SPORTS: Sparkman bowlers roll through regional, qualify for bowling state tournament
M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY January 26, 2022
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Over 500 students in MCS test positive for COVID, district making two days virtual
INSIDE
By JOHN FEW John@themadisonrecord.com
Almost ready! Bargain-minded shoppers who like a good deal while helping people in need will enjoy a new facility about to re-open in Madison. The new Downtown Rescue Mission Thrift Store will open next month. Page 8A
EVENTS
MADISON – Dr. Nichols said schools throughout the district will not go completely virtual for the time being, but will had a couple of virtual days starting this week. Several schools districts throughout the state and in North Alabama have elected to move back to remote learning in response to increased COVID cases and staff shortages. Several schools in Huntsville City Schools and Madison County District Schools announced last week they will hold classes virtually.
Nichols said Sunday evening the school district had 88 teachers and staff test positive for COVID. “That is 4% of our employee base,” he said.”We also had 524 students test positive which is 4% of our student enrollment. While this percentage may not seem high, it does not reflect the staff and students quarantined due to being a close contact. Currently, we had around 10% of our staff that were out this past week for COVID and personal reasons. The good news is that almost 50% of those are scheduled to return this week. This hopefully will help relieve See SCHOOLS Page 3A
The Madison City Schools District will make Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 virtual learning days.
City planning public meeting, workshop for comprehensive growth plan
Upcoming Events Check out these fun upcoming events. Page 5A
COMMUNITY
By STAFF REPORTS
Looking ahead
Journey principal Dr. Treva Stewart (center) holds an artist rendering of the new Journey Middle School last year with MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols (right) and Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell.
Dr. Ed Nichols: Journey Middle School completion may be delayed
SPORTS
By JOHN FEW John@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said last week there is a delay in construc-
State Champ! An incredible 12-month rollercoaster ride of emotions has ended on a high note for Carly Thomas of Bob Jones High. The sophomore Lady Patriot, the lone member of girls wrestling at the school, won her second consecutive girls wrestling State Championship. Page 1B
CLASSIFIEDS
FIND JOBS INSIDE: There are plenty of jobs within today’s classifieds pages. See page 4A.
INSIDE Records .......... 2A Events ............. 5A Education ........ 6A Sports ............. 1B
Business ......... 4B Kids................. 5B Church ............ 6B Lifestyles ......... 7B
16 pages • 2 sections
tion of the district’s new middle school, meaning it would likely not be completed in time for the start of the 2022-23 school year. “MCS administrators have been monitoring the
progress of Journey Middle School since the groundbreaking. In recent communications with the construction management firm and contractors, it was brought See JOURNEY Page 3A
Decorated veteran to receive Helping a Hero home By GREGG PARKER Gregg@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – A groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 1 will lead to a new home in Madison for a wounded veteran. The new home has resulted from the collaboration among musical artist Lee Greenwood, best known for his anthem, “God Bless the USA”; local builder/developer Louis and Patti Breland, who is constructing Clift Farm and Town Madison; and Meredith Iler, founder of the Helping a Hero Home organization. This home for SSG Michael Brown
is one of two Helping a Hero homes awarded by Louis and Patti Breland at the “All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood” held at the Von Braun Center on Oct. 12, 2021. The groundbreaking will start at 11 a.m. The home, located at 100 Hudson River Drive in Madison, is part of the Crossings at River Landing. Follow directional signs to the lot. Brown and his wife are parents of a 15-year-old daughter. In 2007, Brown’s Military Police Unit was deployed to Mosul, Iraq. Tragically, a grenade hit Brown. See GROUNDBREAKING Page 3A
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SSG Michael Brown slams a run during a baseball game. Brown will receive a Helping a Hero home in the Crossings at River Landing in Madison.
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Registration has opened for a unique event this spring. Entrants in the Mustang Mud Run will face mud, slimy bogs, creek water and an obstacle course, along with a sense of fulfillment in helping people in need. Page 7A
MADISON – The City of Madison’s is holding a public meeting for the kick-off of the city’s new comprehensive planning initiative. Called, “Madison on Track 2045”, the plan will be a policy document for use by the community at large to make decisions about future growth. The public workshop will be held Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Madison City Hall, 100 Hughes Road, in the lobby and council chambers. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. “The comprehensive plan will serve as a vision for the city, developed by the community, for the community,” said City of Madison Communications Specialist Samantha Magnuson. “The public workshop will offer Madison residents an introduction to the comprehensive planning process, consultant team, project goals and timeline.” For more information, visit www.madisonontrack2045.com