The Madison Record - May 22, 2024

through the netting to a happy fan after the Bob Jones Patriots had just eliminated rival James Clemens from the Final Four back a couple of weeks ago.

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Braden Booth stood near the dugout talking

The senior pitcher who also plays shortstop had a mixture of fatigue and relief on his face as he stood there fresh off the latest battle on the diamond.

He talked about just recording the biggest hit of his high school

career and Booth also shared his belief in his team in the impending state championship series.

“Our expectation of course is to win,” Booth said.

“We have just got to go out there and play the way we have the last few days. Just do the small things right and put pressure on them.”

These Bob Jones Patriots (449)shined the brightest when it

SENIOR STROLL - Senior strolls occurred last week in elementary schools across Madison. The strolls provide an opportunity for soon-to-be-graduates to visit the schools where they got their start. Graduation ceremonies for Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools were held Monday. The Madison Record will publish “Salute to the Class of 2024” in the May 29 edition. Pictured above: seniors who attended West Madison Elementary School stroll through the halls of Midtown Elementary School. Midtown replaced West Madison 2021. See more photos on page 5A

mattered most all season, including during this week of all weeks where the school from Madison rose up one more time to face Central-Phenix City (43-5). It took three games, but Bob Jones emerged victorious this past week to claim the 7A Baseball State Championship. Game 1: Bob Jones 6, Central 1 Booth was masterful on the

By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Alabama Department of Transportation will accept bids May 31 on the planned widening of Interstate 565 in the Madison area.

ALDOT plans to widen I-565 to six lanes from just west of County Line Road to just east of Wall Triana Highway. This 2-mile stretch passing Huntsville International Airport drops to four lanes and creates a traffic bottleneck. The original estimate for the I-565 project was $50 million.

American Legion to host Memorial Day ceremony in Madison

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – At its annual Memorial Day celebration this year, Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families.

“We want to identify these families in advance,” Post 229 Vice Commander Jean Downs said. The event on Memorial Day, May 27, will start at 11 a.m. at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison. The Memorial Day ceremony will include guest speakers, patriotic music by Madison Community Band and placing of wreaths at the memorial. A Gold Star Family has lost a loved one while serving in a time of conflict in the American Armed Forces. “The term ‘Gold Star Family’ dates back to World War I, when military families displayed service flags featur-

See MEMORIAL DAY Page 2A

Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families at its Memorial Day Celebration at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison.

The Bob Jones Patriots celebrate their win over Central-Phenix City in the Class 7A baseball championship series. Photo by Andrew Noles

Photo of the Week

Memorial Day

ing a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces,” Downs said.

“The star’s color would be changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war,” Downs said.

Throughout the year, the American Legion honors Gold Star families by presenting Gold Star flags and lapel pins, along with Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day on the last Sunday in September.

“This year Post 229 wants to do something special to ensure our Gold Star families are recognized. Having them join in placing the wreaths is just a small gesture to acknowledge their loss and sacrifice for our country,” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.

Continued from page 1A

cans celebrate one of our country’s most important holidays, Memorial Day. For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time to kick off summer with barbecues, going to the swimming pool and enjoying the weather, but it’s also a time to honor the men and women who died in service of the U.S. Armed Forces,” Downs said.

In the week leading up to Memorial Day, individuals will see members of Post 229 and Auxiliary Unit 229 at local stores handing out Memorial Day Poppies, Vannoy said.

“So many Americans don’t know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Vannoy said.

please call 256-340-2410.

CORRECTIONS

The Madison Record will be happy to correct any errors which appear in the newspaper or clarify any statements which are unclear. To request a correction or clarification, call 256-7631150 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday, or email news@ themadisonrecord.com.

Wreaths are placed on Memorial Day to honor soldiers who died in our nations’ wars. The tradition began when people around the country started placing flowers on graves of soldiers that had died in the Civil War.

“As we enter the month of May, we as Ameri-

“Having our members out in the community is a way to educate our citizens.”

American Legion asks Gold Star families to email Commander Larry Vannoy at commander@ americanlegionpost229. org to be honored during the ceremony. Legionnaires will gather family information for Gold Star families.

Bob Jones Air Force Junior ROTC presenting the colors during the 2023 ceremony.

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic takes off this weekend

DECATUR - More than 60 big beautiful hot-air balloons will fill the sky above nearby Decatur this weekend during the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. The mustsee event of North Alabama will be held May 25-26 at Point Mallard Park and features hot air balloons, a balloon glow, antique cars and tractors, arts and crafts, fireworks and other family fun with activities on the ground and in the air. The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic has become a Memorial Day weekend tradi-

tion for local families and visitors for over 45 years. The celebration begins bright and early Saturday, May 25, at 6:30 a.m., with the hare and hound balloon race: one balloon flies off and the others try to follow to see which pilot can get closest to a target put down by the hare balloon.

Additional activities on Saturday include a hands-on historical tool area, an antique and classic auto expo from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Southland Flywheelers will host an antique tractor show, featuring some of the best restored and maintained tractors in the Southeast.

A tractor parade follows at 10

Patriots Continued from page 1A

biggest stage for the Patriots with his seven innings on the mound where he allowed just one run with two hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in the victory.

With a bat in his hand, the Bob Jones pitcher clubbed a home run in his 2 for 4 day at the plate with an RBI and a run scored.

The Patriots scored a run in the top of the first for the swift lead only to add four more runs in the second to make it 5-0.

Bob Jones scored another run in the top of the fourth inning as Central’s only run came in the bottom of the sixth to avoid the shutout in the championship opener.

Game 2: Central 6, Bob Jones 3

The second game moved to Jacksonville State University a day later and the Red Devils were able to take Game 2 to avoid the sweep.

The Patriots were clinging to a 1-0 lead after a run in the bottom of the first, but three runs by Central in the top of the third pushed the Red Devils to the front against Bob Jones pitcher Tanner Hermesch.

Bob Jones would trim the Central advantage to just one run with a run in the bottom of the third inning, but that would be as close as it would get as the Red Devils would tally three more runs in the final two innings to hold off the Patriots to even the series.

Game 3: Bob Jones 12, Central 5

With the pressure on both teams to dig deep and win the final game, Bob Jones left no doubt in the third and final installment with a blowout series clincher.

Senior catcher Zach Johnson collected three RBIs in the final game of the season with his 2 for 4 night at the plate.

Bob Jones also had a major offensive contribution from the always clutch Booth who homered along with going 2 for 2 with two walks, two RBIs and three

a.m., and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be tractor games and a pedal tractor park opens for kids 6 years old and under. Beginning at 5:30, some balloons will lift off for an evening flight and the Balloon Glow at 8:15 p.m. is a must see as towering balloons of all colors light up Point Mallard Park.

Held under the pavilion, the popular Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show is Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Another round of friendly competition between the hot-air balloon pilots is scheduled Sunday, May 26 with the Lynn Layton Key Grab. Balloons should

runs scored in his last game as a Patriot. Another notable offensive threat during this lopsided win for the eventual state champs, was the perfect 3 for 3 day by the Bob Jones right fielder and pitcher, Dylan Adkins.

Jack Shaw started Game 3 for the Patriots and he gave his team six valuable inning where he allowed just four runs on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

The two teams were square at 2-2 after one inning of action before Bob Jones broke the tie with a third run in the bottom of the second inning at 3-2.

Central knotted the game back up at 3-3 in the top of the fourth inning, but that would not last as the Patriots unloaded on the Red Devils in the bottom of the fourth with four runs to jerk the game back in their favor at 7-3 Pats.

If that wasn’t enough, Bob Jones blew the game open in the bottom of the fifth with five more runs to run away with this third game 12-3 with just a few innings to go.

With the season hanging on by a thread, Central was able to score two runs in the top of the seventh, but the rally went down in flames for the Red Devils.

For this Bob Jones team that looked like a well-polished sports car all season, this state championship just validates what has been shown all year.

For some programs, success is found in a small pond with a lack of any competition.

Bob Jones ran towards the big names like IMG Academy and Thompson and the Patriots beat them all.

Sometimes a team has an incredible run, but there is always some monster of a school waiting at the top of the mountain to knock them off.

In 2024, Bob Jones is that monster taking a long look from the top of the mountain.

Check out our photo gallery of photos from the championship game on Pages 2B-3B.

See JUBILEE Page 7A

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur has been a Memorial weekend tradition for North Alabama for many years.

Records SCHOOLS

James Clemens collects honors at tech conference

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Students from James Clemens High School collected wins in top places at the Alabama State Conference of the Technology Student Association or TSA.

High school and middle school students from across Alabama gathered for the upbeat event on April 18-19 at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. Youth in TSA are interested in science, engineering and other STEM-related careers.

James Clemens fielded 17 students to the conference and competed in 15 different individual and group STEM competitions, TSA Sponsor Allison Epperson said. In the James Clemens Engineering Academy, Epperson teaches Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Engineering Research and Design.

“We placed in the Top Ten in all except one competition, and many students placed first, second or third at the conference. Congratulations to the students for their accomplishments,” Epperson said.

James Clemens won honors in different categories:

• Coding -- Arjun Gaikwad, Brian Venson and Dou Kim in first place; Hannah Park, Isabelle Bao and Jonathan Powell in third place.

• Cybersecurity -- Liam Shelley in first place.

• Dragster Design -Jake Ingraham in second place.

• Forensic Science -Riya Naphade and Dou Kim in second place.

• Technology Problem-Solving: Teniayo Akinsoto and Jordan Hockey in second place.

Alabama TSA usually conducts an average of 42 of these sessions at the state conference. In team and individual events, students are challenged to use and improve STEM skills in communications, design and engineering, environmental systems, transportation and manufacturing/construction. All competitions are aligned with STEM standards and other related guidelines.

Epperson thanked Kayla Brown for attending the TSA conference.

The Technology Student Association, a national, non-profit organization, has middle and high school students who are engaged in STEM pursuits. Since TSA was chartered in 1978, approximately 4,000,000 students have participated in challenging competitions, leadership opportunities and community service.

Alabama TSA has more than 5,000 members and continues to show steady growth. TSA also raises money for the American Cancer Society every year as a collective organization.

At James Clemens, the Technology Student Association meets on Fridays in Room A129 during the Refuel timeframe.

Bob Jones, Mill Creek Greenpower race teams take national titles at Talladega

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

TALLADEGA – The world-famous track held exciting moments for Madison youth as they ‘owned’ the day for the Greenpower USA National Championship.

At Talladega National Superspeedway near Birmingham, Greenpower racing teams from Bob Jones High School and Mill Creek Elementary School won major titles at the championship. Engineering Academy teacher Jessye Gaines and Parent Coach Kris Kasprzak lead the Patriot racers. At Mill Creek, kindergarten teacher Emily Ortiz coaches Greenpower teams.

Bob Jones’ three teams secured two titles of National Champion and one title as runner-up to National Champion. Mill Creek’s Car 700 was named Champion for Talladega Goblin Games and overall National Champion for the 20232024 racing season, which is Mill Creek’s second consecutive title.

Bob Jones’ biggest hurdle at Talladega was the track layout’s difficulty. “The track was an extremely technical layout for our drivers. If drivers did not take a very specific racing line, damage to our cars, tires and wheels was guaranteed,” Gaines said.

“Even our most experienced drivers were thrown a curve ball with the track difficulty. Students consulted Sports Car Club of

America drivers for their expertise on the race lines to take for every turn; this guidance was invaluable,” Gaines said. “I was so proud of our drivers for overcoming this challenge.”

“At the awards ceremony, hearing that Patriot Racing had completed a ‘clean sweep’ with our three cars from the racing and presentation components, I felt both relief and pride,” Gaines said. “My students have literally put blood, sweat and tears into their racing season. To see it pay off for them was priceless. They have all sacrificed to see this level of success.”

Bob Jones faced a Greenpower F24 race. Scoring involved 50 percent for endurance race (for the most laps around a track in 90 minutes without changing/ charging their batteries and changing drivers twice) and 50 percent for presentation score (for the National Championship race, students had to write a script and record, edit and submit a video, according to a rubric for judges to score),” Gaines said.

Mill Creek students fielded three cars that all finished in Goblin Games’ top tier. ‘Goblin’ division is the elementary level for

At the Greenpower USA National Championship at Talladega National Superspeedway, teams from Bob Jones High School raced to National Championship titles.

At the Greenpower USA National Championship at Talladega National Superspeedway, teams from Mill Creek Elementary School raced to National Championship titles.

The Technology Student Association or TSA from James Clemens High School won numerous honors at its state conference. The photo shows TSA members at a meet that lead up to the conference.

Notable number of MCS students place at state level in Reflections contest

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Facing off against other talented youth across Alabama, students in Madison City Schools achieved impressive results at state-level competition in the National PTA Reflections fine arts contest.

Each year, more than 300,000 students across the United States in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade create original works following a student-defined theme. Winners can advance from their individual school to their district, state and national competitions.

Competition categories are Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.

The National PTA sponsors the Reflections program.

At their May 14 meeting, Madison Board of Education members recognized students who excelled with their creations in the fine arts at state-level judging for Reflec-

tions:

• Tisha Nair – Received Award of Merit at national level.

• Eleri Sanders -- Received Award of Merit at national level. These students received commendation at the state level:

• Tisha Nair – First place in Dance Choreography.

• Elizabeth Peterson -- First place in Film Production.

• Inayah Sohel -- First place in Literature.

• Eleri Sanders -- First place in Literature.

• Anaya Naphade -- First place in Literature.

• Norah Jane Basham -- First place in Music Composition.

• Wylie Savage -- First place in Music Composition.

• Adalynn Loomis -- First place in Photography.

• Emily Jolley -- First place in Photography.

• Sawyer Harrison -- Second place in Dance Choreography.

• Laya Gowder -- Second place in Dance Choreography.

Snapshot

• Oviya Gowder -- Second place in Dance Choreography.

• Norah Jane Basham -- Second place in Film Production.

• Jack Phillips -- Second place in Film Production.

• Anjana Raman -- Second place in Literature.

• Matthew Ng -- Second place in Music Composition.

• Ishita Rajput -- Second place in Music Composition.

• Karsten Wallace -- Second place in Music Composition.

• Anthony Hilderbrand -- Second place in Photography.

• Lucy Anderson -- Second place in Visual Arts.

• Wyatt Matthew Deylius -- Third place in Film Production.

• Jeffrey Duan -- Third place in Literature.

• Kimberly Besherse -- Third place in Literature.

• Rhema Gosier -- Third place in Visual Arts. For more information, visit pta. org/home/programs/reflections/ awards.

Madison City 12th graders strutted the halls of their elementary schools in the annual senior strolls held before graduation last week. It’s a chance to visit with teachers, mingle with classmates and reminisce before heading off into their futures whether it be college, technical school, the military, the workforce, or a gap year to figure things out. Kids lining the halls gave the seniors a heroes sendoff as the upperclassmen paraded by. Here are a few scenes from Madison elementary schools.

Ellenburg named ‘Staff Member of the Year’ at Columbia

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and staff have selected Melanie Ellenburg as “Staff Member of the Year” for 2024.

Working as a Technology Assistant, Ellenburg realizes that every person has a different level of knowledge about technology. “I try to meet everyone where they are with patience and grace,” she said.

Before working for Madison City Schools, Ellenburg stayed home to care for the family’s young children. In January 2017, she started working for MCS as a Technology Assistant, the job she still has currently.

Ellenburg worked at Heritage Elementary School from January to May in 2017. In August

“Teachers and staff have so many responsibilities, and many do not have the time to troubleshoot when their technology does not work as expected,” Ellenburg said. “Before I walk into a classroom or office, I remind myself that my actions will help lessen a little of their responsibilities.”

Heritage honors Katie Scruggs as ‘Teacher of the Year’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Katie

Scruggs’ students say she is an outgoing teacher with a big heart. Heritage Elementary School rewarded Scruggs as “Teacher of the Year.”

Scruggs deferred to her students to comment about her teaching philosophy: “Mrs. Scruggs’ philosophy is to be nice and kind while having fun.” They also said, “She is well organized and planned.”

Scruggs taught for one year in Decatur City Schools and joined Madison City Schools in 2000.

For six years, she taught

fifth-graders at Horizon Elementary School and sponsored Student Government Association and the Sunshine Team, which helps to boost teacher morale. For 18 years, she has taught fourth-graders at Heritage. She has served as grade-level chair and on the Leader in Me Lighthouse Team. Eleven years ago, she founded Fellowship of Christian Athletes or FCA with help of one of her students.

“With FCA, we started the inaugural Daddy Daughter Dance and the Senior Strut/Stroll,” Scruggs said. “I’ve served

The Ellenburg family: Claire, front from left, Sophie, Piper (Sophie and Piper are twins.) and Melanie. Zachary, back from left, and Jason. Melanie is Staff Member of the Year at Columbia Elementary School.

At Heritage Elementary School, “Teacher of the Year” Katie Scruggs, at center, accepts her prize from Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell, from left, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Heather Donaldson, Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson, Assistant Principal Kristin Kolenich and Madison Aspiring Assistant Principal or MAAP Demetria Patterson.

Stories Behind The Stars

Honoring those who sacrificed it all in WWII

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Over 400,000 American soldiers gave their lives in World War II, but many of their stories and lives have gone unknown. Stories Behind the Stars has set out to change that and has a significant presence in the North Alabama area telling the stories of Alabama soldiers in particular.

Bob Fuerst, a NASA engineer by day, is the leader of the Alabama cohort of authors and amateur historians and genealogists who write the stories of heroes in their home state. Fuerst’s relationship with Stories Behind the Stars began in 2018 simply as a reader of founder Don Milne’s blog posts.

“I discovered his blog in 2018. It

was something I looked forward to reading every day,” recalled Fuerst. Milne’s posts initiated what is now an entire, nationwide program. A World War II history buff, Milne started writing blog posts

Bob Fuerst is the leader of the Alabama cohort of authors and amateur historians and genealogists who write the stories of heroes in their home state.

of fallen World War II heroes as a hobby, posting them to military-themed Facebook pages.

“As kind of a hobby, he started researching and writing the story of one World War II fallen on what

THE STORYTELLER

Do you remember? The quilting bee

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

One of the fondest memories of my childhood on Walker’s Bend, AL was the gathering of women who came to our house for the weekly quilting bee. Hanging from the ceiling in our living room was a large wood frame with small nails protruding from it in three-inch intervals, this seemed normal, didn’t everyone have a hovering spaceship descending from their roof? On the third Tuesday of each month, Mother moved furniture against the walls to make room for the quilting bee. I did not realize it, being six years old in 1959; I was witnessing a feminine canon of faith. Each week the women would gather at a different home and, each week, a different story stitched. At one home a quilt was pieced from a husband’s shirt. The lead quilter, Emmy, called this her renewal quilt. “My husband wore this shirt when he was baptized at 55 years of age. The crops, that year, were failing from lack of rain, the mortgage was due, with no means to pay it, and the bank would not extend the loan. One evening my husband came in from the fields with dust caked on his face.” She continued, “Albert had not

darkened the door of our church in over 20 years, even for funerals, he would sit in the pick-up, waiting for me. That day he was different, he knelt beside our kitchen table, bowed his head, and prayed, “Oh Lord you know that you and I have not had a good relationship since my little Mary died. I do not understand why you took her; you could have prevented that whooping cough outbreak, but I want to make peace with You, I give up, please send some rain, Emmy shows up at church every Sunday and I promise I will too.” With a long pause, tears making streaks down his face, and a trembling voice he said, “Amen.” Tears filled Emmy’s’ eyes as she said, “Sure enough, the rains set in, the crops recovered and with the oversupply of the harvest, we paid off the loan and, true to his prayer, Albert made peace with God. He joined the church, and became a fervent believer, God rest his soul. This quilt is more than bits and pieces of that shirt; it is my renewal of faith too, truth be told, I was mad at God myself.” I looked up from playing with my spinning wood top, as she took the handkerchief Grandma gave her. Hugs, affectionate pats, and words of understanding from her sister quilters gave a sacred presence to the gathering. The next week the

The Wall of Stars in the National World War II Memorial. These 4,048 gold stars represent Americans who gave their lives in service during World War II. Each star represents approximately 100 service members.

See STARS Page 8A

The Zooks will kick off the ‘Sounds of Summer’ on May 30, 7-9 p.m., at Home Place Park in Madison.

‘Sounds of Summer’ kicks off next week

By STAFF REPORTS

staff@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Next week, Madison

Arts Alliance will kick off their 2024 summer concert series, “Sounds of Summer”.

The concert venue is Home Place Park, 100 Shorter St., two streets south of Main Street in downtown Madison. The concerts are free.

Madison Arts Alliance sponsors this concert series and presents the event in partnership with Madison Visionary Partners.

May 30 at 7 p.m., The Zooks – Series opener with the return of a crowd favorite. The band describes itself as people “all about having fun.” The Zooks often welcome surprise guests.

The Zooks first organized in 2000 on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands when band members met each other because of their jobs

with a contractor for the U.S. Army, band spokesperson Randy Razook said.

The Zooks perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm-and-blues standards. Their dance music hails from the wellknown classics in pop and rock from the 1960s through 1980s. Band members pride themselves in putting smiles on the audience’s faces.

Other concerts include:

June 13, Groove – This group will play tunes for groovin’ to their versions of funk, rhythm and blues, soul, pop and dance party music.

June 27, Luna Koi – Will entertain at Home Place Park for two hours of family-friendly, free music. A few of Luna Koi’s cover songs are “Everything” (Lifehouse cover); “Dreams” and “Sound Check” (Fleetwood Mac); and “Volcano.”

July 11, Calypso Vision – Entertaining audiences for the past 10

years. The band gives a relaxed beachfront spirit, with a heavy dose of Buffett-style classics.

July 25, Second Hand Smoke –This group may be a duo but their sound can compete with a larger set of musicians. Their music will keep the audience moving to the beat.

Food trucks will offer tempting food and snack options at the concerts. In addition, downtown eateries are nearby for a ‘sit-down meal.’ Madison Arts Alliance seeks to foster and promote the arts in Madison County. Through membership, events, sponsors and partners, the organization strives to provide quality cultural experiences and growth in North Alabama.

Rosalie Holcombe is President of Madison Arts Alliance. Madison Visionary Partners is the alliance’s fiscal sponsor.

For more information, email info@madisonartsal-

INTUITIVE® to celebrate 25th anniversary with drone show

By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE ®), a professional engineering and analysis firm, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary by presenting the city’s first-ever drone show at Big Spring Park on June 3.

INTUITIVE is the sponsor of the first Concerts in the Park event, part of a 10week summer series presented by Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville’s Parks and Recreation Department. Concerts in the Park showcases homegrown musical talent in a mix of genres from rock anthems, toe-tapping country, smooth jazz, and soulful R&B to today’s hottest hits.

On June 3, the evening will open with local bands. After the performance, 300 drones will execute a custom, synchronized show conducted by Sky Elements for the entire community to enjoy at no cost.

“When we were considering how we wanted to celebrate our anniversary, it felt natural for us to involve the commu-

Jubilee Continued from page 3A

of an ‘X’ that is also placed at the pole. Another fun flight is set to launch at 5:30 p.m. and free tethered rides will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. The two-day event concludes with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Admission to and parking at the Alabama Jubilee are free. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. For safety reasons, smoking is not permitted on the launch field and pets are strongly discouraged due to the loud noise caused by the balloons and the large number of people present.

nity,” said INTUITIVE Corporate Communications Lead, Nikki Ficken. “INTUITIVE is dedicated to making a positive difference where we work, live, and play, so we wanted to provide an unforgettable experience, not only for our organization but for the local area.”

Arts Huntsville and the City of Hunts ville were instrumental in obtaining the appropriate permits and approvals for this first-of-its-kind entertainment expe rience.

“Concerts in the Park is Huntsville’s summer soundtrack,” says Allison Dil lon-Jauken, Executive Director of Arts Huntsville. “Every Monday evening, Big Spring Park will transform into a stage for rising stars and beloved local bands –there’s something for everyone through out the summer. Plus, with delicious food trucks on-site, it’s the perfect way to start each week and connect with the commu nity.” James Gossett, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Huntsville, adds, “Concerts in the Park is a tradition we’re all proud of. Get ready for free, fam ily-friendly concerts right in the heart of the city.”

All balloon activities are weather permitting. Balloons do not fly, tether or glow in the rain or if wind on the ground is stronger than about 8 mph or if there are thunderstorms nearby. During festival hours, Point Mallard Park is a “NoDrone Zone” according to FAA regulations.

All activities take place inside Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park providing year-round recreation facilities in Decatur, Ala. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www. alabamajubilee.net.

Storyteller

Continued from page 6A quilting bee moved over to “Aunt Verna’s” house. Verna and her husband, Roy, were an aging couple that had never raised children. She was stitching a quilt from her baby’s dedication gown, worn when he was 4 weeks old, the baby died shortly thereafter. This quilt was not made in sorrow but in hope- Verna passionately believed she would hold her baby again in the next chapter of her life; they had wanted more children but to no avail. Instead of lamenting their situation, Verna and Roy adopted all of us kids on Walker’s Bend as their own. Every child knew you could stop at “Aunt” Verna’s house after school for a homemade goodie. At Christmas they would buy every child they could think of a gift. One Christmas they gave me a transistor radio, shaped as a chest type water cooler Coke machine. It

was magic; Clip two wires coming from it to any metal, and you could tune in to a radio station. Around the quilting frame, my great-grandmother revealed she had terminal cancer and my mother announced I would be coming into this world. Surrounded by other women, they discussed marriage problems, personal fears, and life’s disappointments and blessings. The older ones offered sage advice from roads already travelled and the younger ones gained emotional strength knowing they were not alone. At the quilting bee, there was more to quilting than the stitches.

Bruce Walker speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller.com

would have been their hundredth birthday,” explained Fuerst.

As the posts gained traction, reaching more than one million views by 2020, but work commitments piled up, in 2018, Milne recruited volunteers and the readers of his blog to join him. Fuerst responded to the call and contributed around a hundred stories.

Milne had planned to continue writing up until the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in September of 2020 but interest continued grow, and Milne then set a goal of writing the stories of 420,000 fallen soldiers in World War II. Fuerst estimates that today over one thousand volunteers in every state and even abroad serve the non-profit program.

“It’s purely done out of just trying to honor and remember these heroes of the greatest generation that saved the world for us,” said Fuerst of the motivation behind Stories Behind Stars.

The program is currently working on several projects, including recording the stories of soldiers state by state.

Fuerst is the state director for Alabama and in this capacity, has led Alabama volunteers to complete the stories of ev-

as emcee of the Heritage Color Run and Pep Rally for the last eight years.” She chairs Sunshine at Heritage, which promotes having fun.

Several years ago, Scruggs started a unique outreach during the holiday season. The Heritage Christmas Carolers, composed of faculty and staff, ride a school bus in their ugly Christmas sweaters and converge on Heritage’s neighborhoods to sing carols and spread Christmas cheer.

In Scruggs’ classroom, reading novels has been a definite success. “Most students said that reading novels was what they learned the most from. We read a few novels each year and dive deeper into our

Ellenburg

reading standards,” Scruggs said.

When Scruggs reads, her students always enjoy hearing her character voices, learning ways that characters change, analyzing the author’s theme development and understanding the importance of voice and language throughout the text.

This school year is special for Scruggs, not only for receiving Teacher of the Year honors but for her retirement from MCS. She is a graduate of Huntsville High School. Studying elementary education, Scruggs earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Continued from page 6A

that year, she moved to Columbia Elementary School and continues to work there today.

One instance of personal success for Ellenburg occurred in recent months when she ensured every student at Columbia has an MCS-issued Chromebook.

“I grew up in Charleston, S.C., and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. Go Ti-

ery fallen solider in sixty-seven counties throughout the state, including Madison and Limestone Counties. His research has led him to discover the heroic lives of many North Alabamians and through them, touch the lives of others.

One of Fuerst’s very first stories was that of Luther Isom, a Huntsville native, who was on board the USS Arizona and lost his life at Pearl Harbor. He later shared Isom’s story and several others on a Facebook page dedicated to the stories of North Alabama fallen.

“Through that page, his niece reached out to me and thanked me for doing that, and in fact, invited me to a wreath laying ceremony on his grave on December 7, 2021, which was the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor,” recounted Fuerst.

The process for constructing these stories includes a lot of online research using resources such as ancestry.com, fold3.com, and digitized newspapers along with official military databases.

“It’s kind of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You find all the little tidbits of information in different places and you craft a story from that,” described Fuerst.

gers!” Ellenburg said. Her husband Jason Ellenburg works as an electrical engineer at Aviation Missile Solutions. Their children are Zachary, junior at James Clemens High School; Claire, freshman at James Clemens; and Piper and Sophie, who are twins in seventh grade at Liberty Middle.

Katie and husband Robert Scruggs have been married for 24 years. Their son Hunter will be a junior at Auburn this fall. Their daughter Anna Claire will be a senior at James Clemens High School. Ironically, most people know that Robert Scruggs is an avid hunter, but Katie has never been hunting.

“One of my favorite things to do is plan a party. I can always find an excuse to have a good party,” Katie said.

“I’m a huge Auburn fan. Since I was a baby, my family has had Auburn football tickets, and we’ve continued that tradition with our children. War Eagle!” Katie said.

In her free time, Melanie enjoys crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and playing board games. She likes to take walks and go on hiking trips. “I also enjoy listening to audio books,” she said.

In addition to writing the stories of the fallen state by state, Stories Behind the Stars has other ongoing efforts to record the fallen soldiers from D-Day and Pearl Harbor. Each story, once completed, enters the fold3.com database where it is linked to the gravesite of the corresponding servicemember.

“We want these folks to be remembered as more than just a, you know, a marker at a cemetery. Every one of these was somebody’s son or brother or father and there was a story to their life that deserves to remembered,” Fuerst said. Fuerst’s work has done just that in the instance of Leroy Sugg. Sugg was an experienced and decorated B-17 fighter pilot with 25 combat tour of duty, the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and four Oak Leaf Clusters to his name. In 1944, Sugg sacrificed his life to save the rest of his crew when the engine of the B-29 he was piloting caught fire in a training accident. Today, Sugg is buried under a simple headstone in Maple Hill Cemetery.

“If you walk past his headstone in Maple Hill Cemetery, you’d never know that. All it has is his name and his birth year

Melanie is an avid fan of the James Clemens Jets and supports their Esports team and the James Clemens Band. She also is proud of the Liberty Lions, specifically the Liberty Middle School Band and productions by Liberty Theatre Department.

and death year. There’s nothing to indicate that he served in the military, and I make a point of going to go put a flag on that one every year because no one else would know,” said Fuerst.

Stories Behind the Stars relies on volunteers, like Fuerst, to tell the stories of and give recognition to heroes like Sugg and Isom, and there are thousands of stories left to be written.

Volunteers undergo a special training process, known as ‘boot camp’, before they begin writing and then are given free access to tools such as ancestry. com and other databases to use in their research. Fuerst says volunteers are welcome to write as many stories as they like. Some join to write the story of a relative and others contribute hundreds of stories over the course of years.

Volunteers are encouraged to begin by submitting a form expressing their interest in participating online at storiesbehindthestars.org. For those interested in reading their work, all the completed stories can be found on fold3.com and Fuerst’s North Alabama stories can be found on the Remembering Alabama WWII Fallen Facebook page.

State Champs!

“Wolfpack” mindset propelled Patriots to Class 7A state championship victory

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - With every good athletic team comes the fact the efforts of all among the group of athletes must be cohesive working towards the same goal. The Bob Jones baseball team exhibited the necessary “Wolfpack” philosophy from the first day of practice back in January to closing out the 2024 season by winning the Class 7A AHSAA State Championship, thus being the first to do so in school history.

“These players embodied

what a team is and from the worst to the best player on the team was no different in the wanting to win as all were on board for the chase to the state title,” said Jared Smith after his ninth season as head coach of the Bob Jones baseball team. “We all receive the same championship ring as this team had no selfishness, envy or jealously. We had zero parents problems as they, too, were all on board.”

The Patriots finished the 2024 campaign 44-9 and defeated Central-Phenix City in the state finals two games

to one. The efforts were led by senior Braden Booth who was named the Championship Series Most Valuable Player by batting .700 with three homeruns and four RBIs, plus he tossed a two-hitter on the mound in game one of the best-of-three series. The Mississippi State signee is easily in the running for Mr. Baseball of Alabama.

“We were a team and more than just Braden as we all meshed together, never gave up, as a few times during the season we were down, but

James Clemens athletes finish among the top in Decathlon State Championships

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HOOVER - Halfway through the AHSAA Decathlon State Championship, James Clemens senior Benjamin Thomason had 107-point lead and was geared to defend his 2023 state title, but junior William Numnum of Northridge High had different thoughts coming from fourth place and nearly 200 points behind to win the

2024 Decathlon state title with a 158-point victory over runner-up Thomason. Fellow James Clemens decathletes Isaac Pollard finished third (6,063) and Austin Abney was tenth (5,198) in the competition which featured 50 athletes from across Alabama at the meet held in Hoover. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Thomason emerged as the firstday leader after five events which included the senior Jet

tied for the best effort in the long jump at 21-feet, 10-inches. In day two of the highly specialized competition, he took the top honor in the 110-meter hurdles race with a winning time of 14.64. Meanwhile, Numnum turned in a strong finish winning both the discus and pole vault competition on his way to scoring 6,494 points while Thomason finished with 6,341 points, Pollard with 6,063 and

Bob Jones swimmer surprised by 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar selection

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Bob Jones recent graduate Samantha Chan was a multi-faceted student-athlete for Madison’s oldest high school. Her 5.3 grade point average put her second among the 2024 graduating class, she was a three-time state champion swimmer her senior season for the school’s swim team, participated in the Speedo Winter Junior Championships where she competed in seven races and signed an athletic-academic scholarship to attend and swim for Georgia Tech.

The Bob Jones baseball team won the Class 7A State Championship for the first time in school history utilizing a Wolfpack mindset of playing together as a team. Photo by Andrew Noles. See more photos on pages 2B-3B.

James Clemens had two athletes finish among the top five at the Decathlon State Championships. Isaac Pollard, center, finished third, while Benjamin Thomason, second from right, was runner-up in the multi-sport event.

Photo by AHSAA/Jeff Segars

Samantha Chan. Photo by Josh Berry, Everlong Photography

would fight back as we kept coming in throwing punches,” said junior pitcher Jack Shaw, an unsung hero on the season for the Patriots. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound right handed pitcher had a marvelous campaign with a 9-0 record with two saves on the season. But it was his clutch pitching in the post-season that set him apart from others across the state.

In each of the best-of-three series in post-season, including against Thompson in round one, James Clemens in round two and the title series against the Red Devils, Shaw was called upon to pitch in the deciding game-three of the series. He won all three with outstanding efforts.

“I felt a lot of weight from the challenges in those games but I knew I had to perform well and do it for the seniors on our team as it was their last chance to win it all,” said Shaw in his second season on the varsity squad. “My mindset changed from the regular season as it was winning and nothing else.”

For Booth, a varsity player since he was a freshman and highly touted player across the country, his numbers on

the season were enormous going 13-1 on the mound with a 1.51 ERA while batting .429 with 10 homers and 49 RBIs. Known as being extremely humble of his talents, Booth said his success and the team’s success came from a team effort.

“It was the other players in the dugout who carried us through our championship season as their continued energy gave those on the field a boost at every pitch,” said Booth. “We all understood we would never again be on the field at the same time and wanted to finish by capturing a championship ring, something Bob Jones had never accomplished before. I struggled through a lower back injury about a quarter of the season and I pushed through that for our 15 seniors, especially those who will not play in college as this was their last season. I wanted to bring back a ring for them.”

“I never had a vision this team would break the team record of wins and we did that with only nine losses,” added Smith.

“I didn’t know we had the depth in pitching. Our efforts were a great testament to our players and coaches and I feel bless-

ed to be where we finished. Once we beat some nationally ranked teams in the Perfect Game Showcase in Hoover back in February we all knew we could win it all.”

The Patriots had what was called the Wolfpack mentality, a moniker from assistant coach Brian Roberts who also would get the team together and tell them stories prior to each game. He started those meetings in Area play and continued through the championship series. The Wolfpack is one where everyone matters. In fact, the entire team voted to have Wolfpack inscribed on their championship rings they will receive for winning the Class 7A title.

“We all grew up together playing baseball in Madison as we saw those big-time players and teams at Bob Jones in the past lose and that made us strive to win,” added Shaw. “We were close-knit in everything we did. Matter of fact, Zack’s (Johnson, starting catcher and signee with Alabama) mother would give Zack and me a message before each game. Those messages motivated us. After that, I would say

a prayer. We never gave up.”

“This team I would describe was gritty, resilient and unselfish,” said Smith. “Of course I will always remember Braden as the best player that’s ever played here and his impact on the rest of the team made a difference throughout the season.”

Upon winning the state title, being presented the State Championship Trophy by the AHSAA and celebrating with family and friends, the Patriots made their bus ride home and arrived at the school at 1:30 a.m. where awaiting them was a throng of family and fans at the baseball field where the stadium lights were on and the final score of the championship game flashed on the field’s scoreboard.

“That’s when it finally hit me that we won the state championship,” said Shaw.

“I predicted before the season we might go 20-20, but everyone on this team proved me wrong as we all meshed together, played hard and did what we needed to do,” said Booth.

What a season to remember, where great players with great teammates came together as one, as a Wolfpack.

Patriots

Continued from page 1B

Disc golf is alive and well in Madison

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON- The sport of disc golf is alive and well in Madison. There is an average of six new courses opening to the public per day on a national level and Madison is not immune to that exciting fact as its newest course layout at Sunshine Oaks Park will soon be open for play while others remain open for the fun sport that anyone can play.

“Sunshine Oaks is a pro-level course, but designed to also appeal to recreational-level players as nine of the 18 holes layout will feature permanent short targets,” said Lavone Wolfe, longtime Madison resident and disc golf course designer. “The course has generated quite a buzz because it is Madison’s first full 18-hole course that will attract players of all levels as a destination and offer local promoters the facilities to host large tournaments.”

Sunshine Oaks, located on Mose Chapel Road, is adjacent to one of Madison’s Greenways. If played to the long positions,

the course is a good test for advanced and pro level players. It will have shots not found at other local area courses. Construction is still ongoing with pavilions, rest rooms and other amenities still part of the work in progress.

Wolfe, a former World Champion disc player, member of the Professional Disc Golf Association and designer of numerous disc golf courses, was one of the trailblazers who introduced the sport to this area along with Disc Golf Hall of Famer Tom Monroe, who passed away in February.

Wolfe is one of only 10 in the world certified master designers with 60-plus projects to his credit, has over 100 wins as a professional including world championships and state titles. He was inducted into the Disc Golf Hall of Fame in 1994. A resident of the immediate Huntsville area for 60 years, he has a BS degree from the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama.

Wolfe’s courses attract players and competitors regionally, nationally and internationally, and while the courses are praised by

the world’s top professionals, those layouts are also favored by players who play disc golf for fun and recreation.

“I designed and installed each of the courses in Madison with each course having its own distinct characteristics and each receiving a lot of play from the huge local cadre of disc golfers,” said Wolfe.

Here’s a look at the current courses in Madison:

• Indian Creek Course in Creekwood Park, 335 Harvestwood Ct. Madison, AL- Located in Creekwood Park, the course plays along the greenway. The course is another Lavone Wolfe design and is also an advanced to pro level challenge.

• Asbury Church Gillespie Rd. Madison, AL- Located on a church campus but it is open to the public. This course has become a favorite of Madison residents in the past few years. While it is only a nine-hole course it is a Lavone Wolfe design and offers shot shaping usually found on larger and more advanced courses. Most players will play several rounds to complete 18 or more holes.

Other smaller but fun courses include Dublin Memorial Park and Stavemill Parks in Madison. North Alabama was already a hub for the sport in the South and home to national and world champions and Hall of Fame

course

members,” said Wolfe. “However, like the rest of the country, the sport exploded during Covid because it’s a great outdoor activity. Many players now have ambitions of making the Pro Tour where a number have contracts exceeding a million dollars.”

The Cotton Row will host over 3,300 runners in 44th annual run

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE- The Cotton Row Run, a Memorial Day tradition in Huntsville, will host its 44th renewal next week as more than 3,300 runners will take to the streets of downtown Huntsville for the 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run.

The 10K course, with its start on Church Street, runs through the beautiful neighborhoods of downtown Huntsville including Blossomwood and 5 Points, and provides a nice challenge as runners enjoy the infamous climb up Mountainwood Hill between miles two and three. After the climb, participants make their way back to downtown with a finish on Church Street near where the race began.

Greenpower races; officials determine a national ranking by totaling a team’s top three scores.

Mill Creek’s cars placed in the top 15, and Car #700

From page 4A

The 10K course also showcases Huntsville’s beautiful, historic Twickenham and Old Town Districts. The 5K course stays closer to downtown and is flat and fast. All courses are certified by the USATF and are record eligible.

The Bill Penney Toyota sponsored race has a usual focus on Memorial Day and honoring those who died serving the U.S. TOC/TOC Sports and Fleet Feet are also huge business supporters of the events which begin at 7:00 a.m. Madison Hospital Vein Clinic, Avadian Credit Union and Focu-s Physiotherapy are also sponsors of the races. This year, 3,000 runners have pre-registered for the race with another 400 expected to join in by the time the start gun is fired. The total number of runners regis-

won eight of nine races. The race held special meaning for Mill Creek students. They raced in memory of their teacher/coach, the late Jackie

Smith, who passed away on March 17.

tered is at least 200 more than a year ago. Top seeded runners are no strangers to the Cotton Row Run. Both David Bett (28:37) of Kenya and Dominic Korir (29:20) of Los Angeles participated last year with Bett finishing second (29:05) and Korir third (29:59) behind winner Shadrack Keter, 22, with his winning time of 29:01. The No. 1 seeded local runner is Hunter Nails, 25, of Madison who finished seventh overall a year ago with a time of 32:44. His seed time is 31:30. On the women’s side, defending champion Lydiah Mathathi, 37, (33:55) has not entered in 2024, thus allowing 25-year old Betty Sigei to be the top seed with a time of 32:06. Among local females, Emma Hardman will lead that group with a seed time of 36:30. Bett is coming off a wonderous spring

season of running as he won the 150th Derby Mini-Marathon in Louisville, Ky. His reputation as a strong runner is evident with his tremendous experience.

Bett won a gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships held in Moneton, Canada while taking home a silver medal at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Brixen, Italy.

With one race year skipped due to Covid-19 issues, this is the 45th year of the Cotton Row Run which began in 1980. Since that opening race only six runners have participated in all the races. They again will be back for another shot at the special event next week. Those six are Bill Albritton, 69, Don Hillis, 67, Charles Van Vaulkenburgh, 67, Bill McDowell, 70, Jon Turner, 76, and Kevin Jose, 63.

ry-school/home.

“Our biggest obstacle, of course, was the loss of our beloved coach, Ms. Jackie Smith, less than two months ago. These were her kids, and this was her team,” Ortiz said.

When the team needed a teacher sponsor, Ortiz volunteered because her son is on the team, although Ortiz didn’t know much about Greenpower.

“Team parents all banded together to help me with coaching, weekly practices and presentations. It truly took a village, and they made it happen,” Ortiz said.

“At Talladega, it was a

To add to her already extraordinary efforts, Chan is one of two from Alabama and 161 outstanding American high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others and embrace opportunities to lead.”

hot weekend. Obviously, traveling two hours and staying overnight was a big deal for our families,” Ortiz said. “ A belt broke on Mill Creek’s championship car during their final race, but students and parents quickly repaired it. “The kids were so well behaved and worked so hard; it really made for a fun weekend,” Ortiz said.

In the Goblin Games, Mill Creek’s Car 750 placed fourth, and Car 775 placed 15th. These two cars ended the season in the top 10 and top 25, respectively.

“I really can’t put into words how special this win was for our team. One

of the last times I talked to Ms. Smith, she talked about how the team was so close to achieving this title again, and she didn’t want to let them down,” Ortiz said. “The team’s goal all season had been to win for Ms. Smith, so seeing that happen was incredible.”

Mill Creek’s cars compete in three racing events -- drag, slalom and circuit. Each race counts as a quarter of the overall score. A required presentation before the race accounts for 25 percent of the score. For Talladega, students made a website about the team -- sites.google.com/greenpowerusa. net/mill-creek-elementa -

After Smith’s death, the team has always posted photographs of Jackie Smith in the team’s pit area for each race. “Talladega was no exception. We housed our cars in a NASCAR garage stall and had a banner dedicated to her hanging in the stall all weekend,” Ortiz said.

“We took her picture to the awards ceremony to make sure she was there with the kids as they won the championship. As the team was leaving Talladega after winning, a huge rainbow stretched across the sky. It was a truly unforgettable weekend!” Ortiz said.

Amy, who just completed her freshman school year, were the success heart and soul of the Patriot’s swim team, which claimed the Class 7A State Championship. Chan won the individual 100 butterfly and was on both the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays, which also won gold medals at the AHSAA State Swim Meet. Born in Huntsville to Edwin and Emily Chan, the well-rounded Chan took to the water at age six while she took swim lessons at the Madison branch of the YMCA.

“I was surprised I was chosen as I feel like I didn’t deserve the recognition as there are so many others here in Alabama who could have won this award,” said Chan. “I’m honored to be chosen and I’m super grateful for this award. I thank God, my parents and my teachers for their support.”

The 17-year old Chan and her youngster sister,

“This Summer I’m swimming long course competition for the Huntsville Swim Association mostly in the 100 and 200 butterfly, 50 freestyle and 100 individual medley events,” said Chan. “I have continued my hard training as I know that will push me forward to what I want to do.”

Championship From page 1B

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as, a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. Chan is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community. Of the 3.7-million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams through nominations made by chief

state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

Chan, who scored a 36 on her ACT, added, “I’m excited about getting to Georgia Tech to begin my studies in my major and swim for the Yellowjackets. I know I’ll be among tough competition as my goal in swimming is to make it to the NCAA Championships. Swimming is not my main goal. My education, is as once my swimming years are complete, I want to become a doctor.”

Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name their most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen by Chan was Mallory King of Bob Jones. Chan

Abney’s 5,198. For Thomason, a disappointing outcome after such a marvelous start, but he’ll have the memories to last a lifetime winning the 2023 state title with the fourth best performance in the country and finishing as two-time state champion in the Penthalon, which is the equivalent of the decathlon for the indoor track season.

Thomason signed to run track at Samford University.

Lavone Wolfe is a longtime Madison resident and disc golf

designer.

HISTORY with John Rankin

The “affair” at Madison Station

May 17, 1864

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - There were only two battles of any size fought in Madison County during the Civil War. They were both fought in and around the town of Madison, about seven months apart. Madison’s location along the railroad halfway between Huntsville and Decatur was one of the primary reasons for its strategic importance at the time. The outcomes of both local Civil War engagements were affected by weather extremes.

Artillery and rifles were the weapons of the day for the conflict that occurred on May 17, 1864, in a driving rain that obscured vision and minimized likelihood of audible detection of forces approaching for the surprise attack. The engagement began shortly after dawn with Confederate fire upon the occupying Union forces around the railroad depot in Madison. The Confederate attack began after the Southern troops had crossed the river at Triana during the night, taken out the Union sentries, and surrounded the town on all sides. The Rebels also had brought along four small cannons or howitzers, but some reports indicate that one of the big guns was not usable.

The alarm was reportedly first sounded for the Union troops in the town when one of their early morning foraging parties encountered Confederates north of the historic district around 8:00 a.m. However, the town was already surrounded, so the Union troops fought from behind bales of cotton piled around the train depot and from a small barricaded “fortress” in one of shops on the south side of Main Street.

After receiving incoming cannon fire at the depot loading dock, the Union commander realized that their position was untenable, so they focused a counter-attack along the railroad to break out toward Huntsville, where the main Union forces were quartered. The engagement continued eastward along the tracks to the Indian Creek railroad bridge. The stone support columns are still in place just beyond the southeastern corner of today’s Madison Academy campus.

The modern rails do not actually rest upon the old stone columns now. It was at the eastern end of this bridge that the Union troops regrouped and held their position across the creek until later in the day when reinforcements arrived by train from Huntsville. Meanwhile, before retreating the Rebel force set fire to the depot and to the cotton bales that the Union had confiscated. By the time the Union counter-attack from the railroad bridge at Indian Creek commenced, the Rebel troops had looted the tents, armaments, and other supplies that the escaping Union forces had hastily abandoned in the town. Before the end of the day, the Confederates had gone back across the river at Triana with some captives and their plunder. A Confederate history report written in 1890 at one point stated that 80 Union prisoners were taken. In another place the number was given as 130 prisoners, while stating that the Federal Garrison numbered 400 men. Patterson was stated as losing only 7 killed and wounded.

The many accounts of the “affair” include numerous variations of the details, as written by defensive Union commanders and later by sparse Confederate memories. However, all agree that it was raining so hard that the combatants could barely see their opposition. The Union accounts described the event as involving far more rebels than could possibly have been present at that point in the war here. The local Southern defense forces were ill-equipped, exhausted, and low on munitions in 1864. The information which follows is excerpted from a book of 123 pages written by Lloyd Lanphere (deceased), as published in 2001 by the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.

The official Union reports claimed that 350 Union troops of the 13th Illinois Infantry were attacked by a Rebel force of between 1,000 and 1,500 cavalry and infantry. More realistic descriptions suggest that a maximum of 500 under-fed and worn-out but desperate Confederates were raiding for supplies when they routed the well-rested Union troops from leisurely sleep as they were awaiting muster out of service within a few weeks. An 1866 history of the 13th Illinois Infantry stated that 66 Union pickets and skirmishers were captured by the Rebels, who suffered 60 killed, wounded, or missing.

Written Confederate reports are sparse from the last months of the war, but there are numerous descriptions

of the engagement preserved in official Union accounts. The most descriptive Union reports were filed by a self-defensive Colonel Adam Gorgas of the 13th Illinois Infantry. He first reported on the day of the engagement that “We were attacked this morning at 8 o’clock by a cavalry force under Patterson, numbering about 1,000, with four pieces of artillery.” Considering their rude and sudden awakening and the driving rain, one can wonder how well the opposition could be numbered by the Union force as it fled for safety toward Huntsville.

When Brigadier-General C. L. Matthies communicated on the 17th to Lt. Col. R. M. Sawyer about the event, he stated that “Rebel Patterson crossed with 500 men and three pieces of artillery, near Triana, moved on to Madison Station, destroyed all but the railroad, took Colonel Gorgas prisoner and 50 men, fell back to the river, not known if he crossed.”

When Gen. Matthies reported to General J. E. Smith about the engagement later that day, he stated that a “Telegram from Decatur Junction says 2,000 mounted rebels at Madison Station. Burnt the town.” It should be kept in mind that avoidance of disgrace and eligibility for promotions depended upon an ability to write reports containing good rationale for actions and outcomes. Sometimes details were a bit exaggerated.

Gorgas in his initial report further recounted that “...We were obliged to fall back, after a severe fight, and, being surrounded, we cut our way through their lines, and fell back to the bridge and water tank, about three miles east. We formed and returned to this place (Madison), and, after skirmishing, drove them from the town. They captured several of our men, what number we are not able to say. Our camp and garrison equipment, together with all the regimental and company papers, are either destroyed or carried off. The depot buildings are burned, together with about 50 bales of cotton. (He said 70 bales in a report two days later.) The railroad is all right, telegraph lines cut. We are left here without rations, and but little ammunition.”

Col. Gorgas did not mention in his initial report that the counter-attack did not occur until his force was greatly augmented by a trainload of Union troops and cavalry from Huntsville. Nor did he describe the true helter-skelter run along the tracks to escape from the town, as his unprepared force was lightly dressed and poorly armed while they were lost from sight in the downpour of rain and protected by the dense forest on each side of the tracks. He also forgot to say that the Rebel force had already retired from the town with wagonloads of Union equipment plunder before he and his reinforcements returned to the town.

A much more detailed account of the engagement was filed by Col. Gorgas on the 19th of May, as follows: “I would respectfully submit the following report of the attack made on this post (Madison Station) by a force of the enemy, under command of Colonel Patterson, consisting of two regiments of mounted infantry and a battery of four 12-pounder howitzers, the entire force numbering about 1,000 men.

The attack was made at 8:30 a.m. on the Triana road, on which two of their field pieces were placed in position, the two remaining pieces having crossed the railroad, together with a portion of the enemy’s command. They, however, did not get into position, as the attack was precipitated by the enemy’s being discovered by a forage train, which was just starting out.

As soon as discovered the enemy opened fire from their two pieces on the Triana road, having previously sent detachments to each one of my picket posts, five in number, guided by some citizens who seemed to know the exact locality of each, encircling them and capturing them entire. On the first alarm my command was quickly formed in line, excepting three companies, who occupied the stockade in the rear of the depot building, behind some cotton bales. Two companies were thrown out as skirmishers, but the enemy appearing in such a large force in their front, I ordered them to fall back to the main column.

In the meantime the stockade was rendered untenable by the rapid fire from the artillery, so that the three companies were compelled to fall back behind the railroad embankment, where I at length formed my entire command, being satisfied that we were outnumbered nearly four to one, and having nothing to resist their artillery, it would be impossible to hold the town, my command the entire time keeping up a rapid and incessant

fire, killing 3 and wounding 15 of the enemy. At this time the rebel force appeared on both flanks and in my rear, which made it necessary to fall back still further, which I did, in the direction of the water tank toward Huntsville, dispersing the enemy in my rear by a few well-directed volleys, the artillery and nearly their entire force following on either side of the railroad, but the timber was so thick that they could do no damage.

On arriving within a half mile of the water tank I reformed my line, and after a short rest, again advanced toward Madison Station with a strong line of skirmishers, well extended on either side of the railroad. The skirmishers drove the rear guard of the enemy from town, the main force having departed after burning the depot buildings and about 70 bales of cotton. My camp equipment was also burned, it, however, consisting of only a small number of tents, which were scarcely serviceable. The men, also, have lost all their extra clothing and blankets. The damage to the railroad was slight and readily repaired.

As soon as the attack was made, the wagon train, consisting of eight 6-mule teams and three 2-horse ambulances, were ordered on the Huntsville Road, but were intercepted and captured, together with a small train guard and the teamsters. About 12 noon re-enforcements arrived, consisting of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Colonel Heath, 120 men, and the Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, 220 men. These, together with 100 men from my regiment, moved after the enemy as rapidly as possible in a driving rain. Colonel Heath’s cavalry came up with the rear guard of the enemy early in the afternoon, and kept up a constant harassing fire, but his force was too small to make a forcible attack.

The infantry came up just before sundown, the Fifty-ninth Indiana deploying as skirmishers and driving the enemy before them to the bank of the river, but night coming on and finding that the transportation (wagons) and prisoners were across the river, our men fatigued, and ammunition almost exhausted, it was considered by the commanding officers to withdraw our forces. They were consequently marched back to Madison, 12 miles from Fletcher’s Ferry.

From reliable sources I learned that the enemy’s loss at the ferry was 15 killed and 40 wounded. This estimate, I am positive, is not placed too high, which would make their entire loss 18 killed and 55 wounded. Of the number of prisoners from my regiment I have not been able to learn how many were wounded. The loss of the Fifty-ninth is 2 wounded, and the Fifth Iowa Infantry 1 killed. I have but 1 man wounded with the regiment. ...”

In a lengthy report by Brig. Gen. John E. Smith dated May 18, he stated several discrepancies in the Gorgas reports. The Smith report told of an estimated force of up to 3,000 Rebel forces, and that the first warning of the attack was receiving fire into the Union camp. The first report into Huntsville said that the Madison Station occupying Union force would no doubt be captured. Smith stated that his first action was then to order out the Fifth Ohio Cavalry and the Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry. He also directed that a regiment be sent by train from Larkinsville in Jackson County. He further said that while awaiting the regiment he proceeded to arm all detachments, convalescent soldiers, teamsters, etc., in order that every man could be available (to defend Huntsville, expecting an attack

there). Then he started the Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry toward Madison after placing cotton bales and ammunition in position. Later in the afternoon he sent the Forty-eighth Indiana to Madison. When the Union troops encountered the Confederate rear guard near Triana, Smith reported that they killed 1 man, wounded several, and captured 4 prisoners and some 30 or 40 horses. He concluded his report with the statement that after receiving the initial Gorgas report, he was led to believe that Gorgas was “culpably negligent.”

Col. Gorgas blamed the successful surprise at Madison Station upon local citizens guiding the rebels to the locations of his five pickets, who were then overwhelmed before they could sound the alarm. In fact, subsequently the Union occupiers arrested Madison residents Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher, Edward Betts, and James Harvey Pride. They were taken into Huntsville to be tried and hanged as spies for complicity in the event. After a gallows was constructed, a recently-transferred and remotely-billeted but friendly senior Union officer who knew that Dr. Fletcher had compassionately treated Federal soldiers during the occupation years came to Huntsville and had the men released.

One can also contrast the Union conditions with those reported by the Confederate commander in the attack, Col. Josiah Patterson. When he wrote to his commander, General Phillip Dale Roddey, on June 27 of 1864, just six weeks after the “affair” at Madison Station, he recounted his many engagements and marches during the recent months. He stated that he had 250 men in the Fifth Alabama Cavalry at that time. He mentioned having been in engagements at not only Madison Station but also Fletcher’s Ferry, Garth’s Farm, and Moulton. His men had been sent to Aberdeen (Mississippi), then to Gadsden, from there to Rome and Dalton (Georgia), then back to Decatur (Alabama), Talladega, Moulton, Tupelo (Mississippi), Big Bear Creek (Alabama), Decatur, Corinth (Mississippi), and back to Pond Spring (Alabama). Much of the time was spent on quarter rations of corn and in traversing mountains. Patterson wrote that his men had marched, under orders, over 1,200 miles in the last five months without firing a shot in addition to the many engagements and skirmishes along the way. Patterson also told Gen. Roddey that “You can well imagine, after all this marching, the condition of these men. I have sacrificed my command, ruined the horses of my brigade, in marching and counter-marching in obedience to orders, and for my life I cannot see where I have benefitted the country in a single instance during all these marches. Horses have broken down in large numbers, thus reducing the efficiency of my command at almost every step. You are aware that all of this has been done on less than half rations of corn. The troops that I move with in the morning, although once finely mounted, are now in very bad condition, and half the horses, so I am informed by the captains, are not able to march twenty-five miles without lagging and giving out.... If my brigade was inspected today, there would not be 200 horses found fit for active service....”

This does not seem to fit as a description of the “overwhelming” Confederate force that routed the Union occupiers at Madison Station so efficiently, but it was an actual report written in confidence by Col. Patterson to his commanding general -- not for excuses.

An old postcard photo of the Madison Station Depot around 1898.

The area where a replica of the old roundhouse sits today was the scene of the “affair” on May 17, 1864.

Remember: your voice is louder than the voice of the world I

By BECKY MILLER

God’s Lemonade Stand

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.1 John 5:21

NLT Bible Gateway Each Saturday morning my husband and I watch our former church back in Alabama online for Saturday morning prayer, basically a prayer first strategy preparing for Sunday. One of our prayers was for our children and grandchildren to make God’s voice louder than the voice of this world or basically the culture.

The world is getting darker and darker, and Satan seems to be winning but do not fear for many prayer warriors are ‘on the wall’ so to speak walk-

ing and praying to defeat the wiles of the devil. You put your prayer out there and then let God work. I don’t always completely let go but it would work better if and when I do. What roadblocks, walls, pits or bumps in the road do you need to take on in prayer for the lives of your children or grandchildren? If you have no children what other areas need God to intervene?

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for having a Bible. Help me make it more important than TV, the internet, or social media. Forgive me when I let the things of this world interfere with serious prayer. 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.

Stressless

Emily Wide Arm shown in Paloma Black