The Madison Record - June 14, 2023

MPD addresses tactics in relation to impersonation arrest

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison Police Department issued a statement Thursday morning addressing the recent arrest of a Harvest teen in Limestone County using equipment and posing as a police officer. Police officials also took issue with some of the recent social media conversations questioning police tactics the department uses

to enforce traffic laws.

Logan William Martin, 18, of Harvest, was arrested recently after applying for a job as a corrections officer with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

“Capt. Tammy Waddell received a tip that Martin had stolen blue lights from the Madison County Career Tech Law Enforcement vehicle, put them in his car, and was stopping cars and impersonating a peace officer,” the Limestone County

Sounds of Summer

Sheriff’s Office said.

When interviewed, Martin confessed to impersonating a peace officer in Limestone County, Madison County, Jackson County, and Lincoln County, Tennessee, the Sheriff’s Office said. A search of his car revealed property of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Huntsville Police Department, including dash cameras, blue emergency lights and a

Sounds of Summer kicks off in downtown Madison

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

“Sounds of Summer” on Thursday at Home Place Park in downtown Madison.

“What a wonderful night!, exclaimed Rosalie Holcombe after the event was over. She is serv-

Alabama

Update

ing as President of Madison Arts Alliance, which is hosting the series, along with Madison Visionary Partners.

Home Place Park, located at 100 Shorter St., just south of downtown streets, will continue to be the venue for the remaining concerts in the series.

The next concert will feature The Zooks on June 22. Sounds of Summer will open at 7 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.

The Zooks’ interesting back

Ivey boasts low unemployment, education and infrastructure improvements in North Alabama

By MARIA RAKOCZY news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - On Thursday, State Finance Director Bill Poole delivered an “Alabama Update” to the Huntsville business community. Poole filled in for Governor Kay Ivey who was unable to make the event due to mechanical issues with the state aircraft.

Ivey addressed the audience

virtually through a brief recorded message, in which, she had nothing but praise for the impact of the Huntsville-Madison County area on the prosperity of the entire state. “You are the pace-setter for economic growth in our state. Make no mistake about it, that is a direct result of your efforts. The Huntsville-Madison County area is

See UPDATE Page 8A

story dates to 2000 when the group first organized thousands of miles away on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. The men forming the band knew each other from their jobs with a contractor for the U.S. Army, spokesperson Randy Razook said.

Known for its dance music from the heydays of the 1960s through 1980s, The Zooks perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm-and-

See SOUNDS Page 8B

police radio, according to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the statement from Madison Police, the arrest has brought up questions regarding the use of unmarked patrol cars in traffic enforcement.

“MPD uses unmarked vehicles as part of the Traffic Safety Unit for enforcement actions,” Madison Police stated. “These vehicles have no outer markings and

See POLICE Page 3A

Strong pens letter to TVA regarding elevated risk of summer blackouts

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

WASHINGTON - Congress-

man Dale W. Strong (AL-05) sent a letter to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) President and CEO Jeffrey Lyash last week expressing concern about the resiliency of District 5’s power grid as forecasts show the upcoming summer will place strain on grids nationwide.

In December 2022, TVA experienced the first ever implementation of energy load reductions, also known as “rolling blackouts,” in its ninety-year history during Winter Storm Elliott.

These blackouts left customers across North Alabama, from rural electric cooperatives to large business entities, without power.

This summer, North Alabama may face similar circumstances, as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation has assessed the region as having an “elevated” seasonal risk of power grid stress.

Congressman Dale Strong

See BLACKOUTS Page 8A

A decent crowd attended the first 2023 Sounds of Summer concert on Thursday. Photo by Kassidy Wilkins

State Finance Director Bill Poole delivered an “Alabama Update” to the Huntsville business community on Thursday.

LOCAL

Photo of the Week

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“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

- William Shakespeare

Madison students earn National Merit college-sponsored scholarships

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced

3,000-plus winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities on June 7.

These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. This year, 81 private and 72 public institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards.

The following list identifies the student recipients, their high school, career aspiration and contributing college.

• Sohail Mohiddin Baig

– James Clemens High School. Probable career: Neurosurgery. National Merit University of Alabama at Birmingham or UAB Scholarship. UAB is a comprehensive, urban research university and academic health center with enrollment exceeding 16,000 students. UAB is the only university in Alabama to earn top ranking (Research University I) in the Carnegie Foundation’s classifications of colleges and universities.

• Anna E. Digges – Bob Jones High School. Probable career: Ecology. National Merit Auburn University Scholarship.

Auburn is a nationally ranked land-grant institution recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary, research and life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation.

• Vincent T. Dinh – Bob Jones. Probable career: Computer Engineering. National Merit University Of Alabama In Huntsville Platinum Scholarship. UAH, a premier research university, offers a challenging hands-on curriculum to more than 10,000 students. UAH offers about 100 degree programs of study within six academic colleges.

• Sherwood Dong –James Clemens. Probable career: Computer Science. National Merit University Of Florida Scholarship. UF offers many unique opportunities to join the ‘Gator Nation,’ including excellence, discovery, innovation, community and stewardship.

• Punarvi S. Mandadapu – James Clemens. Probable career: Medicine.

See MERIT Page 8B

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Madison’s Bradford Greenway was packed last Wednesday for National Runners Day. Close to 280 runners came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and raced in the Fleet Feet and Brooks-sponsored fun run. After the race, runners and their families and friends listened to music and ate dinner at Palmer Park.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy names new education director

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy has a new education director. After a nationwide search, Taylor Bogan has been named to fill the position. She will join FPCTA starting July 3.

“We are incredibly excited to have Taylor joining us at FPCTA,” said Karen Mockensturm, Executive Director. “Her decades of experience in the classroom and background in theatre for young audiences will undoubtedly bring new and exciting educational offerings to our families and our region.”

“I am thrilled to join the FPCTA team on their mission to enrich the lives of children and families through arts education,” stated Taylor Bogan. “I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the arts with the greater Huntsville community. I am honored to continue a legacy of high-quality arts education experiences at FPCTA.”

Taylor Bogan is an actor, singer, director, and arts educator who grew up on the New Jersey Shore. She began her career at seven, auditioning for film, tv, and theatre in New York City before attending the

Performing Arts Academy High School as an acting major. In 2013, Taylor received her B.A. in Theatre and Minor in Musical Theatre from Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey.

In the following years, Taylor toured as a vocalist with Australian music artist Turk Tresize, co-hosted a video blog series, worked as a freelance voiceover artist, and performed at various theatres in the tri-state area. While continuing to audition and perform, Taylor co-founded the JoiStar Summer Intensive, a triple-threat summer arts camp for students of all ages, which ignited her passion for teaching.

In 2016, Taylor became the Vocal Director of Manasquan Music & Dance Academy, where she coached the award-winning children’s vocal team, The Vocal Stars, taught various voice and acting courses, and served as Studio Manager.

In 2022, Taylor received a Dual Track M.F.A. in Theatre for Young Audiences (Directing concentration) and Acting from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. While studying in Hawaii, she was an Acting Lecturer at the university, teaching Intro to Acting, World Theatre,

Police Continued from page 1A

display State issued tags.

Several social media comments were made saying the use of unmarked vehicles in traffic enforcement is entrapment.

“The definition of entrapment includes ‘A law enforcement officer inducing a person to commit a crime they otherwise would have been unlikely or unwilling to commit’,” the MPD statement said. “MPD traffic officers conduct vehicle stops only after they observe traffic violations have already occurred. Comments made concerning the occurrence of more traffic stops at the ‘end of the month to make quota’ have no validity, as MPD has never required or used quotas.”

Madison Police gave some advice for people being stopped by an unmarked police vehicle. Police say the best thing to do if you doubt the authenticity of the stop is to contact the police to confirm the legitimacy of the stop, while keeping their hands visible and explaining they are verifying the stop.

“If a citizen feels they are unsafe when an unmarked vehicle displays blue lights to pull them

over, the citizen should turn on their hazard flashers which will let the officer know they are

and Acting for TV & Film. She was a Jim Rye Fellow at the International Performing Arts for Youth Conference and has been an invited presenter at the Hawaii Book and Music Festival, and Artists Meet Early Years, Italy.

Taylor has received the John Young Scholarship in the Arts, the Glenn Cannon Award for Excellence in Acting, and the Tara Montgomery Award for Excellence in Theatre for Young Audiences. Most recently, Taylor was teaching middle school theatre arts courses in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Her favorite productions include Interstellar Cinderella (Director/Cinderella), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), and Eddie Wen Go (Assistant Director). Taylor’s passions in the arts include social-emotional learning, devised theatre, and accessible arts education for

everyone. FPCTA’s upcoming 63rd Season of four productions features three world premieres, A Christmas Carol, Rapunzel & the Beanstalk, and Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker and Able, and The Jungle Book. For more information, go tofantasyplayhouse.org.

attempting to pull over,” MPD stated. “They should pull into the nearest welllit, public location, and call 911 providing the dispatcher with their location and vehicle description. Remain on the phone with dispatch until they advise the officer is authorized to conduct the traffic stop.”

At the height of the pandemic, people impersonating police officers was a major concern throughout the country. Law enforcement agencies said impersonators were pulling people over for violating stay-at-home orders in April 2020.

Logan William Martin, 18, of Harvest, was arrested recently arrested after admitting to impersonating a police officer.

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said a search of Logan Martin’s car revealed property of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Huntsville Police Department, including dash cameras, blue emergency lights and a police radio.

Taylor Bogan

REPORT: SPACECOM commander assures Tuberville, Strong, Britt that Huntsville remains best location for HQ

ville,” Tuberville tweeted.

By DANIEL TAYLOR 1819News.com

WASHINGTON DC –

The Huntsville City Council has approved a $476,250 contract with William M. Boehme & Associates Architects for the facility on the corner of Martin and Zeirdt roads.

Martin Road rec center one step closer to reality

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - A new recreation center in West Huntsville will soon be under design.

The Huntsville City Council has approved a $476,250 contract with William M. Boehme & Associates Architects for the facility on Martin Road. A previous agreement autho-

rized the purchase of approximately five acres of land on Martin Road just west of the intersection with Zeirdt Road. Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett said it’s exciting to see the much-anticipated project move forward.

“As West Huntsville continues to grow, we know there is a need for recreation facilities and programming,”

he said. “This center will meet that need and add to the quality of life for our citizens.”

The facility will be similar in design to the Mark Russell Recreation Center, which opened on Taylor Road in December 2020. The agreement calls for two full-size gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, office space storage areas and restrooms, as well as lighted parking.

Huntsville Police seeks feedback for re-accreditation process

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is seeking feedback as part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) reaccreditation process.

Through a public comment portal at https://cimrs2.calea.org/212,

community members can submit information about HPD’s engagement in the community, delivery of public safety services and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns.

All comments are sent directly to CALEA to be evaluated as part of the reaccreditation process.

The CALEA public comment por-

tal should only be used to submit information about the quality of service provided by HPD.

First accredited by CALEA in 1996, HPD has successfully maintained its accreditation status for 27 years. The accreditation, which is considered the gold standard in public safety, is voluntary and serves to hold agencies accountable within the community and agency.

After meeting with U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) commander Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) said last week the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force has “some explaining to do” on why it appears to be wavering on choosing Alabama as the permanent headquarters for SPACECOM.

Strong said he met with Dickinson Wednesday, who seemed confident Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville will win out in the final decision, despite moves from the Biden administration to the contrary.

“Just walked out of a meeting with [SPACECOM] Commander GEN Dickinson,” Strong tweeted. “I was assured by him that he couldn’t envision any circumstance where he wouldn’t recommend Huntsville as the permanent SPACECOM HQ. He had no concerns with the initial decision.”

He followed that up by simply tweeting: “[Secretary of the Air Force] — you have some explaining to do.”

U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), who were also in the meeting, said with Dickinson’s confirmation of Huntsville as the “preferred location ” for Space Command, it’s past time to make a decision free of politics and in the best interest of national security.

General Dickinson just confirmed to us that [SPACEOM] HQ belongs on Redstone Arsenal,” Britt tweeted. “This is no surprise, because it’s what the facts clearly support. The White House must keep politics out of this and do what’s best for our national security. It’s past time.”

“Enough is enough, it’s time to bring [U.S. Space Command] home to Hunts-

Bill requiring law enforcement to release bodycam footage under certain circumstances heads to Ivey

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Legislature has approved a bill allowing police bodycam and dashcam recordings to be released to the public under certain circumstances.

House Bill 289, sponsored by State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham), received final passage from the Senate on Thursday and will now go to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature.

The bill would provide for the circumstances and procedures to disclose or release recordings made by body-worn cameras or dashboard cameras used by law enforcement agencies. The bill would specify who may request the disclosure or release of recordings and provide the procedure for requesting recordings.

In 2021, Alabama’s Supreme

Court ruled in an 8-1 decision that police footage is exempt from the state’s Open Records Act, claiming that videos are “investigative material” and, therefore, not public records. Currently, no law enforcement agency in the state is obligated to release any body camera footage to the public. The only “no” vote came from Chief Justice Tom Parker. The decision stemmed from a lawsuit after a Montgomery man was mauled to death by a police K-9, and officials refused to release footage of the event.

Under Givan’s bill, a law enforcement agency would only be required to respond to a request for video under the following circumstances:

• An individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.

• A personal representative of an adult individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording

if the adult individual has consented to the disclosure.

• A personal representative of a minor whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.

• A personal representative of an adult individual under lawful guardianship whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.

• A personal representative of an adult individual who is incapacitated and unable to provide consent to disclosure whose image or voice is the subject of the recording.

• A personal representative of a deceased individual whose image or voice is the subject of the recording. Any video disclosure could affect an ongoing active law enforcement investigation or prosecution, and the agency could charge a fee for redacting or editing the footage. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig. monger@1819news.com.

The Colorado Republican Party tweeted support for Tuberville and Alabama to be SPACECOM’s new home, given Colorado’s “unfettered abortion laws.”

Tuberville has been holding up military promotions for months of the U.S. Department of Defenses abortion policy, though the Biden administration denied that had any bearing on the decisions.

“Abortion has nothing to do with military readiness,” Tuberville tweeted, referencing the Colorado GOP’s tweet. “Huntsville was selected on the basis of 21 different criteria. It wasn’t even close. Colorado didn’t make the top 3.”

Huntsville has repeatedly been ranked as the top choice for Space Command, but continued delays by the Air Force in making a decision and reports that President Joe Biden wants to keep it at its current temporary location in Colorado have cast serious doubt on what once seemed like a sure thing when former President Donald Trump chose Alabama in 2020.

Amid this confusion, Ohio lawmakers are seizing the opportunity to throw their state’s hat in the ring to be considered for SPACECOM.

According to Defense News, six Ohio House Democrats and two Republicans sent a letter to Biden asking him to locate Space Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Ohio currently has several Air Force and NASA installations, highlighted in the letter, which was also addressed to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, Defense News reported.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.

U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, USSPACECOM commander, speaks with Dr. Stacey A. Dixon, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, April 4, 2022, at USSPACECOM’s provisional headquarters. (US SPACECOM)

LIVING

By JOE HOBBY Columnist

I’m not a handyman. I truly wish I was, but it’s just not in my DNA. I can’t make a straight cut on a 2x4 to save my dog’s life. If you give me a hammer and a handful of nails, all you’re probably gonna get are bent nails. And I’m probably gonna get a smashed thumb. Then everyone within a threeblock radius is probably gonna get to hear a combination of words they’ve never heard before. That’s about the only thing I can do as well as a construction worker.

What’s so frustrating is that I have friends who are handy. They can do things like build decks, install windows, repair faucets, replace light fixtures and such. I’m so jealous. I’m doing good if I put in a new furnace filter with the arrow pointing in the right direction.

My best friend Richard wired his house - his whole house! It passed inspection with flying colors. I have trouble putting batteries in a channel changer.

I got this ineptness from my father. He couldn’t tell a flat head screwdriver from a xylophone. Furthermore, he had no interest in learning. About the only way he would use a screwdriver is if it had a golf grip on the end of it.

At least I have a desire to learn. When Richard is doing some type of project, I’m usually his assistant. That means I watch what he was doing, hold a flashlight, and fetch tools. A grown-up gopher.

It seems that the home repair gods rarely smile on me. I think they even like pulling practical jokes. For example, once when one of my boy’s baseball jerseys was behind our washer and dryer, I made a hook with a coat hanger to retrieve it. I reached back, hooked the shirt, and began pulling it within reach. Things were going great until the wire grazed a tiny gap in the 220 outlet. I was slammed against the wall and thought I saw Jesus.

With my lack of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills, I’m surprised my wife allows me to work on our little lake house.

But she does. I think I know why. It’s old. It’s rustic. So, any mistake I make somehow adds to the cab-

in’s quirky ambiance.

Every now and then I’ll get lucky and do a decent job. When I built a small deck that led to our front steps, my wife looked at it, nodded appreciatively, and said, “Wow! It’s so good it doesn’t look like you did it.”

That’s a self-esteem builder. It ranks right up there with “you don’t sweat much for a fat woman.”

These home improvement shows don’t help either. HGTV is BS IMO. They make it look so easy. Just speed up the camera, play some peppy music, and in 30 minutes you have a new addition to your house. And it’s so much fun! The husband and wife building teams are always laughing, hugging, and high-fiving. They’re so happy to be building something together.

Not in my world. In my world, when you pair a sarcastic, micro-managing wife with an impatient, noskill husband, that’s like pairing nitro with glycerin. It’s volatile, and there’s probably gonna be an explosion.

Let me elaborate. Not too long ago I was attempting to replace a light switch at the lake house. Obviously, I didn’t learn my lesson with the dryer. Richard told me it would be easy-peasy; just undo a few screws, bend a couple of wires, redo a few screws, and voila! Just like that, you have a brand-new wall switch.

I suppose my first mistake was attempting this repair. The second one was having my wife Carol come along, although, in the back of my mind I thought she might be useful because she could call the paramedics if I was shocked into unconsciousness.

So, I began to work. And from the get-go I could see that easy-peasy was not for measy. I could not get the wire to wrap around the screws properly, and when I finally did, I couldn’t get the screws in. I tried over and over with no success. Then I began to lose patience. I could feel the Hulk welling up inside me. As if on cue, Carol begins peppering me with questions designed not so much to help, but to drive me out of my ever-loving mind.

“Do you have the right kind of screwdriver?”

“Are you turning it the right way?”

“Is the power cut off?”

Union veteran honored in Madison cemetery 123 years after his death

Special To The Record

MADISON - The Madison grave of a Union veteran was honored on Memorial Day weekend, May 27. The service was conducted by the members of the Pvt. Richard Taylor Camp No. 53 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in the Old Madison Cemetery.

The veteran being honored was Second Lieutenant Enoch B. Allen who had moved to Madison Station after the Civil War. Allen was born on August 27, 1834, in Ohio as son of William and Hannah Allen. In 1850, Enoch was fifteen, living with his parents and siblings in Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana. Enoch married first to Ms. Mary A. Brison on December 10, 1856, in Lawrenceberg, Dearborn County, Indiana. In 1860, he appeared as a blacksmith in the U.S. Federal Census in Washington Township, Decatur County, Indiana, age 24 with wife Mary aged 22.

In the years since Enoch’s death, a general acceptance in the community, his name led to confusion with that of a Confederate soldier from Georgia who had a similar name, E. B. Allen, Private, Company F., 20th Georgia Infantry, Confederate States Army. His grave in Madison, therefore was erroneously marked in the late 1990’s with a CSA marker. Local Madison County historian, John Rankin, brought attention to the error of the local SUVCW camp who initiated actions through the City of Madison to coordinate with the Veterans Administration in obtaining a corrected stone.

The short ceremony on May 27th was the culmination of this process to honor the service of this soldier of the United States on this Memorial Day weekend—123 years after his death.

Eight members of Post No. 53 participating were Commander Ray Cassell, Secretary/Treasurer Mark Hubbs (also Commander of the Department of Alabama), Historian Richard Blanton (also Department Historian), Brothers Stephen Brock, Richard Crissone, Kent Wright, Gary Osbourne, and Randall Cox. Phyliss Hubbs, representing the Women’s Auxiliary, also participated presenting her organization’s greetings to those assembled.

The 42nd Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry re-enactment or-

ganization of Huntsville provided the Color Guard composed of Ron Bednarczyk Colors Commander), Karl Ryan (Color Bearer) and Chad Ryan (with musket). Brother Robert Slamp of Huntsville and the Principal Musician/Chief Bugler of the Anna M. Ross Camp No. 1 of the SUVCW in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, volunteered his services with the playing of Taps.

During the war

Upon the outbreak of the war, Enoch enlisted on July 20, 1862 for 30 days service with Company A, 76th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During this period, he saw duty with the regiment at Evansville, Indiana, and at Henderson, Kentucky, operating against guerrillas and protecting steamboats on the Ohio River until he mustered-out with this unit on August 20, 1862 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.

Enoch Allen enlisted once again into Union service and mustered-in this time to Company G, 146th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry on March 3, 1865, in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. The regiment left Indiana for Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, on March 11th to join the 1st Brigade, 3rd Provisional Division, Army of the Shenandoah. He would see duty at Charleston and Summit Point, West Virginia and also at Winchester, Stevenson’s Depot, and Jordan Springs, Virginia, until July 27th. Enoch and the 146th were then ordered to Baltimore, and were assigned duty in the Military district of Delaware. During his service, he was appointed an officer and commissioned as Second Lieutenant at Baltimore, Maryland.

After the war was concluded, he mustered-out of service on August 31, 1865, in Baltimore, Maryland and once again returned to Indiana. Enoch and Mary would divorce in December 1865. He remarried to Ann E. Reed on January 29, 1867. By the time of the 1870 U.S, Federal Census dated January 23, 1870, the couple were living in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana with their two-year old daughter, Hannah. Sometime after this that the family moved south settling in Madison Station.

In the 1880 U.S. Federal Census, Allen appears in Madison County, along with his wife Ann E. and now 12-year-old daughter Hannah

Belle. An Invalid’s Pension was filed for Enoch on September 1, 1890 2hile living in Madison. Enoch passed away in his home at Madison Station (known today as just Madison) on May 19, 1900, and was buried in the Old Madison Cemetery there amongst the graves of numerous Confederate veterans.

His widow later filed for a Widow’s Pension on May 31, 1900 after her husband’s passing. Ann E. Allen survived him finally passing away on April 3, 1916, in El Reno, Canadian County, Oklahoma, where she was living with her married daughter, Mrs. Hannah Bell (Allen) Sadler. Hannah died June 6, 1932, in El Reno, Canadian County, Oklahoma. Both mother and daughter are buried in the El Reno Cemetery.

The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the veteran heroes who fought to save the Union in the American Civil War.

Organized in 1881 and chartered by Congress in 1954, the SUVCW is the legal heir and successor to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). The G.A.R. was a social and political organization of Union veterans. Membership is open to any male hereditary descendent of a Union soldier, sailor or marine. Those who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership, but who demonstrate a genuine interest in the Civil War and subscribe to the purpose and objectives of the SUVCW, can join as Associates.

There is also an Auxiliary to the SUVCW (ASUVCW) for women, regardless whether they are related to SUVCW or not, to assist in keeping alive the memories of our ancestors and their sacrifices for the maintenance of the Union; to aid in caring for helpless and disabled Veterans, and to properly observe Memorial Day.

Individuals interested in membership with the SUVCW or the ASUVCW, should contact the Pvt. Richard Taylor Camp No. 53 at their email taylorcamp53suv@gmail.com their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ groups/1694286474135452, the Camp No. 53 website www.taylorcamp53suvcw.webstarts.com, or the contact the national website at www.suvcw.org.

Now you know

“The best thing since...” Sliced bread was first manufactured by machine and sold in the 1920s by the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri. It was the greatest thing since…unsliced bread?

Second Lieutenant Enoch B. Allen was honored on May 27 in Madison by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Library’s MAD Summer Movie Spectacular to show “Return of the Jedi” on Thursday night

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

“Third Thursdays” return to downtown Madison on June 15

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Downtown Madison is coming alive this summer with the free concert series “Sounds of Summer” and another recurring event making its debut this year on Thursday, June 15. “Third Thursdays” on Main Street will be held each month through August, from 4-8 p.m.

Hosted by the Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison and Madison Visionary Partners (MVP), “Third Thursdays” was launched in 2022 and has continued into this year. It will also be held July 20 and Aug. 17.

“Third Thursdays” is a family-friendly event including food trucks, live music, events and activities for the kids, as well as extended shopping at downtown

stores.

“Our goal is to give all the residents of Madison more entertainment within our town,” said downtown business owner and event organizer Shannon Fisher. “Instead of them having to drive to outlying cities, we want to give them entertainment, shopping, and restaurants within our city.

“Supporting Madison businesses filters money right back into one of the most important aspects of what everyone loves about our town - the schools. So our events that give Madison residents an avenue of entertainment are cyclical, coming back to support their family through education via sales tax dollars.”

Here are a few highlights:

• Each month there will be two to three main food trucks alongside two to three drinks and des-

sert food trucks.

• A variety of other local food vendors have been invited to attend to showcase and sell their treats.

• Musician Brandon Morris will be playing again this year.

• Inflate North Alabama will set up one of their bounce houses, so make sure to bring the kids.

• At 4:30 and 5 p.m. there will be silent yoga - bring a yoga mat

• Meet-n-greet with exotic pets via Animal Traxx on Main Street

• Flower Cart at 16 Main - pick up some live florals to brighten your home or to gift via Lemon & Lavender

• Many downtown businesses will be extending hours till 8 pm

• Main Street Cafe and Old Black Bear will be open.

For more, find Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison on Facebook.

MADISON - The MAD Summer Movie Spectacular at the Madison Public Library kicked off last week and continues every Thursday night in June and July. The auditorium is open at 6:00 p.m. and the movies start at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink are allowed in the auditorium during the movies. Treats will be provided by our summer movie sponsor, Renasant Bank.

This week, June 15, the movie being shown is Star Wars’ Return of the Jedi.

More secrets are revealed as Luke Skywalker saves Han Solo from cosmic muck mobster Jabba the Hut, then they team up with a bunch of vicious teddy bears to overthrow the Empire.

Everything about this third chapter is bigger,

louder and more spectacular than everything that came before it. This one ups the action with an amazing Speeder bike chase through Endor.

Like the previous presentations of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, the version closest to the original theatrical presentation will be shown.

The Madison Public Library is located at 142 Plaza Blvd in Madison. For more information, go to www.events.hmcpl.org.

The MAD Summer Movie Spectacular Schedule:

•June 15 - Return of the Jedi

•June 22 - Superman

•June 29 - Superman II

•July 6 - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

•July 13 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

•July 20 - The Princess Bride

•July 27 - Ghostbusters

Historic downtown Madison will host a black party-type event on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

JUNETEENTH HERITAGE CELEBRATION • June 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. • The Orion Amphitheater MidCity District in Huntsville • www.theorionhuntsville.com

Listen and learn the rich history of Juneteenth from Huntsville Revisited orators. Support local Black-owned businesses, farmers, and food trucks. Enjoy live performances in the dome, at the top of every hour, and worship alongside the oldest African American Congregation in the State of Alabama. Jump into fun in the Artist Meadow Kids Zone full of bounce houses, bubbles, yard games, and more. Juneteenth will be a celebration like no other!

Looking Ahead

HUNTSVILLE – Every year, the greater Huntsville community plans a number of activities for Armed Forces Celebration Week, June 25-July 1. Here is a breakdown on some of those events:

Monday, June 26 at 8 a.m.

Proclamation Signing Ceremony

Veterans Memorial, downtown Huntsville (Rain location: Huntsville/Madison County Chamber)

Monday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Armed Forces Concert in the Park and Fireworks Show Big Spring Park, downtown Huntsville (Rain location: VBC South Hall)

Featuring the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE) Band from Ft. Moore, Ga. Fireworks at dark (weather permitting)

Tuesday, June 27 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)

Community Softball Game: Team Redstone vs. Community Leaders Toyota Field in Madison

KUSH AT BURRITT ON THE MOUNTAIN

June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Burritt In The Mountain www.burrittonthemountain.com

Burritt on the Mountain is a beautiful place to visit anytime but when there is great live music and good food, that just makes it even better. The City Lights & Stars Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, June 16, Kush will take the stage. Many artists have influenced KUSH. Reggae ambassador Bob Marley’s influence is quite evident in the “Roots,” while artists such as Sean Paul and Beenie Man have influenced the harder hitting “Dance Hall” styles performed by the band. The group also receives inspiration from the many “Calypso” and “Soca” artists. Kush’s mainstream influences include Sade, Bob Dylan and Santana to name a few.

Renovat i ng Rooms. Bui ld i ng Rel at ionsh ips.

Free admission & parking – gates open at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 28 (6-8 p.m.

Hobby

Continued from page 5A

“Where’s the TV remote?”

“Do we have any frozen French fries?”

The nitro was mixing with the glycerin.

I kept pushing harder and harder with the screwdriver and listening to more and more inflammatory questions. Finally, the balloon burst. I lost it. In one violent motion, I spiked that light switch on the floor like an NFL running back who scored a touchdown. Then I stomped that sucker flat. Plastic and metal bits went everywhere.

Carol looked at me in disbelief.

I yelled, “Why is it you don’t do anything but ask me stupid questions? You don’t help! Make yourself useful - go to my car and get me another light switch!”

The historically low unemployment rate of 1.4% in the greater Huntsville-Madison area evidences the exponential growth of North Alabama and places it at number four in national unemployment rankings. It sets the tone for the rest of the state’s metropolitan areas which also enjoyed high national rankings for

She walked out the front door. While she was gone, my anger deflated. I began to feel bad. Questions aside, there was no need for me to act like that.

Carol walked back in with another switch.

I snatched it from her hand and growled, “You know what?”

“What?”

I smiled and said, “You will never, ever see that on HGTV!”

We both laughed. Then I called Richard and he told me exactly what I was doing wrong. I put the switch in, without incident, good as new.

It was easy-peasy.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. Find more of Joe’s stories at: mylifeasahobby. blogspot.com.

exceptionally low unemployment.

Poole weighed in on the pleasing unemployment rate, “It is great to have low unemployment.

That’s a great achievement for our state.”

Poole continued the update by elaborating on the exciting progress made by the Ivey administration in the areas of education, business, and infrastructure in the state after the

National Merit UAB Scholarship. Through UAB’s rich mix of academics, honors options, social organizations and Division I sports, students can pursue a wide array of opportunities and gain valuable experience.

• Zoe Mae Molloy – Home School.

Probable career: Food Science. National Merit Mississippi State University Scholarship. MSU is home to a vibrant community of scholars, creators and explorers who are recognized for cross-college, multi-disciplinary collaboration. MSU is one of the nation’s leading research and land-grant universities with strengths in agriculture, engineering and science.

• Tevin Park – James Clemens. Probable career: Computer Science. National Merit Vanderbilt University Scholarship. Founded in 1873, Vandy is an independent, privately supported university in Nashville, Tenn. The university offers undergraduate programs in Liberal Arts, Music, Engineering, Education and Human Development.

Merit Continued from page 2A growing, innovating, and thriving,” she said.

close of another legislative session earlier this month.

Education has long been a top priority of Ivey’s time as governor, and this last legislative session made major headway in the realm of education.

“Her education budget for fiscal year 2024 was ambitious, and she’s very pleased and appreciative, as am I, that the legislature approved funding

If It’s Wood

• Craig H. Stephenson – Bob Jones. Probable career: Undecided. National Merit Auburn University Scholarship. Auburn offers life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement and an undergraduate education experience that is outstanding.

• Alexander M. Stern – Bob Jones. Probable career: Psychology. National Merit University Of Alabama Scholarship. Alabama offers more than 125 undergraduate and 135 graduate majors in 13 colleges and schools. Student activities center on 650 organizations, including fraternal groups, student government and service organizations.

• Jeremiah J. Yang – James Clemens. Probable career: Computer Engineering. National Merit Auburn University Scholarship. Auburn is a nationally ranked land-grant institution recognized for interdisciplinary research with top-tier Carnegie R1 classification. Other students who live in Madison but do not attend Madison City Schools earned National Merit Col-

for a variety of education goals,” Poole said.

Ivey’s accomplishments in education recently include an historic education budget, pay raises for teachers, Governor Ivey’s Summer Reading Challenge, expansion of state pre-k programs, and a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

In Huntsville, her work has brought about more opportunities in higher education in the form of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering and in the future Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Lab that will offer educational opportunities to University of Alabama in Huntsville students and improve the state’s public safety capabilities.

The diversification of the economy and business community is another of Governor Ivey’s priorities.

lege-Sponsored Scholarships:

• Emily R. Centamore – Sparkman High School. Probable career: Physics. National Merit UA Scholarship. UA has 650-plus organizations, including fraternal groups, student government and service organizations.

• Zoe E. Johnson — Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham. Probable career: Statistics. National Merit University Of South Florida Scholarship. South Florida has rich traditions of access for academic excellence, groundbreaking research and serving communities. More than 50,000 students are enrolled in three locations.

• Marianne C. Taylor – Providence Classical School. Probable career: Engineering. National Merit Auburn University Scholarship. Auburn is a nationally ranked landgrant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship. National Merit will announce additional recipients of college-sponsored awards on July 10.

According to Poole, “Governor Ivey has recognized the need to further diversify Alabama’s economy, particularly with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and research”.

Ivey’s creation of Innovate Alabama is spearheading the diversification effort. It is a coalition of private and public business owners and investors strategizing innovation avenues and offering start-up capital for new business owners throughout the state.

“Last year when Governor Ivey spoke to the chamber, she announced three new road projects for the Huntsville area being funded under the new Rebuild Alabama Act. The projects will make a difference in daily lives,” Poole shared.

Those projects will widen I-565 to the Wall Triana exit, Highway 53, and Highway 72.

Continued from page 1A

writes, “Given North Alabama’s burgeoning economy and population growth, we must ensure that our infrastructure can meet the needs of existing and incoming government organizations, business entities, residents, and all those wishing to make North Alabama their home.”

Since December, TVA has addressed its shortcomings during the storm in its “Winter Storm Elliott After Action Report.”

However, Strong writes, “I remain skeptical that the proposed solutions adequately address potential near-term resiliency insufficiencies of the power grid that services North Alabama. As such, I respectfully request that you provide my office with details on the short-term steps TVA has taken to ensure that its grid remains fully operational,” said the Congressman.

Scholarships recap

The 2022-2023 school year was a banner one for local student-athletes who received scholarships from colleges. We take a look back at who earned sports scholarships this past school year.

Page 3B

SCHOOLS

Hard-hitting brotherly love

Trash Pandas settle for a split with Smokies

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

The Rocket City Trash Pandas had to settle for a series split with the Tennessee Smokies this past week.

As of Monday, the Chattanooga Lookouts (31-25) now sit atop the Southern League North by a mere half game. Nipping at the Lookouts’ heels are the Smokies (3126) in second place while the Trash Pandas (27-30) are 4 1/2 games back. Bringing up the rear in the fourth place spot is Birmingham (19-38) at 12 1/2 games behind the Lookouts.

June 6: Tennessee 8, Rocket City 5

CLAS Banner School

An elementary school in Madison City Schools has entered the ranks of distinguished schools that excel in reaching students. Page 4B

Micah Pettus, No. 57, and Dell Pettus, No. 31, shared the football field during last year’s 2022 football season when they met during the Ole Miss vs. Troy game.

The Pettus brothers Always competitive but loving

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Growing up in the small, but growing community of Harvest, nestled between the mostly housing subdivisions of Monrovia and the vast farmland of Madison County, Dell and Micah Pettus were your typical brothers playing video games, handling chores at the direction of their parents and participating in athletics. Their notable upbringing has helped the brothers grow into young adults where each is playing college football and obtaining an education.

Dell is a fifth-year senior strong/free safety for the Troy Trojans while Micah is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels. During

the 2022 season, on Labor Day Weekend, the two actually met on the field as their respective teams met in the season opening game.

“That was a cool experience as not many players can say that they played against their brother in a college game,” said Micah, whose team defeated Troy 28-10 in the contest.

“As expected, as brothers, we talked trash before the game, but he never got near me during the game,” said Dell, who is all about competition during every game. “If I could have gotten a piece of him during the game, I would have taken it. I was personally cheering for him to play well during the game as I know he worked hard to get to his place on the team.”

“That was my first college

game as a player and it was great to do that with him on the field at the same time,” added Micah. “He would send some smack my way and each time I told him to look at the scoreboard.”

On the season, Ole Miss finished 8-5 including a disappointing loss to Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl as Micah was listed as a Third Team Freshman All-American. Troy was 12-2 with a big win over Texas of San Antonio in the Cure Bowl as Dell posted 61 tackles on the season.

For the Pettus brothers the relationship they share is exceptionally close. The sons of Glen and T.J. Pettus played recreational sports as Micah usually moved up in age and weight

See PETTIS Page 2B

Johnson named Small College Athlete of the Year

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s basketball sophomore Chaney Johnson has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Small College Athlete of the Year.

Johnson is the first UAH athlete to be named the ASWA Small College Athlete of the Year since Nicole Federovitch from women’s lacrosse earned the honor in 2018. He is the second Chargers men’s basketball player to garner the award, with Jaime Smith winning it in 2012.

He was officially recognized at the ASWA awards banquet on Sunday at Jacksonville State.

Johnson garnered Gulf South Conference Player of the Year after leading the Chargers in the 2022-23 campaign with a teamhigh 15.9 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game.

He helped guide the Chargers to a 27-8 overall record that included a 19-5 mark in conference play, as UAH garnered its fourth GSC Regular Season Championship and reached the NCAA tournament for the third time in his tenure in the Rocket City. Johnson finishes his career

Johnson

with UAH men’s basketball program with 87 games played, 1195 points, 455 rebounds and a 54.0 field goal percentage, as he transfers to Auburn for the 202324 season.

A 5-run sixth inning powered the Smokies past the Trash Pandas in the series opener the week before.

Rocket City grabbed the lead 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, but it didn’t last as Tennessee scored a run in the second followed by two more runs in the top of the third inning to lead 3-1.

The Trash Pandas answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth though to retake the lead at 4-3.

The 5-run sixth by the Smokies would prove to be too much as Rocket City was only able to add a solo run in the bottom of the seventh.

June 7: Tennessee 11, Rocket City 2

The Wednesday Dog Day game was close until it wasn’t as the Smokies beat the brakes off of the Trash Pandas with eight runs in the top of the ninth to make it ugly.

June 8: Rocket City 7, Tennessee 6

Some late-inning fireworks in the eighth inning made the difference for Rocket City as the team from Madison took the Thursday game.

The Trash Pandas were trailing 6-3 going into the eighth inning until an RBI single by Kevin Maitan that was followed by a 2-run home run by Ryan Aguilar to right center that tied the game at 6-6.

Rocket City took the lead 7-6 when Bryce Teodosio scored on a fielder’s choice.

June 9: Rocket City 5, Tennessee 4

In a game that went into extras squared at 4-4, it was the Trash Pandas who had the last laugh as Aaron Whitefield scored on a wild pitch by Smokies hurler Danis Correa.

June 10: Rocket City 5, Tennessee 2

The Trash Pandas made it three wins in a row with a Saturday victory that was not as tight as the previous two games.

Rocket City starting pitcher

See TRASH PANDAS Page 2B

The Trash Pandas Summer Movie Series continues on June 28 with a screening of The Sandlot 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

KNIGHTS SOUTH BASEBALL 11U – VICTUS PLACES 2ND AT RIPKEN EXPERIENCE - A Madison-based travel baseball team traveled to Elizabethtown, KY over the Memorial Day weekend to compete in a Cal Ripken Baseball Experience Tournament. The Tournament composed of 14 teams across eight different states including Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Teams competed against each other in the 3-day tournament with the Knights finishing the tournament with a 5-1 record, falling short in the championship game. The team is head coached by Casey Knight, Madison (back left), with assistant coaches Randall McCutcheon (back middle) and Zach Kirby (back right).

Trash Pandas

544622-1

Continued from page 1A

Landon Marceaux game his team a solid outing with 6 2/3 inning where he allowed two runs on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

June 11: Tennessee 7, Rocket City 3 The Trash Pandas’ 3-run seventh

Pettis

Continued from page 1A

divisions. Dell is 18 months older than his brother and having the chance to compete together through their childhood was a joy for both.

“We were different, but similar,” said Dell, 22. “Of course we argued and played together. We played hard at whatever we did. We had a good relationship, but now it’s better than ever.”

“It seemed if Dell did something, like mowing the grass, I had to do it, too,” added Micah, 20. “I remember one year Dell was on a T-ball team and I somehow joined in. As a fiveyear old, I played football with Dell on the Monrovia Panthers team. I always played up in divisions and that helped me be competitive. Our dad was our coach and we both learned from him. We even shared a bedroom until at the end of elementary school.”

Today, Dell is 6-foot, 205-pounds while Micah is 6-foot-8 and weighs in at 335 pounds. Dell graduated from Troy in May with a degree in cyber security and is playing what the NCAA called the COVID year where each player had the opportunity to play an extra season due to the 2020

inning in the Sunday finale would not be enough to get the job done as the Smokies forced the series split.

Two runs in the fourth, another in the fifth along with four more runs in the final two innings propelled Tennessee to victory.

Rocket City hits the road this week to do battle with the Chattanooga Lookouts with games Tuesday through Sunday.

First pitch for the games is set for 6:15 p.m. each night except for the Sunday game at 1:15 p.m.

COVID pandemic.

Micah is usually the largest player on the field where he’s been known to dominate players while utilizing what coaches call his good foot work and great hands. He’s the vocal leader among the Ole Miss offensive line and has already made waves among the coaches in the NFL.

“Yes, the NFL knows who I am,” stated Micah. “I can leave after this upcoming season. My goal is to make All-American, be the best offensive tackle in the nation and be the best to come off the board (NFL Draft).”

Dell is looking to his last season of collegiate football as last year he was fourth on the team in tackles including more than 30 solo tackles.

Dell prepped at Sparkman where he had 10 interceptions, 132 tackles and 17 tackles for a loss while being selected as team captain his senior season. He also lettered in track and baseball. Micah also played at Sparkman before he transferred to James Clemens for his senior year. He was rated a four-star recruit by all major recruiting sites and recorded 116 pancake blocks as a senior with the Jets. Upon his signing

with Ole Miss, Micah said, “I chose Ole Miss after Coach (Lane) Kiffin recruited me as the writing was on the wall about what they were trying to do. I liked it as it was a good fit.”

Both Dell and Micah drove used cars upon obtaining their driver’s licenses, but had an agreement with their father of should they obtain scholarship rides to pay their college education each would receive a new car in college. Dell is currently driving a Dodge Charger while Micah has a Silverado both of which were bought by their parents. Micah is using is new wheels while attending two classes this summer in his effort to obtain his degree in business with a minor in sports administration with a current 3.3. grade point average.

“We’re both ready for the upcoming season, though our teams are not scheduled to face one another in 2023,” said Dell, who has been a starter at Troy since the third game of his freshman season. “I’m the best athlete in the family,” added Micah, as a pre-season trash-talking point.

The brothers are geared up for another year of action in 2023.

Several local athletes earned scholarships in “banner year”

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The 2022-2023 school year was a banner one for local student-athletes who received scholarships from colleges. Sparkman was tops among the four local schools in having its athletes sign to play athletics with 34, including one in Esports, while Bob Jones 27, James Clemens 13 and Madison Academy adding seven to the list of hard-working young people.

Some of the notable student-athletes to perform at a level high enough for college scholarships at James Clemens included Gio Lopez a First-Team All-State selection who will take his football talents to the University of South Alabama (USA). Lopez (QB, 6-1, 210) is a dual threat signal caller and as a junior led the Jets to their only undefeated regular season in school history. Lopez began playing football in the second grade and the feeling for football never wavered.

Jack Mitchell was the 2022 AHSAA Golf State Champion as a junior and finished runner-up in his senior campaign. His talents on the links have not gone un-noticed as he had a bevy of schools reach out for this talents, but he signed with the Crimson Tide of Alabama for his college play.

At Bob Jones there were numerous superb performances including baseball’s Sam Mitchell. The senior team MVP and Team Captain signed with Alabama after carving out a superb senior season with the Patriots. He set a new career school record as a pitcher with 22 victories and set new season school records with 10 victories and 130 strikeouts. He also added muscle at the plate with six homers, 34 RBIs, 41 hits and 10 doubles. Fellow teammate Ben Arn signed with Southern Union after posting senior stats of starting 12 games on the mound while having an 8-1 record, pitching 63 innings, tossing 80 strikeouts and posting a .177 ERA.

Sparkman was led by two of the best female athletes in recent school history as Kennedy Langham signed to play basketball at Samford University and two-sport athlete Cassie Reasner could have played college volleyball, but instead chose to play softball for the Kentucky Wildcats. The 5-foot-9 Langham is thought to be the complete package as a basketball player who was a four-year starter for

the Lady Senators and carried the nickname “Love Joy.” Reasner was dominate in both of her sports, but softball was her first love where she was a First Team All-State selection as an infielder. She was part of a senior class on the team roster, all of which committed to play college softball.

Madison Academy’s Carson Creehan (QB, 6-3, 195) was a twosport athlete playing both football and baseball. He was named Region MVP and an Honorable Mention All-State selection for his play at quarterback for the Mustangs. He signed with UNA after helping an offense that scored 47 points per game. Fellow football teammate Mario Brewer (WR-DB, 5-7, 130) proved size has no limits as he signed to play football for Birmingham-Southern. He was also named the Homecoming King in his senior year and made the Principal’s Honor Roll.

Here is the listed scholarships supplied by each school:

Bob Jones- Sam Mitchell- Alabama (Baseball), Sammy Vander Hill- Motlow (Baseball), Nate Mayfield-Coastal Alabama East (Baseball), C.J. Bush-Coastal Alabama East (Baseball), Aidan Doyle— Calhoun (Baseball), Mason Freeman-Gadsden State (Baseball), Ben Arn-Southern Union (Baseball), Alaina Obianozie-Miles (Volleyball), Kaitlyn Ford-Alabama A&M (Track), Jordan Morrison-South Alabama (Track), Sydney Trusdale-UAH (Track), Taylor Thompson-Maryville College (Track), Cole Smelser-Harding University (Track), Bailey Jefferson-Wallace State (Cheer), Maddox Sunderman-Jacksonville State (Football), Gunner Dixon-Huntingdon College (Football), Dylan Stewart-Hendrix College (Football), Kaden Smith-Sterling College (Football), Christian Kemp-St. Thomas (Football), Caden Jones-Point University (Football), Kelly Fields-UNA (Football), Rayshawn Hardy-Jones C.C. (Football), Johnathan Monroe-Lane College (Football), Taeshawn Sessions-Huntingdon College (Football), Caleb Hosley-Alabama A&M (Football), Owen Tarrer-Toccoa Falls College (Soccer), Carter Sewell-Canisius College (Soccer), Hunter Johnston-Marion Military Institute (Tennis).

James Clemens- Jack Mitchell-Alabama (Golf), Gracee Prince-Calhoun (Golf), Briana Smith-LBW C.C. (Volleyball), Mele-

ah Robinson-Calhoun (Volleyball), Andrew Lawrence-East Tennessee State (Baseball), Colten Payton-Wallace State (Baseball), Grant Gage-Wallace State (Baseball), Nate Guyse-Snead State (Baseball), Hunter Harris-Columbia State (Baseball), Emma Plummer-Auburn Montgomery (Soccer), Will Soule-Lake Erie College (Soccer), Camden Wells-Mount Saint Joseph College (Football), Gio Lopez-South Alabama (Football).

Madison Academy- Mario Brewer-Birmingham-Southern (Football), Daylen Johnson- Lindsey Wilson (Football), Carson Creehan-North Alabama (Football), Joshua Bybee-Harding (Baseball), Matt Manley-Samford (Baseball), Cody Baerlocher-Sewanee (Basketball), Abby Boyd-Motlow State (Softball).

Sparkman- Jaylen Bibbs-Siena Heights University (Esports), Madeline Blevins-Bevil State C.C. (Softball), Anthony Boddie-Troy (Cheer), Ella Boyd-Calhoun (Softball), Casey Campbell-Calhoun (Cross Country), Justin Caudle-Davidson University (Football), Casey Davis-Faulkner University (Soccer), Nylaa Fuller- Wallace State (Basketball), Juan Gazga Figueroa-Southern Union (Soccer), Alena Godwin-Snead State (Volleyball), Jacob Haley-South Alabama (Baseball), Amirah Hayes-Southern University (Cheer), Buening Jack-Calhoun (Baseball), Cameron Jones-Asbury University (Basketball), Tayeshon King-Wingate University (Cross Country), Kennedy Langham-Samford (Basketball), Marvin Lee-Jacksonville state (Football), Erin Lindsey-Wallace State (Cheer), Briace McBeth-West Alabama (Football), Karmelo Montgomery-Alabama A&M (Football), Chelsea Moore-Alabama A&M (Soccer), Jordan Moore-UAB (Cheer), Evan Nelson-Marion Military Institute (Baseball), Tam Nguyen-Blackburn College (Volleyball), Causey Nick-Motlow State (Baseball), Kaleob Onyeahialam-East Mississippi C.C. (Football), Cassie Reasner-Kentucky (Softball), Natalie Rector-Southern Arkansas (Softball), Matthew Rozier-Tennessee-Chattanooga (Football), Destiny Sims-North Carolina A&T (Softball), Ryan Strachan-Northwest Shoals C.C. (Baseball), Christopher Walker-Roane College (Baseball), Camren Watkins-Tuskegee (Football), Carter Wells-Northeast Mis-

(Baseball).

sissippi

Gio Lopez of James Clemens will take his quarterback AllState talents to South Alabama.

James Clemens baseball players Andrew Lawrence and Colten Payton will play college baseball. Lawrence with East Tennessee State and Payton at Wallace Hanceville.

Alaina Obianozie from Bob Jones inked a scholarship to play volleyball at Miles College.

All-State football player from Bob Jones Maddox Sunderman signed to play at Jacksonville State.

Sparkman soccer player Chelsea Moore signed a scholarship to play at Alabama A&M.

Cassie Reasner signed with Kentucky and Destiny Sims signed with North Carolina A&T to play softball in college after stellar careers at Sparkman.

Madison Academy’s Mario Brewer signed to play football at Birmingham-Southern.

Madison Academy’s Carson Creehan has signed to play football at UNA.

World Records

Record-breaking mass wedding - 2,143 couples recently tied the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in Baran, Rajasthan, India, setting a world record for the most couples married in 12 hours. They also broke the record for the most couples married in 24 hours, which was set by 963 Yemeni couples in 2013.

Columbia reaches distinction of CLAS Banner School

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – An elementary school in Madison City Schools has entered the ranks of distinguished schools that excel in reaching students.

State coordinators have designated Columbia Elementary School as a CLAS Banner School of Distinction. CLAS abbreviates “Council of Leadership for Alabama Schools.”

Created in 2001, the CLAS Banner School program recognizes schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. A district’s superintendent nominates a campus for the award.

One component in CLAS distinction involves partnerships. A CLAS designee needs to have viable partnerships among teachers, students, parents, staff and administrators, along with district leaders who collaborate to confirm that students have the power to succeed.

Superintendents nominate schools with unique, student-centered programs that have succeeded during the preceding school year. Nominated

principals then document details about their school’s programs in an application. Within each state board district, a district selection team reviews the applications.

“The recognition is for Columbia’s Buddy Program fostering interactions between students in general education programs and those in self-contained classrooms,” MCS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Heather Donaldson said. “While these students were joining their typical peers in classrooms for social and academic times, the Columbia team felt students would benefit from additional time to develop truly impactful friendships.”

“As time passed, more typical students became aware of the program and began to express interest in being part of it,” Donaldson said.

“The ASTRO Way,” Columbia’s moniker for the effort, confirmed that “each and every student -- regardless of their differences, unique abilities or challenges -- felt loved, accepted and, most importantly, celebrated,” MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said.

Melissa Hyde, transitional teacher, helped create an atmo-

sphere for students to have the chance to dance, sing, laugh and play games. With each event, students became more comfortable interacting with one another. District administrators and Columbia staff gathered for a time of celebration for the announcement about Columbia’s CLAS status.

‘Teacher of the Year’ Stefanie Cook applies ‘helper mentality’ at Madison Elementary School

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Stefanie Cook believes every child deserves an advocate, and children are worthy of love and acceptance. Cook is the reigning “Teacher of the Year” at Madison Elementary School.

“Only when they feel loved can true learning begin. I also believe in the power of relationships. Every child deserves a caring relationship in their school. I work hard to make sure every child feels like he or she has someone they trust,” Cook said.

After completing her master’s degree in school counseling, Cook accepted the school counselor position at Madison Elementary in 2015. “I’ve been here since!”

Her current work has been her favorite job. “I’ve always had a ‘helper’ mentality. This role allows me to help my students, their parents and my teachers,” she said.

Her affiliation with Madison City

Schools began in January 2008 as a special education aide at Heritage Elementary School. She then accepted a job at Patriot Academy (now The Academy at James Clemens) teaching English. “I worked with struggling teens and helped them love school again. It was here I discovered I wanted to go into school counseling,” Cook said.

After five years, she moved to Discovery Middle School to teach seventh-grade English.

At Madison Elementary, she sponsors “Hornets’ Nest Morning Show” and helps students with public speaking and gaining confidence. She shows the children the process so the broadcast is student-driven.

And then came Barnie, who Cook calls her “greatest success. I began the process for a facility dog in December 2018.

With COVID-19 shutdown and change in superintendents, the (approval) stalled.”

In May 2022, “Barnie Fife” arrived on campus. “Barnie completely changed

Columbia’s personnel included Principal Miranda Bolden; Assistant Principal Kimberly Massey; Reading Coach Amanda Evans; Media Specialist Stephanie Nguyen; Jessica Pinegar, Columbia’s educator in Madison

Aspiring Administrator Program or MAAP; Counselor Sadie Sturdivant; and Transitional

Teacher Melissa Hyde.

The Central Office staff that attended were Nichols, Donaldson and Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell.

During that session, all of Columbia’s teachers and staff members received Crumbl Cookies as a congratulatory treat. For more, visit clasleaders.org.

the dynamic of my school. I’m honestly not sure how I did my job without Barnie’s assistance,” Cook said.

Students are thrilled about Barnie and anticipate seeing him. Teachers can request a visit with Barnie so students

can enjoy him in their classrooms. Barnie joins them in small group, assists students struggling with tests and plays fetch at recess.

“Barnie has really made a positive im-

Mill Creek Elementary School names Cheryl Campbell as ‘Teacher of the Year’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Since a first-grader, Cheryl Campbell has wanted to teach . . . but not for typical reasons. She is “Teacher of the Year” at Mill Creek Elementary School.

She wanted to teach “not because I always had wonderful teachers -- I didn’t -- but because I struggled so much and faded into the background. Nothing remarkable about me. Good grades seemed out of my reach, even when I sat at the kitchen table night after night with my dad helping me go over the multiplication table.”

“I remember more about how the few teachers made me feel than what they taught me . . . the smiles, explaining something 10 different times in 10 different ways and caring about things happening in my life,” Campbell said.

Campbell returned to school at age 40. She had worked as a hygienist several years but always wanted to teach. At one point, five in the family were attending college: Cheryl, her husband Stephen in law school at night and three children. Their older son was in the Marine Corps.

“Teaching is my passion,” she said. Campbell wants a happy, safe school. Students know she will take care of them no matter what, enjoy learning, search for knowledge, set/accomplish goals, care about others and prepare to one day go out into the world as a wonderful human being.

After college, she ‘joined’ Madison City Schools in 2004. She has taught grades 1-3 at Heritage Elementary School and now Mill Creek. She enjoys third grade for its transition status and students’ growing independence.

“The heart of any school is the relationship between students and their teachers. Building relationships is so important -- I love them first and teach them second. I help students reach their highest potential by setting attainable goals,” Campbell said.

Flexibility is key . . . in scheduling, lesson presentations and even classroom seating. Students have “no limit (in achievements) with unconditional support from teachers, classmates and family. Nurture their potential,” Campbell said. Her students love technology and researching topics, especially animals. Students create and present PowerPoints for

Stefanie Cook received the honor of “Teacher of the Year” at Madison Elementary School. She cares for and coordinates scheduling for Barney Fife, the school’s facility dog.

Madison City Schools administrators and staff who gathered for Columbia Elementary School’s achievement as

a CLAS Banner School included Columbia’s MAAP Jessica Pinegar, standing from left; MCS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Heather Donaldson; Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell; Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols; Columbia Principal Miranda Bolden; Columbia Reading Coach Amanda Evans; Columbia Assistant Principal Kimberly Massey; and Columbia Media Specialist Stephanie Nguyen. Columbia Counselor Sadie Sturdivant, kneeling from left, and Columbia Transitional Teacher Melissa Hyde.

Cheryl Campbell and her granddaughter Sadie Harrison enjoyed Field Day at Mill Creek Elementary School. Campbell earned the status of “2023 Teacher of the Year” at Mill Creek.

A look at the history of 19 Front Street

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - On the property at 19 Front Street stands one of the most impressive of the historical homes in Madison. The land where it stands was initially purchased by Dr. William B. Dunn, Railroad depot agent, from James Clemens (the founder of Madison) on January 22 of 1860. A small part of today’s house was erected upon original town Lot 19 in the summer of 1860, after the census was taken that year. Dr. Dunn must have liked the Madison property investment and considered it wise, because on November 24 of 1869 he also purchased at the estate auction of deceased James Clemens the adjacent Lots 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 28.

Dr. Dunn’s small, one-story building on Lot 19 remained as his residence until 1888, when Lots 19, 20, 27, and 28 were sold by his niece, Annie E. (Wiggins) Sanders, to Rebecca J. Fletcher for $1,000. Fletcher’s descendants in January of 1901 sold for $850 the same lots to James B. Bronaugh, who in turn sold the same four lots to James Edward Williams for $1,000 on January 2, 1904, according to Deed Book 92, pages 480-481. The Dunn part of the residence still exists there as the western back wing of the much larger multi-story house now standing at 19 Front Street. Also, note that the lot transitions of these sales did not include Lot 21, which was likewise initially purchased by Dr. Dunn and incorrectly stated in previous articles as the location of the Dunn house at 19 Front Street.

Jim Williams was no doubt the builder who actually expanded the structure at 17 Front to be multi-story. He had the old 1860 Dunn house raised up enough to turn it to face west instead of south. He also had it moved a bit to the north to make room on the lot for what he planned to add to it in 1904. While the historical sign marking the finished house dates the building from 1878, it obviously should show the date as either 1860 or 1904, based upon current knowledge. Jim himself is the real story, though. He was born in February of 1867 and spent his early childhood the family farm in Limestone County. The family of Joseph Dempsey Williams, Jim’s father, lived near the Shoal Ford area, where Highway 72 crosses Limestone Creek. They were about 6 six miles west of the county line. Jim first appeared in the 1870 census as age 4 in the home of his parents. Jim’s mother was Cornelia Jane Trotman of Madison, who married Joe in 1858.

Joe purchased a 5-acre parcel of Madison land north of the railroad in 1872 from John Anderson. In 1873 Jim’s mother Cornelia inherited 38 acres as her part of the estate of her father Samuel Trotman when the division was made among the four heirs, since her mother was already deceased. Altogether, Jim’s parents acquired six parcels of land in the town of Madison from 1869 through 1873, totaling about 50 acres on the north and the east sides of town, including land where Sturdivant Street is today. This land adjoined the city cemetery on Mill Road and Maple Street.

Jim became a sharecropper just south of Madison in 1883, at the age of 16. He farmed the land of Dr. William Thomas Pride, located southeast of Madison’s historic district, until 1892 when he bought his own farm of 180 acres. He had married Martha (“Mattie”) Susan Whitworth of Madison on December 24, 1889, and by 1913 they had acquired 1900 acres of their own. This was stated in a 1913 Special Issue of Huntsville’s WEEKLY MERCURY newspaper about the town of Madison that included an article specifically about Jim Williams.

In addition to cotton farming and operating his own sawmill, Jim opened a general mercantile store at the corner now identified as Wise Street at Main Street – a parking lot today because the store building there burned in 1942. Jim raised a variety of livestock on his land and sold fresh meat and groceries, as well as dry goods in his store. He likewise had a livery business and sold farm implements. As perhaps his most farsighted move, he started the Madi-

son Telephone Company in 1919, just 43 years after Alexander Graham Bell’s patent for the device was granted. This was many years before most Southern towns had such a system. Jim was able to hire the best workers on his farm and in his other businesses because he could offer employment all year when others only needed paid helpers during certain seasons. When he bought land, those who cleared the trees then also worked in his sawmill to make lumber that Jim sold in his store. They could likewise work on the cleared land to grow cattle and crops.

Williams was civic-minded, hosting a town barbeque every 4th of July at Betts’ Spring, which was also called Williams’ Spring, but more recently it has been known as Lady Ann Lake or Sun Lake at the Edgewater development. Jim served as an alderman of the town, as well as being Mayor Pro-Tem in 1910 – not bad for a sharecropper in the land of opportunity.

Jim Williams was additionally a trustee of the Madison Church of Christ and director of the First National Bank of Huntsville, which became First Alabama Bank and is now Regions Bank. Jim died in July of 1943, at the age of 76 after accumulating the 3460 acres remaining in the estate that he passed to his children. Throughout his life he had traveled extensively, including in his “retirement” years, being driven around the country by his grandsons.

One of those grandsons, Tillman Williams Jr., digitally recorded his memories of these travels with Jim Williams. He drove Jim through several states and described why the trips were made. Jim would observe the countryside not just to see its features and beauty, but his real interest was to observe the practices of farmers in other areas.

Whenever Jim saw something different from his own practices back home, he would tell Tillman to immediately stop the car, and then he would go out into the field to talk with the farmer and learn how and why the work was being done in a certain way. Afterward, if it seemed to be an advantage, Jim would implement the procedure on his own farms or sell any needed equipment in his store as may be necessary to implement the new procedures. That was no doubt one of the traits that enabled this wise and brilliant Madison resident to become one of the wealthiest and most prominent men of his days in the town where he started as a sharecropper.

Jim’s house passed to a daughter, Willie Kate (Williams) Drake (wife of Nolan Drake), and from her to her son, Billy Nolan Drake. In 1972 Billy sold it to Neil and Kay Chatterton, who sold it in 1978 to Gary and Pat Brown. They sold it in 2005 to Patrick and Tamara Kannapel, who then sold it in 2012 to Chris and Lynn Crumbly. The Crumbly’s sold it in 2015 to Marc and Rachel Masterson, who also sold it in 2020 to its present owners, Chad and Shay Lemond. From the time of the Browns’ ownership, taxes on property increased from around $1,000 per year to over $4,500 per year. That increase no doubt was related to the wonderful improvements implemented by Chris and Lynn Crumbly during their residence in the house

pact on our culture at MES. He has only been with us for a year, but he has done so much. I hope to see more dogs in our district,” Cook said.

Originally from Adamsville, Tenn., Cook moved to Madison in 2007. She attended University of North Alabama for a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and University of West Alabama for a master’s degree in school counseling. Currently, Cook is pursuing the Education Specialist degree in teacher leadership from UNA.

She and Justin Cook will celebrate 15 years of marriage this summer. He works as an Army Civilian for AAMCOM. Their daughters are Charli, a prospective seventh-grader at Discovery, and Carson, a prospective third-grader at Madison Elementary.

Stefanie’s years in high school band

founded her strong belief in relationships. A flautist, she also played vibraphone in pit percussion.

“I marched with bass drum when I could and learned to play bass guitar in our jazz band. My senior year I became the field commander. It was amazing,”

Stefanie said.

“Not only did I develop a love of music, but I saw the power of relationships. I’m happy to see my daughter Charli have these same feelings in Discovery Band, under direction of Jenney Merritt,” Stefanie said.

Stefanie has a love for cooking. “I could seriously spend all day cooking. Sundays, I spend cooking all day, making lunches, meal prep for the week. It’s my self-care. Some days, I just look at my pantry to see what I (can) make with what I have on hand,” she said.

Original William B. Dunn house, attached at back of 19 Front Street Jim and Mattie Williams circa 1915

Cook Continued from page 4B

Your gold stars

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:30-31 NIV Bible Gateway

As a child in school or Sunday school, you may have been rewarded with gold stars on a chart. Felt pretty good to rack a few up. Now as adults, a member of my small group at church states, people rack up how many views they get on social media or how many likes. Sort of like a gold star for affirming your value.

Your value isn’t in if a teacher or boss gives a good report or if oodles of people ‘liked’ a post on social media but your value and worth come from God. True there are many fractured families and

Beware of hasty decisions

By DAWN REED

abandoned children that grow up needing affirmation. But to be of value it must be Holy from the Lord.

You know you are worth so much to the Lord. Your mom and dad may forsake you, but God has not done that. People may have hurt you or been cruel with words and name calling but your name to God is ‘My Creation perfect in every way’. Knowing this please step out in joy today getting comfort and affirmation from the truth in God’s word not people.

PRAYER: Many times in life I feel worthless but I know those feelings are counterfeit and come straight from the pit of hell. God places much value in me and can and does use me. 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.

Decisions made in haste or on emotions don’t usually turn out as planned. I can attest to that.

One morning in 8th grade, I did something very, very, very not smart. It seemed like such a cool idea at the time. Trendy even. No one had ever done it before; I would be the very first!

So that morning, fueled by pioneer spirit and the hope of being cool, I put on my headgear and walked boldly into the day. Clearly, I had not thought the decision through.

As you might imagine, that decision did not make me look cool. And smart was not what they called me that day or any other day after. “Antennae” was my nickname for the rest of the school year.

At least I learned from my mistake and never did it again.

Nebuchadnezzar was the king of hasty decisions. Countless times in the book of Daniel he reacted

instead of responded. He exploded first and asked questions later.

In Daniel 2, he was troubled by a dream. The wise men of Babylon were consulted. He demanded that they tell him the dream and its meaning. When they couldn’t, he ordered the execution of all his advisors. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego prayed for the mystery to be revealed. God intervened and the crisis was averted.

In the next chapter, Neb made an image of gold that was 90 feet tall. It was to be worshipped and adored by everyone in the kingdom when the music of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and pipes began to play. Or else. Any non-participants would immediately be thrown into a fiery furnace.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly defied the king’s order, refusing to worship anyone but the One True God, Neb’s anger turned to fury. His attitude toward them changed. “Heat the furnace seven times hotter!” he bellowed over the flames. Into the fire the three Hebrew boys went, but they

were not alone. Neb saw another walking around in the fire with them. And he looked like the son of the gods!

When they came out of the fire, unharmed and not even smelling like smoke, King Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then, in his next breath, he declared that anyone who ever spoke against their God would be cut into pieces and their houses be turned in to piles of rubble. Mercy.

We can learn from King Nebuchadnezzar’s haste. James 1:8 directs us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all…” Before acting, we should take a breath and say a prayer! Verse 19 in that same chapter sheds more light: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Words for a king and everyone else. We can also learn from an uncool 8th grader. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake,” (Proverbs 19:2 NCV). No kidding.

Amy Grant • June 25 • 7:30 p.m. • VBC • www.vonbrauncenter.com

Amy Grant’s career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams.

Continued from page 1A

blues standards. Band members pride themselves in pleasing any audience.

The food truck at the event will be New South Hotdog and Sushi.

Other concerts include:

• Calypso Vision, July 13

– This group sets a pleasing yet upbeat atmosphere to bring people in the audience to a relaxed spirit of good ‘ole rock ’n’ roll.’ The music may even induce a chance to dream.

Their self-described ‘gumbo mix’ blends the tone of Jimmy Buffett with classic rock, grounded in alternative roots and a few hippie surprises, according to their website.

Calypso Vision offers folks an escape for a while, to kick back and enjoy the songs.

Food truck: Nomad’s Road Dogs.

• Jimmy Henderson Trio, July 27 – This group plays blues/rock originals and well-known covers.

Food truck: Nomad’s Road Dogs.

• Kelly Joyner, Aug. 10 –

This New York native and professional musician will share her style of music. Joyner describes herself as a “singer, songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, pianist.” Joyner is no stranger to entertaining locally,

with her gigs like the Open Bottle, community gatherings, Furniture Factory and Madison Street Festival.

Food truck: Mac and Snacks.

Madison Arts Alliance represents a revitalization effort of the former Madison Arts Council or MAC.

“The vision for Madison Arts Alliance is to build a strong arts community with steady events and programs for all age groups, as well as increase public art,” Holcombe said. “While Madison Arts Alliance secures 501(c)3 status, we are grateful to be under the umbrella of Madison Visionary Partners or MVP.”

For more information, email info@madisonartsalliance.org or visit madisonartsalliance.org/ sounds-of-summer.

Campbell

To advertise in The Madison Record, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152

Continued from page 4b

speaking/listening experience.

Campbell created “Menu Math” after lunch at Steak and Shake. Students practice money skills and three-digit addition/subtraction. They write a “lunch order” and receive some money. Do they have enough to pay for their meals? How much change will they receive?

She grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. suburbs. After Florida Christian and Calhoun Community colleges, she majored in elementary education for a bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and a master’s degree from University of West Alabama.

Her husband, Stephen Campbell, is an attorney in Athens. Married 46 years, the Campbells have four children (Dan-

iel Campbell, Melanie Upton, Andrew Campbell, Angie Harrison) and 15 grandchildren.

One more family member, Bentley the dog thinks he’s in charge.

“I love whitewater rafting but can’t swim. I once tumbled in Tampa’s Hillsboro River amongst alligators and nearly drowned,” Cheryl said.

Cheryl enjoys baking, especially decorated cakes, for family and friends. An avid reader, she creates teaching materials to make learning more fun.

A woodworker, Cheryl has built a kitchen table from scratch. She and Stephen like camping in national parks and treasure hunting in hole-in-the-wall antique shops.

Kassidy Wilkins Holcombe