Miss Alabama & Miss Alabama USA on Lake Martin
Polar Plunge n Targeting Tournament Anglers
JANUARY 2025
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CALCIUM SCORE HEART SCAN
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Call to schedule your screenings today!
russellcares.com
JANUARY 2025
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We Touch the Lives Best of the Nursing Home & People Assisted You Love Living
Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
General Manager TIPPY HUNTER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Editor in Chief BETSY ILER
editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
Art Director AUDRA SPEARS
audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com
Business & Digital Development Director ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com
Audience Development BAILY TERRY
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Marketing RENEE TRICE
renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com
SAMANTHA HIMES
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CARMEN RODGERS
carmen.rodgers@alexcityoutlook.com
ERIN VICKERS
erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com
Contributors
Assisted Living & SCALF Short Term Rehab Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Long Term Skilled Nursing Care 4 LAKE
PM24_AD_Mag_3.535x9.75_Half_Award.indd 1
JANUARY 2025 1/4/24 10:00 AM
KENNETH BOONE MELODY RATHEL JULIE HUDSON HENRY FOY GREG VINSON MATT CAMPBELL CLIFF WILLIAMS AUDRA SPEARS PETE MCKENNY SAM HIGGS LIZI GWIN JOHN COLEY ABIGAIL MURPHY AUSTIN ELLIOTT ROB "GABBY" WITHERINGTON SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life
On the Cover Auburn University sorority sisters Abbie Stockard (left) and Diane Westhoven represent their home state as Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama USA, supporting platforms for cystic fibrosis research and mental health, respectively. The two also share a love for taking downtime on the clean, clear water at Lake Martin. Photo by Kenneth Boone
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Contents 21. 19TH ANNUAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE Lake Martin is a favorite hangout for these aspiring career-starters, including two Miss Alabama title holders. ANABELLE GORDON CHANCE LUMPKIN KAYLEE HAND DAVIS GULLEY DIANE WESTHOVEN ABBIE STOCKARD RYLIE WORTHY
64. COULD IT HAPPEN HERE? A proposed slot limit on the Coosa River system worries local anglers. 68. PLUNGE FOR A CAUSE Save the date for an exhilarating event that lights the way for safe night driving at Lake Martin. 70. WIND CREEK HOSTS BIRDFEST The inaugural event at Lake Martin's state park filled the day with bird watching fun.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: 9. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE 10. LAKE SCENES 13. WHERE IS LAKE? 14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS 76. LAKE PROPERTY 78. LAKE WATCH 81. FAB FINDS 82. HEALTHY LIVING 84. CHEF'S TABLE 86. FROM THE CELLAR 88. BIG CATCHES 91. THE SCRAMBLE 98. PARTING SHOT
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Lake magazine also features an online, digital edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with - edition friends and family and provides you complete access to stories, photos and advertisements from anywhere in the world with Internet access. View our digital edition today at www.lakemagazine.life.
Miss Alabama USA 2024, Diane Westhoven
JANUARY 2025
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Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
16 24 16
$1,395,795 $ 771,587 $ 579,017
$ 919,500 $ 650,000 $ 522,500
111 148 124
119 40 182
November 2024 November 2021 November 2018
Inventory/ sales ratio 5.53 1.24 7.23
The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS.The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).
The Easiest New Year's Resolution You Can Make Go easy on this year's New Year's resolution and choose something fun, like visiting Lake Martin every month. Follow this guide or choose your own favorite activities at the lake to meet your goal. n January − Support Lake Martin Resource Association's lighted buoy program by participating in the Lake Martin Young Professionals Annual Polar Plunge − even if you have no intention of going in the water.This event includes great food, live music, a cash bar at Kowaliga Restaurant and the opportunity to cheer on (i.e. laugh at) your friends who are brave (i.e. crazy) enough to plunge. n February − Show some love for the lake by joining the advocacy organizations that promote safety and water quality at Lake Martin:Visit lmra.info; lakewatchoflakemartin.wildapricot.org; and lakemartinhobos.com. n March − March 1 is Plug Day, when the rule curve changes at Martin Dam, and the water level begins its 50-day climb to full pool. Summer will arrive sooner than you think, and you want to be ready. Make plans to de-winterize the boat and open the lake house before time gets away.
n April − While the weather is still cool, russelllands.com/blog/events and lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com. take a leisurely stroll through the forests n August − You're running out at Lake Martin.Visit of time. Land that trick behind the Wind Creek State boat before the water level goes Park, Russell Fordown next month. est and any of the n September − While the waCRATA trails around ter's still warm, make one last trip the lake. to your favorite rope swing at Lake n May − Use the Martin.That memory will have to calendar section sustain you until spring. in the May issue of n October − Bring your Lake magazine to binoculars to the lake and chalplan your summer lenge yourself to add 10 new birds at Lake Martin.The to your life list during migration May issue of Lake inAdd Lake Martin to your season. cludes 16-plus pages resolutions list this year n November − Gather friends of music, art shows, and fam and join the Renew Our fireworks, sailing Rivers cleanup at Lake Martin. Have events and more from May 1 to Labor Day. a great party at the lake house after cleann June − Kick off your summer at Lake ing up trash all morning. Martin with Alexander City's Sun Festival n December − Spend Christmas at the and the Jazz Fest concert series at Strand lake − and while you're here, take a drive Park and at Lake Martin Amphitheater.Visit through downtown Dadeville to admire alexcitychamber.com for the weeklong the wonderland of Christmas lights (courschedule and the concert lineup. tesy of Dadeville Beautification Board). n July − Just stay at the lake the whole month of July. Start with Russell Lands' patriotic tribute on the 4th and finish with the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival.Visit
Weather Outlook for January January 2025 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 50s with average lows in the mid-to-low 30s and a little more than 5 and a half inches of precipitation in the month of January. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly higher than average and rainfall will be slightly below average this month.
Year-to-Date
Precipitation: 62.04 inches Avg. high temp.: 77.5 Avg. low temp.: 54.6 Avg. temp.: 66.0
Our Normal January Precipitation: 5.72 inches Avg. high temp.: 56.0 Avg. low temp.: 32.1 Avg. temp.: 44.1
Information from the National Weather Service.
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Last Month's Lake Levels Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 484.61 Lowest: 483.68 Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.
Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.
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Lake Scene n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1
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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) After the kids saw this double rainbow at the lake, they went searching for the pot of gold. (2) Mrs. Millicent, “Millie” to her dearest friends, loves floating at Piney Woods with her favorite human servant, Julie Landreth. (3) Rowell Guevarra, a guide for East Alabama Fly Fishing, at the end of a good day with clients Bill May and James Harlan on the Tallapoosa River. (4) Maggie Munsterman is living her best life at Parker Creek. (5) Beth and Robert William's grandchildren Maddie, Mason, Bradley and Jackson are ready to jump in the lake. (6) Lake Martin's glassy waters returned after Labor Day weekend was over.
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Lake Scene n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com
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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) Putter enjoys his first Lake Martin boat ride as the sun sets. (2) James Kilgore took this photo of Harbor Pointe from The Landing at Harbor Pointe. (3) Scott Pigford caught a section of a Lake Martin rainbow between the branches. (4) Kyle Thornton took this stunning photo of the rolling hills at SpringHouse at sunset. (5) Mist rises in the slough between Dopson Point and Andrew Mills during the Bassmasters Opens tournament October 12.
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Lake Martin’s Marine Construction Company 6732 Highway 63 South, Alexander Cit y, AL 35010 | (256) 392-5200 | www. sunrisedock sllc.com
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Where's Lake n People & Places Email your photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com 1
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READER SUBMISSIONS (1) James Turner took Lake magazine to Cozumel for a sunny, colorful respite. (2) The Reids pose with Lake magazine at the balloon festival in New Mexico. (3) Keith and Tammy Peterman took Lake magazine to Venice, Italy. (4) Lake magazine celebrated James and Vicky Askew's anniversary and both of their retirements with a trip to Hawaii. (5) Angie Scott, Rita Romine, Anne Scott and Randy Romine took Lake to the Stock Yards in Fort Worth, Texas.
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January 1 First Day Hike
Bring in the New Year with Wind Creek State Park Naturalist Dylan Ogle as he leads a 3.5-mile hike around the Speckled Snake Trail. Meet in the marina parking lot. Step off time is 10 a.m., so arrive early with plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and weatherappropriate clothing. No charge for the hike, but there is a nominal day-use fee to be paid at the park entrance.
January 23 Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber Awards Banquet
This year’s Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. at The Mitchell House, 357 Columbus Street. Visit the chamber on Facebook or call 256-825-4019 for reservations and more information.
February 1 The Hutchersons and Friends Show
January 12 Mutts Gone Nuts
Gather at Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium at 2 p.m. for this Alex City Arts program that introduces you to eight world class shelter dogs in a hilarious comedy production. Tickets are $20 in advance at alexcityarts. org and $25 at the door.
January 17 Bill Richardson and Perry McCain with Town Creek Ramblers Bluegrass Band
Long-time duo Danny and Edwina Hutcherson have been performing country and gospel music together for more than 20 years. They will invite a few musician friends to join them at 6:30 p.m. in playing selections for the Dadeville Performing Arts Center community. Advance tickets are $10 at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com or $15 at the door. Children attend free.
Hosted by The Mitchell House in Dadeville, the Valentine's Fur Ball will benefit Lake Martin Animal Rescue
February 13 Rex Havens
Courtesy of Alex City Don't miss this toeArts, nationally-touring tapping, soul-touching comedian Rex Havens bluegrass presentation will bring his tribute to at 7 p.m. at Dadeville strong, funny women to Performing Arts a local stage at 7:30 Center in Dadeville CALENDAR OF EVENTS p.m. with video, still images, featuring special artists audio clips and music. from around the region. WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN Appropriate for all ages, Advance tickets are $10 at tickets are $20 in advance dadevilleperformingartscenter.com; $15 at the door. at alexcityarts.org and $25 at the door. Visit the Alex City Arts website for the performance location and more January 18 information.
LMYP Polar Plunge
Lake Martin Young Professionals encourage everyone to join the plunge in the lake to raise money for Lake Martin Resource Association’s lighted buoy program. See the article on page __ for details.
January 18 Cocktail Class
The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City will host a fun-filled cocktail class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn to craft delicious cocktails with your friends. Every participant takes home a recipe sheet, so you can practice your newfound mixology skills at home. Cost is $35. Call 256-392-3629 for more information.
February 14 Valentine’s Day Fur Ball
The Mitchell House in Dadeville will host a formal evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to benefit Lake Martin Animal Rescue. The night will include live music, dinner and dessert, a cash bar, silent auction, door prizes, games and more. Dress up for a great cause. Taxdeductible donations will support local animal rescues. Visit Lake Martin Animal Rescue on Facebook for more information.
February 15 Storytime Extravaganza
Dadeville Public Library will present local children’s author Negrita Smart as she shares her stories from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dadeville Performing Arts Center. 14 LAKE
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February 22 Russell Forest Run
Everything’s Art Classes
Russell Lands will host the 16th run through Russell Forest to benefit Alexander City Schools Education Foundation with a 10K run starting at 7:45 a.m. and a 5K at 7:55 a.m. This annual event has raised more than $130,000 to benefit local schools. The run starts near the Town Green at Russell Crossroads and finishes near The Stables, home of the post-race party and World Famous Grits Bar. Entry fee is $40 for each race. Learn more at russellforestrun.com.
February 23 Wedding & Event Expo
Save this date for the 6th Annual Wedding & Event Expo at the stunning Mitchell House in Dadeville. Prospective brides and event planners can work out all the details and decisions about bands, flowers, venues, cakes and catering in one afternoon. Vendor booth fees are $75. Tickets are $10. This event benefits Lake Martin Area United Way. For more information, visit the Lake Martin Area United Way Facebook page.
February 23 Gospel Extravaganza and Black History Celebration
Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host popular regional gospel groups to celebrate the area’s rich heritage of true American spiritual music. Learn more at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
Season-long Events LMYP Game Night
Every third Thursday of the month, grab your crew and meet at The Local at 41 Main in downtown Alexander City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for games, laughs and exclusive LMYP drink specials. It’s free to play the games, like trivia, bingo and more, and the grand prize is always $50. Visit the Lake Martin Young Professionals Facebook page for more information.
Stillwaters Dog Fight Golf
Join golfers of all ages and abilities at Stillwaters Golf Club at 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for an open golf event. In addition to regular golf fees, players pay a small entry fee of $7 or $15, depending on the day. For details, call the golf shop at 256-825-1353.
Lake Martin Civitan Club
The Lake Martin Civitan Club meets at noon in the private room at JR’s Sports Bar & Grill, 145 Alabama Street, Alexander City, on the second Thursday of each month. Call Audrey Moore at 256-786-0465 for more information.
From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays, children in grade three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. Enroll and complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/Classes. No fees for Tallapoosa County children. Email Delaine Hanson at delaine.hanson@gmail.com for details.
Artists Association of Central Alabama
AACA artists meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex grounds with a general meeting followed by open studio. Club dues are $20 for the year.
Wellborn Musclecar Museum
The Wellborn Musclecar Museum collection of great American automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exemplary collection includes the famed K&K Dodge, the 1970 Grand National Champion, as well as Aero cars designed for NASCAR. The inventory on display changes frequently, so every visit includes something new and exciting. Admission for adults is $11; children ages 7 to 17 admitted for $7, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free. To arrange discounted group or private tours, email wellbornmusclecarmuseum@gmail.com or call 256-329-8474.
Grief Support
Red Ridge United Methodist Church hosts an on-going grief support program at 10 a.m. lead by Pastor Dorothy Scott and Kay Fincher. There is no charge for participation, and it does not matter if the loss was recent or long ago. Call Fincher at 256-825-2506 for more information.
Clean Community Partnership Cleanups
Pick up trash in Alexander City to win money for your favorite charity. Volunteers meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Turn in your collected trash and get points for each person on your cleanup team and each bag of trash you collect. The team with the most points gets a $500 check made out to the nonprofit charity of their choice. Second place is $200, and third place is $200. For more information, contact Michelle West at 256-786-0584 or John Thompson at 334-399-3289. In Dadeville, a monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. There also will be a trash bag drop-off on site. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.
Lake Martin Creativity
This group meets every Monday at 1 p.m. in the downstairs community room at the StillWaters Residential Building. Anyone interested in arts and crafts
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is encouraged to join. Bring something to work on or come see what others are doing. A monthly fee of $5 is charged to help pay for the use of the space. For more information, contact Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506.
Library Storytimes
Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mamie’s Place Children’s Library in Alexander City holds themed storytimes every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for preschool-aged and younger children.
Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store
Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
Amateur Radio Club
The Lake Martin Area Amateur Radio Club meets the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City, with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. For more information, contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710.
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours
Come see Naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Visit RussellLands.com/blog/events for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.
Fourth Fridays at EPAC
The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on state Route 9 in Equality. Visit the Equality Performing Arts Center Facebook page for a schedule.
Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake
Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 6:30 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40; second place gets $25; and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.
Tallassee Lions Club
The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. For more information, call Marilyn Speake at 334-283-6864 or email marilyn.speake@tcschools.com.
Memory Makers Quilt Guild
This group meets the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and sew until 2 p.m. Bring your lunch or a snack, sewing projects and machines.
Red Hill Dance Hall
Every Friday night and on select Saturdays, the old Red Hill Schoolhouse is filled with rhythm and dancing. A rotating schedule of bands perform each night, playing renditions of Hank Williams, Otis Redding and anything else to get you up and grooving. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Attendance is completely free. Food will be provided, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. Call Red Hill Community Center President Paula Castleberry at 334-541-2474 for details.
Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit
The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee Street.
Dadeville Outdoor Flea Market
Find food, antiques, furniture, clothes, live animals, produce and more at 850 Horseshoe Bend Road, Dadeville, on the first Saturday of each month through October. Vendor spaces are available for $10. Contact Andrew at 256-675-6499. 16 LAKE
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Lake Martin News New tackle shop opens in Alexander City JC's Tackle Box will offer lures, rods, live bait and more
Cody Gardner opened JC’s Tackle Box in Alexander City to create community around a passion for being outdoors, particularly fishing. The store offers mostly fishing equipment, and Gardner expects to have live bait available soon. In the next year, he hopes to sell some hunting equipment as well. “I’m not going to sell guns, but I am going to try and get some camo and feed and some things like that,” Gardner said. “My main focus is going to be for fishermen.” “Fishing and hunting have always been passions of mine,” Gardner said. “I want to have the high school, college and just kids in general come by. If they need to have a place to buy lures or just have a conversation in general, they can. I really just want to build relationships with the community, and have conversations with people, whether they want to buy something or not.” Gardner is most excited about sharing his love for fishing with other people. While he is an avid fisherman, he also has a big interest in building relationships within the community through his passion. “I’m a people person,” Gardner said. “One of the main things for me is having something for the community. I know Lake Martin has a lot of people, and fishing is a big part of this lake. I also want to have things for people as well.” JC’s Tacklebox is located at 6752 Highway 280. The store is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Melody Rathel
Beloved Auburn University chaplain drowns at Lake Martin First responders recovered the body of Auburn University Chaplain Rev. Chette Williams, who drowned December 15 outside a Lake Martin restaurant. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Williams apparently fell into the water from the docks while attempting to board his vessel, a 2005 Bennington 2575 18 LAKE
RFS pontoon boat. “He thought the restaurant was open and stopped for dinner,” Franklin said. “When he found out it was closed for a private party, he went to get back on the boat and leave. When he stepped across, he fell in the water.” Franklin said he suspects Williams, 61, went into shock because of the cold water temperature. Williams body was recovered around 7:19 p.m. in the same area from which he disappeared, outside of Kowaliga Restaurant. His body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. The following agencies assisted with the search and recovery efforts: the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Kowaliga Volunteer Fire Department, Red Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division. Nothing further is available as Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continue to investigate. Cliff Williams
Limited options in dealing with local wildlife Most Lake Martin is prime habitat homeowners for Canada geese, and lake have furry homeowners may just need friends in their to learn to live with them yards − some are wanted, others are not. At a Dadeville Kiwanis meeting last month, Russell Lands Naturalist and Wildlife Educator Marianne Gauldin discussed Alabama’s wildlife and what homeowners can do when they come unwanted onto property. Be aware of the hunting seasons, which Gauldin said are based on population levels. For example, something like a Black bear doesn’t have numbers in Alabama to support a hunting season. Killing a bear carries a heavy fine. While bears don’t hibernate in Alabama, they will sleep for a few days off and on throughout the colder months. If garbage cans are getting disturbed at night, this could be a bear or a raccoon. Gauldin said in many ways, bears are like giant raccoons, especially when it comes to behavior and diets. If something attracts a raccoon, it could attract a bear. Unlike a bear, raccoons are open season 24/7 in Alabama. Trapping is also an option. But that doesn’t mean relocating them, as often, that’s just moving the problem. Gauldin said trappers will often use a choke stick to euthanize the raccoon. The best way to handle raccoons is to remove the attrac-
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tants; it could be a bird feeder or even cat food, whatever might smell like food to the raccoon. Another common issue is geese. She said they can be dealt with much the same as raccoons: by removing the attractants. But once the state enters goose season, people can shoot these Remove anything that might birds. Depending smell like food to a raccoon on the location, you to keep these pests away might not be able to get rid of the geese. “If you live by the lake, unfortunately, you are in prime goose habitat, and we just have to learn to live with them,” Gauldin said. Once wildlife is killed, it can't be sold. Gauldin said it’s illegal to sell game animals unless they are furbearers, which are defined as animals caught in a trap. Most deer meat being sold is from Red Deer that were farm-raised in some capacity.
“We can sell Red Deer because they aren’t one of our wildlife resources that we have to protect,” Gauldin said. “You start letting people sell stuff, like Bald Eagle feathers, you are going to see a spiral in these populations.” Another animal thrown in with the furbearers for legal selling are hogs. Gauldin said feral hogs are a problem in many parts of the state, and they are not a native species. Abigail Murphy & Lizi Gwin
If garbage cans are being disturbed at night, the culprit could be a bear or a raccoon, Gauldin said
180 Birmingham Rd Eclectic, AL 36024 334-857-2443 sales@lakescape.com
Docks & Seawalls
Decks & Patios
Landscaping
Lake Martin homeowners seeking to enhance their lakefront from the front door to the waterline with docks, decks, boathouses, hard and soft scapes, irrigation, lighting and other features or to renovate or service existing ones.
JANUARY 2025
Lighting & Electrical
Repairs & Maintenance
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Anabelle Gordon
STORY BY BETSY ILER & SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
With visions of life-changing futures, these aspiring difference-makers find relaxation and fun at Lake Martin
Chance Lumpkin and Kaylee Hand
Davis Gulley Rylie Worthy
Abbie Stockard and Diane Westhoven
JANUARY 2025
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When an active family loves water sports, they generally want to share their good times with friends. That's where the SDX 290 comes in. It's among the most luxurious deck boats in its class. Its deep-V hull and wide "carried-forward" beam let you seat more friends in the oversized bow and huge cockpit, yet maintain a smooth, stable ride and great handling at high speed. Equipped with a Mercury MerCruiser 8.2L with 380 HP, this boat will provide the smoothest ride and the Quantum Blue on White interior with Stone interior screams luxury. Featured models: Savannah and Cole Maxwell and Nancy and John Hodges.
JANUARY 2025
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Alexander City's Anabelle Gordon will graduate high school with an associate degree
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Anabelle Gordon
A
Alexander City’s Anabelle Gordon will graduate with an associate degree at Central Alabama Community College before she graduates high school this spring, thanks to an innovative scholarship opportunity implemented during her freshman year at Benjamin Russell High School. “The scholarship allowed me the opportunity of taking CACC classes every semester while I was in high school. I took two classes every semester and took two or three classes every summer,” Gordon said. “It seems like classes in both places could be complicated, but it really is the best of both worlds. It was very well organized, so we had plenty of time to take the classes we needed and still participate in games, pep rallies and all other high school activities.”
Among those activities for Gordon was dancing for the BRHS dance team for four years, taking and teaching dance lessons at a local dance studio and participating in competitive dance for several years. She was not without the social life that adds much to the high school experience. Gordon also worked at a local nutrition drink shop for three years while teaching dancing. She currently is employed at a local boutique/salon. Another huge plus for the dual enrollment program, Gordon said, was getting the jump start on college. “It’s so expensive these days, and I wanted to utilize my time wisely,” she said. She’s very excited about the possibility of being a junior at Auburn University this fall.
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Gordon hopes to major in psychology at Auburn University
She especially loves Lake Martin sunsets
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“At first, I was adamant about going to University of Texas, but as it got closer, I got more realistic about the cost, the distance and the people I wanted to be around,” she said. “At Auburn University, I know people there, and I can drive home in less than an hour. For the academic opportunities, the student life and programs, Auburn is where I want to be. The more I visited there, the more comfortable I felt with it. “My parents are so happy that I steered in a different direction, too.” Gordon’s parents, Andy and Kerri Gordon, both work in the Alexander City Schools system. “They are going to support me wherever I want to go, but they’re glad I chose Auburn,” she said. Gordon is still weighing the major she will pursue once she gets to Auburn. She has a passion for psychology, loves graphic design and has even entertained interior design in the architecture department. “I am considering getting a master’s in psychology and maybe pursue being a counselor in addiction and drug abuse,” she said. “The psychology class I took over the summer helped to solidify that major for me.” But her yearbook class at BRHS has drawn her toward graphic design as well. “My teacher, Ms. Clanton, taught me so much. It is fun to help put together a yearbook for my classmates. I hope to minor in graphic design if the class times line up,” she said. “Also, I’ve been considering architecture for the past couple of years. I have visited Auburn several times and talked to people in the architecture department, but psychology sounds more like me. “Most of my family live in Alexander City, and when I was younger, I loved going to Wind Creek. I loved to walk around the campgrounds and the lake. It’s pretty, especially during the fall, and the sunsets are beautiful. I especially enjoyed Halloween week. We always stayed in a cabin and went trick or treating.” While she’s looking forward to going to school at Auburn, CACC will always hold a special place in Gordon’s heart as well. “The teachers there are so helpful. I never had a bad teacher or bad experience there. I love being in school at CACC and BR. I am happy I have been able to go to both,” she said.
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She also would like to minor in graphic design because it's fun to do
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Get ready for the next 150 years of Chris-Craft – it’s a whole new experience, crafted for today’s adventure seekers and watersports enthusiasts. Combining classic Chris-Craft design with modern flair, the Sportster 25 redefines what it means to enjoy life on the water. This timeless Chris-Craft, featuring a stunning Gulf Blue gelcoat accented with a sleek black stripe, and a luxurious Chateau interior with almond and black inserts, is guaranteed to make a statement on the lake. Equipped with a Volvo Penta 6.2L 400 HP. Featured models: Nancy and John Hodges.
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Chance Lumpkin
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From the baseball field to academics, Alexander City local Chance Lumpkin is knocking it out of the park when it comes to pursuing his dreams. Lumpkin, 19, is a freshman at Central Alabama Community College where he is pursuing an associate degree in general studies. As an avid music listener, Lumpkin enjoys taking extracurricular courses, such as music appreciation; however, his favorite courses are math-based. “My best subject is probably math,” said Lumpkin. “Right now, I am taking Math 112, which is a pre-calculus and logarithms course. I really enjoy it.” Building on his mathematical talents, Lumpkin plans to attend either the University of Alabama or Auburn University in the future to continue his education in building sciences, with hopes of developing new facility infrastructures. “What I find interesting about building sciences is the range of infrastructures that can be built,” said Lumpkin. “It can be anything from restaurants to hotels to company buildings. It’s all very interesting to me.”
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Chance Lumpkin plays first and third base for the CACC baseball team
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When not in class, Lumpkin can be found on the baseball field, anchoring the corners for the CACC Trojans as he splits his time between first and third base. Lumpkin has been a baseball player his entire life, starting at age 5. He attributes his passion for the game to his parents, who both played ball in their youth. At 10 years old, Lumpkin played 10U baseball, with his team landing a spot to compete in regionals and taking third place overall. Lumpkin continued his baseball journey at Benjamin Russell High School and is now furthering his career at CACC, where he earned an academic scholarship to play as a first and third baseman for the Trojans. His passion for the sport is fueled by the bittersweet highs and lows that come with the game. “In most sports, you’ll succeed more than you fail,” said Lumpkin. “But in baseball, you fail more than you succeed. Because of this, you learn to appreciate and enjoy your successes more.”
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Lumpkin has ambitions to continue playing baseball after college, with his sights set on playing for his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. When not on the ball field, Lumpkin loves to spend his time boating on Lake Martin with his friends. His favorite hangout spots are the beaches and islands around the lake. He also enjoys stopping by The Social to grab a bite to eat. In all things in life, Lumpkin emphasizes following God. He looks to his parents as his role models, appreciating the support system they have given him over the years. He also highlights the importance of maintaining discipline in his routine and while pursuing his dreams. “Being able to keep discipline in your life allows you to keep moving forward,” said Lumpkin. “Whenever you fall, you just need to get back up and keep fighting. Even if it amounts to nothing, you just keep fighting.” Below: Lumpkin's favorite hangout spots on the lake include beaches and islands; Facing Page: Someday, he'd like to play ball for the Atlanta Braves.
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Be prepared to experience the legend of the G-Series with the all-new Super Air Nautique G25. With a large-scale lounge for spending time with family and friends or for watching all the action behind the boats, the completely redesigned G25 is ready to tackle the largest crew for summer. With a sleek new look, the beautifully crafted wake boat blends innovation and performance perfectly to provide lifelong memories for you and your crew. The Teton Green G25 with Sahara Sand interior is sure to turn heads on the lake. Featured models: Savannah and Cole Maxwell.
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Kaylee Hand
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Born in Sitka, Alaska, Kaylee Hand moved to Alexander City at age 4
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A local high school teacher inspired Hand to pursue a career in ICU nursing
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From reeling in catfish and cruising Lake Martin in a pontoon boat to working intensive care at Russell Medical, Central Alabama Community College nursing student Kaylee Hand seeks out adventure in all aspects of her life. Originally born in Sitka, Alaska, Hand moved to Alexander City at the age of 4. Growing up, she always imagined pursuing a career as a veterinarian but eventually realized a flaw in her plan. “The more I thought about becoming a veterinarian, the more I realized that I would probably end up taking too many animals home with me,” said Hand. “I knew that what I really loved about being a veterinarian was helping others, which led to my discovery of nursing. And surely I won’t take people home with me.” During her time as a student at Benjamin Russell High School, Hand discovered her passion for helping others. “When I was at Benjamin Russell High School, there was a class called therapeutic services,” said Hand. “My instructor for that class was Amber Turner. She was the person who helped me discover my true love and passion for the health career field. Ms. Turner was over the HOSA program and encouraged me to become involved. That really helped me explore my calling for helping people.” Hand is a Gateway Scholarship recipient at CACC, which helps her cover college tuition costs. “The faculty and staff here are just amazing,” said Hand. “Everyone is very nice and great at understanding on a student level. They set their expectations to where they know that you’ll succeed and do great things. And really, the students make this a great place, too. A lot of the students are people I went to high school
with, so being able to continue our friendships through college is amazing.” Hand began working as a second floor nurse technician at Russell Medical in July 2024. While undergoing orientation, she realized that, while she loved the excitement of the emergency room, she was more drawn to working in the intensive care unit. “I love that working in the ICU has enough adrenaline that it keeps you on your toes,” said Hand. “But it is also one of the places where patients need your help the most. Just knowing that you made a difference in their lives or their overall health is such an incredible and rewarding feeling.” Hand plans to graduate with a nursing degree from CACC in June 2026 and aspires to be a traveling intensive care unit nurse. Her goal is to make it back to her birthplace in Alaska one day. She also makes it a point to donate her hair annually for wigs for cancer patients. When not working at the hospital or volunteering her time, Hand finds herself sewing, painting with Bob Ross, or catching catfish with friends in her spare time. “Lake Martin is just breathtaking, especially the sunsets,” said Hand. “Lake Martin has some of the best sunsets that you’ll ever see.” When she's looking for relaxation and down time, she likes catching catfish, painting and sewing.
Hand is a Gateway Scholarship recipient at CACC
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Gray 2+2 – 2025 E-Z-GO Express 4 (Charcoal Metallic) Blue 4 – 2025 E-Z-GO Liberty (Ocean Gray) Featured models: Haver Spurlin, Mari Gold, Hank Hunter, Ruskin Gold and Anabelle Gordon.
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Davis Gulley
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Hueytown’s Davis Gulley knew he’d be close to the Lake Martin playground when he considered a baseball scholarship opportunity at Central Alabama Community College, where he now plays catcher for the Trojans. “I had been here a few times with my girlfriend and her parents. We went to a rope swing on the lake, skiing, tubing and riding around,” Gulley said. “I moved up here in mid-August.” Since his arrival, he’s embraced the smalltown lifestyle, playing golf, fishing and walking to the bowling alley near his apartment to shoot pool with his buddies. “Everything around here is within about five minutes. You don’t have to drive very far,” he said. “That’s just part of the small town. It’s extremely nice. Everybody is friendly. It’s a good fit for me.” While golf is a relatively new sport for the Bessemer Academy graduate, Gulley has played baseball as long as he can remember. “Since I was old enough to pick up a bat and swing,” he said. “I love the challenge. It makes you mentally and physically stronger. You fail 70 percent of the time, so you learn to deal with failure, learn to deal with everything not going your way.” Of the four classes Gulley took during his first semester last fall, psychology was his favorite. “The teacher makes the class fun. There’s around 30 people in the class, and we talked about how to tell if people are lying, the subtle movements they make. It’s been interesting to learn a
Davis Gulley likes the smalltown character of the Lake Martin community
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He loves the challenge of baseball and the guidance of CACC's coaching staff
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little more about what psychology is,” he said. Gulley said it has been easy to connect with his teachers at CACC because they are eager to help, especially for a freshman who has moved away from home for the first time. “It was nerve wracking at first. I was nervous coming into it, but once I got here, everybody has helped me out on little things like where my classes were. But I admit the idea of living on my own was a little scary at first,” he said. Ultimately, it was meeting the head coach that led Gulley to accept the athletic scholarship he was offered and make the move to Alexander City. “I loved the head coach and really wanted to come here and play ball. The fields and the facilities, extremely nice,” he said. After completing his basic courses at CACC, Gulley hopes to transfer to Mississippi State to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist. “I had an injury in high school and had to go to physical therapy. I loved everything about it. Loved the
people, interacting with them. I love the idea of helping people the way they helped me,” he said. “I know physical therapy is hard to get into, but here at CACC, my grades are good. That will help a lot, and I can make connections that could help me get into the field.” An added bonus of choosing Mississippi State is that Gulley’s girlfriend is a student there. He hopes to one day return to the McCalla clinic where he was a patient, but this time as a service provider. “My physical therapist is a An injury super nice guy. I told him I’d in high school led Gulley to seek like to come and work there, a career and he told me some things that in physical therapy might help me get in,” Gulley said. The son of Stacie and Chris Gulley, the Trojan catcher has two older brothers and often goes home on weekends to visit his family. And when the weather warms up, he looks forward to relaxing at the lake between baseball games, practices and classes.
Gulley was already familiar with Lake Martin before he moved to Alexander City on a CACC athletic scholarship
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Competing in pageants gave Westhoven a platform to promote healthy lifestyles
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Diane Westhoven
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Crowned Miss Alabama USA 2024, Diane Westhoven is passionate about sharing her vision of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and instilling confidence in others wherever she goes. A lifelong Auburn Tigers fan, Westhoven, 22, always knew she would follow in her family’s footsteps and attend Auburn University. “I would say that picking Auburn was probably the easiest decision I have ever made,” said Westhoven. “Both of my parents and sisters went to AU. So, growing up, I was used to going to Auburn almost every weekend, and it was already my home away from home.” As a senior at Auburn University and an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Westhoven fulfills her passion for helping others as a former student recruiter, guiding peers to discover their own journeys at AU. She is also pursuing her dream of earning a degree in psychology. “My favorite course so far has been psychopathology,” said Westhoven. “I love learning about how people work and how their thoughts play a vital part in their lives, mentally and physically. I love the idea of counseling and psychiatry, so this major is the perfect route for me.” Westhoven has competed in cheerleading and dance since childhood, but it wasn’t until attending Auburn University that Westhoven realized her passion for pageants. “I started competing in Miss Alabama USA on a whim,” said Westhoven. “One of my good friends, Abbie Stockard, started doing the Miss Alabama competition a year before me, and it was something that I always thought would be fun to try.”
A senior at Auburn University, Diane Westhoven is 2024 Miss Alabama USA.
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Westhoven competed in Miss Alabama USA twice, receiving second runner-up on her first attempt in the competition and then winning the crown on her second try. Her mother was one of the key inspirations to continue with the pageant a second time, noting that it was the time they were able to spend together that motivated her. “I would always say that my mom and I were very close, and the Miss Alabama USA competition was something we got to do together,” Westhoven said. “It gave us an opportunity to be around each other even more.” As Miss Alabama USA, Westhoven has become an advocate for prioritizing personal well-being in everyday life, making it the cornerstone of her platform. “Once I got to Auburn, I realized something very impactful for me was total health,” said Westhoven. “Recognizing the importance of physical and emotional health and taking care of yourself, I believe, is the key to success.” When it comes to practicing total health in her own life, Westhoven enjoys finding solitude at Lake Martin. “I think of Lake Martin as this place that brings me so many happy memories because it’s a place where my family comes to get away from everything,” said Westhoven. “I always found it so peaceful and a place that I could just go to clear my mind, which is so important. Just being able to take a step away from the craziness of life.” When she’s not traveling or speaking at public engagements as Miss Alabama USA, Westhoven enjoys a variety of hobbies, such as taking long walks with friends and baking. “I have always loved baking,” said Westhoven. “I get that from my grandma. I just like creating something new and gifting it to someone. I think my next hobby will be getting into making sourdough bread.” Westhoven’s main ambition in both her career and her title as Miss Alabama USA is to instill confidence in others, whether it’s through counseling or educating others on physical and emotional health. “I think a lot of that comes down to confidence and being confident in yourself,” said Westhoven. “I love talking to people and helping boost their morale. When you believe in yourself, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your dreams.” Top: Lake Martin is a favorite place of respite with friends and family for Westhoven; Right: Westhoven (Left) at Chimney Rock with friend and colleague, Abbie Stockard.
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Westhoven hopes to help others build self-confidence through physical and emotional health
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The 2025 Sea-Doo lineup is here! What’s new? A fresh take on the Sea-Doo Life. Fish. Race. Chill. Play. With a Sea-Doo, it’s your ride, your way. Hank Hunter is on the Sea-Doo GTX Limited in white pearl, it’s the platinum standard for luxury with power to match!
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Abbie Stockard
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From high heels to healing lives, 22-year-old Abbie Stockard’s true passion lies in inspiring people and serving the local community. A senior at Auburn University, Stockard is pursuing a degree in nursing and loves tubing, wake surfing and jet skiing at Lake Martin. She’s also a student-athlete as a member of Auburn University’s Tiger Paws dance team, following in her mother’s footsteps. “The reason I wanted to go into nursing is because I feel like I have a heart of service and compassion,” said Stockard. “I truly have found that I am the most fulfilled when I’m giving of myself to others.” Crowned Miss Alabama in June 2024, Stockard has a full schedule of traveling the state as the brand ambassador. In her Miss Alabama role, she rides in parades and speaks publicly
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to expand awareness of the brand; however, Stockard’s journey to becoming a pageant contestant was anything but conventional. Without any prior competition training or experience, she found her path to success through her love of dance and her desire to earn scholarship money for college. “I began dancing when I was 2 years old,” said Stockard. “My mom was on the Auburn dance team, and she had a Tiger Paw jacket that I loved when I was growing up. I would keep it in my closet and always knew I wanted to be a Tiger Paw when I got to college. Dancing on the Auburn team was my ultimate goal and motivation throughout high school.” Stockard’s love for dance led her to choreograph her talent for the Miss Alabama competition. In addition, Stockard participated in
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As a child, Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard dreamed of being a Tiger Paw at Auburn University
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Her "Be the Change" initiative supports cystic fibrosis research and treatments
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In 2023, Stockard launched the largest Alabama fundraiser in the history of the Cystic Fibrosis Fondation
elimination rounds that included fitness, evening gown, a question regarding world politics and a one-on-one interview with the judges. “I would go on to compete three times before winning Miss Alabama. They say the third time’s the charm, and that’s how it was for me,” said Stockard. “Over the three years of competing in this organization, I have received more than $39,000 in scholarship money. So, I will be graduating completely debt-free from Auburn, and it’s also going to pave the way for my nurse anesthesia degree, as well. I’m just extremely grateful for the scholarship money.” As Miss Alabama, Stockard is a passionate advocate for her campaign initiative, “Be the Change,” which supports cystic fibrosis research and treatments – a cause close to her heart since childhood. When not fulfilling her role as Miss Alabama, Stockard dedicates her time to this effort. “My best friend, Maddie, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth,” said Stockard. “And I made a promise to her at 9 years old that I would become a lifelong advocate for fighting this disease. I joined this fight for her and the rest of the cystic fibrosis community because there currently is not a cure.” A decade later, Stockard began fulfilling her promise to her friend. In 2023, she spearheaded an event that raised more than $190,000 in one night for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The lighthearted roast of Hoover Chief of Police Nick Derzis was held in Birmingham. The fundraiser caught the attention of many prominent members of the community, including sports commentator Paul Finebaum, who emceed the event. Stockard plans a career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist
“It took nine months of planning,” said Stockard. “The executive director told me that was the largest fundraiser that had ever been put on for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the state of Alabama. All of that money went directly to the foundation and UAB to further advance treatment options.” With plans to graduate from Auburn University in fall 2026, Stockard looks to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist. She feels her calming persona will help soothe the nerves of children before they undergo surgery. “Being a nurse, you’re at the bedside and forming relationships with patients,” said Stockard. “It ties into my best friend Maddie’s story. I would go visit her at the hospital, and I just remember seeing her lying helpless in a hospital bed hooked up to oxygen, struggling to breathe. I realized that the Lord equipped me with the gifts to help and serve others, and that’s why I want to be a nurse.” “My dream is to have a lake house on Lake Martin one day,” said Stockard. “I grew up spending weekends there and then going to the Auburn games. My absolute favorite thing, though, is to just sit on a dock and watch the sunset.”
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The most durable pontoon boat built for life on the water – Godfrey Pontoon Boats. Featured here is the 2025 San Pan Lounge boat with a Crimson South exterior and an Onyk Cool Touch interior. This boat features a single flip lounge with co-captain’s seating and a Yamaha Outboard 350 HP engine. Models – Savannah and Cole Maxwell, Deidra Hyde and Daniel Meigs.
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Rylie Worthy looks forward to a career as a medical flight nurse
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Rylie Worthy
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Launching a career as a medical flight nurse has Central Alabama Community College freshman Rylie Worthy excited about her future. The 2024 Benjamin Russell High School graduate loves working big traumas and knowing she’s played a part in saving lives and getting people the help they need. The seed of caring for others was planted in her childhood when Worthy visited nursing homes with her biological mother, a physical therapist. She loved the environment. Later, she took a health science class in high school and interviewed an orthopedic nurse for an assignment. “I really liked the role that she played. My personality is go-go-go. I love the Adrenaline rush,” she said. Her health science teacher at BRHS, Amber Turner also was a hospital nurse and greatly
influenced Worthy’s career choice. “She was the reason we got certified. Listening to what she got to do also made me want to become a nurse as well,” Worthy said. After that, everything seemed to fall into place for Worthy. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant in high school; dual enrolled in pre-requisite classes her junior year; and started nursing school the same year she graduated high school. Now, she loves her work in the emergency room at Russell Medical while enrolled in classes. “I love it. I love being able to think fast on my feet. I love whenever it is ‘go’ all the time. And being able to say I was a part of saving people’s lives – words can’t even explain what that’s like for me,” said Worthy. “I love the idea of being first on the scene and transports from hospital to hospital. It would be so fun to get to do what I love
Worthy loves the idea of being first on the trauma scene and helping to save lives
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to do with the view of the sky behind me.” But even though she dreams of a career in the air, the daughter of Donna and Jeremy Worthy has her feet planted solidly on the ground in matters of selfcare and family life. “There’s a real shortage of healthcare workers, and you can get so caught up that you forget to take care of yourself,” she said. “You get texted left and right, asking if you can come in to work, but sometimes, you just have to say, ‘no.’ At the end of the day, you want to be at your best to take care of people who are sick.”
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To make sure she’s at her best, Worthy takes time out to visit a friend in Auburn every couple of weeks. The time helps her to relax away from work and school. “It’s healthy to separate myself from school and work sometimes,” she said. She also loves to relax at the lake. “My friends and I spent almost all of our free time of the summer out there. Me and my dad’s favorite place is Boondocks. The rope swing is fun, too. And I love to watch my friends wakeboard, but I will not be getting on the wakeboard,” she said. Alexander City is home for this 18-year-old, and she hopes to land a position close by after she earns her RN at CACC in July 2026. She wants to be able to stay close to her grandparents here and her father, who also graduated from BRHS. And while she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she hopes to do so online through University of Alabama or North Alabama University, so she can work and be close to family at the same time. “My little sisters are 10 and 8, and I want them to watch me pursue my dreams. I want them to see how hard I’ve worked to get where I am, and for them to have just as much determination,” she said. “I also have a baby brother who was born in August. I got to see him be born. I was the first person he saw.” Though she loves the fast-paced emergency-care life, Worthy recognizes the importance of self-care and taking breaks from school and work.
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White 6-pass – 2025 E-Z-GO Express 6 (Bright White) Featured models: Anabelle Gordon, Mari Gold, Hank Hunter, Haver Spurlin and Ruskin Gold.
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Could it happen here? A proposed slot limit on the Coosa River worries Lake Martin tournament anglers
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STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
Lake Martin won’t be affected by a tournament fishing regulation proposed on Coosa River system lakes, but local anglers see the approval process for the measure as a potential future detriment to the tournament industry. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Assistant Chief of Fisheries Damon Abernethy said a 14-inch to 20-inch tournament slot limit on the Coosa’s lakes has been proposed to reduce mortality of young spotted bass there. Any Coosa River tournament angler who weighs a spotted bass that is larger than 14 inches but smaller than 20 inches will be in violation if the proposed regulation is approved by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Advisory Board on March 8, 2025. Abernethy noted that fish mortality is not now, and likely will not be, a pressing issue on Lake Martin, as the small Coosa lakes – 5,800 acres for Mitchell and 6,800 acres for Lake Jordan – receive more pressure than Lake Martin, which covers 40,000-plus acres. “More than 100 percent of the fish on the Coosa reservoirs are being caught once. Some are caught more than once. You wouldn’t see catch rates that high on Martin. It’s big enough to handle it,” he explained. “Coosa is unique in that it is heavily pressured and very small, and the spotted bass have a very high mortality rate.” But local anglers have turned to social media to argue against the approval process for the proposed regulation, which they fear could be a precedent for pushing through unwarranted actions against the tournament industry. “Initially, it would not affect Lake Martin on its face, but it would set a precedent that DCNR could implement any rules they wanted to,” said Mike Freeman, who manages OGS Tournaments on Lake Jordan, as well as Lake Martin.
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“Economically, we’re talking about people’s livelihoods being affected.” Freeman agreed that there has been some decline in the spotted bass population on the Coosa River lakes. He said anglers are not against something being done to improve the lakes from a bass standpoint. “But it shouldn’t be done in this way,” he said. “A recreational fisherman can catch and take fish home, but this state agency has just targeted tournament fishing.” Abernethy said the fisheries advisory board does have the authority to approve the proposed regulation with no legislative input; however, he said, the board is not likely to approve the measure without taking public comment into consideration. There will be an opportunity for public comment when the issue comes up for consideration at the board’s March 8 meeting. “The advisory board meeting will be a public meeting. Anyone who wants to speak on the matter needs to sign up before the meeting, and they will have a limited speaking time,” Abernethy said. “The meeting will start at 9 a.m. They have to show up an hour early to sign up if they want to speak. “I don’t expect that the board will pass it at the
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next meeting. There’s enough contention over this that they will want to slow it down a little bit.” Abernethy said the decision to propose the slot limit was made following a recent study by Auburn University. “For years, we’ve been getting complaints from tournament fishermen about the quality of the bass on the Coosa River system. We had a lot of the data that we needed but were missing some information, so we funded research by Auburn University on Neely Henry,” he explained. “Only about 45 percent of the tournament catch survives the weigh-in process during the warm months."
Abernethy said the popularity of tournament fishing has grown substantially in recent years, increasing the pressure on the fish population. “Until recently, you didn’t see these tournaments with 200, 250 boats. They’ve gotten so big; there’s one every weekend,” he said. “The parking lot might only fit 170, but the tournament has more than 200 boats. There’s nowhere for anyone else to fish on tournament weekends.” The tournament boom has affected recreational fishing to such a point that fishing license rates have declined in recent years, Abernethy said. “We’ve got to turn that around, and we can’t do that unless we have good, high quality fisheries for people to use,” he said. “Tournament anglers
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The proposed regulation limits tournament catches in the 14-to-20-inch slot on the Coosa River system, and competitive anglers say the regulatory process is flawed
make up only about 10 percent of the total fishermen. They are the minority, and the rest of the anglers want quality fishing, too, and the only way we can do that is by doing this.” Freeman said the mortality rate for OGS tournaments averages 2 percent, and those fish that do not survive are not wasted, as the local eagles scavenge them for food. He suggested restocking the lake to address the decline in fish population, but Abernethy said restocking would not address the source of the problem. “Production of juvenile bass in the Coosa system is high. It’s always been high. That’s not the problem. The younger fish are there,” Abernethy said. “Fishing pressure changes the size and age structure of the reservoir. There are fewer older fish – bigger fish – because of the tournament pressure.” One alternative to the tournament weigh-in process could help the situation, Abernethy said. “We’re addressing the problem of tournament mortality, but there’s a lot that the tournament trails could do to solve the problem. I’m not saying they should do this, but the technology does exist to measure and release the fish on the water. There are ways to get around that slot where the
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anglers could get credit for fish that size without having to keep them in the boat,” he said. Abernethy also said that, although the regulation would be permanent if the advisory board adopts it, it could be removed if this method doesn’t accomplish the objective of improving the quality of fish on the Coosa lakes. “It would be permanent. It should not be looked at as a temporary thing, but we can change it at any time. If it doesn’t work, we can take it off. That’s not uncommon. We change length limits on a pretty regular basis. That process is the same as putting one on,” he said. The Conservation Advisory Board will meet at 9 a.m. in the Gordon Persons Building at 50 N. Ripley Street, Montgomery. Visit outdooralabama.com/about-us/conservation-advisory-board for details and the meeting agenda.
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Windemere
3061 Crosswinds
$1,900,000
4BD/3.5BA 2 acre POINT lot 510 +/- ft WATERFRONT
$825,000
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56 Sears Bluff Rd 3BD/2BA
$1,290,000
1005 Luanne’s Way The Heritage
33 Luanne’s Way The Heritage
25 Acres
1170 Thomas Ln, Alex City 3BD/2BA
$299,000
Elkahatchee Rd
1515 College St 4BD/3BA Young Acres POOL
$299,000
$560,000
256-307-2443
5295 Hwy 280 Alexander City AL 35010 JANUARY 2025
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PLUNGE
(or just laugh at your friends)
FOR A CAUSE
STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER
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Plunging into a frigid Lake Martin in January makes boating here safer year round, according to Jodie McGirt, Lake Martin Resource Association president and enthusiastic plunger for two previous years. Like many of the annual Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge swimmers, McGirt joins the throng of costumed participants to raise funds for LMRA’s Light the Lake project, which purchases, installs and maintains 460 Lake Martin buoys, just less than half of which are lighted. “Working with Lake Martin Young Professionals has been a great partnership for safety on the lake,” McGirt said. “The annual Polar Plunge
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donation gives us a great boost in making the lake a safer place, which is one of our primary initiatives. The light is about half the cost of a buoy, and we want to make an effort to light as many of the buoys as we can. We appreciate the support LMYP has given us toward that goal every year.” Tickets for plungers are discounted to $15, but dockers pay $20 for the privilege of occupying dock and shoreline space to take photos of those who are brave enough – or just crazy enough – to take a swim in January. Children 12 and under are admitted free and encouraged to plunge as well. Independent of the big plunge, LMYP also hosts
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The 7th Annual Polar Plunge happens January 18 at Kowaliga Restaurant
a Dash for the Cash and a costume contest, awarding $100 to the winners of these extracurricular events. “The Dash is optional,” said Liz Holland, the LMYP president who this year will make her fourth plunge. “You don’t have to do the plunge to be in the Dash, and you don’t have to dress up, but why wouldn’t you dress up? That’s part of the fun.” Judges will be looking for creativity in the costume category, Holland said. “One year, a couple of friends came as Chimney
Rock. One was dressed as a chimney, and the other dressed like a rock,” she said. “Steve Robinson and his grandchildren came dressed as Disney’s Seven Dwarves last year. Steve has been the reigning costume champion for three years in a row, so we’re looking for someone to get really creative and take that from him this year.” The event also offers opportunities for friendly competition among ticketholders, as corn hole and other lawn games will be available for play. Food trucks, including Chick-fil-A, will be parked on site to offer hot food for sale, and Jonathan Bloom will provide live music for the event. “There will be an Instagram frame, so people can take photos,” Holland said. It takes more than 30 volunteers to put the event together every year, including Stacy Jones and her crew at Kowaliga Restaurant, Holland said. “We always need volunteers. Someone has to be in charge of getting waivers signed. We need people to sell T-shirts, take credit card payments,” Holland said. “We couldn’t do this without Stacy. She is our rock star. And our sponsors make it where we can donate all of the proceeds – 100 percent – from the plunge to LMRA. Without them, it would be unsafe to drive boats at night on the lake.” Presenting sponsor for this year’s plunge is Lakescape. Sponsors are allowed to set up booths at the event, so participants at the plunge can purchase T-shirts, hats and other items and pick up some SWAG, as well. The goal every year is to raise $4,000 for LMRA’s lighted buoy program, and LMYP has met that goal for six years running. Started in 2017, the LMYP Polar Plunge has taken place every year except one, when COVID-19 shut the effort down. This year’s LMYP event will launch from Kowaliga Restaurant at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 18. The plunge will take place at noon, followed by the Dash for the Cash. For more information about this year’s Polar Plunge, visit Lake Martin Young Professionals on Facebook.
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Wind Creek State Park hosts Birdfest STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER & KENNETH BOONE
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Bird watchers at Lake Martin spent a day last month immersed in education at Wind Creek State Park’s inaugural Legacy Birdfest event, sponsored by a grant from Legacy Environmental Education. The celebration of local and migratory bird life featured games, exhibits, a birdwatching stroll through the park, raptor presentations and a tutorial on attracting birds. Held at the clubhouse inside the campground, the free event featured activities led by naturalists from three Alabama central district state parks, an Audubon Society birder and the director of a wildlife education refuge. In addition to funding the programs, Legacy monies purchased binoculars for use by park activity participants and a white board where bird sightings at the park can be recorded. The rolling list of recent sightings helps bird watchers know what birds species they might see as they visit the park. The grant also funded a self-guided citizen science station. Located between the campground and the WCSP beach, the station offers several feeding options that attract a variety of bird species living in or seasonally visiting the park. These features, along with the Birdfest program, are The yellowpart of Ogle’s vision of rumpled warbler providing environmental winters in the education for all at Lake Southeast Martin’s state park.
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Ogle maintains a busy weekly schedule of guided hikes, nature presentations and wildlife arts events to further his mission. Most events are free to overnight guests. Day-use park visitors, who pay a small fee to access the park, also are invited to attend the naturalist programs at no additional cost. Birdfest 2024 kicked off at 10 a.m. with welcoming remarks from Scottie Jackson, Central District Naturalist for Alabama State Parks, who introduced naturalists from Oak Mountain and Cheaha Alabama state parks, as well as Ogle. Park naturalists brought games and exhibit items, which were displayed throughout the event in the clubhouse pavilion. Visitors strolling through the exhibit learned about the importance and use of raptor’s talons, their keen eyesight and hunting strategies. They also met a merlin falcon named Arthur. The 12-yar-old raptor became part of the Oak Mountain State
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Raptor Ridge Director Valorie Castanza offers park visitors an up-close look at a red-tailed hawk
Park program after he lost a wing in an accident several years ago. After the birding meet-and-greet and event welcome, Audubon Society’s Andrew Lydeard led about 15 bird watchers on a chilly but fruitful bird stroll past the beach and the fishing pier and into the silo area. Lydeard set up a high-powered scope, so participants could better view six diving horned grebes and four wild mallards in the beach cove. Near the fishing pier, he pointed out a small flock of ring-billed gulls. “It used to be that gull sightings were very rare. Even 40 years ago, if someone saw a gull that wasn’t at the coast, people would get in their cars and drive to see it. That’s how rare they were,” Lydeard said. “But with the building of the dam systems that created large lakes, the
gulls expanded their area. Today, people don’t pay any attention to the gulls that once were so rare.” He said he sees that happening again with pelicans, which have become more commonplace at Lake Martin in the last decade. Along the bird walk route, viewers saw a variety of birds, including phoebe, brown headed nuthatch, red-headed woodpecker, bluebird, white-breasted nuthatch, chickadee, pine siskin, dark-eyed junco, flicker (yellowhammer), pine warbler, red-wing blackbird and blue jay. To see more birds on walks through nature, Lydeard suggested going early in the day when birds are more active and going to places where birds tend to flock. “Find the flocks in the winter when there’s strength in numbers. Chickadees and other birds common to the local area know where the food sources are, and the seasonal
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The flicker (aka yellowhammer) is Alabama's State bird
The red winged blackbird flew across the group's path and posed in a nearby tree
and migratory birds that don’t know the area as well will gather in the areas where those birds are. If you go where the birds are flocking, your chances of seeing more of them are better,” Lydeard said. Event participants were treated to a free hot dog lunch between programs, which then moved inside. Valerie Castanza, director at Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education, introduced four raptors to the audience that packed the clubhouse. Castanza has operated the raptor education center and toured a raptor program for 15 years. Prior to introducing the audience to the four raptors she brought for the program, she discussed the features that make raptors unique among birds, including that they are meat eaters and are very sensitive to even small amounts of lead. “It only takes a fragment as small as the tip of a fingernail for a bird to pick up lead poisoning, so it’s very important for hunters to bury their gut piles when field dressing deer they’ve shot,” Castanza said. “Also, when people discard rodents they’ve killed with poison, that can kill a raptor, too. So, it’s better to find non-chemical ways to get rid of rodents.” Castanza introduced an Eastern screech owl, a barred owl, a red tailed hawk and a black vulture to her audience, explaining each bird’s particular needs and how the birds meet them. She handled the birds with heavy duty leather gloves. The screech owl, for example, is only about 10 inches long and is prey to larger raptors. To better hide in trees, this owl species blends perfectly with tree bark. The bird she brought to the park had been hit by car and suffered a broken wing and a detached retina and so was unable to hunt in the wild. The blue jay warned other birds of the approaching humans with a loud call
Red-headed woodpeckers are common in the park
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Bluebirds stay in the area all winter
Brown headed nuthatchers flitted about in tree tops and fence posts
The barred owl suffered chemical burns in his corneas and was unable to hunt. “This bird’s call is the one goes, ‘who cooks for you?’” Castanza explained. “Pull up a recording of the barred owl on your phone, and if there are any barred owls in your area, they will come to investigate.” Castanza’s red-tailed hawk was shot while raiding a farmer’s chicken coop. By the time he was found, infection had set in, and his wing had to be amputated. The last bird she brought out was a 3-year-old black vulture. As an egg, he’d been stolen from a nest by someone who thought he was a turkey egg. When the egg hatched, the thief realized he wasn’t a turkey at all. “We tried not to imprint humans on him as we raised him. We wore different kinds of masks and tried not to interact with him, so he wouldn’t get used to humans. But that didn’t work, and he imprinted with humans anyway. He did not learn vulture social skills, which are very important to their survival in the wild, so he could not be released,” Castanza said. She told the visitors that vultures have a stomach pH of almost zero, which keeps them from getting sick after eating rotten meat, like roadkill. For the day’s final program, Ogle offered tips on attracting birds to local backyards by providing food, water and shelter according to the needs of various species. He said most birdfeeders are designed to attract
specific kinds of birds, depending on their diets, beak features and other adaptations. To attract woodpeckers, serve unsalted roasted peanuts and seeded suet cakes, he suggested. For finches, try nyjer seeds in tube feeders that have narrow slits to access seed. Cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds, he said. “Learning about what the different species of birds eat will help you attract the birds you want to see,” he said. The event concluded in early afternoon. Ogle said the December program was the first of a partnered festival that will be held every year at the park. Look for next year’s program at Wind Creek State Park during the fall migration season. To learn more about WCSP naturalist programs, visit alapark. com/parks/ The one-winged merlin is a permanent wind-creekresident at Oak Mountain state-park State Park and click on park events under the things to do topic.
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Do presidential politics impact property prices?
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The relationship between presidential transitions and the Lake Martin real estate market has intrigued both seasoned analysts and casual observers alike. Historically, many wonder whether changes in national leadership cause ripples in local real estate trends. Let’s delve into this by reviewing past election cycles and their impact on the market, drawing insights that might shape our expectations for the future.
2005: Bush’s Second Term
The transition from George W. Bush’s first term to his second term saw a surprising result. Despite 2005 being a strong year for real estate nationally, Lake Martin’s market experienced a 7 percent decline in sales. At the time, this didn’t seem significant, but retrospectively, it marked the tail end of a housing boom that later culminated in the 2008 financial crisis. This early warning wasn’t apparent to us until two years later.
2009: From Bush to Obama
The shift from Bush’s second term to Barack Obama’s first term brought dramatic results. In 2009, Lake Martin’s real estate market saw a staggering 40 percent increase in the number of homes sold compared to 2008; however, I don’t think this spike was solely tied to Obama’s presidency. It’s crucial to remember the broader context: The 2008 financial crisis caused the Lake Martin market to hit rock bot-
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tom in July of that year. By 2009, the market was recovering from the depths of despair, making any improvement seem monumental. As the saying goes, “the scoreboard doesn’t lie,” but context is key to understanding such dramatic shifts.
2013: Obama’s Second Term
When transitioning from Obama’s first to his second term in 2013, the Lake Martin real estate market remained almost unchanged. Waterfront home sales numbers were nearly identical to the prior year, offering little insight into how national politics might influence local markets.
2017: From Obama to Trump
The 2017 transition from Obama’s second term to Donald Trump’s first term brought a 20 percent increase in real estate sales at Lake Martin compared to 2016. Interestingly, this growth was concentrated in the first quarter of 2017. What fueled this surge? Remembering when I was talking with buyers back then, my anecdotal evidence suggests it wasn’t “presidential optimism.” Buyers appeared more focused on fulfilling their personal dreams of owning lakefront property than reacting to political changes. This reinforces the idea that local factors often outweigh national trends in influencing real estate activity.
2021: From Trump to Biden
In 2021, the transition from Trump’s first term to
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Joe Biden’s first term saw a 22 percent drop in waterfront homes sold in Lake Martin’s real estate market. On the surface, this might seem like a direct reflection of a new administration; however, the real explanation lies in the anomaly of 2020. During the pandemic, real estate markets across the country, including Lake LAKE PROPERTY Martin, experienced unprecBY JOHN COLEY edented growth. I think the 2021 decline was more of a correction to this anomaly than a reaction to Biden’s presidency. In this case, broader economic and social factors played a larger role than political transitions.
Key Takeaways
Reviewing these historical transitions reveals a mixed bag of results. In my opinion, the data doesn’t provide a clear correlation between presidential transitions and significant shifts in the Lake Martin real estate market. Instead, broader economic factors, such as financial crises and pandemics, have had a far more pronounced impact. So, what does this mean for the market as we
approach 2025, following the 2024 election cycle? After selling real estate here for about 20 years, I think the answer lies less in who wins an election and more in local and personal factors. Buyers and sellers alike should focus on their individual situations rather than political changes.
Local Factors Matter More
For those contemplating buying or selling property at Lake Martin, it’s critical to assess local market conditions. Inventory levels, interest rates and personal financial circumstances are far more influential than election outcomes. For example, while rising interest rates may have had a secondary impact in 2023. Perhaps they weren’t the primary driver of market trends; therefore, it doesn’t really pay to try to perfectly time something as erratic as the interest rate market. In other words, I advise concentrating on what’s happening around your own kitchen table, instead of who is sitting in the Oval Office. John Coley grew up in the area and has sold real estate at the lake since 2005.
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LAKE WATCH for Clean Water Advocacy
Lake Watch Water Quality Monitoring for Summer and Fall 2024
Lake Watch confirms excellent water quality across Lake Martin, supporting its designation as a “Treasured Alabama Lake.” Recent bacteriological testing results are posted on the Lake Watch Swim Alert web page at Lakewatch.org/swim-alert and the Alabama Water Watch statewide database at aaes. auburn.edu/alabamawaterwatch. A heartfelt thank you to Lake Watch members and volunteer monitors for their vital work for clean water in Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed.
ADEM Publishes TMDLs for Tallapoosa River Watershed
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has published Total Maximum Daily Loads for the upper Tallapoosa River, Emuckfaw Creek and High Pine Creek, tributaries to Lake Martin. These streams are identified as impaired by pathogens, specifically E. coli. The TMDLs recommend a reduction in E. coli loading by 59 percent to 96 percent to meet water quality standards. Implementation of these reductions will rely on best management practices, which will be largely voluntary. Public participation is essential for success. Local citizens and officials are encouraged to get involved and offer suggestions to improve BMPs by contacting ADEM’s Nonpoint Source Unit or the Water Division. More details on the TMDLs can be found on ADEM’s website at adem.alabama.gov.
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Lake Watch Supports Preservation of Traditional Shoreline Neighborhoods
Last year, Alabama Power filed its proposed update to the Shoreline Management Plan for Lake Martin with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Many local residents, including the Homeowners Association of Lake Martin, Sandy Creek Area, Inc., have advocated for guidelines within the SMP to preserve traditional single-family shoreline neighborhoods. HOA Lake Martin is particularly concerned about unrestricted commercial and high-density residential development, which they believe would detract from the long-term planning for Lake Martin. They urge Alabama Power and FERC to restrict shoreline and lake bottom improvements related to commercial development and multi-family projects in these neighborhoods. Special protection is also requested for areas near Alabama Power’s land designated as “Natural Undeveloped.” HOA Lake Martin’s stance aligns with FERC’s priorities to protect and enhance the scenic, recreational and other environmental values of Lake Martin. Lake Watch supports these efforts to maintain a balanced approach to development and preserve the area’s traditional character.
Relicensing of Harris Dam at Lake Wedowee Nears Completion
The relicensing process for Harris Dam at Lake Wedowee is nearing completion, with the Environmental Impact Study now filed. One key component of the relicensing is the installation
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of a continuous flow generating unit at the dam. This new unit will ensure a steady release of water into the Tallapoosa River, replacing a very large volume of the current pulsing discharge with a more stable flow. This improvement is expected to benefit water quality, reduce fluctuations in temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, and decrease erosion and siltation downstream. The stable flow also will support aquatic habitats and enhance recreational opportunities, LAKE WATCH including canoeing and fishBY MATT CAMPBELL ing, along the river from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Landing, above Lake Martin. These efforts reflect collaboration between Alabama Power, FERC, the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Alabama Rivers Alliance, with citizen stakeholders actively engaged in the process. Lake Watch commends these initiatives that contribute to the health and sustainability of the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin. These efforts, from water quality monitoring to advocacy for
shoreline preservation and sustainable water management, ensure that these vital natural resources remain protected for future generations. Everyone who loves Lake Martin is invited to get involved in our clean water advocacy. We urge neighbors to speak and act with a common voice and to advocate to our public offices and to ADEM and FERC and Alabama Power. To join Lake Watch as a member or monitor or sponsor, visit the Lake Watch website at lakewatch.org or contact us by email at info@lakewatch.org. Above all, get out on the waters of Lake Martin or the Tallapoosa River. It will make your heart happy! Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc., a nonprofit all-volunteer 501(c)3 environmental organization working to protect the clean water of Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed through water quality testing, public advocacy for water policy and environmental education.
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FABULOUS FINDS FROM OUR REAL ESTATE ADVERTISERS
218 Williams Road, Alexander City • $1,450,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372 LakeMartinRealty.com
1329 North Ridge, Alexander City • $3,800,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031 LakeMartinRealty.com
15872 Paces Point Road, Dadeville • $1,724,900 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com
92 Village Trail, Dadeville • $559,900 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3 • Water Access Lake Martin Realty Kira Woodall 256.625.1714 LakeMartinRealty.com
69 Harmony Cove Lane, Eclectic • $469,900 Beds: 3 • Baths: 3 • Water View & Water Access Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
33 McConnell Court, Alexander City • $4,185,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 6.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Damon Story 205.789.9526 LakeMartinRealty.com
113 East Ridge Court, Alexander City • $2,695,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 4.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Becky Haynie 334.312.0928 LakeMartinRealty.com
235 Oak Hill, Jacksons Gap • $2,950,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Adam Yager 205.914.0830 LakeMartinRealty.com
155 Fish Hawk Road, Dadeville • $5,795,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099 LakeMartinRealty.com
111 Willow View, Alexander City • $1,325,000 Beds: 4 • Baths: 3.5 • Water View & Water Access Lake Martin Realty India Davis 256.749.7592 LakeMartinRealty.com
156 Crooked Arrow Drive, Dadeville • $1,299,000 Beds: 6 • Baths: 5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Allison Jaye Ladson 256.750.0711 LakeMartinRealty.com
71 Luanne’s Point, Alexander City • $4,199,000 Beds: 5 • Baths: 5.5 • Waterfront Lake Martin Realty Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 LakeMartinRealty.com
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Sweet Dreams
The month of January brings a certain calm and peace. The start of a new year helps us to reflect on the past and establish new beginnings. There is no greater time to pause and ensure we are receiving adequate sleep. We live in a society that dictates the expectation to stay on the go. Resting makes us feel guilty and can seem indulgent. We forget that taking time to pause can be refreshing and very beneficial to overall health. It is well known that the key pillars for wellbeing encompass diet and exercise; however, we often forget about the very important third pillar. Allowing ourselves to rest or pause and sleep is a key necessity to maintaining a healthy life. Without sleep, the human body cannot function in a healthy way. It is so easy to place the greatest value in how much is accomplished each day. Many of us make lists and gain satisfaction from checking items off of it. While talking about resting might be easy, we may lessen the value of resting to sitting for a few minutes while looking at a phone or tablet. Is this really resting? Eating nutritiously helps us maintain physical wellbeing, but it also plays a major role in mental health. A balanced diet helps to maintain gut microbiomes, which impact mental health. Research continues to show a strong link between what we consume and how we feel emotionally. Diets rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains and high-nutrient foods can reduce the symptoms of depression. The power of colorful, unprocessed, anti-inflammatory foods can help manage mood. Inflammation is one of the culprits of mental illness, and antioxidants fight off inflammation. There is an old saying, “A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.” Exercise
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leads to improved mood and increased energy levels. Consistent workouts increase self-esteem, relieve stress and enhance mood by releasing endorphins – the body’s feel-good chemical. In addition, consistent workouts enhance cognitive function by helping the body stay young while it ages. Although the mechanics HEALTHY LIVING of sleep and how it affects BY JULIE HUDSON the body and the mind continue to be researched, it is confirmed that a lack of sleep can lead to mood disturbances and cognitive decline. Sleep is defined as a condition of body and mind, such that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed and consciousness practically suspended. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night; babies and young children need more like 14 hours, and teens need eight to 10. There are four stages of sleep, two of which are light sleep. The lightest occurs when a person feels as if he or she might nod off while listening to something or someone. Intermediate sleep is deeper, and it’s harder to awaken at this stage. The third stage is deep, slow-wave sleep. This is the deepest, most rest-
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ful and restorative stage of sleep. If woken up during this stage, a person would feel groggy. The last stage is REM sleep, which is short for rapid eye movement. Dreaming occurs in REM sleep. Adequate sleep restores us physically, mentally and emotionally. Sleep makes us happier and more alert and supplies us with more energy for performance of daily tasks. It gives us the ability to concentrate and make fewer mistakes and is crucial to health and weight maintenance. Research has shown sleep to be an important biological function, without which we cannot live. During the sleep cycle, the body physically repairs and recovers from the day’s activity. The brain is very active “rewiring” itself to help with learning and memory. In addition, the body goes through a lot of changes during a sleep cycle. Body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate slow down. Kidney functions also slow down, which is why you don’t have the urge to use the bathroom as much as when you are awake. Increases in growth hormone and testosterone occur during sleep, as well as hormones that regulate appetite. Also, sleep plays an important role in the body’s immune system. Sleep is essential to short and long term health. Decreasing sleep by just a few hours each day can affect learning, memory, attention and mood, triggering stress hormones, which can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Decreasing sleep also interferes with the release of growth hormones, affecting muscle mass, tissue repair and fertility. Insufficient sleep reduces the immune response to infections and alters blood glucose and insulin metabolism, increasing the risk for diabetes. Sleep deprivation can lead to over consumption of carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, resulting in weight gain. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic. Millions of Americans
suffer from sleep and wakefulness disorders, although sleep is a very modifiable health risk. Among the factors that may disrupt sleep are: n Caffeine – It may take six to eight hours for the effects to wear off. n Nicotine – This is a stimulant that causes light sleep patterns. n Alcohol – Causes an initial sedating effect but can prevent REM sleep and deep stages of sleep n Psychological disorders – Depression can cause insomnia. n Nighttime exercise – Daytime exercise is associated with improved nighttime sleep, but evening exercise will delay the release of melatonin, which helps a person fall asleep at night. It is recommended to leave three hours between exercise and sleep. n Large meals – Indigestion and excessive fluid intake can cause a person to get up a lot at night. n Chronic pain – Fibromyalgia and arthritis can interfere with sleep. n Medications – Pain relievers contain caffeine; decongestants and steroid medications can make it tough to fall asleep and cause nighttime awakenings. n Environment – Noise, lights and uncomfortable temperatures can interfere with a good night sleep. The trifecta of sleep, nutrition and exercise work together to boost wellbeing. Each component feeds off the other, as appropriate amounts of rest and sleep promote better eating habits and energize us for exercising. Feeling a bit off balance in the New Year? Reflect on what drained you and what helped you maintain your energy. Begin with pausing to rest and allowing yourself to achieve the appropriate amount of sleep, which will lead to great improvements in your wellbeing. Julie Hudson is a certified dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.
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Peaches & Cream Danish Filling Ingredients
3 to 6 fresh peaches, stone removed and chopped into bite size pieces 1 cup sugar 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 stick of cinnamon 1 small pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 8 ounces softened cream cheese 3 tablespoons sour cream Puff pastry sheets, keep frozen until ready to use 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water for a wash Pinch of sugar to dust the edges before baking
Vanilla Icing Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter, melted 3 to 6 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of sugar
Filling Directions
Place chopped peaches in a pot with 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half and 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a simmer. Keep the heat on low, as sugar will burn quickly. Cook until the peaches have broken down, and a thick syrup has formed. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cool completely before using. Pull the puff pastry to start the thaw. You want it slightly frozen but still hard, so you can cut it without it sticking to the knife. Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Cut puff pastry into equal squares. Starting in one corner, cut along the edge, leaving 1/4-inch space from the edge. Cut almost all the way down, about three-quarters of the way. At the same corner where you started, cut the other side the same, not connecting the cuts. Fold the cut corner over the opposite corner to make a diamond shape. Press lightly to secure the dough. Let this proof for at least two hours in the refrigerator, or best overnight. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mix and push to the inside edges of the puff pastry. Now place a spoonful of the peach mix on top. Might look like too much, but the puff pastry will rise above it. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with some sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for five to eight minutes and rotate the tray. Cook for another five to eight minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
Icing Directions
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the vanilla extract. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix well. Add the rest and keep mixing. If it looks like the butter separated, add a splash of water and whisk a little more. Drizzle icing over warm danish and serve.
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Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club. JANUARY 2025
CHEF'S TABLE
BY PETE MCKENNY
LAKE 85
A Lower Shelf Surprise
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JANUARY 2025
S
Shopping for wine can be confusing, tedious and disappointing . . . or it can be fun, enlightening and rewarding. Even a savvy shopper must balance expectations when faced with the realities of what is available. Of course, what is available depends on where you look. Some grocery chains carry a reasonable selection, but don’t expect to find Chateauneuf-du-Pape at the corner market. Because most wines are consumed within 24 to 48 hours of purchase, the chances of finding mature wines at the grocery is unlikely. The vintage, that is, the year in which the grapes were harvested, reveals how old or how young a wine is. Red wines are typically held at the winery for a couple of years before being released; most whites do not benefit from bottle ageing and have more recent vintage dates when released. Occasionally, due to label design or other marketing ploys, the vintage will be difficult to find. Look harder; it is usually there, somewhere, except in the case of nonvintage products. Most Champagnes and sparkling wines are nonvintage because they are a blend from two or more harvests. Some still wines might also be sourced from multiple years, but rarely. And to be clear, a nonvintage blend refers to the FROM THE CELLAR BY HENRY FOY years of the harvests not to be confused with blends made from different varietals. Regular readers can attest that I am a fan of mature wines and cellaring. I regularly advocate holding almost any red for a year or two before drinking. That is not practical for most of us; space, storage conditions and management become issues. Consider, too, that different varietals mature at different rates. A quality Cabernet may age well for 20 years while the hold time for a domestic Pinot Noir may be just five years. As with decanting or allowing wines to breathe, a little time from cellaring or bottle ageing can have amazing results. That brings us to Slo Down Wines. Though I am not a fan of marketing gimmicks, I gave in on this one. For Valentine’s Day a few years back, we wanted a few wines that might go along with that theme. There aren’t very many, and most have become hackneyed over time. The Bliss wines were popular for a while, but we were hesitant to recommend Freakshow. Just for that year, we brought in Love Hammer from Slo Down and sold a few but had a couple left over. Not just left over, but they seemed to have moved in permanently. What does a classy wine shop do with leftover gimmicks after the joke has worn off? The wine rests on a lower shelf undisturbed, collecting dust and ageing. How bad can that be? The vintage was 2015. As it happens, Slo Down Wines has built their cata-
logue and business model on suggestion and innuendo. The website boasts “seriously good wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” They relish “shaking things up and blurring the line between what is and isn’t socially acceptable.” In addition to Love Hammer Cabernet, the wine list includes Sexual Chocolate (Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec), a Pinot Noir called Send Nudes, and Broken Dreams is a Chardonnay. Whew! But is it any good or just an irreverent ride on the back of pop culture? A lot of shoppers base decisions on the label. This label is not extraordinary except for one thing: the back label clearly says Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet is the undisputed king of red wine grapes. The flavor, structure, complexity and longevity of wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon have made those wines celebrated and popular throughout the world. The list of notable, high-quality wines made with Cabernet grapes, either 100 percent or in the fabulous blends of Bordeaux, is expansive. The fruity flavors of cherry, black cherry, black currant and raspberry with other flavors of cedar, mint, bell pepper and tobacco form the basis. Acids and tannins add structure and longevity. There’s more. This is not just Cabernet Sauvignon; it is Napa Valley Cabernet. That puts Love Hammer in a whole ’nother class of wines. Lying northeast of San Francisco, Napa Valley, California, has earned the title as California’s and the United States’ most famous wine region. It is the reputation for exceptional, age-worthy wines, primarily Cabernet, that makes Napa wines world-class and Napa Valley one of the world’s premier wine regions. The history, climate, geography and yes, the grape variety almost guarantee an exceptional product. Is that true of Love Hammer? What looked like just a dusty bottle of wine on a lower shelf might make one suspicious of its quality. At first glance, this was a write off. I figure if the wine is any good, it doesn’t need a gimmick or catchy marketing. Let the wine speak for itself. In this case, the words were better than the picture, reassuring and legit: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Two takeaways: 1) Don’t judge a wine by its label; and 2) It’s good to leave something in the cellar or on a lower shelf for a while, particularly something as age worthy as a Napa Cab. Love Hammer is still available and can be ordered for your next Valentine’s Day romp. Slo Down Wines describes the current vintage as “dripping with flavors of rich dark cherry and ripe blackberry and finishing with notes of cigar spice and baking chocolate. Rugged yet voluptuous, this wine goes great with brief yet passionate affairs.” I’ll drink to that! Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars, now celebrating more than 20 years of business in downtown Alexander City at 128 Calhoun Street. For more information call 256-212-9463.
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 87
Spinnerbait vs. Chatterbait
88 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
A
Anglers try to answer the question, “Why?” The closer we get to understanding why a fish chooses a certain spot or a certain bait, the more likely we are to duplicate success. I’ve often realized, after the fact, there was a reason for fish catches that seemed random at the time. I just didn’t fully understand at that moment. Even with lost fish that seemed random at the time, I later discovered there were things I could have done in rigging or technique that could’ve prevented the loss of the catch. So in short, constantly trying to answer the question “Why?” makes a better angler. The first time I saw a chatterbait was around 2005. A very good angler I was fishing with on Lake Eufaula took a rod out of his box and handed it to me. It had a weird bait that looked like a swim jig minus the weed guard. Most notably with a square-looking blade at the front. My first impression was that it BIG CATCHES was odd. He told me to throw it a couple of times and see what BY GREG VINSON I thought. When I started the retrieve, the bait had a violent vibration to it – similar to a crankbait, but much more pronounced. It was shaking the whole rod. I put the rod down and thought to myself, “That’s interesting, but I don’t think that’s going to work.” That amount of vibration was completely unnatural. I thought it would scare a fish off before it triggered a bite. Boy, was I wrong! And by not giving that bait a real shot to prove itself, I missed out on the breakout year of the chatterbait. In fact, it was nearly two years later before it really took off, and everyone was on to it. Several major tournament wins around the country that year (by other anglers) convinced me the bait I thought too obnoxious to ever catch a bass was actually a fish-catching machine. So, I began throwing it and catching some good quality fish. All the while, I still had great success on a spinnerbait, especially here at Lake Martin. As a young teen on Lake Martin, I had always caught nice largemouth and spotted bass on a spinnerbait. The blades of a spinnerbait create a lot of flash similar to a shad as it rolls its body underwater, reflecting sunlight. Willow-leaf blades are shaped almost exactly like a shad body, also providing a more natural appearance. Spinnerbait blades have varying degrees of vibration and water displacement that can trigger bass to bite in stained water. The flash of the blades appeals to the sight-feeding nature of bass. And the vibration appeals to the bass’ ability to feel underwater. When combined with a shad-colored skirt and sometimes a trailer, the finished spinnerbait is like a school of baitfish in a small package that can be retrieved through cover like trees and rocks. Over the years since my introduction to the chatterbait, I’ve switched between them and spinnerbaits at various fisheries around the country. Although I’ve seen success
with a chatterbait here, it still seemed that a good spinnerbait was more productive. That’s been especially true when the water was fairly clear. As we know, Lake Martin has some of the clearest water in the state of Alabama. And Lake Jordan (another local lake I often fish) has some of the clearest water on the Coosa River reservoirs. These two lakes are the ones I fish most often to hone skills as a professional angler. Unfortunately, I’ve concluded they aren’t the best fisheries to build confidence in a vibrating jig. But why? It seems that the chatterbait excels when visibility is low for the fish. Most often, that’s where the water is stained to even muddy. Given the track record of the chatterbait now, 20 years later, it will usually outfish a spinnerbait in stained to muddy water. But, as water clarity increases, the advantage shifts in the direction of the spinnerbait. The chatterbait also dominates on places with vegetation, like Florida or even Lake Guntersville. With dense vegetation, such as hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, the fish only get short glimpses of the bait. The sound and vibration of a bait like a chatterbait can help the fish locate the bait in much the same way that a lipless crankbait (Rat-L-Trap) works. One common frustrating characteristic of a vibrating jig is when fish bite and don’t take the whole bait, resulting in missed fish. Some of those misses could be remedied with rod action, reel speed and technique. More often than not though, it seems smaller fish are the culprits. They don’t have the ability to engulf the bait on the strike like a larger fish, so they nip, nip, nip at the bait and never get it. A spinnerbait on the other hand has a much better hookup ratio per bite; likely because it’s tracking in a straighter line rather than the erratic nature of a vibrating jig. So, smaller fish are able to take it better. Head-to-head across the country, it pains me to admit the chatterbait outfishes a spinnerbait these days. Spinnerbait specialists on the professional level used to seek out stained water to work their magic. Over the past several years, the newer generation of vibrating jig specialists are dominating in those conditions. Fear not, Lake Martin spinnerbait specialists. Lake Martin is what I still consider a spinnerbait lake. The vibrating jig works, no doubt, and it will catch quality bass. But the overall clarity of Lake Martin from top to bottom keeps this lake more conducive to spinnerbait fishing. Most of the year, high visibility in the lake means the fish will lean more towards sight feeding than feel. The flash of a spinnerbait is a more subtle attraction to the fish than the heavy vibration of the chatterbait in most locations throughout the lake. And for that reason, the fish in Lake Martin are likely to bite spinnerbaits better than vibrating jigs for years to come. That being said, I’d still recommend having a vibrating jig setup ready to try when low visibility conditions are right, especially when it comes down to needing one or two big bites. Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 89
90 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
New Year, New Golf Goals
H
Happy New Year, Lake Martin! It is my sincere hope that everyone had a great Christmas holiday this year. It is such a joyous time of year filled with family, friends and festivities. I hope that cherished memories were created, and that loving support was delivered to those dealing with loss at this time of year. For those of us with faith, it pulls our focus to the true reason for the season and the greatest gift of all, delivered to one and all. I am honored to be asked to provide a monthly article for the wonderful Lake magazine. I will continue to offer up a little golf advice, report on happenings around the lake and hopefully bring a smile to your face as you read. We are so blessed with the lake community that exists, and I look forward to playing my small part in this positive Lake Martin lifestyle that we enjoy. The New Year has come along and brings with it a renewed sense of hope in all aspects of our lives. Many will announce New Year’s resolutions to create positive change in who they are and who they want to become. I commend this approach, being a goal-setting person myself, and wish each of you the greatest success in your efforts toward personal growth this year. For those who enjoy the game of golf, allow me to offer some advice for golf goal-setting this year. Resolving to improve your golf game means setting some goals and creating an action plan to achieve those goals. I have taught so many golfers over my 30-plus years in the business, and I make a point of helping them define goals before instruction. This allows me opportunities to instruct and know that I have helped Set goals before taking golf instructions to get the most out of your lesson
them meet their objectives. These goals vary from student to student. Some have wanted to make their school golf teams; others have wanted to lower their handicaps and still more have wanted to improve certain aspects of their games. One lady had a simple goal. Her bank had an annual scramble event, and she was embarrassed that they never used one of her shots. She said THE SCRAMBLE she didn’t feel like she was part BY ROB WITHERINGTON of the team. We set her a goal of working on her driver and her putter. I told her the ladies tees were more forward than the men’s tees and that she would most likely be the first to putt when they made the green. She returned contact after the tournament to excitedly report that they had used two of her tee shots and that she made two putts as well. Those are the moments that I live for as a PGA professional. Your personal plan will be unique, but I have some ideas for you to think about this winter. I recommend that all gofers keep a club in their hands as often as possible. Hitting balls into a net in the basement or backyard during the winter can help. Put a putting machine in the den or office space to improve putting confidence for the next season. Perhaps joining friends at a Top Golf facility or playing golf on an indoor simulator will help to strengthen your game. Stillwaters Golf is installing five of these simulators at the clubhouse this winter. Maybe on a slower day at work you could turn lunch into golf practice at your local club before heading back to the job. Simple changes can offer positive results as you create your resolution plans. Reach out to your local PGA professional to develop your personal plan and go after your golf goals this season. We at Stillwaters are trained in golf and are ready to help in any way we can. Looking forward to a great New Year in 2025. Rob “Gabby” Witherington is a PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Stillwaters Golf Club. Learn more at stillwatersgolf.com.therington is a PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Stillwaters Golf Club. Learn more
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 91
Legend
63
To Sylacauga
Public Boat Ramps 9
ALEXANDER CITY
4
17
Churches
★
22
280
Alex City Boat Ramp
9
Camp ASCCA
★
★
Charles E. Bailey Sportplex
Points of Interest
280
Power lines U.S. Highways
3
22
County Roads
31 Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
★
11
COOSA COUNTY
Wind Creek Boat Ramp 259
9
128
Pirate Island D.A.R.E. Park Landing
★
★Peanut Point 63
16 20
★
New Hope Church
Young’s Island
★
Liberty Church
Smith Mount Fire Tower
30
10 Willow Point
24
7
Paces Point Boat Ramp
63
11
Camp Alamisco
12
EQUALITY
34
★
Kowaliga Boat Landing
20
55
The Ridge
5
SEMAN
1 13
Church in The Pines
★ Camp Kiwanis
Union Landing
Children’s Harbor &
★ Hank Williams Cabin 21 ★ The Amp
Trillium
19
2
Ko w
ali
ga
Ba
y
26
★
Chimney Rock
80
9
90
UNION
CENTRAL
ELMORE COUNTY RED HILL
★ Martin Dam
63
229
ECLECTIC
TALLASSEE
18 KENT
92 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
Timbergut Landing
Explore
★
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Lake Martin
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
49
JACKSONS GAP 280
DADEVILLE
19 27 57
28 280
★tain
r
Smith Landing
25
14 49 Church of the Living Waters
Stillwaters
8 6
29
15 WALNUT HILL 50
24
23
1
Kowaliga Marina
256-397-1210
2
The Ridge Marina
256-397-1300
3
River North Marina
256-397-1500
4
Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors 256-397-1700
5
Real Island Marina
256-397-1200
6
Blue Creek Marina
256-825-8888
7
Parker Creek Marina
256-329-8550
8
Harbor Pointe Marina
256-825-0600
9
Alex City Marine
256-215-FISH
10
Smith's Marina - Shipwreck Sam's
256-444-8793
11
SpringHouse
256-215-7080
12
Catherine’s Market
256-215-7070
13 Kowaliga Restaurant 14 Lake Martin Pizza
256-215-7035 256-373-3337
15
The Burritos Corner Mexican Grill
256-307-1887
22
16
Lake Martin Storm Shelters
256-794-8075
CAMP HILL
17
Russell Do It Center (Alex City)
256-234-2567
18
Russell Do It Center (Eclectic)
334-541-2132
19
Russell Building Supply
256-825-4256
20
The Stables at Russell Crossroads
256-794-1333
21
Kowaliga Veterinary Care
334-857-1816
22
Off the Beaton Path
205-994-0847
23
Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage
334-391-0717
24
Lake Pointe Baptist Church
256-307-1499
25
Red Ridge UMC
256-825-9820
26
Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc
334-857-2443
27
First Baptist Church Dadeville
256-825-6232
28
Lakeshore Pharmacy
256-825-0063
29 Momentum Marine at Lake Martin 30 Bolton Cove
256-825-9286
31 Singleton Marine
256-269-0088
256-392-7524
50
N
Your Lake Martin Sightseeing Pass. Scan me!
49
Get on the Map! 256-234-4281
REELTOWN
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 93
Lake Magazine Distribution ALEXANDER CITY Robinson Iron A & M Plumbing Carlos The Body Shop Walgreens Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Jake's Moore Wealth Management Carlisle's Emporium Wine Cloud Nine Downtown Girl Shay Aesthetics JR'S Hillabee Towers Senior Nutrition Center Noel Boone George Hardy First Realty Dark Insurance Warren Appliance MainStreet Family Care Grace's Flowers Koon's Korner Larry's General Merchandise Daylight Donuts Alfa Valley Bank - 280 Pricare Temple Medical AllState BB&T Bank Hometown Pharmacy Lake Martin Home Health Allen's Food Mart (Exxon) Karen Channell - State Farm Insurance North Lake Condo River Bend Store River North Marina Lake Martin Building Supply Petro Sho'Nuff BBQ Hair Design
Mark King's Lake Martin Furniture Longleaf Antique Mall Playhouse Cinemas Chamber of Commerce Winn Dixie Re/Max Around the Lake City Hall A&E Metal Regions Bank Marathon - 280 Renfroe's Market Russell Medical Center Russell Marine Boating and Outdoors Koon's II Tallapoosa Ford Dylan Johnson - Country Financial Holley's Home Furniture Jackson's Drugs Selling Lake Martin - Amy Clark The Sure Shot Shell - 280 Big B Bar-B-Que Russell Do It Center Russell Home Decor Holman Floor Satterfield Inc. Grain & Leaf, Bottles & Cigars Tippy Canoe Love Lake Martin Real Estate Office Wind Creek Gate Wind Creek Store Willow Point Office Willow Point Country Club Smith Marina on Lake Martin Nails Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant Children's Harbor Catherine's Market Russell Lands Corporate Office Russell Lands Real Estate Sales Center SpringHouse Restaurant Ridge Club
Ridge Marina HACKNEYVILLE Hackneyville Water Authority NEW SITE Piggly Wiggly - New Site Foodland DADEVILLE Chamber of Commerce Raining Dogs Studio & Gallery Root 49 Salon Ellaby Boutique, LLC Alabama Power Siggers Siggers Barbershop Fusion Cafe Dadeville Library At the Beauty Shop Dadeville Courthouse Payne's Furniture PNC Bank Valley Bank McKelvey Chevrolet Renfroe's Market Foshee's Boat Doc Lakeshore Pharmacy Russell Building Supply Lakay's Tallapoosa Nutrition Sweet Pickins Century 21 - Rhonda Gaskins Farmers & Merchants Bank Jim's Pharmacy Poplar Dawgs Still Waters Country Club Still Waters Home Association Russell Lands Realty Fuller Realty Harbor Pointe Oskar's Aronov Realty Lake Martin Creekside Lodge Blue Creek Marina Lakeside Marina Niffers Hwy 50 Eagle Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery
Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Chuck's Marina Deep Water Docks Lake Martin Pizza CAMP HILL Link Gas Station KELLYTON Five Star Plantation EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Southern Star Parker Creek Marina Charles Borden ECLECTIC Lake Breeze Realty Offshore Marina Lake Martin Mini Mall Corner Stone Coffee Co. Lake Martin Dock Company Cotton's Alabama Barbecue Russell Do It Center Johnson Furniture WOW Catering LLC Eclectic Library Real Island Marina Anchor Bay Marina Wetumpka Wetumpka Herald Office Tallassee Marathon Tallassee Eagle Tallassee Chamber Parris Mullins Jr. O.D. Get Lake magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $50 per year. To start your subscription, call Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
lamberthandlamberth.com
256-234-6401 6 Franklin Street • Alexander City
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
94 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
Lake Martin Business and Service Directory
COACH KRAFT
UPHOLSTERY Complete Marine Upholstery! ■
■ Floors ■ Carpets Bimini Tops ■ Custom Seats ■ Mooring Covers
Patrick Mason 334-283-6759 676 Dean Circle • Tallassee, AL www.coachkraft.com
KOWALIGA VETERINARY CARE
We’re Live!
Josh Morgan, DVM Mary S. Battistella, DVM
www.lakemagazine.life
e
January Special
e
Puppy & Kitten Vaccines
10% OFF
(334) 857-1816
LAKE
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Relax. Enjoy. Lake Martin. Call to order your subscription 256-234-4281
MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 95
Our Advertisers n To Join, Call 256.234.4281 Alex City Guide Service............................................. 5
Karen Channell State Farm...................................... 95
Pineywoods Mulch Company..................................... 6
Alex City Marine........................................................... 5
Kowaliga Veterinary Care.......................................... 95
Premier Pools & Spa.................................................. 80
American Oak............................................................. 75
Lacey Howell, RE/MAX Around the Lake............. 67
Presley Appliance & Furniture.................................. 80
Blue Creek Iron Works............................................. 95
Lake Martin Mobile Fitness...................................... 95
Prime Management....................................................... 4
Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation............................. 97
Lake Martin Realty....................................................100
Russell Marine & Outdoors......22-23, 28-29, 34-35, 50-51, 56-57
CACC................................ 24-27, 30-33, 36-39, 42-45
LakeScape...................................................................... 19
Russell Medical.............................................................. 2
Centennial Homes...................................................... 79
Lamberth & Lamberth............................................... 94
SiteMix............................................................................. 6
Coach Kraft Upholstery............................................ 95
Legacy New Homes................................................... 17
Slate Barganier............................................................. 62
Custom Docks............................................................... 8
Lewis Pest Control....................................................... 8
Stanley Steamer........................................................... 95
Diamond Golf Cars.................................................... 12
Mark King's Furniture................................................ 20
Sunrise Dock..........................................................12, 97
Docks Unlimited........................................................... 5
Momentum Marine..................................................... 90
Temple Medical Center............................................. 97
Electronic Technology Group................................... 95
Moore Wealth Management..................................... 99
The Cart Source......................................40-41, 61, 63
Extreme Power Sports................................................ 3
Mullins Pristine Clean................................................ 95
Tippy Canoe................................................................... 6
George Hardy D.M.D................................................. 97
National Village............................................................ 74
TowBoat US................................................................. 62
Hwy 50 Blue Creek Boat & RV Storage............... 95
Oasis Spa Therapist...................................................... 8
UAB Heart & Vascular............................................... 83
Hughes Pools............................................................... 96
Odd Jobs......................................................................... 6
WSC Builders.............................................................. 80
Insurance Solutions Group....................................... 95
Phillip Pouncey Builder.............................................. 90
96 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
JANUARY 2025
LAKE 97
Parting Shot Photo by Kenneth Boone
"At the end of the day, if I can say I had fun, it was a good day." ~ Simone Biles
98 LAKE
JANUARY 2025
NOBODY
Knows
LAKE MARTIN LIKE WE DO.
Becky Haynie 334.312.0928
Adam Yager 205.914.0830
India Davis 256.749.7592
Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681
Hugh Neighbors 256.750.5071
Laura Ellis 256.749.5067
Mimi Rush 334.399.7874
Howard Haynie 334.312.0693
Dan Barnett 334.329.2303
Sawyer Davis 205.965.7940
Judith Jager 205.789.0698
John McInnish 334.415.2149
David Mitchell 256.212.3511
Lindsay Kane 256.675.6792
John Shelton 404.858.9198
Betsi Hoopes Plyler 334.870.9457
Allison Ladson 256.750.0711
Denise Cochran 256.786.2484
Judy Voss 256.794.0779
Jim Cleveland 256.596.2220
Haley Fuller Lamborne 256.750.2411
Jerry Purcell 205.382.3417
Amy Duncan 256.212.2222
Mike Davis 256.226.1238
Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017
Michelle Brooks-Slayman 256.749.1031
Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099
Cindy Scroggins 256.794.3372
Damon Story 205.789.9526
Jan Hall 256.329.6313
Kira Woodall 256.625.1714
DADEVILLE 256.825.9092
WWe’re �e MARKET LEADER
WILLOW POINT 256.212.1498
Lake Martin Waterfront Market Share
OUR CLOSEST COMPETITOR
52.6% LAKE MARTIN REALTY REALTY/ RUSSELL LANDS
*LMAAR/MLS Member Firms Sales Volume Data December 2023 - November 2024
L A K E M A R T I N R E A L T Y . C O M
100 LAKE
OTHER COMPETITORS (53 companies)
JANUARY 2025