids just took it one race at a time and did their very best ev-

ery time they got on the track.”

The Mill Creek team will receive a trophy from Greenpower for winning the national title. Laura Barnard from Sweet Tea Communications also donated a National Championship banner to commemorate their win.

“I would like to thank all of our awesome parent volunteers for their support this season,” Smith said. “Our parents helped out during practice and transported our cars back and forth to the races. We could not have succeeded this year without their support.”

Mill Creek’s car was sponsored in part by a grant from STEDTRAIN.

“Greenpower’s benefits go far beyond the track,” Smith said. “My kids have learned that hard work and practice really do pay off. They have learned to

Congrats Class of 2023

Check out the first of two special graduation issues next week. We will feature every graduating senior Bob Jones, James Clemens, Sparkman, Madison Academy and JPII

State track meets

The AHSAA State Track & Field Meets were wild, wooly and record-setting for local athletes representing the four local high school track teams at the annual events held at Gulf Shores and Cullman. Page 3B

Sparkman softball

The Sparkman Softball team has the opportunity next Friday to draw another step closer to what the Sparkman Girls Soccer team has already done by winning the 7A State Championship. Page 3B

Sparkman does it their way to take the crown

Sparkman Girls Soccer takes down Auburn for State Championship

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE --- The clock on the scoreboard at John Hunt Park could not move fast enough.

“It felt so slow,” Sparkman senior goalie Audrey Edwards said.

“I just wanted it to be over with. I wanted us to work hard also. We are a very hard-working team from the beginning to the end and I was just ready for my state title.”

It was the second half and the Lady Senators Soccer team was leading Auburn 2-1 in the 7A State Championship game. This was the ultimate stage, and the Sparkman girls were doing all that they could to burn the clock down.

“I was just trying to be smart,” Chelsey Curtis said.

“You don’t want any silly turnovers, so if they are going to give me space to go to the corner and take some time off of the clock, then I’m going to

do it.”

Sparkman grabbed the 1-0 lead in the 14’ minute when Jayda Davis beat the Auburn goalie with a great ball that hooked.

“Everybody missed the ball and all I could think was ‘please do not curve it too much,’” Davis said.

“But I had somebody in front

of me, so I was like ‘just curve it the perfect amount.’ And I curved it and it went in and I was so happy.”

The Lady Senators controlled the first half by keeping the ball away from the Tigers, but things changed after the halftime break. Auburn was more aggressive

See SOCCER Page 5B

Luther Tiggs retires as basketball coach at BJ

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Luther Tiggs has drawn up his last play in a playbook, his last direction of a player on the court and barked his last displeasure at an official for a call he didn’t agree with. All those lasts are part of his 22 years as a head coach and 33 years overall as a coach and teacher as the 58year old has retired from his positions at Bob Jones High.

“People asked me for years how much longer I will be coaching, and another year became a new year each year that went by,” said Tiggs. “For me, it was time to make a change.”

Tiggs was head coach of the basketball program and physical education teacher at Bob Jones for seven seasons while prior to that position he was in similar positions at James Clemens, Sparkman and Buckhorn. As a head coach he amassed 427 wins and 248 losses. His 2005 team at Sparkman made the AHSAA Final Four, but his best won-loss record team was the 2005-2006 squad as the Senators sported a 32-4 record.

Like any coach, winning was important, but Tiggs leaves the coaching profession knowing he taught more than winning and basketball Xs and Os as he said, “I’m extremely proud to see the accomplishments we had on the court, but I’m even more blessed to have tremendous relationships I’ve made through my decades as a coach.”

The former two-time All-American high school player at Russellville High won a state championship and was named the state Most Valuable Player. He played college basketball at both the University of Cincinnati and the University of North Alabama (UNA) where he became the all-time assist leader at the school in a game, season and career.

See TIGGS Page 4B

The Rocket City Trash Pandas salvaged a 6-game road trip to Biloxi with victories on Saturday and Sunday

Bob Jones basketball head coach Luther Tiggs has retired from teaching and coaching after a career where he was head coach at four area high schools racking up over 400 victories.

Sparkman’s Chelsey Curtis (99) battles for the ball in the State Final match against Auburn on Saturday at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Photo by Andrew Noles

Sparkman celebrates their first Class 7A soccer state championship title.

Sparkman’s Amiyah Baker (10) celebrates the end of the championship game at John Hunt Park on Saturday.

Photo by Andrew Noles

No. 5 UAH’s season concludes in NCAA South 1 regional final

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 5 University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team wrapped up the 2023 campaign with a 2-1 loss to No. 1 Tampa in the NCAA South 1 Regional final last week, after earning a spot in the final game with a 5-3 win over Mississippi College to start the day. UAH ends its campaign at 46-11, while UT improves to 43-3.

This was the UAH softball program’s 25th all-time appearance in the NCAA tournament.

UAH’s 46 wins in the 2023 campaign are the most since the team recorded 48 victories in the 2014 campaign, as the Chargers have accrued 40 or more wins in a season 23 times.

Freshman Katie Bracken had a stellar first NCAA postseason, as she posted 25.1 innings with only

two runs allowed over the Chargers four games at the South 1 Regional. She finishes her first collegiate season with a GSC-best 1.50 ERA and .177 batting average against.

Game one: UAH 5, MC 3 The Chargers put together a three-run rally in the bottom of the first on Friday until lightning ended the day’s action, which would carry UAH to the 5-3 victory in the resumption of the contest on Saturday morning.

Gracie Green led the UAH offense with in the elimination-game victory, as she went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

Jada Henderson and Kaylee Vaught both had extra-base hits in the contest, with Henderson hitting a double in the third and Vaught posting an RBI triple for the Chargers first run of the game.

Josie Thompson started in the cir-

cle and picked up the win to improve to 8-2 this season, after tossing 5.1 innings with three runs allowed and one strikeout.

Katie Bracken notched her fourth save of the season, as she closed out the final 1.2 innings of the contest with no hits allowed and two strikeouts.

Game two: UT 2, UAH 1

Bracken stymied the Tampa bats in long relief, as she hurled the final 6.2 innings with one unearned run allowed and three strikeouts. The setback gives Bracken a final record of 18-3.

Green had another strong offensive display in the regional finale, as she went 3-for-3 with the team’s lone RBI for the contest.

Lawren Hayes and Jada Henderson tied for the team lead with nine hits apiece, as the Chargers totaled nine base hits as a team.

Trash Pandas snap losing skid with weekend victories in Biloxi

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

BILOXI - The Rocket City Trash Pandas salvaged a 6-game road trip to Biloxi with victories on Saturday and Sunday.

As of Sunday, May 14, the Trash Pandas (16-17) are two games back of the Southern League North leader Tennessee Smokies (18-15).

Rocket City is also the only club out of the four teams in the SLN to be on a winning streak with two straight victories against the Biloxi Shuckers (19-14).

The Smokes have fallen in their last three, the third place Chattanooga Lookouts (14-17) have dropped four straight and the Birmingham Barons (11-21) have lost a dismal eight consecutive games.

May 10: Biloxi 6, Rocket City 2

With rain forcing the Tuesday game to be moved to May 11, the first contest of the series became the Wednesday game.

The Shuckers hung six runs on the Trash Pandas in the bottom of the first inning and it would be all they needed to secure the victory.

May 11 Game 1: Biloxi 2, Rocket City 0

A two-run fourth inning powered the Shuckers past the Trash Pandas in a 7-inning affair due to the make-

up game to be played next. Rocket City was held to just a pair of hits in the game while Biloxi collected 10 hits.

May 11 Game 2: Biloxi 9, Rocket City 1

The make-up game from May 9 created a double-header on Thursday and the Shuckers got the best of the Trash Pandas for a third straight game. Rocket City melted down in the bottom of the first inning and Biloxi tagged them for seven runs.

The Trash Pandas’ lone run came in the top of the third inning, but it would not be enough as Rocket City was unable to put anything else together.

May 12: Biloxi 7, Rocket City 0

The Shuckers kept their stranglehold on the series with a fourth straight victory over the Trash Pandas by a touchdown on Friday.

Rocket City batters combined to strikeout 17 times in this game and 10 of the strikeouts belonged to Shuckers starter Tobia Myers who went 6 1/3 scoreless innings where he only allowed two hits and a pair of walks.

May 13: Rocket City 2, Biloxi 1

The Trash Pandas stopped the losing skid with a Saturday win over the Shuckers by one run.

Rocket City took the lead in the

top of the third inning with a pair of runs.

Biloxi answered in the bottom of the third with a run to cut the Trash Panda advantage in half, but Rocket City was able to keep the Shuckers quiet the rest of the way.

Left fielder Jeremiah Jackson contributed with his bat for the Trash Pandas with a 2 for 4 day at the plate that included an RBI and a run scored.

May 14: Rocket City 6, Biloxi 4

The Trash Pandas closed out the series on Sunday with a 6-4 victory against those all too familiar Shuckers.

Rocket City shortstop Kyren Paris shined at the plate going 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs while the right fielder Orlando Martinez also had a hit and three walks that led to him scoring two runs in the game.

This contest was tied up 2-2 as both clubs scored two runs in the first inning.

The Trash Pandas jumped ahead in the top of the third inning with a run for a 3-2 lead.

The scoreboard stayed that way until the top of the seventh when Rocket City added three more runs to create more breathing room.

It was a good thing that the Trash

The Trash Pandas Summer

Movie Series kicks off on May 30 with a screening of “Lightyear” at Toyota Field. Bring a blanket and sit in the outfield to enjoy the film on the videoboard, presented by Floor and Decor! Gates open at 6pm, movie starts at 7pm. RSVP at: www.milb.com/rocket-city/events/movies

Kyren Paris and Orlando Martinez paced the Rocket City attack in Sunday’s victory. (Mike Krebs)

The Madison Academy boy’s track team won the Class 1-3A State Championship behind the first-place finish of its 4x100 relay squad. The gold medal winners included Selano Thomas, Ken Cherry, Josh Williams and Lucas Hazelrig. Photo by Shannon Dorsey, Madison Academy Sparkman senior Bobby Gray took home two gold medals from the AHSAA State Track & Field Meet winning both the Class 7A discus and shot-put competitions.

MA wins track state championship; Bob Jones and Sparkman athletes win individual state titles

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

GULF SHORES/CULLMAN - The

AHSAA State Track & Field Meets were wild, wooly and record-setting for local athletes representing the four local high school track teams at the annual events held at Gulf Shores and Cullman. The Madison Academy boy’s track team won its first-ever team championship, Sparkman’s Bobby Day picked up two individual state titles while both Jordan Urrutia and Kaitlyn Ford won gold medals as Ford set a new state record in the high jump.

“Winning the state title is unreal as it was rewarding to see these ath-

letes celebrate winning, especially on the last event of the meet,” said Shannon Dorsey, in his eighth year as head coach at Madison Academy and starter of the program for the Mustangs. “We have 25 boys and no girls in our track program and these youngsters performing as they did is the true testament to this program. Our athletes took care of business and having so many of the boys perform well was the difference at the end of the day.”

The Mustangs won just two gold medals in both the 4x100-meter and 4x400 relay squads, but it was the numerous other strong finishes that was the difference in the team scoring that had Madison Academy with

58 points to runner-up Flomaton’s 55. The winning effort in the 4x400, the last event of the meet, nailed down the AHSAA blue trophy, but points accumulated by other finishers put the points on the board.

Those outstanding point winning efforts included Sam Hall (fourth, 3200m, 10:05.38), Jackson Reece (fourth, 400m, 51.90 and 800m, 2:02.33), J.R. Howard (sixth, 400m, 52.69), 4x800m relay (fourth, Parker Moore, Sam Hall, J.R. Howard, Jackson Reece, 8:37.70, school record), Maurice Scott (sixth, high jump, 5-8), Lucas Hazelrig (sixth, triple jump, 40-00.50 and fourth, 200m, 27.96), Selano Thomas (sixth, 100m,

See TRACK Page 4B

The Sparkman softball team won their regional tournament in Florence over the weekend. They now advance to the state tournament in Oxford starting on Friday.

Sparkman Softball downs Bob Jones, Austin to advance in playoffs

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

HARVEST - The Sparkman Softball team has the opportunity next Friday to draw another step closer to what the Sparkman Girls Soccer team has already done by winning the 7A State Championship.

An 11-9 morning defeat of Bob Jones on May 11 followed by a 15-1 drubbing of Austin in the afternoon sent the Lady Senators into the next stage of the softball playoffs on Friday against Enterprise.

“These girls have put in countless hours of preparation and have developed on the field and in the locker room,” Sparkman head coach Lindsey Vanover said.

“We pride ourselves as a program on doing the little things correctly and being the smartest team on the field each day.”

Game 1: Sparkman 11, Bob Jones 9

Bob Jones saw a 3-0 lead disappear in the bottom of the third inning as Sparkman stormed back to tie the game at 3-3 in a back-and-forth affair.

The Lady Patriots tallied four more runs in the top of the fourth inning to retake the lead 7-3.

Sparkman would score a run in the bottom of the fourth to cut into the Bob Jones advantage at 7-4.

Three more Lady Senator runs in the bottom of the fifth found the game deadlocked again at 7-7.

The Lady Patriots broke the tie with

two runs in the top of the sixth, but Sparkman was there in the bottom of the sixth with three runs.

When the dust had settled, Sparkman had weathered the storm with more offense than Bob Jones.

Lady Senator shortstop and Kentucky commit Cassie Reasner went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and three runs scored.

“What helped us reach this point in the season is the energy we have,” Reasner said.

“We feed off each other when we’re up and how excited we get.”

Game 2: Sparkman 15, Austin 1

Fresh off the Bob Jones victory, Sparkman carried the momentum into the Championship Round against the Lady Black Bears.

The Lady Senators made the box score look like a slot machine with triple 5’s in the third, fourth and fifth innings to blow away Austin.

Sparkman pitcher Eden Parker tossed seven innings of one run one hit ball with three walks and seven strikeouts.

Right fielder Laila Watkins led the charge for the Lady Senators with a 3 for 4 performance that included 2 RBIs and a run scored.

“I would say this team always has a lot of fight,” Sparkman first baseman and Bevill State commit, Maddie Blevins.

“Even when we’re down we find a way to fight to get back in it. We all have each other’s back and have really good team chemistry.”

The Enterprise game will be played on Friday at 9 a.m. in Oxford, Ala.

Take Your Home To New

The 4x400 relay squad won the gold medal at the AHSAA State Track & Field Meet on its way to the Class 1-3A State Championship for Madison Academy. The winning relay squad featured Josh A. Williams, Caleb Williams, J.R. Howard, Jackson Reece. Photo by Shannon Dorsey, Madison Academy

His first head coaching position was at Buckhorn High for three seasons. He jumped across Madison County to take a similar position at Sparkman where he remained for 10 seasons without posting a losing record. In 2012, he surprised many by taking the spot as head coach at James Clemens where he was 37-24 over two seasons before embarking on a two-year hiatus from coaching by working in administration within Madison City Schools. Hs time away from the hardcourts ate away at his natural desire to be a coach and he soon took the head coaching position at Bob Jones where he remained until his recent decision to retire. He and his wife, Sylvia, have been married 31 years and they have two sons, ages 29 and 31. Tiggs said he has no desire to coach any longer. He added, “My body was programmed to the daily routine of being a coach as I was always working at basketball. Now, my mind is free and there’s relief from having to deal

with the small details of being a head coach. I’m now living life and having fun. I’ll miss the kids, my peers, and, of course, the competition as I’ve been a part of basketball competing on the court since I was eight years old. I’m now a fan.”

Tiggs has always been highly regarded among his peers, so much so, he’s been on Committee for the annual All-Star Game for Alabama for 25 years and will remain in that capacity. He’ll also continue his role of tournament director for the annual N2Hoops Tournament he helped begin at Bob Jones several years ago.

“I may look for other opportunities and hope to stay close to the game,” said Tiggs. “Sylvia and I will spend more time together and I will now have more opportunities to spend time with my sons. My official retirement date is June 1, but as I venture away from the basketball court and put up my coaches’ whistle, I am thankful to all the coaches who helped me to learn this profession.”

Trash Pandas

Pandas picked up those late inning runs because Biloxi collected two runs of its own in the bottom of the seventh, but the Shuckers would fall short again.

Rocket City returned home this week to begin a series against the strug-

Falcons make deep playoff run

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE --- It was the end of the road for St. John Paul II Catholic School baseball on Thursday as the Falcons were narrowly defeated 2-1 in the second game by Etowah in the Final Four of the 4A State Playoffs.

Continued from page 2A

gling Birmingham Barons with games at Toyota Field Tuesday through Sunday.

All of these games against the Barons are scheduled for 6:35 p.m. start times other than the Sunday game that is slated for 2:35 p.m.

It was an emotional scene as the Falcons circled up in right field after the loss and listened to some parting words from their head coach Robby Seeman.

Several of the players embraced and some of them were wiping away some tears because of what this journey of a season had meant to them all.

“It’s the first time in school history that we have even made it past round one,” JPII senior shortstop Paul Andrzejewski said.

“To get to the final four is something special, … couldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else.”

John Paul II had dispatched the Oneonta Redskins two games to one in the first round, swept away Brooks in the second round and taken down Priceville over the course of three games in the third round to make it to this position to face Etowah in a home series.

Rain on Wednesday had already messed with the way the series took place because only one game had been played which ended up being a loss for the Falcons.

All the pressure was on JPII to pull out the win in game two or it was time for handshakes.

Luke Songy was on the mound for the Falcons, and he pitched a strong game for John Paul II, but he was upstaged by the Etowah hurler Caleb Freeman, who had a no-hitter through 5 1/3 innings.

“I was confident. I’ve been confident all year,” junior Songy said.

“I was executing my pitches and let my defense work, but we just couldn’t get the bats going.”

Andrzejewski ended up with three walks in three at bats for JPII and his glove was outstanding in the final game of his high school career.

“Paul’s an incredible athlete,” Seeman said.

“He’ll be going to Army on a baseball scholarship. He is just a great

Track Continued from page 3A 11.40) and Ken Cherry (eighth, 100m, 11.73). The 4x100m title winners at 43.42 were Selano Thomas, Ken Cherry, Josh Williams and Lucas Hazelrig. The 4x400 gold medal winning efforts came from Josh Williams, Caleb Williams, J.R. Howard and Jackson Reece.

With just three seniors on the squad (Lucas Hazelrig, Parker Moore and Carson Knotts) and an expected influx of new members added to the roster for 2024, next season is already looking promising for Dorsey, 32. “We hope to double our numbers after winning the title this year. We had a great group of coaches who made the season possible for all of us.”

For the Bob Jones Patriots, Sparkman and James

kid and he has represented the program so well over his time here and I couldn’t be more proud of a guy. It’s hard to find a guy who has as much talent as he does and is also as humble as he is.”

Etowah took the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Slade St. Clair knocked in Hunter Humphries with an RBI single.

Baylor Morrison gave the Blue Devils a 2-0 advantage when he came in to score in the bottom of the third inning on a throwing error.

John Paul II centerfielder Cody Johnson broke up Freeman’s no-hitter in the top of the sixth inning with a single to right field.

An error by the Etowah second baseman allowed Andrzejewski to score and the game was suddenly 2-1 Blue Devils.

John Paul II’s season was on the line in the top of the seventh inning and third baseman Tyler Sottolano led off the inning with a single.

Sottolano was standing at third base as the final two Falcons batters struck out to end the game and season. While the season didn’t end with John Paul II hoisting a championship trophy, the Falcons walked away from the 2023 playoffs having accomplished quite a bit.

“I’m really excited about the young guys we have,” Seeman said.

“We are losing seven incredible guys, … but I’m excited about the

Clemens in the Class 7A meet in Gulf Shores, all watched as Hoover won both the boys and girls team titles with 146.5 points in boys and 125 in girls. In boys, the final team tally of scores were 7. Bob Jones 45, 10. James Clemens 23.5 and 11. Sparkman 23. In girls, 10. Bob Jones 26, 12. Sparkman 18.5 and 17. James Clemens 9.

Bob Jones took home six medals: Girls- 400m, 2. Alivia Urrutia, 8, 57.04, high jump, 1. Kaitlyn Ford, 12, 5-08.00 new state record; Boys- 400m, 2. Jordan Urrutia, 11, 48.07, 200m, 1. Jordan Urrutia, 11, 21.51, high jump, 3. Malachi Mitchell, 12, 6-02, 4x400m, 2. 3:17.52. James Clemens had two medal performances both in boy’s ac-

young talent we have got. We’ll be alright.”

Game 1 on May 10: Etowah 9, John Paul II 3

The Blue Devils poured it on in the first game of the series that was halted for rain in the middle of the third inning.

Starting pitcher Jameson Scissum provided Etowah with six innings where he allowed three runs on five hits.

Etowah wasted no time with a home run to left in the top of the first by Caleb Freeman for a 1-0 advantage.

The Blue Devils padded their lead in the big way with a 6-run inning in the top of the third to make the scoreboard 7-0.

The threat of inclement weather fast-approaching sent this game to a screeching halt as fans and players sought shelter.

After a delay that lasted roughly two hours, the teams returned to action and John Paul II scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning to form the beginning of a possible comeback down 7-3.

Etowah would tack on two more runs over the final two innings though to expand the edge to 9-3 as the Falcons were unable to bring any more men in to score.

Despite the Game 1 loss, John Paul II senior shortstop Paul Andrzejewski shined with his 2 for 4 days at the plate with 2 RBIs and a run scored.

tion: 800m, 3. Dylan Dryer, 11, 1:56.38, 4x800, 3. 7:50.41. Sparkman took home three medals, two of which were gold by senior Bobby Gray who won titles in the discus, 171-07, and shot put, 57-03.50. In girls, Charity Collier, 9, was third in the discus at 116-09.

For Gray, who won the state indoor championship in the shot put, came back from left knee surgery to capture his three state titles in 2023. The 6-foot, 205-pound Gray said, “I felt good and worked all season to get to this point. I loved seeing all my hard work pay off.”

Gray would love nothing better than to participate in track in college and earning a scholarship. He’s currently undecided about the college of

his choice, while having a 3.78 grade point average, but has thoughts of possibly being a walk-on at Kentucky.

Participating on the Sparkman track team since the seventh grade Gray said the difference for him in this year’s State Meet was the fact, he lost in his efforts last year and was committed to be better in his senior season. “I was committed to beating my opponents who beat me last year,” added Gray. “This was my chance to get back at them. It’s very competitive on the big stage and I’m proud of the 40 medals I have won over the years that I have my room at home. I hope to earn more during some AAU events this summer.”

The John Paul II Baseball team circles up after falling to Etowah in the semifinals of the 4A State Playoffs on Thursday in Huntsville.

JPII batter Luke Songy (15) takes a pitch during Game 2 against Etowah on Thursday in Huntsville.

in the second half, and they were able to get a ball past Edwards in the 54’ minute when Samantha Reitz found the back on the net.

The Sparkman goalie pounded the green grass in frustration as Auburn tied the game at 1-1.

“We just had to weather the storm,” Sparkman head coach Samuel Tidmore said.

“We knew that they were going to come out and answer the bell. We knew that eventually they were going to come back and hit an equalizer and we were going to have to score again. We knew that we were not going to win the game one to nothing.”

That moment came in the 58’ minute when Chelsey Curtis was taken down and awarded a penalty shot.

The ball belonged to Jayda Davis and the girl who had already scored one goal in the state

championship had the opportunity to score another.

“I felt a lot of nerves because this was history and I just wanted it to go great for us and the program and the county,” Davis said.

The pressure was immense, but Davis and her Lady Senators were built for moments like this.

The junior watched the goalie move and she went the other way with her shot and the ball flew past the Auburn keeper.

The Sparkman side of the stands in their neon colors exploded with cheers as Davis had done it again for her team with it mattered the most.

Sparkman had the 2-1 lead and all that was left to do was hold on to the lead.

It was agonizing for Sparkman senior striker Sofia Sasan was she looked at the clock.

Three minutes.

Two minutes. One minute.

Tidwell was crouched on the sideline on a knee like a runner on the starting line as the clock bled down to 30 seconds.

The girls on the bench had risen to their feet.

This was really happening.

The clock hit zero and Sparkman went into mixture of relief and hysterics.

Very few teams get to put a number next to their name.

Sparkman Girls Soccer had gone further than any other program had ever gone in school history or Madison County for that matter.

2023 will forever belong to the Lady Senators. “It means a lot. I’m going to be an early graduate to Troy. Thank God we won,” Sasan said.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m so grateful for the fans. Our players

played great. Our coaches did great. I feel like it was just amazing that we won. Everybody gave 110 percent effort. No one gave up.”

Davis was named the Most Valuable Player in the State Final for her goal-scoring heroics.

“Honestly I’m just so happy that I have the team that I have,” Davis said.

“That they believed in me even during my droughts of not scoring to scoring a bunch, … I’m just happy that they believe in me, and I have the support of my coach who has been here all along screaming, crying and happy for me. All of that.”

The Lady Senators, in their championship caps, were mobbed by screaming fans and television cameras as they walked off of the field with their trophy.

“All of the respect in the world

for Auburn, Oak Mountain, Bob Jones, James Clemens and Huntsville,” Tidmore said.

“All of our opponents, we respect them. It’s because of them that we are here today.”

Sparkman had gone the distance and lived to tell the tale.

The view from the top of the mountain is still fresh, but what will Tidmore remember about his team 10 years from now when the trophy has some dust on it and the girls who won it are stuff of legend?

“Just the way that they respond to adversity,” Tidmore said.

“And how together this team is. This is a close-knit team and the hard work they do every day. They don’t complain. They don’t make excuses when they don’t play well. They recognize that. This is just more than a team man; this is a family.”

Annette Hale’s Ann

Below are some photos from Sparkman’s state championship game by Andrew Noles (www.facebook.com/nolesnestphotography)

Sparkman’s Sofia Sasan (8) attempts to take the ball away from an Auburn player during the State Championship game on Saturday at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.

Photo by Caleb Odom

Photo by Caleb Odom Jayda Davis was named the Most Valuable Player.

leArning AbouT flowerS! l

Flowers are one of the most beautiful things found in nature. They come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes, and they smell good, too! This makes them very appealing to both people and insects. Flowers are the reproductive portion of seed-bearing plants that produce the seeds and fruit that house them. There are four main components to a flower: the sepals, petals, stamen, and pistils. These parts of a flower are responsible for its fertilization. After a flower has been fertilized, it must be pollinated. Insects are responsible for most of the pollination that occurs in flowers. Pollen from a different flower of the same species is carried on insects from flower to flower. Insects are interested in the flowers for their nectar as food. The relationship between flowers and insects is mutually beneficial. After flowers have been fertilized and pollinated, they begin to create a seed. The petals then fall off and the fruit of that plant begins to form around the seed. The largest flower in the World is the Rafflesia. This flower is a parasite that grows on the stems of other plants. It has no visible root system of its own; it steals water and nutrients from the host. It can grow to be three feet wide and up to 15 pounds. The smallest flower in the World is a form of duckweed called water-meal, or Wolffia. It is a fraction of an inch in size and weighs as much as just two grains of salt--about the size of a cake sprinkle.

YYou cAn DrAw iT!

Time for tea

Never forget, you are highly valued

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

There are many people who sort of just exist day to day wondering why they are here and what purpose they serve. Satan has done a bang-up job in wrecking families which is the backbone of society.

Maybe your family never told you were valued, and you struggle to believe you are of any worth.

My friend you are highly valued by God. Even when caught in sin God doesn’t say get out of here you worthless human. Re-

member the Bible story about the woman caught in adultery? The key is “go and sin no more” period. But you are bound to slip up. Tell Satan to get behind you. Read John 1:811.

So, you see you are no accident no matter how you were conceived or what kind of stuff you may have endured. God makes beauty out of ashes. Invite him into your heart today.

PRAYER: I am redeemed and forgiven for dumb stuff I did in my past, yet Satan tries to torture me in my thought life. Help me Lord break the stronghold of wrong thinking. 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.

By DAWN REED

If you know me well at all, you’ve probably noticed that I don’t wear dresses. I’m a jeans girl and don’t like to dress up at all. But…I was invited to do a devotion at a tea party at a church in Annville, KY. They were having their first one since COVID.

I jumped at the chance. Even though I would have to wear a dress. Even though I would wear a hat. (I don’t wear hats, either.) This was just an important opportunity to encourage the ladies in that church and area. I didn’t want to miss it.

Becky, my sister from another mother and partner in jail ministry, went with me. It took two hours along winding roads to get there. While it was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed it thoroughly, we didn’t want to take the same road home. At night. In the dark.

When we arrived at the church, everything was lovely. Tables were set with fancy tablecloths, doilies, teapots and old books. (I love old books.) China cups and saucers were out for us to use. I picked a gold rimmed set with a rose pattern. The women of the church had made some yummy snacks for the event. Ladies roamed around all gussied up. Many wore hats, large and small; some wore gloves.

I had asked the Lord to give me

the exact words to share for the event. He led me to the stories of Rachel and Ruth. One was a mess. One trusted God fully. Because it was a “tea” party, I wanted main points that started with the letter T. Here’s what He showed me:

1. Trust God. That He is real. That He is not a skinny God Who cannot work or cannot hear or does not see. Trust God and His timing.

2. Take time to read His Word. He has a plan for you. It’s a good plan. He wants to guide you, encourage you, comfort you and He can do that through the Bible. Just think, every morning you can get a text from your heavenly Father. Take time to read His Word.

3. Talk to Him often. Tell Him what you are thankful for. Tell Him your heartaches. Ask Him for direction, for help. Tell Him when life hurts or is hard. Jesus said, “Come to me…” and He meant it. He really wants to hear you. Talk to Him often.

4. Tell others about Him. What do we do when we read or hear something funny? What do we do when we find a great recipe?

We SHARE IT! There is nothing in this universe that is better than the Good News of Christ. Yet, we are often hesitant to share. Don’t keep Jesus a secret! Tell others about Him.

After a wonderful-and delicious-time, Becky and I headed out. Trying to get our bearings and looking for a straighter return,

I put “HOME” in the Maps app on my phone. It brought us out a whole other way. We had no idea where we were, but were trusting in the GPS. That’s how it is when we commit our hearts and lives to God. We walk in faith and it takes us a different route than expected!