The Madison Record - Nov. 22, 2023

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WEDNESDAY

November 22, 2023

We wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

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Kids Kingdom

INSIDE

Madison Academy fends off Mars Hill to advance in state football playoffs

Love of music

In his career as a professional drummer, Madison resident Ardie Dean has performed around the world and worked as musical director, record producer and teacher. However, his first love always has been making music with his drums. Page 3A

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

The newly refurbished Kid’s Kingdom at Madison’s Dublin Park opened on Monday with an official ribbon cutting, with lots of Madison youth taking in all the renovated playground has to offer. City officials, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, Madison Visionary Partners, and members of MCDAB were present to mark the occasion. Madison Visionary Partners, which helped with fundraising for the project, presented the city a check for over $600,000 for the refurbishment efforts. The new playground brings not only new and improved equipment that replaced the aging original wood structure, but also includes accessible features. Go to www.themadisonrecord.com for more details about the renovated playground.

Sour Cream Cookies

The holidays are officially here, and with them comes the opportunity to make many fun desserts. This recipe is great to try with kids. Page 5A

A Christmas Carol

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy will open the holiday season with its yearly tradition, “A Christmas Carol.” Page 6A

themadisonrecord

City acquires wellness center in Town Madison By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - The City of Madison has officially acquired the Wellness Center at 190 Graphics Drive (previously operated by Hexagon) in a vote approved by the Madison City Council at the Nov. 13 meeting. The acquisition completes the recreational campus in Town Madison, adding programs and services to Madison’s Parks and Recreation roster. “As our community grows, our parks and rec services must also keep pace. We are

thrilled that the Wellness Center will serve our community with a gymnasium, exercise space and a large patio directly adjacent to the new pickleball

courts,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. The Wellness Center purchase adds 28,000 sq.ft. and apSee CENTER Page 8A

MADISON – Madison Academy (12-0) was able to hold off Mars Hill Bible (10-2) on a rainy Friday night in the second round of the 3A playoffs for the 21-14 victory to remain perfect. The Mustangs advance to the third round that will be played at home on Black Friday against their nemesis from a year ago in the form of Sylvania (10-2) who eliminated Madison Academy 48-45 in overtime in the playoffs last year. Madison Academy senior running back Ken Cherry was his usual dominant self with 20 carries for 231 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns in the win. All three of the Mustangs’ TDs came from the running game as Joshua Williams ended up with 67 yards on seven rushes with a score. Williams’ 8-yard touchdown was the first of the game for Madison Academy who took advantage of a Mars Hill fumble deep in its own territory midway through the opening quarter. The Panthers tied the game at 7-7 when the Mars Hill quarterback Griffin Hanson forced his way into the end zone on a 2-yard goal line play near the end of the first quarter. Cherry and Madison Academy promptly responded with secSee MADISON ACADEMY Page 4A

Former Madison County Sheriff laid to rest Saturday

Sheriff Dorning leaves a legacy of dedication, leadership, and service to Madison County

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

This Saturday is “Small Business Saturday” and the Madison Chamber of Commerce has made it even better. Page 7A

ONLINE CHECK US OUT! Check out more local news, school stories, sports and events at themadisonrecord.com and find us on Facebook and Twitter.

INSIDE Local News ....... 2A Living................ 5A Events............... 6A Sports .............. 1B

Schools ............ 4B History.............. 5B Kids.................. 6B Faith................. 7B

16 pages • 2 sections

Sheriff Blake Lee Dorning ty Sheriff’s Office as a jail deputy. “A man of strong Christian faith, Sheriff Dorning’s illustrious four-decade See DORNING Page 4A

The funeral procession for Sheriff Blake Lee Dorning makes its way through Huntsville on Saturday.

It’s all about FAMILY! Come Join Ours! 2405 JORDAN LANE NW, HUNTSVILLE

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Hot Cocoa Stroll

HUNTSVILLE - Madison County morned the loss of former sheriff Blake Lee Dorning, 61, last week. According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dorning peacefully passed away on Nov. 14 at his home in Huntsville, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services were held Saturday at Huntsville First United Methodist Church. Sheriff Dorning dedicated over four decades to serving the Madison County community through the Sheriff’s Department, retiring in 2019. According to the sheriff’s office, Dorning was born on June 18, 1962 in Harvest and spent his early years on the family farm cultivating a profound appreciation for farm and rodeo life before starting his law enforcement career in 1983 with the Madison Coun-


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