The Sports Ledger

Inside Today: Fort Payne, Fyffe, Geraldine, & Collinsville Seniors God Bless America

May 15, 2014 • Volume 3 Issue 19 • Home Owned & Operated • 12 pages • .75 cents • www.thesportsledger.com

Students at Northeast Alabama Community College will soon have a new option for completing their bachelor’s degrees. In partnership with NACC, Huntingdon College will offer its Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bachelor of Science in Business Management with Health Management Concentration, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the NACC campus. Students who are majoring in criminal justice at Northeast will be able to complete their bachelor’s degrees by attending classes one night a week in five-week terms, with classes located conveniently at NACC in Rainsville.

Last Month fifteen students from Northeast’s CRJ program met with Chip Tucker, site coordinator for Huntingdon’s ADCP to learn more about the partnership’s seamless transition from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree. Tucker emphasized that Huntingdon College designed ADCP to be “life-friendly” for working students with family responsibilities.

“I love the concept Huntingdon College brings to the Northeast campus,” said Brent Satterfield, advisor and instructor of criminal justice for NACC. “[The program] allows students to continue their education in a familiar place that is close to home. Our students, both those with an associate’s degree and those with an applied associate’s degree, can take full advantage of this Huntingdon College program.”

Students interested in Huntingdon College ADCP should contact Chip Tucker by phone at 334-328-6774.

The Albertville High School Softball team had advanced to the Class 6A State Tournament in The Ledger, Brandon K. Pierce Montgomery.

The Lady Aggies are scheduled to play Pelham Students at Fort Payne High School pose for a photo during the school’s at noon tomorrow (Friday, recent picture day for the Senior Class of 2014. For more graduation May 16, 2014) on Field #5 at Lagoon Park. pictures see the inside of today’s issue of

Getting Ready for Graduation

The Marshall County 4-H Archers recently competed at the Alabama 4-H State Archery Championship at the Cullman Community Archery Park and brought home several awards.

The Junior Compound with Sights team of Anna Matthews, Tyler Mitchell and Cameron Mitchell all from Douglas brought home the State Championship title with a combined score of 961. Tyler was the top scorer of the competition with Cameron taking the 2nd place spot.

In the Junior Compound without Sights competition Tyler Mitchell received the 1st place overall award, with Aubrie Kennamer (Arab Elementary) receiving the 2nd place overall award. The team of Mitchell and Kennamer brought home the 3rd place award in that competition.

For more info about the club contact Christy Kennamer at (256) 990-7573.

Aubrie Kennamer

Phone: 256-506-7368 Fax: 256-528-2543

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To have your nonprofit group’s event info placed in The Ledger, submit the information by fax at 256-528-2543 or email thesportsledger@gmail.com MEMBERSHIPS The Sports Ledger is a member of the Albertville, Boaz, and Fort Payne Chambers of Commerce, The Rainsville Civitans, and the Alabama Press Association.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE ABOUT CRIME REPORT All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The crime and arrest reports are only the records of persons arrested and in no way implies that the persons listed as arrested are guilty of the offenses charged.

By Tim Eberhart • Rainsville Chamber of Commerce This week, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) has sponsored various events across the nation as part of its annual celebration of National Small Business Week (NSBW). On Friday in Washington, DC they will name the National Small Business Person of the Year.

In recognition of NSBW, please join me in saluting the small businesses of Rainsville and all of northeast Alabama.

Interestingly, from the smallest one-person operation to the businesses that are quite large by local standards, all of the Rainsville Chamber’s business members fit into the small business category, at least by SBA size standards.

From the dozens of retailers to the professional agencies, and from the manufacturers to the nearly dozen businesses in the healthcare sector, the small businesses in our community come in a striking variety of shapes and sizes.

Since they employ over 55 percent of our local workforce and create most new local jobs, they are the foundation of the local economy.

The best way for most of us to salute our small businesses is to get out and discover some of them. When you need to discover products and services that are new to you, discover it locally. Maybe you need to shop for some clothing, fashion accessories, or a haircut. You may need to shop for car insurance, auto parts, produce, a loan, farm supplies, home-improvement products, or help planning your retirement. You may need to start a new B2B relationship. Others may need to discover who really has the best chicken fingers, pulled pork, or catfish. I can help you with those. My point is, for anything you need, there is likely a local small business that can provide it, and provide it well. Get out there and make one of them your “go-to” source for the things you need this week, and all year round.

If you need assistance finding products or services in Rainsville, or the small businesses that provide them, do not hesitate to contact us at the Chamber. Phone 256-6387800 or email timeberhart@farmerstel.com. May I also suggest our online business guide at www.rainsville.info.

There you will find at least four tools that should help you discover our small businesses.

Advertising Correspondent • Marla Jones

SSCC Alumnus of Year Big hair, vinyl records, and Rubik’s cubes served as the inspiration when Snead State Community College celebrated the decade of the 1980s during the annual Alumni Homecoming on Friday, May 2.

The Alumni Homecoming wasn’t just a time to pay tribute to the 1980s. It was a time to recognize the significant contribution of a Snead alumnus. The 2014 Alumnus of the Year award was given Mr. Pat Courington Jr. of Albertville. He is shown above with Snead State Alumni Director Shelley Smith.

- The 39th Annual BBQ Chicken meal will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Fort Payne City Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for a ticket is $7 and they can be purchased from any Fort Payne Lions Club member.

- The 6th annual Cody Renfroe “Celebration of Life” Rod Run will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Crossville City Park from 4-8 p.m.

The event will feature Vintage Cars, Street & Hot Rods, Motorcycles and Tractors. The entry fee is $20.00 and the money raised with benefit the Crossville Fire Department. There will also be trophies, food, and entertainment. For more info call Stanice at 256-302-3637 or Kevin at 256-927-2404.

- Jacksonville State University has announced that a Canyon Concert will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 3-9 p.m. at Little River Canyon. “Bluegrass on the Rim” will feature a variety of performers including Tim Watson, Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Valley Road, Solid Blue, and Foggy Hollow Review. Tickets are $25.00.

- Supporters of the Marshall County Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 6-9 a.m.

The breakfast meal will include pancakes, sausage and drink for only $5. Eat in or take out is available at Sand Mountain Toyota, the Boaz Senior Citizen Center, or at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Aroney. Corporate Delivery is available. If you have any questions regarding ordering or breakfast please contact Marshal Brooks at 256-302-1911.

- The Albertville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 3rd Annual Hot Momma 5k Bike & Run on May 17, 2014 at the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, located 316 East Sand Mountain Drive. This years' event will include a 5k Bike ride as well as a 5k run.

Participants can choose to Bike, Bike & Run, or Run only.

People of all ages are welcome. Bikers will be required to provide their own helmet and wear it the bike portion of the 5k. Registration is from 6:30-7:45 a.m. The costs start at $20.00. Bike rides begin at 8 a.m. The 5k runs starts at 8:30 a.m. The awards are at 9:30 a.m. Please contact the Chamber at 256-878-3821 for more information.

Northeast Alabama Community College will offer a variety of summer career camps intended to allow students to discover career opportunities in a variety of fields, including healthcare, public safety, salon and spa management, and manufacturing. Each of the camps will be offered the week of June 9 – 13 (9 am – 4 pm on the NACC campus, with the exception of the Salon & Spa Management camp, which will be held at the college’s Salon Institute facility in Scottsboro. The cost of each camp is $59 and includes lunch each day. The following camps are available: Careers in Salon & Spa Management Camp is open to students in grades 8-12 and will be held at the Salon Institute in Scottsboro. In this camp, students will get a taste of the salon and spa industry through hands on activities in therapeutic massage, cosmetology, hairstyling, esthetics and nail care. In addition, students will learn to dress for success and how to make decisions regarding appropriate dress and makeup for various business and social situations.

Students in grades 9-11 may attend Adventures in Health Care Careers Camp and enjoy a week of exploring various careers in healthcare. Guest speakers and visits to health care facilities will expose participants to a variety of careers in healthcare, nursing and medicine.

High school students in grades 9-12 will learn about careers in law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services in the Public Safety Camp. Participants will enjoy an exciting week of first aid training, fire equipment demonstrations, and crime scene processing. There will be great field trips and each participant will learn some valuable life and safety skills.

As part of the college’s Summer STEM Experience, students in grades 6-8 will learn to build, program, and operate simple robots in Robotics Camp. A field trip to local industry will allow students to see industrial robots in action.

Manufacturing Day Camp is open to students in grades 9-12. Here, students will be introduced to the world of modern manufacturing through hands-on projects and site visits to manufacturing facilities. Students will walk through the manufacturing process and will go home at the end of the week with a great project that they design and produce. This camp is co-sponsored by GH Metal Solutions, Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) and the Nuts, Bolts and Thingmajigs Foundation.

For more information, contact Mrs. Julie George in the Skills Training Division at (256) 228-6001, ext. 2254 or (256) 638-4418, ext. 2214. Details and registration materials are located on the college website at www.nacc.edu/workforce. Click on Summer Career Camps. Early registration is recommended, as seating is limited. The deadline to register is May 15.

For information about Northeast, see the college’s web page at www.nacc.edu.

By Carol Beddingfield • Fort Payne Chamber I admire and respect people who are employed in the car service industry. They truly have the “patience of Job”.

No other industry diagnoses a problem from the description in sound!

I have described problems with Black Beauty (Dodge van) in so many different sounds that the guys at Westmoreland Tire just start smiling before I am half way through.

Needless to say, they always fix my car. Westmoreland Tire is known as the tire store but they also specialize in auto repair including brake service and alignment.

The store opened in 1974 with only two employees.

Today the business has grown to over 45 employees with three generations of experience. There are five separate locations based not only in Fort Payne but also in Albertville and Greensboro, Alabama. The three different types of tire operation in Fort Payne include general tire sales, large truck fleet and the retread plant.

Ed Westmoreland will celebrate his milestone of 40 years in business with an anniversary dinner on Thursday, May 15th at the DeKalb Theatre.

Ed is more than a businessman. He is a leader who gives untold to many aspects of our community. His sons have learned from a great role model to continue the tradition of community support.

How does a company stay small and sell big? It is accomplished through not just the products, but it is through unparalleled service.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate Ed Westmoreland on the great success of Westmoreland Tire.

More importantly, I thank Ed for helping to improve the business community of our area.

Vivian Roberts Vivian G. Roberts, 81, of Albertville, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the her residence. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Albertville. Burial was in the Maple Hill Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband: Ovid (Bud) Roberts; Daughters: Janet (Galen) Freemon & Linda (Jeff) Mays; Brothers: David (Celia) Roberts & Phillips (Laura) Roberts; Sisters: Gwen Warren and Barbara Hayes; and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: HD (Chuck) and Rena Gregory.

Mary Dell Maness Mary Dell Maness, 82, of Albertville, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at the Marshall Medical Center South.

Funeral services were held on May 14, 2014 at the Adams Brown Service Chapel.

Burial was in Memory Hill Cemetery.

She is survived by her Daughters: Sandra Merideth, Donna Maness, and Rhonda Maness;

Grandchildren: Matt and Chase Pack & Flannery and Oakley Merdith; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents: Thomas and Jessie McCreless; Husband: L.P. Maness; and Brothers: Kermit and JT McCreless.

Mary Thompson Mary Lou Graham Thompson, 100, passed away on May 7, 2014 at UAB Hospital. A graveside services was held at Memory Hill Cemetery on Monday, May 12, 2014.

She is survived by her daughter: Nancy Thompson; and Brother: Robert Graham. She was preceded in death by her parents: Charlie and Neely Isbell Graham; Husband; Nathan P. Thompson; Son: Charles Bowels; four brothers; and two sisters.

Carlton L. Cagle Carlton L. Cagle, 76, of Albertville, passed away on May 9, 2014 at Marshall Medical Center South.

Funeral services were held on May 10 at the Adams Brown Service Chapel.

Burial was in Marshall Memorial Gardens.

He is survived by his daughter: Gaynell (Steven) Wright; Sons: Ronnie Hall, Jerry (Becky) Hall, and Keith Cagle; Sister: Patrica Cagle; and Brothers: Adrian and Bobby Cagle. He was preceded in death by his parents: Earl and Flora Cagle, Wife: Bernice Cagle; Son: Phillip Hall; Brother: Charles Cagle; and sister: Nell Holt.

Ronald Miller Ronald Miller, 72 of Albertville passed away on May 8, 2014. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at the Albertville Memorial Chapel. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife: Glenda Walker Miller Daughter: Lori (Fred) Walshus; Grandchildren: Brooke (Jason) Lee, Chris Walshus; Great-Grandchild: Braden Horton; Sister: Linda (Jerry) Statham; and Brothers: Gary (Jean) Miller, and Roger Miller.

He was preceded in death by his Parents: Cephas & Esther Miller Sisters: Ruth Miller & Janette Parris.

The Eyes Of Our Understanding Have you ever had times when you didn’t understand a certain thing, perhaps even a math problem, then all of a sudden it seemed that understanding came from nowhere?

This will give an idea about how God works concerning our understanding of spiritual matters. Many people take it for granted that their way of seeing spiritual matters just has to be right, because they have held the same opinion for many years.

The truth of the matter is that God Himself is the One Who gives us ability to comprehend spiritual things. The first thing God does is to convict us of sin. If we respond properly to that conviction and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, then we have a new spiritual nature, through which God can make known other spiritual truths.

Ephesians 1:17-20 says, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to

the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His Own right hand in the heavenly places.”

There is more here than I can cover, but I will say that our verses are a part of Paul’s prayer for the church at Ephesus. He wanted God the Father to give them understanding and knowledge concerning the person of His Son. Moreover, he wants their spiritual eyes to be opened, so that they could begin to comprehend something of the greatness of the hope within them concerning the glorious future they would have with God. He also wanted them to understand more fully that the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that works in all believers, so that we can do the work that God has given us to do.

Most Christians seem prone to offer excuses, at least sometimes, concerning their inability to do what God expects of them. The truth is that we do not have the ability, by our own strength, to do the will of God, but the Holy Spirit inside us has all of the power in the universe to accomplish God’s desires in us and through us!

The Corner Stone Market Natural Foods • Organic • Essential Oils

“We Got What You Need!

Column by correspondent Matt Silvestro When you watch a baseball game or a basketball game, you are watching professional players. But, it's quite interesting to me that some baseball players can't lay down a bunt and some basketball players have trouble making a free thrown.

You are telling me you can line up a 90 plus mile per hour fastball and hit it 400 feet, but you can't put down a bunt? As for basketball players, you can shoot threes all night long and hit them, but when the game is on the line you barely shoot 60 or 70 percent from the line? It's just crazy to me how some players can't do the basics.

I think not being able to make a free throw is probably the craziest. You can practice it constantly, it never changes, but when putting down a bunt, it's totally different each time because you have to think of the pitch that is coming, but when making a free throw, it should be the same every single time. I just think it's pretty crazy is all.

The Ledger Classifieds To Submit Ads: Phone (256) 506-7368 • Fax 256-528-2543 • E-mail TheSportsLedger@gmail.com Or Mail To PO Box 175 • Albertville, AL 35950 • Regular Deadline is each week is Noon Tuesday.

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Geraldine High School Senior Class of 2014

Fyffe High School Senior Class of 2014

(L-R) Collinsville Valedictorian Taylor Wash and Salutatorian Sindy Mendoza.

The Ledger, Brandon K. Pierce

Collinsville High School Senior Class of 2014

Stone named Valedictorian at Geraldine High School Luke Stone has been named the 2014 Valedictorian at Geraldine High School.

Luke is the son of Gary and Shannon (Pittman) Stone, and brother to Brody.

He serves as the chapter president of the Geraldine Beta Club, is the class reporter, and is an active member of Student Government Association (SGA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and FCA. Throughout his high school career at Geraldine, Luke received awards in all subjects and he was chosen as the SAR Good Citizen during his Junior year.

Luke is involved in his community and he participates in various volunteer activities, including the Youth Volunteer Program at Marshall Medical Center South in Boaz.

This fall, Luke plans to enter college on a PreMed track at the University of Alabama.

He has been accepted into the Honors College and the Blount Undergraduate Initiative.

Geraldine Salutatorian Ramsey Knott

Knott is Salutatorian Geraldine’s Ramsey Knott has been named the Salutatorian for the 2014 Senior Class at Geraldine.

Ramsey is the daughter of Joseph Knott and Ginger Hill and the granddaughter of Sanda Mitchell, Don Mitchell, and Barbara Knott and the late Marlon Knott.

She has a 3.95 GPA and has been involved in various school activities. She has been a varsity cheerleader for the past two years and was named captain of her squad.

She has been awarded an academic scholarship to Northeast Alabama Community College and a service scholarship to Snead State Community College. She plans to attend a community college and then transfer to the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in Business Education.

Geraldine High School Valedictorian Luke Stone

Bowen and Barksdale are Fyffe’s top two Taylor Bowen has been named the Valedictorian of the 2014 Senior Class at Fyffe High School.

She is the daughter of Lee and Sonya Bowen.

Taylor has attended Fyffe for 13 years, where she has been active in various school activities and in the community.

She has been an active member of the Fyffe Robotics, Beta Club, Students with a Testimony, Spanish Club, Pep Club, and the SGA (Student Government Association).

In the fall, she plans to attend Jacksonville State University to pursue a degree as a Nurse Practitioner.

Fyffe Valedictorian Taylor Bowen

Kindra Barksdale has been named the 2014 Salutatorian at Fyffe High School. Kindra, who is the daughter of Kevin and Ann Barksdale, is originally from Fyffe. She spent part of her youth in Nebraska before returning to DeKalb County in 2010.

Kindra currently serves as secretary of her class, president of the Fyffe High School Robotics, Treasurer of the Beta Club, and captain of the Lady Red Devils volleyball team.

Additionally, Kindra participates in the Guest Baptist Church Youth Group, Students with a Testimony, Students Fyffe Salutatorian Kindra Barksdale Against Destructive In the fall, she plans to University to pursue a career Decisions, Pep Club, Beta the attend Jacksonville State in Physical Therapy.

Club, and Spanish Club.

Fort Payne High School Senior Class of 2014

The Ledger, Brandon K. Pierce

Top Wildcats The Fort Payne High School Senior Class of 2014 has 182 members this year.

The students are led by (L-R) Valedictorian Armond Fernandez and Salutatorian Tyler Frabel. Armand is the youngest son of Filipino parents Frederico and Ruby Fernandez. Tyler is the son of Brandi Bouchard and Michael Fraebel Fort Payne’s graduation is set for May 23, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.

Enjoy Mentone’s Spectacular Blooms Annual Rhododendron Festival is set for May 16-18 Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama offers an ideal climate for growing rhododendrons and to welcome bursts of the beautiful blooms and the arrival of spring, Mentone celebrates with a three day event held the third weekend in May. Presented by the Mentone Area Preservation Association, the Rhododendron Festival features a variety of live music featuring local musicians, scenic boat rides, a pageant, an expanded children’s festival area, and special offerings from Mentone’s finest restaurants and bistros.

Set for May 16-18, 2014, the three-day event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday with a catfish fry at the Mentone Pavilion and the Miss Rhododendron Pageant follows at 6 p.m. Last held in 1998, the Miss Rhododendron Pageant returns in 2014 providing young girls ranging in age from birth to 18 years old from Mentone and surrounding areas an opportunity to compete for scholarship money. The pageant will be held at the Mentone Community Church. From 8 to 10 p.m., there will be a free concert featuring Gypsy Begonias on the pavilion of the Mentone Inn and a bonfire behind the pavilion will light up the evening. The free concert is sponsored by One World Adventure Company, Mentone Reality and Mentone Inn. The Rhododendron Festival gets underway at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Local musicians will perform throughout the day at the Brow Park Pavilion beginning at 10 a.m and slated to perform at this year’s event are Lisa Crow, Daniel Hughes, Jared Cushen, Amy Snider, Jess Goggans, Terry Hutcheson and Jerry Bloom. At 6 p.m., the outdoor pavilion at the Mentone Inn will host a performance by headliner Debbie Bond, the queen of Alabama Blues.

Saturday’s lineup also includes singers from the Liberty Baptist Church in Henagar who will be performing Sacred Harp music in the sanctuary of Saint Joseph’s On the Mountain Episcopal Church. Performance times are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, Brow Park will be filled with over 70 artists and craftsmen offering their handmade

creations and “Taste of Mentone” participants will have their staple dishes and new creations for festivalgoers to taste.

Located in the right parking lot of Kamama’s Art Gallery, the Children’s Festival has been expanded and highlights include a giant apple spinner, gyro, pony rides, and a dunking booth. The Valley Head fourth grade will be grilling hot dogs and additional entertainment include a

magician creating balloon art, a new sidewalk chalk art contest and a “Hoops to Help” fundraiser for festival goers to make donations and to shoot hoops for the Jay Parker Darwin Memorial Scholarship.

There will also be carriage rides and scenic boat rides will be offered at DeSoto Falls from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $10 per person.

On Sunday, live music gets going at 11 a.m. at the Brow Park Pavilion and includes performances by Robby Jordan, Marc Womack, Curtis Strange, Silvia Constantino, Jess Barker and Larry Joe Hall. The three-day event wraps up around 4 p.m Admission is free. For more information, call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740.