The Pool is Full Let’s Go Crazy! Events 2016 • www.LakeWedoweeLife.com • Free
Events 2016 Vol. 9 No. 2
Table of Contents Special Features 10-11. Summer of Fun Lake Wedowee Area Calendar of Events 12. Lake Wedowee Area Updates and Happenings 14. Kid’s Fishing Derby Slated for May 19 16. Worship on the Water Begins Memorial Day Weekend 21. Soul Tymes Nine Returns for Summer on Main Concert 22. SUSCC Gears Up for KIDS KOLLEGE, Fine Arts Camp 25. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys 28. Summer Sizzle Returns for 13th Season 44. Two Local Teens win Regional Bryant Jordan Scholarship Awards
In This Issue 8. Letter from the Editor 32. Lake Map 33. Charley’s Treasure 36. What’s Cooking 40. Lake Wedowee on Instagram 42. Where in the World is Lake Wedowee Life
contributors this issue Shondae Brown, Tracy Carpenter, Tom Garland, Marie Lanier, Charley Norton,
On the Cover What better way to celebrate the start of Lake Season than putting in your boat for the first time. Eric Morris of Wedowee Marine South let us tag along as he put this 21XRS Bullet Boat in the water at the new marina. Wedowee Marine South has a floating store that is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5p.m.
General Manager
Editor
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LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com
KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com
LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com
Lake Wedowee Life 256.357.4557 104 West Broad Street Wedowee, AL
www.LakeWedoweeLife.com Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published four times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Neighborhood Publishing. Š 2008-2016 Caldwell Sales, Inc. 6 lake wedowee life
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Take Time If you have been a fan of Lake Wedowee Life for any length of time, you know that I write about what I know here. Last May, it was a celebration of my mom for her 60th year of life. Well, this issue it's a tribute to my Aunt Lynda. Until late March, I didn't know Aunt Lynder (that's how we started saying her name as adults...) and I shared a middle name. I am not sure what I thought it was, but I had no idea it was Ann until they read her obituary at her funeral. What I do know about ole Lynder is that she was loving, loyal, opinionated, modest, kind and most of all human. She was often grumpy and liked to keep to herself, but for those in the inner circle (and there were quite a few) you always knew where you stood. She wasn't a poker player because her face would give her away every time! She loved her family and even on the darkest days of the cancer, her face would light up when talking about her grandchildren. She beamed with pride at each of their accomplishments regardless of how big or small at the time. She also loved her sisters. Mama and her were eight years apart, but they were super close. So much that when we started the magazine, mama trusted ole Lynder with our checkbook! My family lost a major part of ourselves on March 26, and while we are still grieving, we do take comfort that Aunt Lynder is in a much better place than we can imagine here on earth. Our community has been hard hit with loss and tragedy in the last few months... Numerous people are mourning the passing of loved ones and if there is anything to learn from all of this...Don't miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. You never know when it might be the last.
Enjoy Life Kelly Caldwell
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Summer Of Fun May 7 Lakeside Yardsale Lakeside Market & Grill
May 19 LWPOA Kid’s Fishing Derby Rice Pavilion Wedowee
Live Music Callie Knight Lakeside Market & Grill Wedowee
May 20 Papa’s Team Trivia Lakeside Market & Grill
May 13 Papa’s Team Trivia Lakeside Market & Grill
May 21 Lakeside Country Karaoke Lakeside Market & Grill
Randolph County Learning Center Bike 41st Randolph County Learning Center Bike Hike Hike Warm Up Recreation Center Roanoke WELR/ Eagle 102.3 Radio Station Roanoke May 14 Paddling For Paws Boat Races Lakeside Market & Grill Wedowee
May 26 Papa’s Team Trivia moves to Thursdays Lakeside Market & Grill
Live Music The Hucks Band Lakeside Market & Grill Wedowee
May 27 Jerry Hall’s Bingo Begins Lakeside Market & Grill
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May 28 Live Music The Hucks Band Lakeside Market & Grill
May 29 Worship on the Water Begins Under the Pines Lakeside Marina Wedowee Ronnie’s Karaoke Lakeside Market & Grill
June 4 Lakeside Yardsale Lakeside Market & Grill June 4 Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Summer on Main Downtown Roanoke
June 6-10 KIDS Kollege Southern Union State Community College Wadley
June 25 Live Music Blaze Alley Band Lakeside Market & Grill
July 14 Country and Bluegrass Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville
June 11 Art on the Median Wedowee
June 29-30 Fine Arts Camp Southern Union State Community College Wadley Campus
July 21 Kevin Moon Show Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville
2 year anniversary Celebration Southern Holiday Shop West Broad Street Wedowee
July 1-2 Randolph County Sheriffs Rodeo HWY 431N Wedowee
July 28 The Gospel Hour Clay County Style Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville
July 2 Live Music LardBucket Band Lakeside Market and Grill
July 30 Live Music Blaze Alley Band Lakeside Market & Grill
LWPOA Summer Picnic Rice Pavilion Wedowee Live Music The High Rollers Band Lakeside Market & Grill
June 18 Lake Wedowee Lake Lot Auction Southern Holiday Shop Wedowee Live Music LardBucket Band Lakeside Market and Grill
July 7 Patriotic Night Summer Sizzle Lineville City Park Lineville
July 9 50s & 60s Sock Hop Lakeside Market & Grill
Stay up to date with the latest happenings on our facebook page. Like us at facebook.com/lakewedoweelife
Connect with us Socially
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Tanner Medical Center Groundbreaking on New Hospital in Randolph County
5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 strations of Mississippi Miracle Clay, Dixie Belle Paint and samples p.m. The number for the HWY 48 of Mama's Secrets and Southern SisMarina location is 256.396.0065 ters Gourmet. Our Glass Boutique In August, the citizens of Lakeside Marina Market and will have specials that day as well Randolph County voted overand there could even be free gifts! whelmingly to support the construc- Grill Fun For All There is entertainment for everytion of a new hospital with a oneone at Lakeside this summer. Until cent sales tax. On May 5, Tanner Southern Auction Solutions Memorial Day Weekend Lavoy Health System officially broke "Papa" Caldwell will be hosting Lake Wedowee Lot Auction ground on the new facility. team trivia on Friday nights. But, he Next month, Auctioneer Ron will move his trivia game to Thurs- Young, with Southern Auction SoluWedowee Marine South days starting May 26 when Jerry tions will be conducting a Lake WeOpens For Business Hall returns with Lakeside Friday dowee Lot Auction. On June 18, The Morris family opened its secNight Bingo on May 27. Lakeside Young and company will be set up ond marina on Lake Wedowee in will feature live music on most Saton the lawn of Southern Holiday April. The state of the art facility is urday nights this summer. When a Shop (104 West Broad Street, Webeing opened in phases with the live band is not playing Lakeside dowee) auctioning as many as 30 floating store and the service center Country Karaoke will be sure to enwaterfront lots. Consignments will being the first to open in early April. tertain the masses. be accepted and the auction will beThe ship store, restaurant and bar gin at 10 a.m. For more information will open in phases in the weeks Southern Holiday Shop on the auction be sure to pick up the ahead. A grand opening celebration June issue of Lake Wedowee Life or Anniversary Celebration is planned for June. Come Celebrate the Second Anni- visit Southern Auction Solutions The floating store is open seven website or facebook page, versary of Southern Holiday Shop days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.southernauctionsolutions.com with samples, savings and sales on The summer hours for the showroom are Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to June 11. The shop will have demon-
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LWPOA ready for Kid’s Fishing The annual LWPOA Kids Fishing Day event will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Rice Pavilion on Lake Wedowee . The event is free and Kids ages 2 through 15 are invited. Kids from Randolph and Clay Counties and children and grandchildren of LWPOA Members are welcome. There will be lots of fishing, fun, games and prizes.
News to Know by Tom Garland Channel Catfish purchased from the Handley High School Outdoor Education Center will we placed in the lake behind nets installed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The fish may be kept and taken home. Kids must bring their own fishing gear. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Kids must bring a container or stringer to keep their fish Food and refreshments will include hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks. Cooks for the event include Sheriff Cofield, Chief Deputy Billy Lane, Judge Diamond, Judge Tinney and Josh Burns. The event is made possible by the work of volunteer members of LWPOA and contributions by local businesses and organizations. Platinum sponsors for the event are Rice Family Pavilion, Wellborn Cabinets, Inc., First State Bank and Tanner Medical System. Gold sponsors are Bank of Wedowee, Eagle 102.3 FM and Rice Pest Control. Randolph County Rescue Squad and Southern Ambulance Transport will provide emergency standby services.
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Kids from all over the Lake Wedowee Area are invited to join the fun May 19 for Kid’s Fishing Day at Rice Pavilion. Last year Riley and Sammy Boyd children of Randy and Shawanna Boyd enjoyed the festivities.
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Come as You Are to Worship on the Water Have you ever been to church in a kayak or brought your dog to the service? Have you worn your swimsuit, so that you are ready for an after church swim? If your answer to these questions is no, then you have not been part of Worship on the Water (WOW), a new summer tradition on Lake Wedowee, sponsored by Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT)!
News to Know by Marie Lanier SIFAT, founded 36 years ago in the basement of Wedowee FUMC, has deep roots in Randolph County. “We have been able to impact the lives of some of the neediest people in the world through training and mission teams,” SIFAT executive director Tom Corson shared. “However, no part of our global efforts makes us prouder than to sponsor WOW, a venue which allows us to impact our local community in so many positive ways. I am thrilled to see people of all faiths come together to volunteer, serve and Worship On the Water right here on Lake Wedowee, my hometown.” If you have been to a service, you know how integral volunteers Chuck and Evelyn Smith have been to WOW. This year, they stepped down from their leadership roles on the WOW team. Although SIFAT now sponsors WOW, its growth and success could not have happened without the hard work and effort of this couple. They have been part of WOW since its inception – when Chuck Smith and Sandra Kitchens had the vision for a casual, nondenominational service on the lake to bring vacationers and locals together 16 lake wedowee life
Date May 29 June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Sept. 4
Speaker Elvis North John Tal Murphree Don Ellison Jimmy Yates Jarrod Suits George Mathison Janice Clark Josh Hickman Jacob Wilkerson Dorothy Ann Webster Billy Watts Josh Stitcher Dan Waller Stephen Fincher Billy Coleman
in a nontraditional place for a worship service. Started in 2008, fewer than 50 people attended the first service. Now, about 150 people regularly meet at 9 a.m. each Sunday to worship together under the pines at
Music TBA TBA TBA TBA L&S staff TBA TBA Wedowee UMC group Bear Creek UMC choir Dorothy Ann’s group TBA OK2 Community Life Praise Band TBA TBA
Lakeside Marina. On holiday weekends, the crowd size surges to 300 – 500 people, who arrive in boats, golf carts and cars. Each week features different speakers and musicians with many local churches and groups participating.
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Come by boat, come by car, come as you are. From ducks swimming among the boats to children running around the bleachers and chairs, WOW is a service that anyone can attend comfortably. Services last approximately one hour and, in cases of inclement weather, move from the shore to the porch of Lakeside Marina. WOW kicks off on May 29 (Memorial Day Weekend) with Elvis North and Jerry Rogers leading the service and continues through Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend). For questions or to be added to the email list, contact wow@sifat.org. See you this summer at WOW!
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Soul Tymes Nine Returns to Summer on Main Summer on Main has been a staple of the summer season in downtown Roanoke for 8 years and over that time, it has changed very little... Well that's not the case this year. "We have really listened to our vendors and the community," Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dorothy Tidwell said. "The first weekend in June can be extremely hot and make for a very long day, so this year we decided to break things up a little bit." Summer on Main will basically be split into multiple parts with a break during the heat of the day. The traditional Festival and Street Market will begin earlier than in years past. "We will be opening the market at 6:30 in the morning this year and it will last until noon," Tidwell said. "There will be a huge variety of arts, crafts, collectible and flea market vendors not to mention games and loads of fun for the entire family." An addition to this year's festival is the 5K Tiger Run sponsored by the Handley High School football team. It will be a fundraiser for the organization and will begin at 8 a.m.
everyone!" The concert, which will begin at 6 p.m., will feature local favorite Soul Tymes Nine. "This is the first time Soul Tymes Nine will play at Martin Theatre," Tidwell said. "So we are thrilled to have them again." Soul Tymes Nine played the first Summer on Main Concert in 2011 and have been doing an annual show in March At the First United Methodist ever since. Church McDonald Family Life Cen"They really have a fun following ter, located at 806 Main Street, the Summer on Main Health Fair will be and continue to add songs to their set list," Tidwell said. from 8 until noon. It will feature The band plays classic hits such as health screening services, health information, education, grocery shopping Mustang Sally, My Girl, Twist and and cooking tips and Senior Citizens Shout, Double Shot and Land of A Health information. It will also be an Thousand Dances to name a few. The Martin Theatre is an open air opportunity for the public to connect venue, but no pets, glass bottles or with different health organizations smoking will be permitted. and agencies in the community. For more information on booths for the Summer on Main Market, please contact Dorothy Tidwell at the by Kelly Caldwell Randolph County Chamber of Commerce at 334.863.6612 or 334.863.1402. "After lunch we are gonna shut the This is a rain or shine event and rental festival and market down, but we in- opportunities start at $10. All vendors will be assigned space at the discrevite everyone to come back for the tion of the festival committee on a first concert that night," Tidwell said. come, first serve basis. "Having a break during the day, we hope will make it more enjoyable for
News to Know
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SUSCC Gears Up for KIDS KOLLEGE, Fine Arts Camp Southern Union’s Wadley Campus will be “The Greatest Place On Earth” the week of June 6-10, as the college welcomes children entering the first through the sixth grades to campus for its annual Kids Kollege day camp. Kids Kollege gives the youth of east central Alabama an opportunity to explore various subjects in a fun, supportive environment. Children participate in sessions such as art, sports, science, dance, and health, giving them a taste of “college life” at SUSCC. The camp also includes a day of fun at a field trip.
News to Know by Shondae Brown “We always look forward to Kids Kollege week,” said Shondae Brown, Director of Public Relations at SUSCC. “These students bring such vitality and energy to campus; it is just a fun atmosphere.” Kids Kollege is sponsored by the SUSCC Alumni Association. A $65 registration fee applies which covers snacks each day and the field trip. Tshirts are available for an additional $10. Older students will also have a chance to have some fun at Southern Union this summer. Fine Arts Camp, scheduled for June 29-30, is open to students in grades 7-12 or college age. At a cost of $134, the camp may be taken for college credit by students who meet the college’s entrance requirements. Fine Arts Camps offers training in dance, music, and theatre with intensive instruction in the area of the student’s choice. The camp draws students from throughout the Southeast. Attendees have a chance to study with SU’s renowned fine arts faculty as 22 lake wedowee life
Students in grades first through sixth get to experience the “College” life at SUSCC June 6-10
well as guest instructors. “Studies have shown that education in the arts helps to develop a well-rounded individual and helps to improve learning in all academic areas,” said Brown. “Fine Arts Camp gives students exposure to various disciplines in the arts and hopefully helps them develop an appreciation for things they may not otherwise experience.” Brown added, “These camps are just examples of how Southern Union works to enhance cultural exposure for our area’s youth, to stimu-
late interest in arts and sciences and to promote community spirit.”
For registration information for Kids Kollege contact Brown at 256-395-2211 ext. 5145 or sbrown@suscc.edu. To register for Fine Arts Camp contact Dean Steve Spratlin at 256-395-2211 ext. 5105 or email him at sspratlin@suscc.edu.
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‘My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys’ That expression will come to life for many people July 1st and 2nd, as the 13th Annual Randolph County Sheriff’s Rodeo takes center stage. In what has become an event to see for the 4th of July weekend in Randolph County, the Sheriff’s Rodeo, in addition to being an exciting and fun time for all ages, will provide some of the much needed funding for equipment for the Sheriff’s Department. Despite the terrible weather conditions for last year’s show almost $18,000.00 was raised for the purchase of body cameras for the officers and other necessary equipment. According to Sheriff David Cofield, much of the equipment necessary to properly outfit our deputies would not be possible without the monies raised by the rodeo. “It takes a lot of work to make this event happen and we couldn’t do it without the numerous volunteers and sponsors that make it possible”, Cofield added.
News to Know by Lavoy Caldwell Sheriff Cofield would like to personally thank each sponsor and volunteer, especially Buster Miles Ford/Chevrolet, WM Grocery in Wedowee and Heflin, Tanner Health Care, Kimball Foods and Wedowee Building Supply for all their support. This year’s show is a production of 4L and Diamond S Rodeo, founded in 1985 by rodeo cowboy Charlie Lowry, the company grown from five small productions the first year to producing events all over the country including the PRCA, IPRA and the NIRA. These events are the real deal with bull riding, calf roping, and all the other events that both seasoned rodeo goers and first timers all come out to
see. Lowry has partnered with David Simpson to provide stock for the rodeo. Simpson’s stock has been featured in shows from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Odessa, Texas to San Antonio to Fort Worth Texas and many stops like Wedowee, Alabama to name just a few. The 4L and Diamond S Rodeo provided bulls for the PRCA Xtreme Bullriding as well as the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. This year’s show will feature Seven Time Rodeo Clown of the Year Dusty Myers , The Diamond D Drill Team and David Sharp, a renowned rodeo announcer. The beautiful , Diamond D Cowgirls sparkle under event lights and are followed by fans throughout the south. Their fun loving and energetic personalities are guarantees that the crowd will be screaming for more. With flashy costumes and horses these beautiful cowgirls will be available for photos and crowd interaction. David Sharp will be your ring announcer…will be announcing from
the ring on horseback providing an up close and running description of the action in the arena. Sharp has been featured on ESPN and the PRCA tour. Growing up watching rodeos from behind the chutes, instead of in the grandstands, rodeo was bred into him with his father being a competitor and bull fighter. “I began riding from an early age, but my passion was to always protect the fallen riders. I started fighting bulls at the age of thirteen and have never looked back,” smiled Dusty. His career as a daring bull fighter lasted a little over twelve years before his desire of wanting to entertain audiences took over. “I love meeting new people and traveling and in today’s times I love nothing more than being able to put a smile on not only kids faces, but their parents also. If I can make someone laugh and they forget about everything else for a while that makes my day.” It didn’t take long for Dusty to become one of the top clowns in the lake wedowee life 25
business; with a seeming less funny personality that came naturally.“I’m always working on new acts and skits to entertain my audiences. I grew up watching the likes of Lecile Harris and others, which I learned a lot from, but like to make my acts my own.” All his hard work and passion for his newly chosen career has paid off with four ‘Clown of the Year’ titles under his belt and being the barrel man at the IFR five times. Now having worked over 15 finals in the past five years, if you ever get to see Dusty’s slapstick comedy routine, you’ll leave with a smile. Show dates are July 1st and 2nd show starts at 7:30PM with gates opening at 5:00PM Admission ins$10.00 per person with children under 3 admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Randolph County Courthouse. “In previous years, the show turn- crease the seating capacity, I would out has been standing room only, and strongly recommend buying your while we are looking for ways to intickets in advance and arriving
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early”, Chief Deputy Billy Lane stated. See you there for a good time!
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Summer Sizzle Returns for 13th Season "The Clay County Arts League created Summer Sizzle to showcase local talents," Barbara Pollard, event organizer, said. "And, we have tried our best to stick to that philosophy." The first night of the music series, July 7, will feature Ryan Robertson and friends in what has become known as Patriotic Night. It will be a mix of Country, Bluegrass and Gospel. "Our first night is always dedicated to our active and retired military," Pollard said. There will also be a special fireworks display after sunset. Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for a night under the
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News to Know by Kelly Caldwell
stars and expect to be entertained by some of the best local artists around. On July 14, Country and Bluegrass will take the stage for Summer Sizzle. The night will be an exciting one and feature Brian Collins, an up and coming country artist from Douglasville, Ga. Collins has shared the stage with artists such as Zac Brown Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Love & Theft, Blackberry Smoke, Alabama and Lynyrd Skynyrd. According to his website, a Brian Collins show offers a well-rounded, dynamic live performance that engulfs the senses and takes audiences on a notable journey. He has had a top 10 single
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"Shine a Little Love." Also appearing will be Tommy Sellers and the Nite Owl Band that features Janell Frost, Kenny Robertson, Randell Warren and Jim Kaufman. July 21 Clay County’s own Kevin Moon will bring country to Lineville City Park. "I remember that it wasn't that long ago Kevin would beg to get up on stage and play at Summer Sizzle," Pollard said. "Now he has played with some greats like Lorrie Morgan. And better than that, he gets paid for his talent! "We always like it when Kevin comes home to Clay County to play."
One of the highlights of the series will be July 28 with "Gospel Hour Clay County Style." "I have always watched Gaither Gospel Hour and have been to so many singings in Clay County, that I knew we could have something similar here," Pollard said. "So I went to Kenneth Yates to help me pull this one together." Last year, Gospel Hour- Clay County Style featured more than 60 gospel singers that entertained more than likely Summer Sizzle's largest crowd to date. The Gospel Hour will also feature a special appearance by Witness 4 Him, winner of the 2014
Gospel Group of the Year. "We are really hoping to average 1,500 to 2,000 people this year," Pollard said. "If the weather holds, we should be able to reach that goal." Pollard realized in the early stages of Summer Sizzle that she could only do so much to make the event a success, and is the first to admit the Clay County Arts League could not achieve their goals without the help of the local media. The free event also would not be possible without the help of sponsors and grant opportunities. Summer Sizzle is every Thursday in July with music starting at 7 p.m.
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Jimmy Jacks Treasure...: The Lagoon With the shack in sight, I pulled my ski across to the shore. There was an old dock that was mostly rotted but the pylons were intact, so I tied up there. A halfway submerged flat bottom boat was pulled up on shore with one of those motors like I seen on a swamp show that I used to watch. It was kind of like a lawn mower engine mated with a weed eater shaft which had a propeller on the end. I walked up to the shack and pushed the door open. What I found was about what I expected, very primitive. There were lights and a sink and even a bathroom. Of course nothing worked but there must be a power source somewhere so I went outside to look for a fuse box . Around back there was a small building. I opened the door and found every kind of digging tool that you
could imagine. Jack was no dummy, that was for What caught my attention was the sure! But now, as the sunlight grew dim, I had to try and find the note Jimmy Jack had left me behind the by Charley Norton loose rock in the fireplace. I grabbed a hammer from the shed and headed back to the shack. I figured if there large handle on the wall. I pulled it was a loose rock, I would notice a down and heard a clunking sound, then a squeal like an ungreased bear- different tone when I tapped on it. When I opened the door, all the ing and the wall in the shed started to vibrate. The light in the shed, that I lights were on. I began tapping on the rocks on the chimney but all of hadn’t noticed before, started to flicker and then came on. I went out- them sounded firmly attached and as side and in the back of the shed was a I could not stay a minute longer, I decided it would be another day. I waterwheel. It was spinning from shut down the generator and headed water being deposited from a large to my ski. The water was a couple pipe positioned above it. A big feet deep, which was plenty, so I wooden box was attached to it and sped into the brush that hid the lawhen I opened the access door, I goon, holding my hand out to push it found a large generator that connected with a pulley attached to the away. As soon as I entered the lake, I water wheel’s center shaft. Jimmy
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heard a gunshot. At first I thought the ski had backfired but no. To my left was the flat bottom boat I saw at lakeside with two men holding rifles and they were speeding toward me. I hit the gas but not before I heard the crack of fiberglass as a bullet tore into the side of my ski. Then my rearview mirror shattered! At full throttle, I went into a zigzag pattern to avoid them but I was wide open in the water. I could almost feel the bullets as they past my head. I felt a sting in my lower back. I went as fast as I could go toward the islands ahead. I may get myself cornered but I was dead for sure if I stayed in open water. I found a narrow entrance between two islands and had to lean hard to make the turn. I felt the rocky bottom of the shallow water beating the bottom of the boat but I stayed hard on the throttle. Ahead of me was a 4 foot wide patch of grass and on the other side was the lake. I knew if I could clear that, there was no way the boat
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they were in could, so I kept my thumb flat on the grips with the gas lever in between and prepared for the jump. Speeding at over 50 mph, I slammed into the grassy bank with such a force that the handle bars bent forward causing the throttle to stick wide open! When I landed on the other side, I could hear the engine banging around and knew that the motor mounts broke. There was the smell of fuel and the ski was starting to slow down as it filled with water. I realized that the broken motor mount had ripped a hole in the bottom of the craft on the right side so I leaned hard to the left while pressing the bilge pump button. The water coming out was mixed with fuel and the fuel gauge was dropping. I had to find somewhere to beach the ski or we were both going down! The good news was that I was not being followed but I had destroyed my vessel doing it. I beached it in a slew about
a half mile from my house. Once on land, I headed into the woods, only looking back to make sure I had hidden the ski well enough. It was bent and busted but it got me to safety. As I walked, I started to feel light headed and that is when I saw the blood running down my leg. I sat down on a stump and pulled my vest up to find a two inch gash on my side where a bullet had grazed me. This told me two things, these guys weren’t playing and Willard Earl Manus did not keep his word! I covered the wound with a magnolia leaf and tightened my vest, to put pressure on the wound. After a long walk through the woods, I made it back to the house, thankful to find Kim and Maggie weren’t home yet. I went into the garage where I kept a first aid kit and found some butterfly strips, alcohol wipes and got the super glue out of my tool box. I cleaned the wound, superglued it shut and put the tape
on it to keep it from opening up. I went in the house, took a shower, threw away my blood soaked shorts and put a bandage over the repair. It will be easy to explain what happened to me to Kim but I doubt I will have to. She’s used to me being bandaged up with one cut or another. There’s no way I’m giving anything to Willard Earl. Jimmy Jack didn’t want that and now I see why. I also need help, a faster boat and to somehow tell my family what is going on. But until I get more information, that will have to wait. I don’t want them in harm’s way, but then again, that ship may have already sailed. Finding a bunch of gold is the least of my concern now. This is about defending a legacy. It’s about right and wrong. And feeling the sting from my gunshot wound, I also realize that it has become personal. Editor’s Note: The Tale of Jimmy Jack that appeared in the pages of Lake Wedowee Life in October launched a treasure hunt for our readers. The next clue will be in our events issue once the lake level returns to full pool. The tale of Jimmy Jacks is a work of fiction (at least we think it is) so please don’t stalk Charley in an effort to find his treasure! Wait for the clues to be printed. Charley Norton is the co-owner of Norton’s Flooring with his brother Tom. The company was founded by his parents more than 35 years ago.
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Fire Up the Grill I’m so excited that grilling season has arrived! We LOVE to grill on gorgeous days like we’ve been having recently. Are you like me, always looking for new ideas and recipes to try out when Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day come around? Well, here’s an easy recipe to try with two ways to prepare it. It’s sure to get your mouth watering and saying come to mama!
Let’s Get Cookin’ by Tracy Carpenter 36 lake wedowee life
The Grocery List 1 lb ground beef 1/4-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup real bacon bits 1 teaspoon Kansas City Steak Seasoning or 1 teaspoon season salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder freshly ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce curly fries, cooked hamburger buns
Âź cup mayonnaise Âź cup barbecue sauce or ketchup 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 Vidalia onion sliced Freshly ground pepper and salt to taste 1/2 block of cheddar cheese or Monterey cheese Hotdog buns
How to Make it! Cowboy Campfire Bacon Burgers Sauteed Onions Over medium heat warm olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions, salt and pepper. Stir to
coat with oil. Cook, stirring occasionally until onions are lightly browned and transparent. Remove from heat and set aside. Sauce
In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke until well combined. Refrigerate until Continued on Page 38
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ready to use. Burgers In a large bowl mix ground beef, cheese, bacon bits, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings until combined. Form into 4 equal sized patties. Make an indention with your knuckle in the center of each patty to prevent shrinkage. Preheat grill being sure to season the grate with olive oil. Once the grill is heated add patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patties. Flip, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until cooked thoroughly. Assemble burgers on toasted buns topped with sautÊed onions, curly fries, sauce and your choice of other toppings, such as avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, more bacon or pickles. Cheese Stuffed Burger Dog Variation If you prefer a Hot Dog.. Do all over the above and then try this‌ Slice the block of cheese into sticks about the size of string cheese. Divide the ground beef mixture into four sections and roll into balls. On a cookie sheet pat into thin patties, wide enough to accommodate the cheese stick. Place the cheese stick on the patty and roll the beef around it forming a log. Be sure to seal the ends good. Repeat with remaining beef mixture. Preheat the grill for medium-high heat and oil the grate. Place the burger dogs on the grill, perpendicular to the grates. Cook until dogs are browned, About 3-4 minutes each side.
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Instagram is a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. The following photos were tagged #Wedowee, #LakeWedoweeLife or #LakeWedowee and are used with the consent of the photograph owner. Download the free app today & join in the fun!
@anniehale4
@ducksquadinc
@dupree1011
@georgiasweetkakes
@ggreen64
@halln2
@tenneysonlanewoodshop
@taycampbell.soup
@alecrollin
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Jerry and Audette Pittman and Janice and Phillip McGill traveled to Cozumel Mexico with a copy of Lake Wedowee Life this spring. Jesse Coker Lester discovered Southern Holiday Life on a recent trip to Lake Wedowee visiting his sister Geneva Messer. He brought a copy home with him to Lakewood California. Mark and Milly Rakestraw traveled to Martinique with Lake Wedowee Life last summer; Vanessa Bonner of Ox42 lake wedowee life
ford, Celia Gardner of Lake Wedowee, Irene McManus of Wedowee, Edna Rowell of Roanoke, Julia White of Wedowee, Kaye Wortham of Wedowee and Pat Norred of Roanoke brought Lake Wedowee Life along on a recent bus tour of the New England States. If you travel with Lake Wedowee Life this summer, send us the photos! Email News@lakewedoweelife.com Happy Travels!
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May, Brown named Bryant Jordan Region Winners Randolph County had two athletes recognized in April as part of the Bryant Jordan Student Athlete Program. Handley's Seth May and Wadley's Mary Grace Brown were named region winners at the 31st annual banquet. The initial scholarship offered by the Bryant-Jordan Program was the scholar athlete scholarship. Brown earned the Region 1A, District 4 Scholar Athlete Award. She plays volleyball, basketball and softball for the Wadley Bulldogs. In 1989 the Achievement Award was created. This award is designed to reward the studentathlete who achieves beyond his/her ability both academically and athletically or who may have overcome some obstacle or hardship to achieve
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football team as a linemen. Ninety-six scholarships are awarded annually to deserving high school seniors from schools that are members of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The program has grown from an $8,000 award program to over $800,000 in scholarship monies for 2016. Brown and May each received a $2,500 scholarship as part of their award. The Bryant-Jordan StudentAthlete Program was created in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic success. Association. It is supervised by the May was named the Region 4A, Board of Directors of the BryantDistrict 4 Achievement Award. He Jordan Foundation. was born with spina bifida, but that Brown is the daughter of Craig and did not stop him from starting 34 con- Beverly Brown. May is the son of secutive games for the Handley Tigers Chris and Autumn May.
Index of Advertisers Advertisers Page # 4 Evergreen LLC 13 Affordable Tire and Repair 45 Alabama Power Company 9 Bank of Wedowee 2 Best Brands Plus 43 Bonner Heating and Air 29 Boondocks 18 Chad Lee, Attorney at Law 23 Charles Thompson 3 Clay County Arts League 38 Corson Tree Service 19 Dari Delite 31 Docks Plus More 29 Dr. Michael Edwards 41 EHC Pharmacy 24 Emergency Medical Transport 44 First Bank 24 First Capital Insurance 29 Genesis Weight loss 37 Great Lakes and Land 23 Halls Gas 34 Happy Trails Restaurant 35
Advertisers Page # HM Drugs 4, 19, 27 Hunter Bend Realty 43 Ken Seiffert 15 Lake Wedowee Body Shop 10 Lakeside Market and Grill 15 Lineville Clinic 39 Lineville Merchants Association 31 Main Street Animal Hospital 27 Main Street Coffee Shop 8 Main Street Food Mart 28 Norton’s Floor Covering 19 Payne Boat Storage 11 Perryland Foods 37 Randolph County Chamber of Commerce 39 RE/MAX Lakefront, Grady and Linda Stone 21 RE/MAX Lakefront, Lesia Williams Waldrop 45 Russell Do It Center 20 Small Town Bank 20 Southern Auction Solutions 34, 41
Advertisers Page # Southern Holiday Shop 15, 29, 43 Southern Home Comfort 41 Southern Union State Community College 33 Speed and Sport Marine 26 Steele Chiropractic Life Center 12 Steve Morris 38 Summer Rains on Main 31 Superior Gas 39 Superior Pest Control 31 Tanner Health System 7 Traylor Retirement Community 35 TREC 44 Waste Solutions 19 Wedowee Building Supplies 41 Wedowee Lake and Lands 27 Wedowee Landscape 30 Wedowee Marine 17, 48 WM Grocery 47 Worship on the Water 23
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Parting Shot
Photo by Linda Barber
Nothing is more memorable than a smell.. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. Diane Ackerman 46 lake wedowee life