Franklin Country Times, December 2, 2015

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Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

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December 2, 2015

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See page 5.

Belgreen gets pair of wins.

See more sports on page 7.

Spruce Pine man restores vintage clock.

See page 6.

Hometown Newspaper of Gerald Knight — Est. 1879 | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

50¢ | Vol. 135, No. 48

Be wary of holiday scams and friends. Unfortunately, ‘tis also the season when holiday scammers are at their height, trying to take ‘Tis the season for deck- advantage of consumers’ ing the halls, trimming the spirit of giving.

In a special release from tree, singing carols and spending time with family the Attorney General’s

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com

office, Attorney General Luther Strange encouraged the public to stay aware of the possibility of scams this season. “The best protection against scams and crimes of opportunity is not to

be caught by surprise by scammers and thieves,� said Strange. “Use your judgment and take time to verify questionable contacts. Look for the signs of a scam: They contact you, ask for your personal informa-

A little holly jolly Index Records .......................... 3 Sports ............................. 7 Classifieds ..................... 8 Kids ............................... 11 Worship ........................ 13 Community.................. 16

Obits For a complete list, see page 3.

Evelyn Geraldine Nix – Nov. 25, 2015 James Larry Graham – Nov. 25, 2015 Frances Marjorie Pickett – Nov. 27, 2015 Pearlie Oniece Smith – Nov. 29, 2015 Luther Andrew Jackson – Nov. 27, 2015 Jack H. Isbell – Nov. 28, 2015

See SCAMS, Page 2

Hodges hosts Santa’s workshop

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com

Briefly Sign up for Helping Santa by Friday It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the application period is coming to a close for the annual Helping Santa toy drive.

Sign-ups end Friday. Applications to participate are available at the Russellville Police Department. The program is a joint effort coordinated by the RPD and the Russellville Fire Department.

The program is open first to children in the city limits of Russellville, then in the county. Any other children will be considered after those two groups have been served.

Applications can be picked up and turned in at the police department in downtown Russellville through 5 p.m. Friday.

Toy pick-up dates will Dec. 21 for city residents, Dec. 22 for county residents and Dec. 23 for all others or anyone who misses their assigned day.

tion and demand that you pay them by wire or prepaid card to collect a prize or pay a supposed debt. Be wary, and don’t be afraid to demand proof. Don’t be a victim of consumer fraud.�

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Santa Claus will arrive at noon to the Second Annual Holly Day Dec. 5 at the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville. Holly Day will begin at 10 a.m. and, in addition to Santa Claus, will feature entertainment provided by Tara Greenhill’s students beginning at 11 a.m.; pizza and a drink; activities including gingerbread house building and letter to Santa writing; games and storytime; and local vendors offering unique Christmas gifts for purchase. Additionally, winners of the Christmas Card Coloring Contest will be announced. “We’ll have a little bit of everything. It will be fun,� said chamber director Cassie Medley. “We had about a hundred children last year.� Admission is $5; children 2 and younger get in free.

Visiting Santa’s workshop doesn’t require a harrowing trip to the North Pole. Santa’s Workshop will be open to children all of ages Dec. 10-11 at Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park in Hodges.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the equestrian park will offer treats and activities to visitors to Santa’s Workshop. The event has been expanded from last year, when it was held only on Saturday. “The children can come in and see Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas,� said Tina Lawler, RBCEP activities coordinator.

A $10 entry fee gets attendees one 4x6 picture with Santa or on a horse (additional photo packages will be available for sale) and also allows

See HODGES, Page 2

Chamber keepsake features Hodges equestrian park souvenirs for their very own.

The 2015 Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Rock Bridge Canyon Keepsake features the Equestrian Park has been park as the fourth in immortalized in a keepsake a series of ornaments Christmas ornament, and designed to commemorate anyone can have one of these county landmarks.

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com

“I love it. It is beautiful.

I’m so honored that they chose Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park this year for the keepsake,� said RBCEP activities coordinator Tina Lawler.

Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park keepsakes are $15 and are

See CHAMBER, Page 2 available at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

Cultura Garden Club promotes Every Light a Prayer for Peace the world.

The annual Every Light a Prayer for Peace ceremony will take place on Tomorrow the Cultura the steps of the Franklin Garden Club will give County Courthouse in everyone an opportunity Russellville on Dec. 3, at to illuminate peace in 4:30 p.m.

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com

“We think about peace in the homes ‌ and peace in our communities, and we hope that it just spreads into the world,â€? said club vice president Cheri McCain.

The ceremony began

as a way to remember and honor active military and veterans who have fought to bring peace to the nation, to both celebrate that peace and pray for it to continue. The local observance is coor-

dinated by Susie Malone, Every Light a Prayer for Peace chairperson.

Every Light a Prayer for Peace is observed statewide, coordinated

See CLUB, Page 2

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Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

Hodges

Continued from page 1

each child to participate in all activities, including decorating a Christmas picture frame and Christmas ornament, enjoying cookies and hot cocoa, playing games and making reindeer food.

“The reindeer food we’re making is special.

It helps the reindeer fly,” Lawler said.

Anyone bringing a large group is encouraged to call ahead. Lawler said they welcome school classes and church groups.

Santa’s Workshop will be open in the camp CONTRIBUTED store at the park. Call 205-935-3499 for more Visitors to Santa’s Workshop at Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park can have their picture made information. with Santa or a horse, pictured here with park director Mike Franklin.

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in Alabama by Alabama Garden Clubs throughout the state. It has been celebrated since its inception Dec. 1, 1951, during the Korean War, instituted by Alabamian Dorothy spear Parrish with a special tree lighting ceremony. The program was adopted by the Federated Garden Clubs of Alabama in 1954. The songs, prayers, devotion and candle-lighting service honor the many who make sacrifices for peace.

“We’ve decorated the courthouse, so it’s always a beautiful setting,” said club president Martha Sibley.

All veterans and active military and their families are also invited to a reception from 3:30-4:15 p.m. inside the courthouse before the ceremony, co-presented by the garden club and Study Club. The reception will offer time to mix and mingle, along with refreshments. A place of honor at the peace ceremony will be offered to the veterans in attendance.

Continued from page 1

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Martha Sibley, Cheri McCain and Susie Malone read over the history of Every Light a Prayer for Peace in preparation for tomorrow’s observance.

The street in front of the courthouse will be blocked off prior to the ceremony, and citizens should not park in that area to make room for the attendees at the ceremony.

Choruses f ro m Russellville City Schools as part of the ceremony, including a rendition

of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” The high school JROTC will present the colors. Special guests this year include Mrs. America Madeline Mitchell Gwin, who will read the peace poem, and Trey Durden, minister at North Highlands church of Christ, who will share a message about peace

Scams Holiday scams are indeed an issue in the Franklin County area.

“It seems like in the last few years we’ve had reports of there being more scams going around,” said Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If it’s not something you are familiar with ... be very leery of it.”

Consumers can guard against being scammed by recognizing scams that recur year after year, as described by the Attorney General’s office: – Scammers posing as family or friends needing help: Someone might contact you by phone or email claiming a family member has been arrest-

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with all those in attendance.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which immediately precedes the Russellville Christmas parade.

Last year’s ceremony won first place in the state competition, the Dorothy Speir Parrish award.

Continued from page 1 ed or is incapacitated and needs money. The scammers will instruct you to wire cash or provide them with a prepaid card number. As a general rule, never send money to anyone if you cannot verify their identity. If you are unsure, check the whereabouts of the person reportedly needing assistance with other family members.

Additionally, ask the person calling or emailing to verify details that only family would know, such as the location of the last family gathering, where they went to high school or college, etcetera.

– Fake charity scams: The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is a popular time for fake charity scams. These scammers often use phishing emails, spoofed telephone numbers or doorto-door visits. Scammers might act as if they are working for an established charity or might even create a fake charity.

Be safe and directly contact the charity of your choice and donate to them instead. If you suspect a door-to-door solicitor isn’t honest, contact your local

law enforcement agency.

– Holiday gift card scam: Christmas gift cards can be manipulated by thieves. Scammers sometimes rub off the security codes from gift cards while they are still on store shelves and wait until they think the gift card has been sold and activated. They will then spend the money, leaving the recipient with no money left on the card.

To avoid this scam, make sure the gift card you are buying is intact before you buy it. Compare it to other gift cards of the same variety. Be sure to keep your gift card receipt.

The Attorney General’s office also recommended people beware of websites that feature pop-up advertising promising a hard-to-find item or items at a too-good-to-betrue price.

Additionally, shoppers should be cautious to make sure they don’t become the victims of crimes of opportunity.

When out shopping for that hard-to-find gift, always park in a well-lit area; do not leave purses or valuable in plain view

Chamber The ornament costs $15.

Previous years’ ornaments have featured the old courthouse, the Roxy Theatre and Northwest-Shoals Community College.

Chamber director Cassie Medley said the canyon made perfect sense as a featured locale for this year.

“For their first couple of years in business, they have attracted all kinds of people to the area – thousands, or

in a vehicle; and consider shopping with a friend or family member for added security.

Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson said one thing her office is dealing with right now is counterfeit bills – $1 bills that have been manipulated to pass as $20s and $100s.

“That just started here in the last few weeks,” Jackson said.

She encouraged people to be aware during a cash exchange and inspect bills closely to be sure they are authentic.

To report suspected consumer fraud, Alabamians can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658.

People can also visit the Attorney General’s website at http://www.ago. state.al.us/and click on Consumer Protection. To file an online complaint, use the link: http://www. a g o . s t a t e. a l . u s / P a g e Consumer-ProtectionFile-a-Complaint-01.

Anyone trying to determine whether something might be a scam can contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office or their local police department.

Continued from page 1 tens of thousands,” Medley said. “This is a good way to celebrate the canyon.”

The pewter ornaments came into being, Medley said, as a way to say thank you to chamber members, to “give them a little piece of history.” When interest in the unique keepsakes spread beyond chamber members, Medley said they decided to also offer the ornaments for sale to the public.

The keepsakes are available at the chamber in limited supply. Medley and Lawler said they make great gifts – Lawler intends to buy several herself as gifts for her grandchildren, to help preserve her own legacy with the equestrian park.

“You should definitely go by the Chamber and purchase one. It would be beautiful on anybody’s tree,” Lawler said.

RECORDS

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December 2, 2015

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Calendar Of Events

SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE “Caring People, Caring for People”

Youth Basketball Registration

public with a love offering being received. For more information conOngoing through Dec. 5 Russellville Parks tact Scott Underwood at and Recreation Youth 256-332-2804.

Basketball registration is currently open Holly Day for ages 6-14. There Dec. 5 will be separate girls The Second Annual and boys divisions. Age Holly Day Dec. 5 at the cut-off is Sept. 1, 2015. A.W. Todd Centre in Registration fee is $30 Russellville will begin per player or $55 for two at 10 a.m. and, in addisiblings. For more infor- tion to Santa Claus, mation call 256-332-8770. will feature entertainment provided by Tara Every Light a Prayer Greenhill’s students beginning at 11 a.m.; for Peace pizza and a drink; Dec. 3 including The annual Every activities house Light a Prayer for gingerbread Peace ceremony will building and letter to take place on the Santa writing; games steps of the Franklin and storytime; and County Courthouse in local vendors offerRussellville on Dec. 3, ing unique Christmas for purchase. at 4:30 p.m. All veter- gifts ans and active military Additionally, winners and their families are of the Christmas Card also invited to a recep- Coloring Contest will be tion from 3:30-4:15 p.m. announced. Admission inside the courthouse is $5; children 2 and before the ceremony, co- younger get in free. presented by the garden club and Study Club. Concert The reception will offer Dec. 6 time to mix and minTharptown Baptist gle, along with refresh- Church, 5140 Hwy 48, ments. The street in would like to invite you front of the courthouse to join them on Dec. 6 will be blocked off prior as they welcome the to the ceremony, and cit- grammy nominated izens should not park in group The Nelons. The that area to make room performance begins at for the attendees at the 6p.m., and everyone is ceremony.

Choruses welcome. from Russellville City Schools as part of the Christmas Parade ceremony, including a Dec. 7 rendition of “Let There The Red Bay Be Peace on Earth.” Christmas Parade will The high school JROTC be Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 will present the colors. p.m. Line-up will be at Special guests this year 5 p.m. in the Sunshine include Mrs. America parking lot.

Madeline Mitchell Gwin, who will read Christmas Parade the peace poem, and Dec. 10 Trey Durden, minisPhil Campbell’s ter at North Highlands Christmas Parade will church of Christ, who be Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. will share a message about peace with all Santa’s Workshop those in attendance. Dec. 10-11 The public is invited to Santa’s Workshop attend the ceremony, will be open to children which immediately pre- all of ages Dec. 10-11 cedes the Russellville at Rock Bridge Canyon Christmas parade.

Equestrian Park in Hodges. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the equestrian Christmas Parade park will offer treats Dec. 3 The Russellville and activities to visitors Christmas Parade will to Santa’s Workshop. be Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Line- A $10 entry fee gets up will be at 5:15 p.m. in attendees one 4x6 picthe Big Star parking lot. ture with Santa or on a horse (additional photo packages will be availConcert able for sale) and also Dec. 3 Michael O’Brian, the allows each child to Christian recording participate in all activiartist and former lead ties, including decoratsinger of the Christian ing a Christmas picture band Newsong, will frame and Christmas enjoying be performing a free ornament, Christmas concert at cookies and hot cocoa, Calvary Baptist Church playing games and in Russellville Dec. 3. making reindeer food.

The concert will benefit Anyone bringing a Heartline Ministries large group is encourand the nonprofit’s aged to call ahead. work in Haiti. Calvary Santa’s Workshop will Baptist is located at be open in the camp 16241 Highway 43. The store at the park. Call show will begin at 7:15 205-935-3499 for more p.m. and is free to the information.

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Sunny. Clear skies. Winds light and variable. Lows at freezing.

Sunny. Winds light and variable. Low around 35.

Sunny. Mostly clear skies.

Winds light and variable. Low around 36.

Partly cloudy.

Winds light and variable. Low around 42.

Mostly cloudy.

Clear evening.

Winds light and variable. Low in the 30s.

sprymemorialchapel.com

Submit your calendar items to 332-1881 or email to macy.reeves@franklincountytimes.com.

12/2

256-332-1122 906 South Jackson Ave.

Obituaries Evelyn Geraldine Nix November 25, 2015 Evelyn Geraldine Nix, 82, of Tuscumbia, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Cottage of the Shoals.

Mrs. Nix was a native of Franklin County and a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Phil Campbell.

The funeral service was held Nov. 29, at Pinkard Funeral Home Chapel, Russellville, with burial in Shady Grove Cemetery, Phil Campbell. Officiating was James McCullar. The family received friends at the funeral home Nov. 28.

Survivors include children: Theresa M. Campbell and husband, Horace, Dale Nix and wife, Shirley, and Craig A. Nix and wife, Angela; four

Pinkard Funeral Home, Inc.

www.pinkardfh.com

passed away Nov. 25 at ECM Hospital.

Mr. Graham was a native of Lawrence County but had lived in Franklin County for the past 64 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Phil Campbell, for James Larry Graham 64 years, taught the Men’s November 25, 2015 James Larry Graham, Sunday School Class for 83, of Phil Campbell, 50 years and served as a

grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zan and Nellie Mae Lawler; husband, A.C. Nix; and eight brothers and sisters.

deacon for many years. He was retired from Reynolds Metals.

The funeral service was held Nov. 28 at Pinkard Funeral Home Chapel, Russellville, with burial in Franklin Memory Gardens.

Officiating were Tim Haney and Greg Beasley. The family received friends at the funeral home on Saturday until service time.

Survivors include son, Mike Graham and wife, JoAnn, Russellville; grandson, Marty Graham and wife, Lacy; greatgrandson, Hudson J. Graham; sister, Mary Ann Epperson and husband, Carl, Collierville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.

See OBITS, Page 6

Land Transactions Nov. 24 • Lissett Echeverria to Mark Daniel Bircheat, survivorship • Maxine Sherrill to Michael H. Sherrill, warranty • Emily Roscher to Holdbrooks Holding LLC, warranty • Bridget D. Bridges to Alvin H. Brown, quit claim • Alvin H Brown to

Community Mortgage and Lo, mortgage Nov. 25 • Hershel E. Weeks to Brian Keith Ergle, warranty • Danny W. Garrison to Community Spirit Bank, mortgage • Hillary M. Hall to Bank Independent, mortgage • Danny C. Mckee to First American National

B, mortgage • Terry L. Aldridge to Evabank, mortgage • Jorge Rezado to CB&S Bank, mortgage

Marriages

15 years City awards bid for new A.W. Todd Centre In a tight 3-2 vote, the Russellville City Council voted to award the bid for the new A.W. Todd Ag ri-Business Centre to Berryman Construction.

Berryman Construction, located in Russellville, submitted the lowest bid for the project, $1,172,000.

The vote came after the Council delayed the decision at the November 20 meeting.

Once completed, the 11,000-square-foot building will have a senior citizens’ center, a farmers market and large 450-seat multi-purpose area.

10 years Wildcats hand out awards after successful first season The Tharptown Wildcats celebrated their successful inaugural season as a football program by handing out several individual accolades at the team’s awards banquet.

Quarterback Tyler Cagle, who helped the Wildcats close out their first season with back-to-back wins over Phil Campbell and Lynn, was named Team MVP as well as Most Valuable Defensive Back.

Cagle, who rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns to help the Wildcats beat Lynn 28-22, shared Team Captain honors with Trevor Hallmark.

Nov. 24 • Druey Doyle Eugene Nov. 30 Gandy to Lindsey Nicole • Linda Kay Mcleod to Riggs Jorge Rezado, personal representative Nov. 28 • Patty Ford to Shelby E • Daniel Austin Blanton, survivorship Betancourt to Leslie • Shelby E. Blanton to Nicole Crittenden Mississippi Land Bank

Looking Back 50 years Waco gets water loan for system Orland Britnell, Russellville businessman and a resident of the Waco community, has been notified by Sens.

John Sparkman and Lister Hill that a $79,000 loan from Farmers Home Administration has been approved to construct a water system for approximately 85 families in the Waco community.

The loan was made to the Waco Water Authority Board, which will construct the system and will buy water from the Russellville system.

25 years Russellville drama enjoys strong show The Russellville Drama Department once again turned in a top performance, gaining top honors in the state drama competition held this past weekend in Birmingham.

The cast brought home many honors, including all superior ratings for their one-act play, “Bury the Dead.”

Charlton James made the all-star cast for his performance in the play.

Denise Romine won third place in Dramatic Interpretation. She performed a scene depicting a family crisis.

Birthdays December 2 Vicki Pounders Hall Kenneth Mink Tracy Ward December 3 Bill Allen Amanda Rose Donna Trapp Matt Uptain

Kayla Tyra Kendra Melecio

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December 10 Tony Melecio

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Franklin County Times Newsroom Directory Nicole Pell General Manager..................... Ex. 150 nicole.pell@franklincountytimes.com Alison James Managing Editor...................... Ex. 160 alison.james@franklincountytimes.com Franklin County Times is published each Wednesday by Franklin County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 1088, Russellville, AL 35653.

Macy Reeves News Clerk macy.reeves@franklincountytimes.com

Peggy Hyde Retail Sales.............................. Ex. 170 peggy.hyde@franklincountytimes.com Sommer Morris Customer Service.................... Ex. 100 sommer.morris@franklincountytimes. com

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The Franklin County Times and its employees strive to produce exciting, top-quality news publications focusing on the people and events that affect Franklin County and its residents while taking an active leadership role in our community.

Letters

Letters to the Editor are accepted on a variety of topics. Letters should be less than 200 words and are subject to editing. Send letters to P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653.

Corrections

The Franklin County Times will be happy to correct any errors which appear in the newspaper or clarify any statements which are unclear. The correction or clarification will appear on Page 2. To request a correction or clarification, call 332-1881 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday -Friday and ask for the publisher.

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Have a comment about a story or a suggestion? Call 332-1881 or email items to alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com.

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Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

RCS celebrates veterans PHOTO BY BRANDI MILLER

Members of Red Bay High School and Community Spirit Bank gather around the school’s new flagpole.

New flagpole graces RBHS campus

By Brandi Miller For the FCT At Red Bay High School, visitors will notice a nice addition in the front of the main school building. A new flagpole and the area surrounding it have recently been added to the campus, thanks to Community Spirit Bank.

The bank was made aware of the need by a couple of seniors, and it wasted no time in making the improvement to the school.

“Brooklyn Bolton and Katie Burks began organizing a group of students to meet at the flagpole on Tuesday morning to pray for each other, their classmates, teachers and the school in general,” said Brad Bolton, president and CEO of Community Spirit Bank. “After a few weeks of meeting, she mentioned that there was no flag on the pole.

I then began questioning why, and she was told that a flag wouldn’t stay up there. I then emailed Mr. Sparks about why the flagpole couldn’t be repaired, and he told me the mechanism was broken at the top and it was an old “homemade” pole and not even a real standard flagpole.”

Once Bolton was made aware of the problem he suggested becoming involved in putting up a new pole. Sparks thought it was a great idea.

“I got our chairman of the board and my dad, Billy Bolton, involved with the project,” said Bolton.

The installation crew dug out the hillside and placed a brick wall that would allow students or anyone visiting the campus to sit around the flagpole. A light was also installed so the flag can stay up at night. Some shrubbery and grass was added to finish dressing up the area.

The flagpole project was completed in the last couple of weeks, and the students who are meeting for prayer each Tuesday morning now have a working flagpole to meet at and pray around.

“I would like to thank Community Spirit Bank, Billy Bolton and Brad Bolton for helping us maintain our campus the past few years,” said Sparks. “We could not keep our campus looking as good as it does without our community support.”

Bolton and Sparks said the flagpole will be a great addition for many years to come.

Serving Franklin County Since 1919

Sibley Oil Company Six stores to serve you in Franklin County Legacy • Cedar Creek • 24 West • 43 North • Downtown Russellville • Phil Campbell United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Notice of Availability Construction of Poultry Houses Draft Environmental Assessment The United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for the construction of two broiler houses at County Road 31, Hodges in Section 33, Township 8 South, Range 13 West, in Franklin County, Alabama. The property owners propose to construct two broiler houses on the farm located at approximately 345 County Road 31, Hodges, AL. FSA is accepting comments on this Draft Environmental Assessment through 12-17-15. The Draft Environmental Assessment can be reviewed in person at the FSA office located at 13075 Alabama Hwy 157 Suite 3, Moulton, AL 35650, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Comments should be submitted to E. Nicole Cleggs-Burns, Farm Loan Manager, at the FSA address above or by email to Esther.CleggsBurns@al.usda.gov.

For questions or directions to the FSA office, please contact E. Nicole Cleggs-Burns at (256)974-1174, ext. 4.

CONTRIBUTED

Russellville City Schools held its annual Veterans' Day Salute Nov. 10 in the RCS Auditorium. The program featured the RMS band, chorus and drama, as well as special guest speaker LTC W. Cochran Pruett, University of North Alabama professor of military science (pictured left).

PCES observes Veteran’s Day

By Staff Reports Phil Campbell Elementary students invited veterans to school for Veteran's Day festivities. The entire student body helped prepare for the special occasion.

A giant flag was displayed that was made by various art students, titled Hand It to the Veterans.

Each child placed a handprint to form the flag displayed. Then the school chorus sang the National Anthem and other patriotic songs.

The PCES ambassadors acted out the children's book, "America's White Table" by Margot Theis Raven, which pays tribute to not only our veterans but their families. Ben Pierce, a PCHS high school student, ended the program with a trumpet solo of taps. Greg Beasley was the guest speaker, who reminded the students to take time not only on Veteran's Day but every day to thank a veteran for the sacrifices made for each of them.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE BURNS

The PCES Show Choir performs as part of the Veteran’s Day observance, backed by a special backdrop made by the PCES Arts Program.

Cooking and gardening with Sam He says Sam Warf Community Columnist I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and now we are on to Christmas.

I am going to share some recipes that I have used in years past. After the Tearoom, I do not cook in large amounts, but I love to cook and eat.

Everyone love pies, and most of them are easy to prepare. Of course, you can buy pre-made piecrust, but here is a very simple recipe you will enjoy making.

Baked Piecrust 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour 1 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt 1/3 cup of butter, cut in cubes

2 tbsp. shortening 4-5 tbsp. cold water In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter and shortening until pea-sized. Sprinkle one tablespoon of water over flour mixture; toss with a fork, and repeat using a tablespoon of water at a time until flour is moistened. Gather flour mixture into a ball, kneading until it holds together.

Wrap in plastic; chill 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightlyfloured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten pastry. Roll pastry from center to edge into a circle, 13 inches in diameter. Fold into fourths and place on a 9-inch pie plate; unfold and ease into pie plate without stretching.

Trim to half-inch beyond edge of pie plate.

Fold extra pastry under, even with plate’s edge.

Crimp as desired.

Poke sides and bottom

of pastry with a fork. Line with double thickness of foil and pie weights or dried beans. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set.

Remove foil and weights, and bake about three minutes or until very lightly brown. Cool completely.

Brie Phyllo Cups 1 package 1.9 frozen miniature phyllo tart shells 3 tablespoons of crushed gingersnaps 6 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed, cubed 1/4 cup spreadable fruit of your choice Place the tart shell on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of gingersnap crumbs into each shell: top with Brie and spreadable fruit.

Bake at 325 degrees for five minutes or until cheese is melted

Ham and Broccoli Puffs 4 cups of broccoli florets 1 carton, 8 oz., of

spreadable chive and onion cream cheese 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms ¼ pound thinly deli ham, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon salt 1 package, 17.3 oz., frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 eggs, beaten In large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.

On a lightly-floured surface, unfold puff pastry. Roll each sheet into 12-inch square. Cut each into 16 squares.

Palace a heaping tablespoon of broccoli mixture in the center of each square. Brush edges of pastry with eggs. Bring opposite corners over the filling; pinch seams to seal.

Place on ungreased baking sheets; bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm.

Enjoy friends and happy cooking, Sam

Simple ways to abide during Advent She says Teri Lynne Underwood Community Columnist This past Sunday was actually the first day of Advent, but I imagine there's at least one more person out there who didn't get started then.

For the past few years, my Advent journey has been less about following a specific plan and more about learning how to abide.

In John 15, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the value of abiding in Him. The first ten verses of this chapter are some of my very favorite, and as the chaos of the holiday season one verse in particular has been on my heart: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do

nothing.” ~ John 15:5 "Apart from me you can do nothing." Oh how I have learned that is true!

This year, my prayer for Advent is to abide. Here are five simple ways I am planning to abide throughout the holiday season.

call for me to be light in the darkness as well.

Reading the Gospel of Luke.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I think this is my favorite Advent tradition. There is something incredibly meaningful about reading through the familiar stories of Really be still.

I know! This one will Jesus' life throughout probably be the hardest. December. And I especialBut my intention is to ly love reading of His resset aside five minutes of urrection and promise to time every day to just be return as we celebrate His still. For me, it will likely birth on Christmas Eve. be in the morning after everyone is gone to school Reaching out to or work. Perhaps with a others. cup of tea or coffee in the Over the past few afternoon works better weeks, I've been overfor you ... or those last five whelmed by all the tragminutes before bed when edy in the world and in everyone else is asleep. our own small community. It's easy for me to get Reminders to refocus. caught up in all my family I am a big fan of visual is doing during the hecreminders. This year I'm tic holiday season. This making it my goal to reset year, I'm committing my mind every time I see to reaching out to one the Christmas lights – allow- person every day as an ing those lights to be my encourager. I may send a cue to focus on Christ as the snail mail letter or deliver Light of the World and His some homemade cookies

or just send a quick Vox or text. But as I abide in Him this year, I also want to reach out to others.

Remembering what matters.

I love the decorations and the parties and even the frenzy of this time of year. But more than anything, I want this Christmas season to be one where I remember what really matters. It's so easy to get to December 26 and realize we haven't stopped to cherish the moments and focus on the Savior. Part of my desire for a season of abiding is to keep my heart set on the people and relationships that matter.

This isn't a secret recipe for a perfect Christmas, and maybe you will only take one of these ideas and use it as a springboard for your own Advent practice this year. But my prayer is that each of us will make time this season to truly abide in Christ and experience the richness of His love for us.

Franklin County Times

December 2, 2015

• www.franklincountytimes.com • 5

A day on the farm Dr. Tom Morgan 811 Village Wood Drive SE (across from Wal-mart behind Chevron)

Russellville

256-332-4949 Office Hours: Mon. & Wed. 8 - 12 & 1 - 6 • Fri. 8 - 12 & 1 - 5 Tues. & Thurs. 8 - 12 only

Special 3/31/13.

CONTRIBUTED

Oct. 23, Vina Pre-K students visited Shannon McKinney's deer farm, where he talked to the students about whitetail deer and gave them a hayride to each of the deer pens. Following, the students enjoyed lunch and playtime at Hodges Park. (Right) Sarah Hill gets a hands-on experience with some deer antlers. Other Vina Pre-K students are Nathan Box, Chloe Brown, Braxton Carter, Skyler Childers, Bella Creekmore, Jayden Eads, Austin Emerson, Tessa Fowler, Isaac Gann, Jason Quinonez and Jacob Scott.

Bank holds toy drive by partner organizations in Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin, Bank Independent is Morgan, now holding its annual Lawrence and Limestone counties.

Toy Share toy drive.

Two Dollar General Toy Share offers all Bank Independent loca- store locations – Courtland tions as collection points and Red Bay – will serve as for toys that will be dis- additional convenient Toy tributed to local families Share drop-off locations

By Staff Reports

Christian Children’s this year.

Donations will be Home and DHR of accepted through Dec. 19. Franklin County.

Bank Independent will partner again with ten local organizations, including the William Johnny Stonecipher Porter Foundation in the Shoals, Safeplace of the 256-627-2663 Shoals, North Alabama

Stonecipher Bail Bonding

Serving Two Counties: Colbert & Franklin

OLDEST BAIL BONDING COMPANY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Learning over lunch

ASK THE PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Historian Jim Phillips shared stories of taverns, riverboat tragedies, plantation life and the hazards of stagecoach travel in a Nov. 5 lecture at Russellville Public Library. The talk was the first of its kind for the library, but director Ashley Cummins said she hopes to offer more such programs to attract adults to the library and offer something for them to enjoy. Phillips intrigued his audience with a few choice historical artifacts, like paper money and glass bottles, from Alabama’s past.

ATTORNEY

with Thomas McCutcheon Ask the Attorney is sponsored by local attorneys, McCutcheon & Hamner, PC, as a service to the residents of Franklin County.

THANKSGIVING FROM McCUTCHEON & HAMNER

BTCPA announces auditions

By Staff Reports The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay announces auditions for its second production of the 20152016 season, “Dearly Beloved,” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.

Auditions will be held Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at Community Spirit Bank’s Weatherford Centre in Red Bay. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

The cast includes four men and six women; some parts can be played by older teens. The production will be performed Feb. 11-14, 2016, at the Weatherford Centre, with rehearsals beginning Jan. 4, 2016. Dinner will be available for this performance with tickets going on sale Feb. 1, 2016.

For group ticket sales contact Beth Hammock at 256-356-9286. For additional play information contact Scotty Kennedy,

director, at 256-356-8758.

The Futrelle Sisters – Frankie, Honey Raye and Twink – are throwing a wedding. Frankie has almost made herself sick with elaborate preparations for her daughter Tina Jo's antebelluminspired wedding, and the rumor mill in their small town of Fayro, Texas, is working overtime. No surprise there – the Futrelle Sisters have never been strangers to gossip. After all, they did survive the scandalous breakup of their almostfamous gospel singing trio, The Sermonettes.

But Twink's desperate attempts to get her boyfriend of 15.5 years down the aisle, Frankie's ongoing conversations with their dead mother and Honey Raye's tendency to race to the altar at every opportunity have kept tongues wagging for years.

In spite of her own marital problems, Frankie has held steadfastly to the hope that she can pull off one "final

Futrelle occasion" with elegance and style with the help of the cantankerous wedding coordinator, Miss Geneva, who runs the local floral shop/bus depot. But on the day of the nuptials, Frankie's hope begins to dim when she discovers Twink's alternative solution to an expensive catered wedding dinner is a potluck supper sponsored by Clovis Sanford's House of Meat.

When the prodigal Honey Raye arrives at the church in skintight gold lamé, consumed by hot flashes and a steely determination to right old family wrongs, Frankie's hope is shaken.

It is lost completely when word reaches the church that Tina Jo and her fiancé have fled Fayro and eloped.

The sisters ultimately pull together to find ways to keep the unsuspecting guests in the pews while a highway patrolman races off to track down the runaway bride and groom.

I write this the day before Thanksgiving knowing that you will read this after Thanksgiving. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and saw family and friends and gave thanks as you saw fit.

Joel and I want everyone to know that we give thanks to be able to represent our clients in personal injury cases because we get to know our clients and how they have been affected by their injuries and look for the best result possible for them.

Part of the reason that we are able to work for the best results for our clients is because we know each and every one of our clients. We personally meet every client at an initial meeting where we answer their questions and then make the mutual decision about whether or not we will offer to take the case and if the client wants to hire us to handle their case. We certainly aren’t salesmen, and some people need and should go home and talk to a spouse about what the right decision to make is. No money ever exchanges hands until the end of the case when we win.

What makes us effective is that we learn the facts of our clients’ cases and know our clients. If we don’t think you have a case that we can win in court, we will tell you. You may have noticed that lawyers that fly around on TV that tell you up front that they will not go to court aren’t flying around on TV anymore. If you won’t go to court, the insurance companies won’t pay you. The fact is that we don’t want to try every case but we will try those cases that require it and insurance companies know it and that is what gets our clients results. We don’t have 10,000 billboards and get literally 1,500 phone calls every Monday morning. You can’t meet people with a volume like that.

It is the quality of the client and the facts of the case that make a lawsuit one that we can tell the insurance company you’ll have to pay us or go to court. And we can say that with confidence. So we thank each and every one of you who have become clients of McCutcheon & Hamner, it is our honor and privilege to represent you.

Buckle up and drive safely.

mhatty.com

Please send your questions to: “Ask the Attorney”, P.O. Box 38, Florence, AL 35631 or our website at www.mhatty.com. facebook: McCutcheon and Hamner, P.C. We will not print your full name in the article nor will we be able to return any written or preprinted items which are submitted.

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

256-333-5000

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Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

School boards PC Elite gets $500 donation hold monthly meetings

By Macy Reeves For the FCT The Russellville City Schools Board of Education had its monthly meeting Nov. 19. The meeting contained usual briefing topics: a financial report, facility use requests and a trips request list, as well as a report of the past month. However, the meeting also covered some topics that are not as common.

Superintendent Heath Grimes reported attending an instructional convention in Birmingham as a part of the Alabama Best Practice network.

Principals of RHS and RMS, as well as their vice principals, attended a convention for the key leaders network.

“We went to these meeting was so we can stay on the cutting edge of instruction. It’s all about how we can improve it and make it better for our students,” Grimes said.

Grimes listed the following RCS upcoming events: - The RHS Band Christmas Concert will be Dec. 8 at the RHS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

- The Russellville Christmas Parade will be Dec. 3.

- The RHS and RMS Drama and Choral

Department will present their Holiday Showcase, “Forever Christmas,” in the auditorium Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

- RES will celebrate Grandparents’ Day Dec. 7.

The next Russellville Board meeting will be Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

The Franklin County Board of Education met Nov. 17. The board voted on electing a chairperson and vice chairperson. Board members selected Mike Shewbart as their chairperson for the second year in a row. Ralton Baker was selected to be the vice chairperson.

“I appreciate them nominating me and having confidence in me. I hope I can do a job that will be pleasing with them, one that is correct and keep the meetings going smoothly,” said Shewbart.

The board also approved the mandated 21st Century Learning Centers contract to assist Phil Campbell, East Franklin and Red Bay schools. This evaluates the money being spent.

The Board also came to a consensus to meet every fourth Tuesday, beginning in January, making the next meeting Jan. 26, 2016, at 5:15 p.m.

PHOTO BY NICOLE BURNS

Barry Pounders, center, presents a check to the Phil Campbell High School Robotics and Rocketry Team, represented by (left to right) Star Gentry, Amber Ergle, Karlee Faust, Trenton McCulloch, Eli Jackson and Ben Williams.

By Nicole Burns For the FCT Phil Campbell businesses are stepping up to get the Phil Campbell High School Robotics and Rocketry team, the PC Elite, off the ground.

Recently, the owner of the Ambulance Billing Service in Phil Campbell, Barry Pounders, stopped by the school to present the team and its teacher/sponsor a check for $500.

“I thought you might need a little money, and I

wanted to do what I could to help you,” Pounders told PCHS teacher Jonathan Grimes. Grimes and his team were overwhelmed by the unexpected gift and took a few minutes to talk with Pounders about what the team has been doing. Grimes said the rocket the team is currently working with for its spring competition will have the Ambulance Billing Service’s name on it, along with any other sponsors.

Pounders has been a longtime advocate for local students. “I like to

see academics do well,” said Pounders. “We help the band quite a bit, and when I was reading about the rocket club and the robotics club, I thought it would be a good cause help the students and maybe help them get some scholarships.”

“We appreciate the donation by the Ambulance Billing Service along with the support local businesses and our community has shown to our team and their efforts,” said Grimes. “We will be announcing a few dates

in January when the PC Elite will meet to work on and launch their rocket.

We want the public and our sponsors to know that we would love for them to come watch these rocket launches.”

This is PC Elite’s first year tackling rocketry.

The group plans to compete in the Team America Rocket Challenge next spring. Anyone interested in watching a live rocket launch by the PC Elite can keep a check on the PCHS Facebook page, where those dates will be announced.

Spruce Pine man restores PCHS’ vintage clock

By Nicole Burns For the FCT “I just like fixing old clocks and watches. It’s been my hobby for 28 years.”

Luck and a passion to restore old-time pieces helped Tommy King of Spruce Pine salvage a piece of Phil Campbell history.

Just before the storms of 2011 destroyed the school, administrators were doing some spring-cleaning around campus. An old clock that had once been hooked to the old school’s bell system was about to be tossed since it was no longer in working order.

“When I saw it in the toss pile, I asked if I could take it home,” said Phil Campbell High School teacher Tina King. “My father-in-law loves working on and fixing up antique clocks. I knew this was a piece of history that needed to be saved.”

So she took the old clock to her husband’s father

PHOTO BY NICOLE BURNS

Tommy King, center, joined by Principal Gary Odom and King’s grandson Skylar King celebrate this vintage clock, a relic of Phil Campbell High School’s history. to see if he could breathe new life in it. But when the tornado hit the town of Phil Campbell in April 2011, clocks and history didn’t seem so important.

Survival was the mindset.

Fast forward four years, and the school and town not only survived but thrived.

As administrators moved into the newly-built, state-of-

the-art facility, remembering and cherishing where PCHS came from was again in the forefront of minds. Tommy King, however, never stopped work on that old Edwards

Company clock.

Local historians think the clock was likely installed in the previous building when it was built in 1954 after the previous

Obits Survivors include daughter, Janice L. Stanford; son, Daniel L. Pickett and wife, Jacque; grandchildren, Jessica S. Amick and husband, Ben, Kevin L. Pickett and wife, Rebecca, W. Ashley Stanford (Autumn), Kristie P. Pittman and husband, Vance, and April P. Manlay and husband, John; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death Frances Marjorie by her parents, Samuel Pickett and Fannie McCulloch; November 27, 2015 William L. Frances Marjorie husband, Pickett, 95, of Russellville, Pickett; sister, Elizabeth A. passed away Nov. 27 at Frank; brothers, Samuel B. McCulloch, Jr., Daniel Russellville Health Care.

Mrs. Pickett was a life- E. McCulloch, Thomas O. long resident of Franklin McCulloch and Ernest R. County and was a retired McCulloch; and son-in-law, Aubrey L. Stanford. sales clerk.

The graveside serPearlie Oniece Smith vice was held Nov. 28 November 29, 2015 at Knights of Pythias Pearlie Oniece Smith, Cemetery, Russellville, with burial following the 83, passed away Nov. 29 service. Officiating was at her residence. She was born in Red Bay, to Oscar Richard Parker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris D. Graham; parents, Earl and Isie Nell Graham; and brothers, Gerald Graham, Charles Graham and Bill Graham.

Pallbearers were Phillip Fleming, David Evett, Eugene Ergle, David Grissom, Jim Johnson and Tom Johnson.

buildings burned. PCHS Principal Gary Odom remembers the clock hanging in the hallway when he attended school. “It didn’t work when I was in the seventh grade,” said Odom.

“It needed cleaning and rewiring. That’s the big thing,” King said. He also said he wanted to find a special way to display the clock. “Our song director at church, Ed Cothrum, made the display box. I told him what I was doing with it, and so he donated it. I donated my time.”

“I didn’t want to take the paint off it because it wouldn’t have looked the same,” said King.

“It’s part of the history of it,” said Odom.

King waited until students were settled in their new building before presenting the vintage clock.

It now hangs in the school’s trophy case at the center of the school.

King said that’s fine with him. “It doesn’t matter where they hang it. I just enjoyed working on it.”

Continued from page 3 Newell and Rosa Yielding Newell. She was a restaurant owner and attended Cornerstone Church of God, Red Bay. Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Cornerstone Church of God, with Bro. Benjamin Young and Bro. Rick Bradley officiating.

Burial was in Halltown Cemetery, Vina.

Survivors are seven children: James Johnson and wife Lora, Johnny Johnson and wife Linda, Bobby Smith, Jerry Smith and Eric Smith and wife Tonia, all of Golden, Miss., Lisa Windham and husband Mitch of Tishomingo, Miss., and Rose Underwood and husband Terry of Dennis, Miss.; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ann Starling and Mary Milam Anderson; and one brother, Travis Newell.

by his mother, Mary Lou Isbell; father, Chester C. Isbell; brother, John R. Isbell; and wife, Betty B. Isbell.

He is survived by daughter, Faye I. Clyburn and husband Greg, Birmingham; son, Michael H. Isbell (Dale), Abbeville, La.; grandchildren, Erin Clyburn and David Clyburn; sister, Ann Hicks; niece, Jane Hicks; nephews, John Hicks, Mark Hicks and wife Lisa and Randall Hicks and wife Robin; and grandnieces, Claudia Hicks, Tori Hicks and Jack H. Isbell Emma Hicks.

November 28, 2015 The family will receive Jack H. Isbell, 90, Alabaster, formerly of friends Dec. 3 from 11 Russellville, passed away a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Luther Andrew Pinkard Funeral Home in Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015.

Jackson Mr. Isbell was a Marine Russellville. A graveside November 27, 2015 Luther Andrew veteran of WWII serv- service will follow at 1 Jackson, age 87, of St. ing in the first Marine p.m. at Franklin Memory Louis, Mo., (formerly of Division, First Tank Gardens Cemetery.

Burial will be immediRussellville), passed away Battalion.

He was predeceased ately after the service.

Nov. 27.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Allen Smith; second husband, Albert Decanter; two children, Jackie Wayne Johnson and Brenda Gale Johnson; and four brothers and sisters, Ellie Strickland, Nancy Stroupe, A.C. Newell and Jack Newell.

Pallbearers were Brad Smith, Austin Smith, Clay Underwood, Donald Lee Raper, Daniel Humphries and Jonathan Smith.

Visitation was Nov. 30 at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, and she was laid in state Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.

The visitation was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dec. 1 at Spry Memorial Chapel, with the funeral following at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Burial was at DeVaney Cemetery with full military honors.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 64 years, Doris DeVaney Jackson; son, Michael Glenn Jackson and wife, Carol; sister, Eula Jean Hubbard; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

SPORTS

7

December 2, 2015

Donkeys hoop it up at THS

Bulldogs lock down basketball wins

By Bart Moss For the FCT

PHOTOS BY BART MOSS

TOP: Tharptown High School booster David Gaston takes a shot during Donkey Basketball at THS Nov. 21. Funds raised went to support the school. BOTTOM: Former Tharptown student Kent Allen hits the floor.

“Our girls

The Belgreen Bulldogs posted two wins last week over Covenant Christian.

The Belgreen varsity girls won 72-38, and the varsity boys won 81-76. For both Belgreen teams, it was the first win of the season.

In the varsity girls game, Belgreen jumped out to a 15-10 first quarter lead and extended the lead to 30-19 at halftime. The Bulldogs outscored the Eagles 42-19 in the second half to coast to their first win of the year.

“It felt great for us to get the monkey off our back,” said Belgreen Coach Chad Green. “Our girls have worked hard during the preseason, and it was good for them to finally see the fruits of their hard work.

We just have to keep working and keep improving.”

Belgreen had four players in double figures.

Gabbie Moore led the way with 14 points. Emma Riley and Allyson Bragwell scored 12 points each.

Johnna Oliver pitched in 11 points.

Others scoring for the Bulldogs were Brianna Wood (6), Ana Castillo (4), Nicole Borden (4), Hannah Taylor (3), Jasmine Martin (3) and Kaleigh Vandiver (3).

In the varsity boys game, the Belgreen Bulldogs outpaced Covenant Christian 24-21 in the first quarter.

The Eagles came back in the second quarter to

have worked hard during the preseason, and it was good for them to finally see the fruits of their hard work.”

— Coach Chad Green tie the game 40-40 at the half. Covenant Christian took the lead in the third quarter. Belgreen’s offense kept up the high-scoring pace in the fourth quarter, but it was the defense that won the game, as they outscored the Eagles 21-14.

“This was a very big win for our program,” said Belgreen coach Matt Noah. “It was our first win, and we beat a quality opponent. Our guys played very hard from start to finish. We had a huge night from Mason Bragwell and Joseph Welch.”

Bragwell dominated the Eagles with 32 points on the night. Welch added 22 points in the win as well. Others scoring for Belgreen were Brant Bragwell and Drew Boshell with nine points each, Jacob Mayberry with seven points and Shane Devaney with two points.

Wildcats take on Colbert Heights

By Bart Moss For the FCT The Tharptown Wildcats and Colbert Heights Wildcats split varsity games last week.

Tharptown’s varsity boys defeated Colbert Heights 72-60, while Colbert Heights took the girls game 49-43.

After a 14-14 tie game at the end of the first quarter, Tharptown slowly pulled away from Colbert Heights the rest of the way.

Tharptown led 30-27 at the half, 45-39 at the end of the third quarter, and outscored Colbert Heights 27-21 in the fourth to get the win.

“Colbert Heights was a tough, physical and scrappy team,” said Tharptown coach Jonathan Odom. “We played a very good game in the end in the fourth quarter when we needed to. We have a lot we still need to improve on if we are going to achieve our goals, but I’m pleased with where we are right now.”

Grid Picks Winner

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Dr. David Britton receives his $100 check from Peggy Hyde of the Franklin County Times. Britton, of Eyecare Professionals, won the Times’ Grid Picks contest by choosing the most winning teams throughout the college football season. Britton held the lead for pretty much the entire season. Second place winner was FCT stringer Josh Prewitt, and tied for third were Lanny Norris, State Farm Insurance, who was last year’s winner, and Wes Mayfield, of Russellville Drugs.

Bulldogs host basketball shootout for softball program

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com Basketball season is in full swing, but one upcoming game isn’t really about basketball at all – it’s about softball.

The first ever Belgreen 3-on-3 Basketball Shootout will be held Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. at Belgreen High School. Late signups are still being accepted for the shootout, which is a fundraiser for the Belgreen High School softball team.

“It’s going to be a fundraiser for softball, to build our softball funds up,” said Coach Clint Sikes.

“It’s just something not many people do, and we thought it might generate some interest.“ The shootout is open to ages 18 and up. Cost is $50 per team.

Sikes said the shootout is a new thing for Belgreen, so they are playing it by ear to see how it goes. He said they hope to raise a significant amount of funds to help the Bulldogs softball program.

“It costs a lot to run a softball program. You have to pay for all your tournament fees and uniforms,” Sikes said.

“Softball is one of those sports where there’s not a lot of money gener-

EVENT DETAILS

Bailey Motes led all scorers with 22 points. Max Nolen added 18 points. Blake Gray scored 12 points, and Heath Hatton added 10 points.

Others scoring for Tharptown were Nathan Chaney with six points and Braden Key and Mikey Rosson with two points each.

The Tharptown varsity girls couldn’t overcome a scoreless second quarter in their loss to Colbert Heights. Tharptown and Colbert Heights battled to a 17-17 tie in the first quarter. Colbert Heights outscored Tharptown 12-0 in the second quarter to take a 29-17 lead into halftime. Tharptown outscored Colbert Heights 10-5 in the third quarter and 16-15 in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough.

Kaitlyn Vandiver and Haley Malone led Tharptown with 19 and 15 points, respectively. Others scoring for Tharptown were Linda Bahena (4), Jessica Wilson (3) and Klaudia Harris (2).

This week’s 2015 Football Picks winners, in a tie, were Barry McCarley and Bobby Wright.

Athlete of the Week

Sam Warf’ Floral

Across from Bus Barn Downtown 256-331-2828

X WHAT: 3-on-3 Shootout X WHEN: Dec. 5, 8 a.m.

X WHERE: Belgreen High School Gym X COST: $50/team

ated … You pretty much have to do all your own fundraising to have enough money to play the sport.”

Sikes encouraged people to sign up with a team or come out to watch the shootout, and he also encouraged people to come support the softball team when the season starts in the spring.

X CONTACT: Anthony Mayberry, 256-443-6227; Clint Sikes, 256-6272463; or Chris Scott, 256-436-5475

For more information or to sign up a team, call Anthony Mayberry at Road Gear at 256-443-6227; Sikes at 256-627-2463; or Coach Chris Scott at 256436-5475.

Mason Bragwell Belgreen High School Basketball Mason Bragwell helped take the Bulldogs to an 81-76 win over Covenant Christian last week. Bragwell, top scorer, dominated the Eagles with 32 points on the night.

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Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

December 2, 2015

Franklin County Times

• www.franklincountytimes.com • 9

10 •

Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

Franklin County Times

December 2, 2015

• www.franklincountytimes.com • 11

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Hicks Towing 256-460-0296

Hwy. 43 North • Russellville, AL

www.wetotethenote.com

24 hr service or Call Eddie’s Collision 256-332-9090

www.bigstargrocery.com

P.O. Box 44 • Russellville AL 256-332-1760 Fax: 256-332-1740 A great place to live, work & play!

Email: info@franklincountychamber.org Website: www.franklincountychamber.org

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Ph: 205-486-3720 Cell: 205-269-2400 Fax: 205-486-3702

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15220A Hwy. 43, Russellville, AL Just behind McDonald’s 256-331-0123 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 7-6 • Sat 8-4 • Sun-Closed

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JOE M. TUCKER CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, P.C.

509 N. JACKSON AVE. • P.O. BOX 866 • RUSSELLVILLE

PHONE: 256-332-2004 • JOEMTUCKERCPA.COM

Legacy Chevron

Deli • 24 Hour Gas Mart Food and Fuel Hwy. 43 South • Russellville 256-398-8448

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

256-332-8068

Hester & James, LLC Attorneys at Law

256-332-7440

Russellville Financial, Inc. Scott Rains

Owner - Manager

Clayton Flannagan, Manager

256-332-0709

Russellville: Every Monday

Fax: 256-332-0792 16109 Hwy. 43, Suite A, Russellville, AL

Goats & Hogs 10am, Cattle Immediately following

Moulton Horse Sale

1st Friday night Every Month

Except January & July Horse Sale - Tack 5:00 pm, Horses 8:00 pm

Phone: (256) 381-8220 Fax: (256) 381-8130 Toll free: (256) 381-8220

14330 Hwy 243 South, Russellville • 256-332-3323 13130 AL Hwy 157, Moulton • 256-974-3133 www.nwalivestock.com

801 Avalon Ave., Suite 210 Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 muscleshoals@helpathome.com http://www.helpathome.com/oxford

Franklin County Sheriff’s Department “Working Hard to Keep Our Community Safe” 625 S. Cherry St, Florence 256-764-8481

256-331-1919

(next to Wal-Mart)

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14001 Highway 43 • Suite 13 Russellville, AL 35653

13655 Hwy. 43 Russellville

Franklin Electric Cooperatives

Debra Meares, RN

Our Experience Is Your Peace of Mind.

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Sheriff’s Office Dispatch-24hr 256-332-8811 256-332-8820 www.franklinsheriff.org

Shoals Auto Glass DO WE D OW WIN TING N I T

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Now 2 Locations Locati to Better Serve You Sheriff Shannon Oliver

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Former Weathers location

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SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE

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“Supporting Education!”

906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville, AL

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

69 Clark Drive • Russellville, AL

12 •

Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

A day at the fire station

CONTRIBUTED

Vina Pre-K visited the Vina Fire Station Oct. 7 for Fire Safety Week. Fire Chief Michael Moomaw, joined by Evan Childers and Robert Moomaw, showed children the trucks and other equipment and then gave them a ride back to school on the fire truck. Jacob Scott got to test out his own firefighting suit. Vina Pre-K students are Nathan Box, Chloe Brown, Braxton Carter, Skyler Childers, Bella Creekmore, Jayden Eads, Austin Emerson, Tessa Fowler, Isaac Gann, Sarah Hill, Jason Quinonez, and Scott.

Franklin Homes hosts Dealer Open House

By Staff Reports

PHOTO BY NICOLE BURNS

Frankie Tidwell, right, of CNC Stonecrafters, presents a stone bobcat display to PCHS Principal Gary Odom.

PCHS gets stone bobcat

By Nicole Burns For the FCT A Phil Campbell company's Made In Franklin display now guards the PCHS trophy case.

The Made in Franklin Expo is a two-day event held each fall at Russellville Middle School. The Franklin County Development Authority and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce organize the event as a way for local industries to show off what they do and the products and materials produced locally to the public. This year, the expo also offered a job fair component. Each year, Franklin County and Russellville City Schools send the junior and senior classes to give students an opportunity to learn more about the local industry and what Franklin County manufactures.

For Frankie Tidwell of CNC Stonecrafters, Made in Franklin was a great time to show of f his company's exclusive CNC Router.

Tidwell and his crew used the piece of equipment to carve images

of a bobcat and tiger into pieces of stone for display. After the expo, the company donated those stone displays to Russellville's Golden Tigers and Phil Campbell's Bobcats.

While custom made countertops is CNC Stonecrafter's main focus of business, Tidwell said they like to spread their wings and experiment with their exclusive technology to see how it can be stretched and used in new ways. “We have done quite a few images in our spare time to see what we can do with it,“ said Tidwell. To create the images donated to the local schools, Tidwell said his crew had to draw out the designed images by hand, and then load them into CNC Router's software. It took a couple of hours to get the design from concept into a stone display.

At Phil Campbell High School, the new stone bobcat sits in the school's trophy case outside the gym. Tidwell said that CNC could use this same technology for customers. All it takes is a little imagination.

Regaining Independence with Professional Care Burns Nursing & Rehab provides professional medical care in a home-based environment.

We offer the care and support each resident needs to achieve and maintain the best quality of life with compassion and respect for each individual’s dignity.

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Franklin Homes hosted a Dealer Open House Nov. 4-6. Franklin dealers from across the country were invited to attend the three-day event at the Franklin Homes manufacturing facility in Russellville. More than 100 attendees viewed new Franklin model homes, which featured some of Franklin’s new interior and exterior designs, and also toured the Franklin Homes plant.

Peter James, president of Franklin Homes, said, “We enjoyed hosting our loyal dealers, as well as several new Franklin dealers and potential dealers, at our headquarters in Russellville. Under our new ownership, we have

been hard at work developing updated floor plans and creating some exciting new interior and exterior designs. We have also implemented some new manufacturing and customer service initiatives and we enjoyed sharing these developments with our dealer base.”

Franklin Homes has aggressive growth plans and intends to expand its dealer and servicer network as it grows. The Open House resulted in several new dealers joining the Franklin network, as well as numerous sales of the new models. Sammy Taylor, Franklin sales manager, said, “The Fall Open House was a huge success and exceeded our goals and expectations.

CONTRIBUTED

Franklin Homes president Peter James leads a plant tour during the recent Dealer Open House. More than 100 attendees from across the country visited the company at its manufacturing facility in Russellville to view some of its new models.

We welcome additional inquiries from potential Franklin Homes dealers … We believe Franklin provides an attractive proposition for retailers

across the country.”

The Franklin Homes product line has been manufactured in Russellville for more than 46 years.

CONTRIBUTED

Pictured are (left, back to front) Ridge Raper, Matt Madden, Levi Crittenden. (right) Rowdy Elliott, Makayla Baker and Faith Jones.

PCHS holds canned food drive

By Nicole Burns For the FCT The holiday season brings good cheer and a helpful hand to those who need it most. Students at Phil Campbell High School recently learned just how far their efforts help people escaping domestic violence.

Ju s t before Thanksgiving, the PCHS Student Council kicked off its annual canned food drive as part of the school’s Best in Class competition. Best in Class is a way for each grade to

compete for top prize but, more importantly, bragging rights. While some of these competitions are just for the fun of it, the food drive had a greater purpose.

“Safe Place has ten transition homes in six counties in North Alabama and a shelter in the Shoals area that are always full to capacity,” said Leah Heathcoat of Safe Place. This is the second year students donated canned food to Safe Place, although this year’s 986 cans of food raised blew away last

year’s total by more than 100 cans.

“This is phenomenal,” said Heathcoat. “It is amazing for a high school to collect this many cans of food.” Seventh grade volunteers helped load boxes of food into Heathcoat’s vehicle when she arrived. There were so many cans, they had shove them in every nook and cranny available. “It makes me happy that we were able to get so much food,” said seventh grader Matt Madden.

“What you have done will feed many people

for quite a while. Help like this makes it possible for women to leave situations of domestic violence without worrying about how they will feed their families,” said Heathcoat.

Safe Place is more than shelter for those who have already left a violent situation. It also offers advocacy, training, and preventative services.

People can learn more about Safe Place and the services it offers by visiting www.nwalsafeplace. org or calling 1-800-5509215.

Franklin County Times

December 2, 2015

• www.franklincountytimes.com • 13

BRADFORD LAWN CARE SERVICES 256-332-3535

WORSHIP True or False:

1. Paul said divisions should not exist among the brethren. 1 Corin.1:10 2. The disciples had 5 loaves of bread at Galilee. Mark 8:5-6

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701 Monroe St. N.W. • Russellville, AL 35653 (256)332-4110 • fax: (256)332-4163

Answers 1. True 2. False 3. True ..........BAPTIST..........

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 44 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1760 Fax: 256-332-1740

Email: info@franklincountychamber.org Website: www.franklincountychamber.org

@ Cowboy Church of Franklin Co. 25100 Hwy 24 W., Russellville 256-366-8080 Leader: Pat Murray Every Thurs. evening 5:30-Dinner, 7:00- Worship, Small Groups afterward

DEATON

FUNERAL HOME “Our Family Serving the Community for over 48 years” • 1966 - 2014

919 4th Street • Red Bay, AL 256-356-4907

Gann’s Discount Siding • Metal Roofing • Vinyl Siding • Vinyl Windows • Gutters Jerry & Chad Gann

256-446-9767 • Leighton

Steven D. Hammack, D.M.D. General Dentistry Adults & Children (256) 332-6888 531 St. Clair St. • Russellville In Business Since 1975 www.hlasp.com

256-332-0198 • 3001 Hwy. 77 • Russellville 256-760-3392 • 122 N. Royal Ave. • Florence

Specialize in Any Type Plumbing Repairs & Service Residential or Commercial

Yoder Metal 29 gauge metal

16 different colors, Custom trim bent to your specs Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5, Sat. by appt.

Office: 256-462-1050 • Cell: 256-303-2062

Atwood Baptist Church Vina, AL 256-332-1443 Belgreen Baptist Church Between Hwy.24 & Co.Rd. 524 Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church Hwy. 48, 10 miles E. Russellville, AL Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church 305 Bethlehem Rd., Russellville, AL Burnout Missionary Baptist Church 7 miles East of Red Bay on Hwy. 24 Calvary Baptist Church Lagrange Road, Russellville, AL 256-332-2804 College Ave. First Baptist Church 521 College Ave., Russellville, AL 256-3321724 Cowboy Church of Franklin County 25100 Hwy. 24 West, Russellville, AL 35653 Crestview Baptist Church Hwy. 24 W, 2 miles from 24/43, 256-332-2743 Crooked Oak Missionary Baptist Church Russellville, AL 35653 Divine Baptist Church 15099 Hwy. 243 Russellville, AL Duncan Creek Baptist Church 985 Duncan Creek Rd. Russellville, AL First Baptist Church Phil Campbell 3350 Broad St., PC 205-993-5873 First Baptist Church Russellville 213 North Jackson Ave., Russellville 256-332-2065 First Freewill Baptist Church Hwy. 43, Russellville, AL First Baptist Church Vina, AL Freedom Community Church 996 Villagewood Dr. Russellville, AL 256-3313700 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Hwy. 48, Russellville, AL 35653 Frankfort Missionary Baptist Church Frankfort Rd., Russellville, AL 256-332-4517 Grace Baptist Church 601 Lawrence St., Russellville, AL Hodges Convention Baptist Church Hwy. 172, Hodges James Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Old Hwy. 24 W Jonesboro Baptist Church Waterloo Rd., Russellville, AL Liberty Baptist Church 261 North East County Rd. 53 Phil Campbell, AL - 205993-4255 Macedonia Baptist Church 724 Newburg, AL The Mission 1437 Hwy. 43, Russellville, AL Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Co. Road 26 - 256-332-2493 Mr. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church Hwy. 48, Leighton Hwy. 256-292-3554, 256-3324916 Mountain View Baptist Church 2110 Hwy. 81, Phil Campell 205-993-4610 Mt. Zion Baptist Church Old Belgreen Hwy. - 256332-2858 New Jerusalem Baptist Church Hwy. 24 W, Russellville, AL New Friendship Baptist Church Hwy. 187, South of Belgreen Pastor, Andy Cansler New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist 256-332-6247 New Pleasant Baptist Church County Road 52, Spruce Pine, AL North Russellville Baptist Church 1401 Waterloo Ave.,

Russellville, AL 256-3320115 Oakwood Baptist Church Spruce Pine AL 256-3329485 One Accord Baptist Church 5550 Hwy 524 w.

Russellville Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Co. Rd. 22, 256-332-7020 Missionary Baptist Church 2 miles East on County Road 48 Pilot Hill Missionary Baptist Church 5 Hwy. 19, Vina, AL Red Bay Freewill Baptist Church Hwy 24 East, Red Bay, AL 256-356-9220 Rockwood Baptist Church CR 36, Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-9779 Siloam Baptist Church Highway 60, Russellville, AL 256-331-9502 South Side Baptist Church Hwy. 43 S, Russellville, AL 256-332-4326 Spruce Pine Baptist Church Spruce Pine, AL 256-3562513 Tharptown Baptist Church County Road 48, Russellville, AL 256-332-0063 West Highland Baptist Church West Limestone St., Russellville, AL Cedar Creek Baptist Church Turn off of Hwy. 247 onto County Road 90 - Pastor Bro. Silas Oliver Wed. 6pm - Sunday School 10am Worship 11am & 6pm ..........CATHOLIC..........

Good Shepherd Catholic Church 1700 North Jackson Ave. Russellville, AL 256-3320095 .....CHURCH OF CHRIST.....

Centerview Church of Christ 158 Cherokee Loop Russellville, AL Eastside Church of Christ Hwy. 24 East, Red Bay 256-356-4513 Gravel Hill Church of Christ 1201 Nix Road, Phil Campbell, AL 205-993-4338 North Highlands Church of Christ Corner of Jackson Ave. / Hemlock St. Russellville, AL 256-332-3315 Polk St. Church of Christ Polk St. W. of Washington Ave., Russellville, AL 256332-5533 Spruce Pine Church of Christ 88 Slchernagel Rd., Spruce Pine 256-332-4595 Tharptown Church of Christ 5071 Hwy 48, Russellville 256-328-1232 ......CHURCH OF GOD.......

Church of God of Prophecy, Hwy. 24 West, Russellville, AL Church of God, Seventh Day Highway 5, Phil Campbell, AL Hope Central 4327 Broad St., Phil Campbell 256-810-3087 New Life Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God 714 Sockwell Ave., Russellville, AL Phil Campbell Church of God of Prophecy Highway 5, Phil Campbell, AL 205-993-5158 Russellville Church of God Highway 43, Russellville, AL 256-332-7176 .......CME CHURCHES.......

Antioch CME Church Tharptown, AL 256-3327807 St. Paul CME Church 406 Hamilton St., Russellville, AL 256-332-617

Old Highway 24 & 43 Intersection 256-332-5722 Heritage Fellowship Church Hwy. 43 S., Russellville, AL Full Christ Fellowship Church 521 St. Claire St., Russellville, AL 256-3325387 Grace Covenant Church Corner of Hwy. 24 W and Lawrence St. 256-331-9400 Harvest Fellowship 607 10th Ave., N., Red Bay, AL Kimbrough’s Chapel Church County Road 38 House of Victory 714 Sockwell Ave., Russellville, AL Pastor: Ricky Gardner Praise Tabernacle Hwy. 43, 1 mile south of Hwy. 24 intersection 256332-4340 God Cares for You Worship Center 207 Marion St. SW Russellville, AL Mars Hill Community Church Hwy. 5 South, Phil Campbell, AL My Father’s House Ministries 104 E. Lawrence St., Russellville, AL Cornerstone Fellowship Church 1 Block, Church Rd. Hwy, 243, Phil Campbell, AL New Beginning Worship Center 127 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville 256-324-0331 - Pastor: Trevor Hardy Witness Outreach Ministries 2600 George Wallace Hwy, Littleville - Pastor: Brian Scott

Debra Meares, RN Branch Manager

Phone: (256) 381-8220 Fax: (256) 381-8130 Toll free: (256) 381-8220 801 Avalon Ave., Suite 210 Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 muscleshoals@helpathome.com http://www.helpathome.com/oxford

Our Experience Is Your Peace of Mind.

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bedfordlawoffice@gmail.com

.....METHODIST.....

• Style • Selection • Service

Belgreen United Methodist Church Hwy. 24 and 187 Intersection, Belgreen First United Methodist Church 311 N. Jackson, Russellville, AL 256-332-2955 Gray Rock First Congregational Methodist Hwy 40, Phil Campbell, AL 205-993-4196 Isbell United Methodist Church Hwy. 43 Bypass South, Russellville, AL Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Hwy. 24 East near Newburg Spruce Pine United Methodist Church Old Highway 43, south of Russellville ....MORMON....

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 901 S. Jackson, Russellville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionaries: (256) 3327268 901 S. Jackson Ave., Russellville

Shoals Lighting 2308 Woodward Ave. Muscle Shoals • 256-383-1437

Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5 • Sat. 9 to 2

Sonic Drive-In of Russellville 15376 Hwy 43 N Russellville 256-331-3422

Southern Automotives, LLC

Open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:00 715 Spring St. Moulton, AL 35650 Master Automobile Technicians

Owner: Mark Naylor

256-974-9954

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First Church of the Nazarene Shook/Fletcher Rd, Co. Rd 46, Russellville, AL 256332-3914 .......PENTECOSTAL......

906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville, AL

Tharptown Church of Christ 5071 Highway 48 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-810-9292

Solid Rock Pentecostal Cleveland & Green Streets 256-332-2221 Greater Life Pentecostal Church Hwy. 43 N. Russellville, AL .......PRESBYTERIAN......

First Presbyterian PCA 201 North Green, Russellville, AL 256-3325730 Mountain Home Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) 100 Mt. Home Church Road, Belgreen ...Seventh Day Adventist...

..INDEPENDENT CHURCHES..

Crossroads Fellowship Church and School

..SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST..

Hwy. 81, 7 miles north of Phil Campbell in Trapptown

105 2nd Street NW Red Bay, AL 35582

256-356-8661

69 Clark Drive • Russellville, AL

14 •

Franklin County Times • www.franklincountytimes.com

December 2, 2015

Buckets of fun

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Smokey Bear was on hand last week for the announcement of the winners of the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, an initiative of the National Garden Clubs. Smokey gave a hug or high five to each student.

Garden club recognizes poster contest winners

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com Last week the Cultura Garden Club presented certificates to each participant in the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest and recognized the overall winners and winners in each grade.

The contest, which is open to first through fifth graders, is a somewhat new undertaking for the Cultura Garden Club, but the club plans to participate annually.

The contest is an initiative of the National Garden Clubs.

Overall winners were Skyler Ergle, first place; Citali Mojica, second place; and Sam Hamilton, third place.

Additional winners in each grade were (first grade) Ansley Willis, Addy Williams,

PHOTOS BY ALISON JAMES

Students at East Franklin Junior High School got the chance to soak teachers and staff recently after a successful fundraiser to the support the school. All told, students sold more than 7,500 raffle tickets. Top seller was Alexis Patterson (pictured below).

Kevin Jiminez, (second grade) Emily Ruiz, Olivia Taylor, Angel Casteneda, (third grade) Cali Stevens.

Honorable mentions were awarded to David Sanchez, Anna Kate Hood, Khristyan Momentey, Hsark Moe and Davian Reynolds.

Smokey himself was on hand for the certificate presentations at West Elementary School.

Martha Sibley said the club hopes the contest encouraged the students to “care for our land and care for our environment.”

Russellville’s top five winners will go to the state contest.

The top five state winners will be entered in the national contest. The national winner receives an allexpenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for a recognition ceremony.

Bobcats continue winning ways

By Bart Moss For the FCT The Phil Campbell Bobcats varsity girls kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 46-39 win over the Hamilton Aggies.

Phil Campbell led Hamilton 10-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Aggies closed the gap to one point at halftime, 24-23. A threepoint advantage for the

Bobcats in the third quarter would prove to be critical as Hamilton outscored the Bobcats by two points in the fourth quarter.

Chloe Roberson led the Bobcats with 15 points. Elizabeth Benford scored 12 points.

Abby Davis added ten points. Leah Gunderman and Carley Nix rounded out the Bobcats scoring with five points and four points, respectively.

Pictured is the NW-SCC Student Government Association. (Front row) Savannah Mills, Russellville High School; Lacey Wilson, Hamilton High School; Rachel Bailey, Haleyville High School; Danielle Rader, Haleyville High School; Kayla Langley, Haleyville High School; Kalley Baker, Colbert Heights High School; Alyssa Hutcheson (SGA President), Red Bay High School; Emma Rains, Haleyville High School; (back row) Madison Hardy, Phil Campbell High School; Jake Pickens, Haleyville High School; Drew Parker, Hatton High School; Riley Frederick, Haleyville High School; Sarah Aycock (SGA Vice President), Russellville High School.

NW-SCC recognizes SGA Students have hosted the fall cookout, coorThe S t u d e n t dinated a blood drive Government Association and hosted the Student Council at Northwest-Shoals has Leadership hit the ground running meeting. The SGA has also just completed its this fall semester.

By Staff Reports

annual food drive and distributed multiple food boxes to local families. The students plan to host a Voter Registration Drive in January along with two

more blood drives. The SGA sponsors other community and oncampus events throughout the year.

SGA sponsor is Donna Green.

Franklin County Times

December 2, 2015

• www.franklincountytimes.com • 15

Red Bay honors Streetscape winners

By Shanna Ozbirn For the FCT At its regular meeting Nov. 16, the Red Bay City Council recognized the 2015 Streetscape winners.

Winners for streetscapes were: - Grand Streetscape Oak Tree Award: Fourth Street Grill and Steakhouse People’s Choice Award: Red Bay Adult Center - Pine Tree Streetscape Award (first runners-up): CB&S Bank, Red Bay City Hall, Community Spirit Bank, Community Spirit Bank’s Weatherford Centre, Emma’s Salon, Generations Of Red Bay, Kabloom & The Lodge, Piggly Wiggly, Red Bay

Hospital, Red Bay Adult Center, Scotty Kennedy Photography and Weatherford Library - Bay Tree Streetscape Award (second runnersup): Alfa Insurance, B&C Discount, Bank Independent, Big Star, First United Methodist Church, La Estancia, Mason Jar On Main, Medical Clinic Of Red Bay and Northside Baptist Church Winners for windowscapes were: People’s Choice Award: Civitan Depot - Grand Windowscape Oak Tree Award: Ewing Variety Pine Tree Windowscape Award (first runners-up): Sew Cute 4 U

Village at Oliver Place wins housing award

By Staff Reports The Village at Oliver Place was recently honored as the 2015 Excellence in Affordable Housing project by the Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama at the Housing Works! Conference in Orange Beach.

The Village at Oliver Place was constructed in response to the devastation of the April 2011 tornadoes in Franklin County to address the need for affordable housing in Phil Campbell after the storms destroyed one third of the homes in the area.

A project that resulted from partnership among Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the town of Phil Campbell, The Village at Oliver Place officially opened in January of this year as a 24-unit townhouse complex that

features an on-site office and clubhouse, gazebo, playground, picnic area, laundry facility, exercise room plus a computer room and available wireless Internet.

The complex comprises 12 three-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units, including two single-story units that are ADA accessible. Residents at the multi-family housing complex must be income-eligible based on federal poverty guidelines. Monthly rent is a fixed rate for all residents, regardless of qualifying income. Units are still available for those who are interested.

Application inquires may be made by contacting property manager David Scoggin at 256-4760746.

Community Action Partnership of North Alabama is part of the national NeighborWorks network, an affiliation of more than 240 nonprofit organizations nationwide.

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Joe Holmes, Kelly Cole, Trent Stephenson and Kerry Gilbert are getting the band back together – Mountain Breeze will perform a reunion concert Jan. 23 as a benefit for Gilbert, who is fighting pancreatic lymphoma.

‘The Breeze is Back’ Regionally-famous Mountain Breeze plans reunion concert to benefit Kerry Gilbert

By Staff Reports Franklin County's own Mountain Breeze is back.

The local quartet, popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is reuniting on Jan. 23 for a concert to benefit bass singer Kerry Gilbert in his fight against pancreatic lymphoma.

"We are excited about the reunion concert and a chance to help our friend Kerry Gilbert with his medical expenses," said Joe Holmes, baritone singer. "It will be great to see all our fans again Jan. 23, to play some music

and share some great memories."

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Russellville High School auditorium.

The Secret Sisters and Jarred Pierce will also appear.

Mountain Bree ze consists of Holmes on baritone, Kelly Cole on lead, Trent Stephenson on tenor and Gilbert on bass.

Reserved seats are $25.

A Celebration Package is also available for $50, which includes seating in the first six rows, a meet and greet with the band at 6 p.m. and

a complimentary "In Dixie" CD. "In Dixie" was the group's 1986 album that featured several original songs penned by Holmes, Cole, Russellville City Councilman Gary Cummings and the late Joey Holder.

"We were able to digitize the cassette recordings and are happy to offer this as a memento for our fans to keep," Cole said.

Souvenir 30-year T-shirts will also be available. All proceeds from the concert and merchandise sales will go to benefit Gilbert.

Tickets are available at Russellville City Hall, Stephenson Electric and online at www.thebreezeisback.com.

All former band members and vocalists will be recognized on stage and are encouraged to attend.

"We appreciate Mayor David Grissom's support and efforts to get this event off the ground," said Stephenson.

Gilbert echoed his sentiments.

"Franklin County is home for all of us, and Russellville holds a special place in our hearts. It's going to be a great night."

Track Santa with NORAD this Christmas

By Staff Reports The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 60th anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey, and good little girls and boys in Franklin County, along with children worldwide, can track his progress again this Christmas Eve. The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.

noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities and more. The website is available in eight languages, including English and Spanish.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available so parents and children can count down the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and

tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered on multiple social media platforms. Santa followers just need to type @noradsanta into each search engine to get started.

Also new this year, the website features the NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole Village and highlights of the program over the past 60 years.

Starting at 1:01 a.m.

Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight.

NORAD’s Santa Cams will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations.

Then, at 5 a.m., trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssan-

ta@outlook.com. Anytime Dec. 24, Windows Phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa.

NORAD Tracks Santa is a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere.

This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct – only the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center.

Thus began the tradition, which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

Funding education doesn’t require grandiosity He says Sen. Larry Stutts Guest columnist In my last column, I provided details of the General Fund budget the legislature passed this summer. The Republicanled body passed a fiscallyresponsible budget that funds essential services without capitulating to egregious calls for a $541 million tax hike. After the governor made a lot noise about state park closures and the possible shuttering of rural driver’s license offices, it is now clear there is enough money to keep most state parks open and to keep driver’s license offices functioning throughout the state.

Today, I would like to discuss education, a sub-

ject vital to the present and future prosperity of our state.

The legislature passed a strong, $5.99 billion education budget for fiscal year 2016, which runs from October 2015 through September 2016.

This is the second largest education budget in the past eight years, at a time when Alabama’s economy is still recovering from the 2008 financial crash and the job-killing policies of the Obama administration.

The education budget includes increases of $13 million for textbooks, $3 million for classroom materials, $4.5 million for transportation, $5.2 million for dual-enrollment and a $10 million increase for Alabama’s voluntary Pre-K program.

In the past, when Democrats controlled the legislature, hundreds of thousands of dollars would be funneled annually to various education systems through

Community Service Grants given to individual legislators. Those elected officials would then do check presentation ceremonies for money the schools should have received directly through the budget – useless pomp and circumstance at its best.

From 2011-2014 (before I arrived in the legislature) Republicans chose to transfer some of the Community Service Grant money to repay debt owed to the Rainy Day emergency fund, give teachers a 2 percent raise, and cover PEEHIP insurance increases for education employees due to Obamacare.

So there are fewer times when you will see legislators presenting large checks to this or that local school. Instead, Republicans are focused on building back up the Rainy Day emergency fund and, hopefully, giving teachers a raise – and because of this fiscal

discipline, Alabama has avoided proration for five consecutive years.

I favor resources being appropriated directly to school systems for classroom learning, not grants handed out by politicians in an arbitrary fashion.

I believe in leadership, not showmanship, and I am more interested in finding long-term solutions to improve public education than commandeering attention with a check presentation photo.

During the 2015 session, I helped co-sponsor legislation to establish a new, independent twoyear college board that gives our local community colleges more flexibility. Community colleges are a vital bridge between high school and the job market, and we should encourage our two-year schools to pursue innovative partnerships with local employers.

I was pleased to additionally sponsor and pass

legislation that shortens the board terms for trustees at the University of North Alabama from twelve to six years. Twelve years is a long commitment and the new staggered, six-year term will allow UNA to attract a broader pool of potential trustees. UNA trustees can also now attend meetings virtually via videoconferencing, provided a quorum of members are physically present, which gives the Board flexibility in emergencies.

Tuition costs for college have sky-rocked over the past few decades. Yet, even as students have to pay more for a college degree, they have relatively little information about which colleges have the highest student retention levels or the best job placement rates.

Taxpayer funding of higher education should reward colleges that give their graduates the skills necessary to succeed in the job market. During the

next legislative session, I plan to ask other legislators and stakeholders to consider how Alabama could use performancebased formulas to allocate higher education funding.

We should reward those colleges who offer the best training for the modern job market, because positive results matter.

It is a great honor to serve you in the Alabama Senate. If I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to let me know. And remember that having a workhorse representing you in Montgomery, instead a show horse, means fewer ceremonies and more conservative government in the end.

Dr. Larry Stutts represents Senate District 6, comprised of all or parts of Marion, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin counties, in the Alabama Senate. He can be reached at larry.stutts@ alsenate.gov or 334-2427862.

Community Spotlight Franklin County Times

16 December 2, 2015

Sand Boy: Stories from a Franklin County local

Chapter 46 Editor’s note: MiniChapters of Sand Boy is a recurring story about events in the life of a local Franklin County resident.

The Thanksgiving holiday is over, and we start back to school – unless we have very cold weather and we are out. They cannot heat the old schoolhouse – it’s just too old, and the windows are so large, it is like a sheet of ice over them. They’re not double paned, so they would sweat and freeze over.

Sometimes when the school was hot, the ice would slide down the glass windows, and the glass would not be there.

The windows would break with the cold and fall out onto the ground and shatter.

We always wanted it to be cold so we could get out of school, but then we had to go longer in the summer to get all the government days in for the funding to maintain the school.

When we were out, there was a lot to do at the farm. I had just gotten strong enough to break the ice on the ponds and streams so the animals could drink. They would always tell us, go in threes – so if one falls in when you are breaking the ice, the others could save you.

Feed was in the barns and in underground silos; tractors had to be started to pull the food out into the fields so the animals would come and eat. We had to clean the bins out for them to put the food in.

If we knew the snow and

ice were coming, we would cover the bins with heavy tarps. It made it a lot easier to feed them. Some animals were so small they could not get up to eat, so the barn was open on one end for mother and calf to enter and eat together.

Morning and evening it had to be done, and then it was to the henhouse, getting the eggs. That was a smelly job in the winter – chicken droppings were everywhere.

It had to be done, and the younger ones would do these chores and gather the firewood for the kitchens in the back of the house.

They did not like cooking in the house because of fire in the chimneys. We always had food cooked three times a day, and lots of it, for all the ones who were like family.

There were a lot of just summer workers at the last of the harvest – they were on to warmer weather and more work. Almost like circus folks. We would hope the same ones would come back every spring to start the planting and working the fields.

We had a lot of people on the farm, and they had folks that would slip in to stay the winter at the field houses. Smoke would be going into the air when you would get up early, just when the sun was coming up – what a beautiful sight to see all the smoke coming out of the house, up and down the hills.

Until next time, Sand Boy

Made in Franklin reaches job-seekers

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com Students and adults alike benefited from the Made in Franklin Career Expo and Open House in early November. The new component of this year’s event, the Open House and Job Fair, was met enthusiastically by local industries and the community.

“I’ve been looking for a complete career change,” said Ashley Anderson, who has recently moved to the area. “I’ve been looking into Northwest Shoals, to get a different degree or a different certification.”

Northwest-Shoals Community College was one of many industries and groups on hands to talk with the community about career and education opportunities in the area, making it possible for attendees to reach a number of people and a wealth of information all in one place.

“Now everything is online-based, and if you don’t run across the right

source online, it’s hard to find everything,” said Eric Tidwell, who came to browse career options.

“I think it’s really good and accessible to have everything under one roof.”

Coordinated by the Franklin County Development Authority, Made in Franklin also – and perhaps primarily – targets Russellville and Franklin County students, who attended the expo in four sessions over two days.

Sonya Faulkner, community liaison with Red Bay Hospital, was one vendor on hand for the event, and she said student interest was very high.

“The last group that came through, there were three guys, and they stood here for 20 minutes.

They were all interested in going into nursing,” Faulkner said. “They had some very good questions.”

Most of the booths offered free goodies, like pens, candy and promotional items; examples of products created by

PHOTO BY ALISON JAMES

Sidney Medley, 13, tests out the welding simulator during the Open House portion of Made in Franklin. the industry; and even hands-on opportunities, like the popular virtual welding simulator. Road Gear brought samples of their work that caught a lot of students’ eyes.

“They need to have more of this, make it bigger, for these kids,” said Road Gear sales Anthony Mayberry. “When I fin-

ished school 22 years ago, I wish I’d had something like this. I really do. Instead of it taking five, six or seven years to figure out, you can have a starting point – at least a starting point. It’s good for the kids. You see a lot of kids that have no idea what’s coming after May.”

PCES tackles scientific exploration tures of milk and water, all as part of scientific demonstrations on chemistry by students Students checked from Northwest-Shoals out the overhead lights Community College.

Luke Baker and Blake through spectroscopes and shone flashlights Dodge, NW-SCC students, through cloudy mix- showed Phil Campbell Elementary third and fourth graders a thing or two about chemical reactions as part of National Chemistry Week.

“They loved it. They were really great,” Dodge said.

Baker and Dodge agreed that showing the students a little hands-on science meant “they’ll be better prepared for college chemistry classes,” Dodge said. “Plus it’s just fun to learn about. They’ll have a better understanding of these types of subjects.”

PCES Principal Jackie Ergle said the school was thrilled to have NW-SCC students come speak to the students and demonstrate scientific principles because it gets PCES students engaged and excited about science.

Amy Thomas, whose third grade class got to experience the science

By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com

Live Nativity Friday & Saturday,

December 11 & 12, 6pm-8pm presented by:

New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

14131 Hwy 43, Russellville (right next to Franklin County Times’ office)

PHOTOS BY ALISON JAMES

NW-SCC’s Luke Baker gets students set up with necessary supplies. presentation, agreed with Ergle.

“They are showing them lots of different things all at one time that I might not have the

materials to do,” Thomas said. “They’ll remember more because they’re getting to actually do it instead of just reading all the time.”

LEFT: Students do a little light learning with spectroscopes during a special chemistry presentation with NW-SCC students. RIGHT: NW-SCC’s Blake Dodge prepares a chemical reaction to create colored flames.

Little Tigers collect canned goods

CONTRIBUTED

Little Tigers Preschool held a canned food drive for families in need and collected a total of 315 items. Pre-K had the most donations with 136 items.