The Madison Record - Feb. 15, 2023

Basketball playoffs

Local basketball teams advance in state playoffs

By JOHN FEW news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Several local high school basketball teams advanced from the area tournaments last week to the sub-regional and regional semi-finals this week.

In Class 7A girls, Bob Jones won the Area 8 crown and will open their regional tournament action on Thursday against Vestavia Hills at Wallace State in Hanceville. Tip-off will be at 9 a.m.

Area 8 rummer-up James Clemens will face Hoover at noon to begin their regional tournament play.

The Sparkman Lady Senators won the Area 7 title over Huntsville last week. Both teams will play in the regional semi-finals on Wednesday (today). Sparkman will face Chelsea at 9 a.m. and Huntsville will take on Hewitt-Trussville at noon. Both games are also being played at Wallace State.

In the Class 7A boys’ action, Area 8 runner-up Bob Jones will take on Vestavia Hills at 10:30 on Thursday. Area 7 winner Hunts-

ville will play Oak Mountain today at 1:30 p.m. Sparkman, the Area 7 runner-up, will face Spain Park at 10:30 today.

Madison Academy came out as a bigger winner in Class 5A Area 16, taking both the boys’ and girls’ area tournament titles. They began sub-regional action Monday after the print deadline for The Madison Record. Go to www.themadisonrecord.com for game re-

sults.

St. John Paul II girls’ basketball defeated West Limestone on Thursday in the Class 4A, Area 15 final. They too played in the sub-region round on Monday.

For related stories about the Class 7a Area 8 tournament results, check out this week’s sports section and go online to www.themadisonrecord.com for coverage of this week’s results.

Madison boasts 17 percent of state’s U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

Schools is among the school districts in Alabama with the most U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists.

Twelve of Alabama’s 70 semifinalists, or 17 percent, attend school in Madison. Seven of the semifinalists are from Bob Jones High School, while James Clemens High School has five students who qualified as a U.S. Pres-

idential Scholar Semifinalist.

These Madison students’ achievement ranks statewide across 137 public school districts and private schools.

The semifinalists from Bob Jones are Thais R. Arslanbekov, Neha S. Chopade, Puja S. Chopade, Kennedy G. Gore, Justin Pan J. Pan, Ashwin Prabhakar and Lilian Qu.

James Clemens students who are U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists include Yuti Das, Joshua Wang, Max A. Wyche, Jeremiah J. Yang and Jerry

See SCHOLARS Page3A

By JOHN FEW news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - A petition to bring Madison’s city manager issue to the city’s voters has met a renewed legal challenge after it was resubmitted last week. This comes as two groups on either side of the issue wait to see what decision will be made about the petition by the local probate judges.

The initial petition was rejected by Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger after some signatures were found to illegible, or of citizens who did not live within the city limits or was not registered to vote.

Madison Forward, a citizens group pushing for a special election on whether to change the city’s government structure from having a strong elected mayor to an appointed city manager, resubmitted their petition to Judge Barger with approximately 900 signatures.

Dr. Terri Johnson, who serves as the group’s cochair, said by press time on Monday they had not heard from Judge Barger about the status of the petition. A similar petition was also submitted to the Limestone County Probate Judge. A civil lawsuit filed by a local citizens group calling themselves MC Watchdogs is asking the Circuit Court in Madison County to prohibit the ratification of the petition.

According to the group’s representative Margi Daly, they are try-

See PETITION Page 2A

Program officials selected 12 students from James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools as U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists.

Groups waiting to find out if petition will be approved

Zamyra Goode (12) takes a practice shot as Bob Jones warms up after the halftime break in the game against Austin last week at Bob Jones High School. The Lady Patriots won the Class 7A Area 8 title on Thursday against James Clemens. See page 1B for story.

Photo by Caleb Odom

The Sparkman Lady Senators captured the Class 7A Area 7 title over Huntsville last week.

Photo of the Week

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Petition Continued from page 1A ing to show the signatures for the petition was improperly obtained because Dr. Terri Johnson, a leading member of Madison Forward works for the state as a university professor.

They had also filed a similar lawsuit in Madison County Probate Court to challenge the original petition.

Johnson, who is the co-chair for the Madison Forward group serves on the city’s planning commission and previously served on the Madison City Schools Board of Education for ten years.

She led an informative public session at the Madison Library last summer to help provide information about the proposed transition plan while allowing citizens in attendance to ask questions or express concerns.

To read updates to this story through the week, go to www.themadisonrecord.com.

The city manager system has been under consideration since Madison Mayor Finley appointed a Madison Governance Transition Committee in August of 2021 to investigate the fitness of the system for Madison. The committee produced results in January of 2022, unanimously in favor of the city manager system.

The proposed change would place a council-appointed city manager in charge of the city’s daily operations and departments.

Ultimately the decision lies with Madison voters

who must approve the transition. Madison Forward, who is in favor of the change, has been collecting signatures since last July to submit the petition calling for a public vote.

Currently, the city of Madison operates with a mayor-council form of government, with seven voting district representatives and mayoral recommendations with no vote.

If the change is approved, it would require redistricting Madison into six districts, with a voting mayor elected at large.

The mayor would mostly represent the city in public events and in meetings with neighboring cities.

Currently, the mayor is elected and oversees municipal departments and functions, with a heavy hand in deciding the overall direction for the city.

The proposed change would place a council-appointed city manager in charge of the city’s daily operations and departments, who answers to the city council. The mayor would be the “face of the city” and serve as the city council president.

Those for the change say the council-manager form will benefit the residents of Madison “because they gain continuity and accountability in city government, as well as increased transparency.”

Those against it, argue the move is just a way to maintain the “status-quo” and stifle change through the election of a strong mayoral candidate in the next election.

The Bob Jones High School Patriot Players presented a brand new, original show presented over the weekend. “A Wedding Tale” is lighthearted and very fun show written by BJHS drama teacher Jesse Tilton. The students are using the proceeds from the show to help fund their upcoming trip to the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Lexington, KY. A reception followed the performances with coffee, cake, and live music.

Madison man accused in double homicide set to go to trial this week

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

ATHENS - A Madison man accused of shooting and killing two men over four years ago is set to go to trial by jury this week.

Jacob Gideon Copeland, 24, was charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Damian Blake Ricketts, 21, of Hazel Green, and Devin Edward Richard, 22, of Huntsville in 2017.

Officers found Richard and Ricketts dead in their vehicle, which was in the driveway of a home on Analicia Drive in East Limestone, on Aug. 31, 2017, sheriff’s spokesman Stephen Young said at the time.

At a preliminary hearing in September 2017, Investigator Rodney McAbee outlined the prosecution’s evidence against Copeland.

Richard and Ricketts were introduced to Copeland at a party because they wanted to buy marijuana and Copeland was known to sell it, McAbee said.

However, when the three went to an ATM to withdraw money for the transaction, Richard and Ricketts did not have the $300 Copeland wanted, according to McAbee’s recounting of a statement by Copeland.

They discussed trading a revolver for the marijuana instead, but that never happened, according to Copeland’s statement.

Copeland told investigators Richard and Ricketts went back to the

Scholars

L. Zheng.

party later that night and claimed Copeland stole their gun, a small pearl-handled revolver, McAbee said. McAbee said no pearl-handled revolver was recovered.

Throughout the day Aug. 30, 2017, Copeland told investigators, he received texts and calls from Richard and Ricketts, who were asking for their gun back.

One of the text messages used expletives to say Copeland didn’t know who he was messing with, Copeland’s attorney said during cross-examination.

When asked about Copeland’s messages to Richard and Ricketts, McAbee said none of Copeland’s messages seemed threatening.

Copeland told investigators he agreed to meet them and give them drugs in exchange for the value of the gun, McAbee said. Richard and Ricketts, who McAbee said was known by several people at the party to sell heroin, convinced Copeland to buy some of the drug at the party, but Copeland said “he didn’t do heroin,” McAbee said, relating Copeland’s statement.

Copeland sent them his location via a text message and waited for them to arrive, he told investigators. Copeland gave Richard and Ricketts marijuana, ecstasy and the heroin he bought from them the previous night, McAbee said.

Ricketts, who was holding an Airsoft BB rifle in his lap, then told Copeland, “I know you’ve got more.

Give us all you have,” according to Copeland’s statement.

Continued from page 1A

MCS administrators also congratulated teachers in the feeder schools to Bob Jones and James Clemens, including elementary and middle school campuses, for mentoring the semifinalist students.

In 1964, an Executive Order from the president established the U.S. Pres-

idential Scholar program to recognize the most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas, including academic success, leadership and service to school and community. The program is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.

In 1979, the U.S. Presi-

McAbee said the Airsoft rifle, which was recovered at Copeland’s house, looked like a real gun.

Copeland told investigators he then “started fake crying, backed up a few feet and started shooting,” McAbee said. Young said the gun used to kill Richard and Ricketts was a 9 mm handgun.

Last year, defense attorneys for Copeland argued he is immune from prosecution under the state’s “stand your ground” law.

Court records show the first day of the jury trial was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Limestone County Courthouse with Judge Chadwick Wise.

For updates to this story throughout the week, check www.themadisonrecord.com.

dential Scholar program expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability in career and technical fields.

Later in 2023, officials

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Jacob Gideon Copeland

Huntsville authorizes increased funding for Hays Farm Park

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The City of Huntsville is increasing its budget for the new Hays Farm Park in South Huntsville.

Huntsville upped its commitment from $3.6 million to $4.6 million for construction and development of the nine-acre park on Haysland Road. In turn, Hays Farm developer, Hylis Inc., led by John Hays, will provide another $1 million toward the project, bringing the total budget to $5.6 million.

The additional funding, approved by City Council through an amended development agreement, will allow the City to fully realize the intended scope of

the park. While still in the design phase, the park will include a children’s playground, potential splash pad, walking trails, lake, and lawn space for community events and outdoor gatherings.

“We anticipate the surrounding community to use this beautiful space as they would Big Spring Park,” Mayor Tommy Battle said.

For District 3 City Council Member Jennie Robinson, the park will also be a significant quality-of-life amenity for South Huntsville.

“The Hays Farm Central Park will be an anchor for all the redevelopment occurring along the South Parkway,” she said. “It will create an iconic sense of place and serve as a gathering point for

A map of the plans for Hays Farm Park.

the community.”

Hays Farm Park is located on the southside of Haysland Road, between Grissom High School and the new apartment complex under construction. It is designed to connect to Elgie’s greenway

and a new office and retail development to provide the ultimate live, work and play environment.

Once the park’s design phase is complete, the City expects construction to begin in late 2023.

Huntsville approves land purchase for new Parks & Recreation center off Zeirdt

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - Residents in West Huntsville have been requesting a recreation center to serve their growing neighborhoods, and Huntsville Parks & Recreation says it has found the perfect site.

City Council agreed and has authorized the administration to move forward with a $1,127,115 contract to purchase approximately five acres of land on Martin Road just west of the intersection with Zeirdt Road.

“This facility will be a huge ad-

dition to the quality of life for the residents of West Huntsville,”

Council President and District

5 Representative John Meredith said. “The indoor athletic courts and fitness rooms will provide area residents recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather or when it gets dark. The meeting space within the center will, to name just one use, provide a safe environment for area seniors to coalesce and interact. I am proud to serve the people of District 5 and look forward to the day this facility opens its doors to them.”

Council’s approval is the first

step in moving forward with the purchase from HAD Land Equity II.

“We’ll enter a 60-day due diligence period to conduct environmental testing and Geotech studies to make sure the site can accommodate our plans,” City Administrator John Hamilton said. “Once the City closes on the purchase, the General Services and Parks & Recreation Departments will immediately begin the design process and roll into construction.”

The new recreation center is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

The Camp is bringing Mardi Gras to Huntsville’s MidCity District

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Mardi Gras is full swing right now, but you do not have to book a trip to New Orleans to enjoy it.

“Mardi Gras at MidCity” is a three-week celebration at MidCity District’s The Camp. The event draws thousands of people to the grounds to partake in authentic food and music, many of which are native to New Orleans.

“Music and culture have a way to deeply connect a community and inspire the soul,” said RCP Co-Founder Max Grelier.

“What we are doing at MidCity District is less about building a physical place and more about building an authentic community mindset. It’s known that music and culture matter, but when it comes from the right place in the right way it can be a powerful force for good and allow us to celebrate our humanity together with this Mardi Gras celebration.”

RCP Companies hand-picked musicians that would add to the authenticity of the event and bring New Orleans culture to MidCity District. The three-week Mardi Gras celebration will include musical per-

formances and entertainment by several groups and organizations, including:

Blackwater Brass Band

Brass-a-holics

Young Fellaz

Soul Brass Band

Huntsville Drumline

The Cotton Candies

Funk You

Admiral Phunk

Majesty Divines Drag Brunch

In addition to musicians traveling from New Orleans, authentic Mardi Gras food is intentionally curated. King cakes from renowned bakery, Manny Randazzo King Cakes, will make their way to Huntsville.

‘Mardi Gras at MidCity’ festivities began on Friday, Feb. 3 and conclude on Fat Tuesday, Feb 21, with a musical performance by New Orleans funk band, Flow Tribe. VIP pergolas and igloos will be made available for rent and the final weekend will also include a crawfish boil, the MidCity Paw Parade, a brass brunch with the Soul Brass Band and appearances by authentic Mardi Gras Indians from New Orleans. For more information, visit ExploreTheCamp.com.

The new center will sit on five acres of land on Martin Road just west of the intersection with Zeirdt Road.

City of Huntsville: Huntsville Transit Improvement Plan recommends Sunday service, extended hours

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The City of Huntsville’s fixed-route and paratransit service will see significant enhancements over the next few years, including the possibility of Sunday service and extended hours.

Those recommendations are part of a new Transit Improvement Plan, the culmination of several months of analysis by Huntsville Transit and public transportation consultant Nelson\Nygaard. Feedback gathered from a broad range of stakeholders also informed the final five-phase plan.

Huntsville Transit worked with Nelson\ Nygaard four years ago to analyze operations and create an earlier Transit Improvement Plan. Most of the plan’s recommendations were implemented, including 30-minute service on three routes, a new transit hub at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, Saturday service, expanded paratransit service, and extending evening service to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Previously, Autry said there was only one round of public listening sessions. This time, there was a concerted effort to engage with a greater cross-section of the community.

“There was extensive outreach, including to our local companies to learn more about the needs of their employees,” said Huntsville Transit Manager John Autry. “We had two rounds of community meetings, town halls and surveys for both existing riders and nonriders who had an interest in Huntsville Transit.”

Recommendations

Public feedback yielded several service recommendations, including service on Sunday, more frequent service and later service. Riders also want service to new areas as well as new crosstown service.

Expanded paratransit service, improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops, and potential partnerships with universities and colleges were also recommended.

Autry said implementation of the first phase could happen as early as December, with additional phases added over the coming years. Also affecting the implementation timeline is the new Huntsville Transit Transfer Station on Pratt Avenue, set to open in late 2023 or early 2024.

Here’s a look at the plan’s recommendations:

Phase 1

Realign routes to streamline service

Add Sunday service

Add Route 56 (Bidirectional service along Memorial Parkway, Hobbs Road and Bailey

Cove Road) Upgrade Route 4 on Saturday Upgrade Route 8 to 30 minutes

Phase 2 Upgrade Routes 5 and 9 to 30 minutes

Extend weekday service to 10 p.m.

Add Route 100 (service to Huntsville International Airport and Greenbrier Parkway)

Phase 3 Upgrade Route 4 to 15 minutes

Extend Saturday service to 8 p.m.

Phase 4 Upgrade Routes 3 and 7 to 30 minutes

Phase 5 Upgrade Routes 6 and 10 to 30 minutes

Each phase of the plan recommends adding buses to meet peak ridership needs. At full implementation, the new plan requires 24 peak buses. Huntsville Transit currently operates 13 peak buses.

“I’m very pleased with the recommendations outlined in this plan, which I believe will not only improve service for our current customers, but also increase future ridership,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “As Huntsville continues to grow, it’s important that we provide the best service possible to meet the needs of the community.”

Visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/ Transit to learn more about Huntsville Transit’s current routes and service times.

Uncle Remus and the banker

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

Characters, every family has them, our family was “blessed” with many, if you shook our family tree, more than a few nuts would fall out; it was a heavy producer. With 40 uncles and aunts, (I’m not exaggerating…yet) there was never a shortage of unusual circumstances.

Take my Uncle Remus, yes that really was his name, he had played semipro baseball in Chicago in the 1920’s and rode an Indian Chief motorcycle until he was 85, a few months before he died. He had very definite ideas about how to live his life, never married; he had a two-room house on forty acres adjoining my grandparent’s farm on Walker’s Bend.

While other farmers plowed their fields with Allis-Chalmers, Fords and John Deeres, Uncle Remus continued farming with two mules and a bottom plow. When asked, he would say, “Those mechanized contrivances are going to be the ruination of the nation; polluting the air with smoke, noise and ripping the land apart plowing at those ungodly speeds.” When he heard illegal aliens were moving into St. Clair County, he promptly put aluminum foil in his windows and declared, “Those aliens are not going to read my thoughts, no sir!”

Every spring he would

go into town to our local bank and see Mr. Striplin for a crop loan. For years the ritual had been the same, Uncle Remus would make a loan request and Mr. Striplin would approve it; They would shake hands and Mr. Striplin would holler out to Josephine at the teller’s window; “give Remus the money he needs” and that was that.

One spring my uncle went in for his usual loan but Mr. Striplin had died, the bank changed hands, and a scrubby faced, young banker had taken his place. Remus made his request and Mr. Striplin’s replacement asked him, “What do you have for collateral?” That flummoxed my uncle; “What do you mean collateral?” “You know something of value you could put up as security for the loan.” Remus rubbed his chin and said, “I have a mule, would that do?” “No” replied the banker, “We don’t take livestock for collateral. Do you have a vehicle?” “Yes, but it is sitting out in the back pasture right now, it doesn’t have any wheels on it”, my uncle said. Finally, the banker agreed to the loan.

That fall after selling his crop, Uncle Remus stopped by the bank, reached into the front pocket of his bib overalls and pulled out a big wad of cash to pay off his loan. The young banker eyeing what was left

See STORYTELLER Page 8A

Are Alabama’s state revenue streams too ‘wild’ to enact permanent tax cuts?

By JUSTIN BOGIE www.1819news.com

MONTGOMERY - The question of what to do with Alabama’s $3 billion revenue surplus continues as the 2023 Alabama legislature regular session approaches.

Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, discussed the prospects of permanent tax cuts vs. tax rebates on Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal” last week.

Like other lawmakers weighing in on the issue, Garrett thinks lawmakers will eventually “do a rebate of some size.” But he also cautioned about the pushback over implementing a rebate versus putting all the money back into state government.

Rewards of caregiving for elderly parents

By ASHLEY CARTER www.1819news.com

My husband and I recently began spending much more one-on-one time with his parents. Things look a bit different now as they have gotten older. Alzheimer’s has a way of interrupting things and making life a little bit more difficult, so we’re staying very close to make sure they have everything they need — from cooking, to cleaning, to making sure things are taken care of on their property.

Our parents spend so much time raising us and pouring into our lives … and then the roles get reversed and we are the ones taking care of them.

There are days that seem totally normal, and then there are those that leave you wondering if your loved ones are still in there. Each day brings both joy and sadness. Their confusion is mixed with simple things that light up their day and bring joy to them like that of a small child.

Caregiving for our parents can be somewhat overwhelming, but in the end more rewarding than anything, and I am quickly learning that these treasured

moments with loved ones are undeniably the best thing that comes from caring for them in the later part of their lives.

No two days are the same. There are days that are uneventful and somewhat peaceful and there are days where confusion sets in, and you are left explaining things over and over in a cycle that you think will never end.

There are also moments of pure joy, where you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. One of these happened this past Sunday. Those who know my father-inlaw realize that he can be a bit grumpy, but generally a lovable old man. He was in a bit of a mood that day, and continued to question something that he was having a hard time understanding. Then my mother-in-law began to sing “Amazing Grace.” Within a few seconds, my father-in-law forgot about his concern and started singing along with her. It was at that moment that everything calmed down, the confusion passed, and life felt absolutely normal again. I had to hide my tears with laughter.

Even though there are many tough moments, days, and even weeks, I wouldn’t trade any of them for anything. The

See CAREGIVING Page 8A

Garrett pointed to Alabama’s tax structure as the main reason lawmakers are hesitant to pursue permanent changes to the tax code. “Most states are dependent more on property taxes, which tend to be very stable,” he said.

“Sales and income taxes fluctuate wildly. When the money is coming in, they go up. When the money is not there, they drop. So we’re looking at all of that and a very disciplined approach.” Garrett also said that per capita, Alabamians are the lowest taxed citizens in the country. Rankings like this are highly subjective. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021 ranked Alabama with the 10th lowest taxes per capita. The same year, using 2018 fiscal year data, the Tax Foundation ranked Alabama as having the

second lowest tax burden in the U.S., at $3,527 per person.

However, the Tax Foundation ranks Alabama 41st when it comes to state business tax climates, ranking 50th in sales tax and 30th for individual income taxes. Alabama’s tax system hampers “economic growth by including too many business inputs, excluding too many consumer goods and services, and imposing excessive rates of excise taxation,” the report said.

There are structural changes to the tax code that could be made to allow citizens to take home more of their earnings and improve the tax environment for Alabama businesses.

To his credit, Garrett is open to permanent tax changes, even

See TAX CUTS Page 8A

Grow your green thumb with Master Gardeners of North Alabama workshops

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Master Gardeners of North Alabama (MGNA) is preparing gardeners for the upcoming spring and summer season with free, public workshops. With topics ranging from “Native Plants” to “Perennials, Annuals, and Companion Plants”, MGNA’s Newcomers and Beginners Brown Bag Garden series in the month of February instruct and educate the public on starting and caring for a garden in North Alabama.

“Among the topics we cover in our workshops are things homeowners can use in their daily lives such as correct pruning, water conservation, right plant in the right place, proper care and needs of plants, soil amendments, integrated pest control and many more topics,” Janet Boothe, MGNA Education Workshop Chair, ex-

plained.

Last week’s workshop, “Soil, Grass, Water Management” lead by MGNA Regional Extension Agent Rhonda Britton, explained maintenance measures for warm season and cool season grasses in North Alabama lawns along with water conservation techniques. Britton shared vital information on the unique characteristics of the North Alabama landscape to residents and offered tips on yielding healthy grass and soil according to type and pH levels.

MGNA has been dedicated to educating gardeners about the local, native environment since 1981 and commenced annual series of workshops in 2010. For forty-two years the MGNA has adhered to its threefold mission: “To enhance and supplement the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Horticulture Program (Master Gardener Program). To

extend the Master Gardener’s knowledge of and interests in horticulture and related activities. To disseminate to North Alabama residents information on horticultural practices and techniques in accordance with standards approved by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.”

This year MGNA is rotating venues of their workshops between the Madison Library, South Huntsville Library, and Main Branch to increase accessibility for all parts of the community.

There are two more workshops in February for the Newcomers and Beginners Brown Bag Garden Series that will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the last two Tuesdays of the month at the Madison Library. Workshops will start again March 21 and continue once a month, excepting July, through November. In addition to these workshops, MGNA also plays host to their large annual plant sale. For information and a schedule of upcoming events, visit mg.aves.edu.

Madison Hypersonic H-pawns win Alabama Chess Team Championship

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison City Chess League or MCCL hosted the inaugural Alabama Team Championship at Calhoun Community College on Feb.

4.

Plans to host the first state team championship began in August 2022 when MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett mentioned the idea to Calhoun President Jimmy Hodges and Mark Branon, Dean in Huntsville.

“What a wonderful venue!” Bartlett said. “Seven teams competed in the Championship Section, and 13 teams competed in the Reserve Section.”

A hallmark of a team tournament involves creative team names. This year’s teams included “Knights of the Square Table,” “Theory of Relativity,” “Keep Calm and Caro Kann,” “Blunder Thunder” and “Tornado Watch Until 4 p.m.”

Former Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon sponsored the tournament. “On Jan. 31, Mac McCutcheon was appointed to fill the Madison County Chairmanship by Gov. Ivey. Congratulations and thank you for continuing to support our chess program,” Bartlett said.

The top MCCL teams squared off in Round 2. Madison Hypersonic H-pawns eventually earned the championship title. The Queen’s Gambit team won “Top Women’s Team.”

“It was a great first team championship for Madison City Chess League. MCCL was excited to field the top women’s teams in each section and to award cash prizes for the first, second and top women’s teams. In the Reserve Section, teams from James Clemens, Liberty, Discovery and Horizon also had half female representation,” Bartlett said.

MCCL assembled its top players from different corners of the city

to field a competitive team for the Championship Section with the first team championship. Team members are Sherwood Dong, Xavier Bruni, Victor Lundy and Ethan Smith.

“It came down to the final round’s last game with seconds on the clock as the Hypersonic H-pawns only needed a split with Theory of Relativity to maintain clear first,” Bartlett said. “Losing the last match would have meant a three-way tie for first. But Xavier Bruni and Sherwood Dong came through with needed wins to clinch the championship, plaques and $400 team prize.”

Top players in Tennessee joined Steven Pan of Madison to form the LEGO Chess Team and win second place and $300 cash prize.

In the Queen’s Gambit team, Sarah May, Constance Wang, Nirvana Rajbhandari and Shreya Sunil captured the top women’s team title and $200. “We were very proud to field a women’s team in such a competitive section,” Bartlett said.

DMS Kings, Discovery’s top team, worked diligently to prepare for the first state team championship event and reach “State Reserve Champions.” They received first-place

plaques and $200. Team members Aadi Saxena, Jacob New, Caden Jordan, Joseph Park and Coach Will Stevenson manned this group. Bayside Academy in Daphne won second-place team, while Dark Horse Warrior Chess Club was third in the Reserve Section.

The award for “Top Secondary Scholastic Team” and a fourth-place tie went to BJ Mittens with Marek Fries, Andrew Park, Artem Starenki and Andrew Yang. “Love this team name (if you play on chess.com, then you know),” Bartlett said.

Horizon earned “Top Elementary Scholastic Team” with Esteban Jerez, Theodore Piper, Alice Zou and Kylie Zou.

The Queen’s Quest team members with Rachael Ehrman, Sophia Jerez, Samsara Rajbhandari and Caroline Wang earned the distinction of “Top Women’s Team.” They won medals and $100.

The team, Keep Calm and Caro Kann, from James Clemens performed well; members are Madhu Balaji, Jason Park, Isabelle Park and Sahishnu Saha.

“We were so excited to see Liber-

See TEAM CHAMPS Page 8A

There are two more workshops in February for the Newcomers and Beginners Brown Bag Garden Series that will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the last two Tuesdays of the month at the Madison Library.

At the Alabama Team Championship, the Madison Hypersonic H-pawns team claimed the title of “State Team Champions.” Members are Sherwood Dong, Xavier Bruni, Victor Lundy and Ethan Smith.

Christine Johnson repeats win in American Legion’s Oratorical Scholarship Program

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Six students tackled a broad concept with the U.S. Constitution to compete in American Legion’s High School Oratorical Scholarship Program.

These students from high schools across Madison County participated in the first round of the oratorical contest. The county-level competition was held at Madison City Hall on Jan. 28.

Christine Johnson earned first place in the oratorical contest for the county level. The topic for each student to discuss was the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. (The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a public trial, a lawyer, an impartial jury and knowl-

edge of accusers and charges.)

Johnson’s presentation was entitled “Defending the Constitution to Keep our Freedoms.”

“2023 was Christine’s second year for taking home the top prize at the Madison County level,” Dan Marr said. Marr serves as Oratorical Chair for American Legion, Post 229. Johnson is a home-school student. Her parents are Bryan and Amy Johnson.

Thomas Fleming claimed second place in the contest. Fleming is a home-school student, and his parents are Steven and Cammie Fleming. Townley A. Hayes was the third-place winner. Hayes attends St. John Paul II Catholic High School. Her parents are Alfonzo and Tamekia Hayes.

The top three contestants received cash prizes and plaques.

Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy presented an award certificate to each teen.

The other contestants who delivered outstanding speeches about the U.S. Constitution were Sadie Sandlin, who attends Huntsville High School, and Haven Johnson and Gabe Etheredge, both students at Providence Classical School.

“For the first part of the competition, the students each gave a pre-prepared 8- to 10-minute speech on any aspect of the U.S. Constitution they chose,” Marr said. “For the second part, they had to give a three- to five-minute speech on an amendment, randomly selected by the oratorical committee. After the topic was selected, each student was given five minutes to prepare his or her speech.”

“Once again, we had a group

‘Alabama Authors Quilt’ exhibit, quilting lecture at public library

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – In recognition of Black History Month, Madison Public Library is joining other branches of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to commemorate the traditional artform of quilting.

The “Alabama Authors Quilt” series is a joint initiative between the library system and Historic Huntsville Foundation.

The driving force for the series, Tiavalya Befecadu is an award-winning, selftaught textile artist who has exhibited her work in local and national museums. Her Alabama Authors Quilt program explains her inspiration and what she calls “her quilting journey.”

NBC and CBS affiliate television networks, radio stations and other outlets have featured Befecadu on the importance of embracing Black culture and women’s voices through art. She believes in preserving the traditions of quilt making, not only as items of comfort but through timeless wall hangings as art.

In 2017, Befecadu founded Tiavalya Photography LLC, a minority, woman-owned small business specializing in family portraiture, corporate headshots and executive branding. In 2020, Befecadu expanded her creative portfolio to include custom textile art quilting created from photographs.

Befecadu teaches her textile art and quilting techniques to children, beginner quilters and craft enthusiasts. She is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild and Board of Directors for Historic Huntsville Foundation.

Individuals can meet Befecadu on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. and view her Alabama Authors Quilt at Madison Public Library. Befecadu will discuss her inspiration that led to creating her quilt, which will be on display at branches of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library during February and March.

Also at 2 p.m. on Feb. 26, Dr. Elliott Knight will present “Patterns of History:

The Madison History Association will host an interesting meeting featuring the stories of Madison in the 1960’s and beyond from Mrs. Elizabeth Groover

The free public meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Madison Public Library in Room 1.

The Groover’s moved to Madison in 1965 while Mr. Groover was working with the the Space Program and started at Brown Engineering.

Art and Quilting in Alabama.” Knight serves as Director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. He authored “Alabama Creates: 200 Years of Art and Alabama Artists.”

Knight will discuss the art of quilting and Alabama’s artistic traditions. He will survey Alabama’s many acclaimed visual artists and provide historical context for living artists, such as Befecadu, whose Alabama Authors Quilt will be displayed during his presentation.

In addition, Madison Public Library will host “Quilt-Themed Storytimes” for infants through five-year-olds. Toddler Storytime on Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. will feature stories, songs and rhymes; Preschool Storytime will follow at 10:30 a.m. The same schedule applies on Feb. 22-23. Befecadu’s quilts are for sale. For more information, visit tiavalya.com, hmcpl. org/alaauthorquilt or historichuntsville. org.

Golf tournament planned to help Next Step Farms

Next Step Farms Golf Tournament will be hosting a golf tournament at Huntsville Country Club Course on Monday, March 13 with lunch at 11 and a shotgun start by 12:30. Next Step Farms is an adult special needs day program for individuals with cognitive disabilities. This tournament offers an opportunity to learn more about the program, and enjoy an afternoon of fun, fellowship and good-natured competition. Register at www.nextstepfarms.org.

of really impressive young men and women compete,” Marr said. “I applaud each of them for committing the time to prepare and participate in the oratorical. Public speaking at any age can be difficult, but these students have already developed a lifelong skill that I’m sure will benefit them in the future.”

Johnson advanced in the competition to represent Madison County at the District 12 Oratorical Contest on

Feb. 11 at American Legion, Post 15 in Decatur. She took first place and will move on to the Division 1 Oratorical Contest, which will be held on Feb. 18 at 11 a.m., back at Madison City Hall.

American Legion’s High School Oratorical Scholarship Program at Madison City Hall included Dan Marr, Post 229 Oratorical Chair; Thomas Fleming in second place; Townley Hayes in third place; first-place winner Christine Johnson; Sadie Sandlin; Haven Johnson; Gabe Etheredge; and Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy.

Tiavalya Befecadu will display her “Alabama Authors Quilt” and Dr. Elliott Knight will lecture on quilting history at Madison Public Library on Feb. 26.

Huntsville Ballet Company to present HBC Off-Stage Feb. 17-19

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE – HBC Off-Stage will feature “The Best of Huntsville Ballet” Feb. 17-19 presenting audience favorites from their repertoire such as The Rose Adagio from Sleeping Beauty, Pas de Deux’s from Amore and The Letter and selections from the popular Stage Door Canteen as well as a new contemporary work, Bring the Rain by Huntsville Ballet’s own, Gina Guerrera.

Artistic Director, Phillip Otto will also premiere the recreation of Pure Line set to the beautiful music of Serenade for Strings.

Each performance will conclude with the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the dancers in the up-close and informal setting of the Dream Theatre.

“In December, we presented The Nutcracker to the largest audiences in Huntsville Ballet history. We’re excited to thank our patrons by presenting these audience favorites,” said Artistic Director, Phillip

Storyteller

Otto. The mission of Huntsville Ballet is to preserve and teach the classical art of ballet; to bring the artistry of classical and contemporary dance to the Huntsville community and beyond through performances, education and outreach programs. Our vision is to be North Alabama’s source and ambassador of extraordinary ballet experiences that give life to the classical tradition, nurture new ideas and empower children with a lifelong love for the arts.

For more information, go to huntsvilleballet.org. You can also find information about HBC’s upcoming presentation of Cinderella, which will be held April 14-16 in the VBC’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall.

SHOWTIMES FOR HBC UNPLUGGED

Friday Feb 17 @ 7:30PM

Saturday Feb 18 @ 2:00PM

Saturday Feb 18 @ 7:30PM

Sunday Feb 19 @ 3:00PM

Dream Theatre 3401 Holmes Ave, Huntsville huntsvilleballet.org

Continued from page 5A asked, “What are you going to do with the rest of it?” “Well, I’m going to put it in a Mason fruit jar and bury it, that’s what I’m going to do.” Remus replied. “Oh, don’t do that, leave it here with me and I’ll put it in the vault and whenever you want to use it, I’ll get it out for you.”

and asked, “What Do You Have for Collateral?!!”

Tax cuts

My Uncle Remus looked that scrubby-faced young banker right in the eyes

Caregiving

Bruce Walker chooses to see the humor in life’s events. In addition to writing a weekly column, He speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller. com

Continued from page 5A

time that I get to spend with my amazing mother-in-law and father-in-law — the people who lovingly raised my husband — is a blessing to me.

I pray daily that my children feel the same way when my mind doesn’t work as well as it used to, and I forget who they are. I pray that they will experience the same joy in taking care of their parents as we experienced in taking care of them as small children.

Our time here on earth is precious, but it just doesn’t seem to last long enough,

Team Champs

so it is such a blessing to be able to give back to the ones who have given so much to us. There are many friends and family members who have experienced these same moments and I know they wouldn’t trade those for anything.

So even when the days are hard and the nights are long, share love and understanding — and patience too — remembering that someday, it might be you.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email ashley.carter@1819news.com.

Continued from page 1A

ty team members Tim Lee, Laya Gowder, Anna Ai and Rhyan Quansah represent their school at the first state team championship,” Bartlett said.

Bob Jones and Discovery partnered to build a winning women’s team, Queens Quest, in the Reserve Section. Members are Rachael Ehrman and Caroline Wang

from Bob Jones, along with Samsara Rajbhandari and Sophia Jerez from Discovery.

“Horizon was the only elementary team in the entire competition and showed out with a fifth-place finish and ‘Top Elementary Scholastic Finish.’ Way to go!” Bartlett said.

Continued from page 5A though he feels they will be challenging to enact, noting, “I think tax reform is something we should discuss but permanent tax cuts, we’ve got to be careful because we’re dependent heavily, unlike most states, on income and sales tax.” Garrett has supported structural tax code changes in the past, including during the 2020 regular session, when he and Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) cosponsored a bill to reduce the state’s corporate income tax and untie state tax payments from the federal tax code.

While it is true that Alabama’s Education Trust Fund budget relies heavily on income and sales tax collections, those revenues have steadily increased over the past few years and continue to do so in the first quarter of 2023. Individual income and corporate income tax receipts grew by an annual average of 18.9% and 28.2% respectively from 2018-2022, data from the Legislative Services Agency and Open.alabama.gov shows. Sales tax receipts grew at a more modest rate of 6.7% but outpaced average inflation over the five-year period.

Individual and corporate income tax receipts were up 12.2% and 15.7% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 compared to the same period last year. Sales tax growth slowed but was still 3.4% ahead of the first quarter of 2022.

In the State General Fund, gross collections of the state’s online sales tax, which are divided evenly between state

and local government, ballooned from approximately $80 million in 2018 to over $600 million in 2022. They continued to grow by 22.8% though the first quarter of this year.

Should we expect the state’s primary revenue sources to continue to grow at these elevated rates? No, but economists from the University of Alabama predict that the state’s economy will shrink only slightly in 2023, adding that “even if we go into a recession, it is only expected to be a mild one.”

Alabama’s state government is collecting more revenue than at any point in state history. While the economy may slow down this year, a major downturn is not expected. If lawmakers fear that the current state tax structure is weighted too heavily towards volatile revenue streams, Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature as well as all statewide elected offices and could change it. There is enough money available to provide Alabamians with historic tax relief, without jeopardizing future state budgets. The question is, are lawmakers willing to do so?

Justin Bogie serves as Fiscal and Budget Reporter for 1819 News. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News or The Madison Record. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to: Commentary@1819News.com.

HBC Off-Stage will feature “The Best of Huntsville Ballet”, including Stage Door Canteen.

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - It was a week full of girls basketball action as the 7A Area 8 Tournament was held at Bob Jones High School last Tuesday and Thursday.

The Lady Patriots of Bob Jones won the Area 8 Championship with their 52-14 defeat of James Clemens on Feb. 9.

The two teams squared off in the Thursday finale because of Tuesday victories over Austin and Florence.

The early Feb. 7 game belonged to James Clemens as the

Jets took down Florence 65-46 in a contest that was knotted up 2828 at halftime.

James Clemens relied on a solid night from Gabriella Stigger, who tallied 21-points, while Kimory Porter finished with 18.

Bob Jones was victorious in the second contest of the night, besting Austin 55-24 at the Lady Patriots’ home gym.

Alana Obianozie led the charge for Bob Jones with a 15-point performance.

“Alana, I know I’m going to get a lot of consistent effort from her like offensively and defensively,” Bob Jones head

coach Jazmine Carr said.

A slow start by the Lady Patriots didn’t deter them from pulling away in the second half to advance to the championship game against James Clemens.

Later that week, the crosstown rivals faced each other for bragging rights and to determine the seeding configuration for the regional bracket at Wallace State Community College on Thursday, Feb. 16 in Hanceville.

The Jets were no match for a physical Bob Jones team that was focused on playing lock-

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Bob Jones High School wrestling program is regarded as one of the most successful in Alabama with a strong feeder program of middle school student-athletes. The Jr. High team of the Patriots has again won the North Alabama Wrestling Championships posting a 194.5 to 139 win over runner-up Arab, followed by New Hope with 97.5 and Huntsville at 91.5.

Held at Bob Jones, the North Alabama Wrestling Championships featured 18 teams with 342 young wrestlers taking to the mats for the annual event.

“We were the favorite going into the event as were undefeated during the season and

we have won the title each year since 2014,” said Jim Zepp, volunteer head coach of the middle school program for Bob Jones. “We started the season

teaching the basics of wrestling to our athletes and ended up as team winners. That’s a great feeling and shows the dedica-

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HARVEST - Laron White has announced his retirement as coach and teacher at Sparkman High after six years at the school and more than 20 years in education.

Sparkman principal Chris Shaw said White will be missed on the sidelines and added, “He created a culture and community we are very proud of. His high expectations, intense preparation and desire to see each student-athlete in his program succeed are just a few reasons he will retire as one of the most decorated coaches in Alabama.”

A native of Courtland and a 1992 graduate of Courtland High, White received a football scholarship to play football for the Alabama Crimson Tide where he played for legendary coach Gene Stallings from 19931996. He graduated for the university in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree and later earned his master’s degree from the University of West Alabama. He first took a job at Decatur High before landing the head coaching job at Tanner High where he coached for 14 seasons posting an overall record of 14830. Among those wins included state championship victories in both 2012 and 2013. He took the job at Sparkman in 2018 and earned a 34-30 record in his stay with the Senators. His best season was in 2019 where the Sen-

The Bob Jones Jr. High wrestling team captured the North Alabama Championship while posting a 55-percent winning percentage throughout

Auburn Tigers to host North Alabama at Toyota Field on Tuesday

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Before the Trash Pandas are back at Toyota Field in April, SEC baseball returns to Toyota Field next week.

The home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Auburn University Tigers on Tuesday, Feb. 21, against the University of North Alabama Lions. The matchup will be the second appearance for the Tigers at Toyota Field after they

defeated Tennessee Tech 4-3 in the first SEC Game in Madison on March 9, 2022 in front of an electric crowd of 6,710.

“We’re looking forward to playing at Toyota Field again this season,” Auburn baseball head coach Butch Thompson said. “The Trash Pandas were a great host a year ago, and the Auburn fans in the Huntsville area were engaged in the game from start to finish. We have no doubt it’ll be more of the same come February 21.”

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. with all gates at Toyota Field opening at 4:30 p.m.

For ticket information, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

Parking is available through Clutch! for $6.75 in advance. Parking increases to $10 on the day of the game and is available upon entry to the Toyota Field parking lot.

Toyota Field is a cashless venue and a clear-bag policy will in effect. Full game information will also be

See AUBURN Page 4B

A dozen area wrestlers qualify for state tournament

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

BIRMINGHAM - A dozen wrestlers from the immediate area high schools have qualified for the AHSAA State Tournament scheduled for this weekend at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The top six finishers in each weight classes of the Class 7A North Super Regional held in Birmingham will make their way to the season-ending event.

Nine Bob Jones wrestlers punched their tickets to the State Tournament while James Clemens had two individual wrestlers and Sparkman one.

At the North Super Regional, Maddox Sunderman of Bob Jones was the lone local wrestler to advance to the Regional finals participating in the heavyweight 285-pound weight class. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound twosport athlete, who recently signed a scholarship to play football at Jacksonville State, lost in the finals to Rayshod Burts (49-3) of Spain Park in a 2-0 decision. Sunderman (43-3), a senior, made his way through the competition with three wins before falling in the finals.

Additional State Tournament qualifiers featured:

220: Tafari Alcime, Jr., (51-7) of Bob Jones won third place 5-2 over Chris Hawkins, Sr., (44-11) of Hewitt Trussville; 195: Ben Crouse, Jr., (3418) of Bob Jones won fifth place by

DFF over Griffin McKinney, Jr., (40-14) of Huntsville; 182: Ronin Amsler, Sr., (34-8) of Bob Jones lost in fifth place match by fall 1:23 to Nathan Black, Jr., (35-12) of Thompson; 170: Sheldon Sharp, 8, (56-18) of Bob Jones won fifth place DFF over Vincent Bianca, Jr., (41-13) of Grissom; 160: Jaylin Bellamy, Sr., of Sparkman won fifth place DFF over Charlie Buttiker, So., (38-21) of Hewitt-Trussville; 138: Max Bell, So., (23-17) of James Clemens lost the fifth place match DFF to Landon Keith, Jr., (24-12) of Chelsea; 132: Ethan Johnson of James Clemens, Jr., (30-9) won fifth place DFF over Caiden Conolley, Jr., (19-10) of Chelsea; Jack Shaver, Jr., (42-15) of Bob

Jones won fifth place DFF over Alec Nelson, So., (45-23) of Hewitt-Trussville; 120: Troy Hennigan of Bob Jones, Sr., (33-11) lost fifth place 5-0 to Jayden King, So., (20-6) of Tuscaloosa County; 113: Zander Samargia, Fr., (40-14) lost third place by fall 1:22 to Wallace Blue, Jr., (37-4) of Huntsville; 106: Kaden Clark, 7, (58-11) of Bob Jones won third place forfeit over Cale Tucker, Sr., (21-7) of Vestavia Hills. The final team standings included 1. Vestavia Hills 239, 2. Thompson 226.5, 3. Huntsville 200, 4. Hewitt-Trussville 157.5, 5. Hoover 142.5, 6. Spain Park 140.5, 7. Bob Jones 136, 8. Chelsea 92.5, 9. Tuscaloosa County 61.5, 10. Grissom 57.5.

Registration for 43rd annual Cotton Row Run now open

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - Registration for the 43rd running of the Cotton Row Run is now open.

The annual 10K/5K road race event will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 in downtown Huntsville. Conducted by the Huntsville Track Club, “early bird” pricing for registration is good through the end of February. Registration is available at www.cottonrowruns. com.

Bill Penney Toyota and Fleet Feet return as major sponsors of the event which includes the traditional races of a 10K, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. Proceeds from the event benefit Gold Star Families, Snowball Express and Gold Star Moms as the annual Memorial Day extravaganza honors fallen military members who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. The race course takes the runners through a living memorial flag line that commemorates Fallen Warriors whose family members live in the immediate

Huntsville area.

Last year’s winner was Gilbert Boit of Arkansas who posted a winning time of 29-minutes, 35-seconds to edge out Shadrack Keter of North Carolina (29:36) in the what was the closest finish in the race’s history. The two went head-to-head the final one-half mile. Josh Whitehead of Madison was third (33.00). The overall women’s winner was Sarah Nabeii of North Carolina with a winning time of 35:09.

Overall, there were 1,279 finishers in the 10K race in 2022.

Nine Bob Jones wrestlers punched their tickets to the State Tournament.

The annual Cotton Row Run held on Memorial Day in downtown Huntsville has become a staple among big events in the Rocket City. This year’s race is scheduled for May 29 and registration is now open.

Patriots earns spot in regionals after placing second in 7A Area 8 tourney

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

DECATUR - The Austin Black Bears cut down the net for winning the 7A Area 8 Championship on Friday, Feb. 10, but Bob Jones lived to play another day.

The Patriots went down to a strong shooting Austin team 62-45 in Decatur to close out a week of action.

The teams met in the title game because Austin dominated Florence 90-58 while Bob Jones sent James Clemens into the offseason with an exciting 43-40 classic that came down to the wire.

The Patriots leaned on the play of Malachi Mitchell with 11 points, while teammate Dylan Willingham tallied 9.

Mitchell was flying around making plays for Bob Jones as the Jets tried to get something going.

“Malachi’s motor runs. It never stops running. He is one of those guys who can play 32 minutes,

probably play 50 minutes,” Patriots head coach Luther Tiggs said.

It was 17-15 James Clemens at the half, but Bob Jones promptly grabbed the lead and managed to keep the Jets at bay the remainder of the night.

James Clemens stayed right with the Patriots with the score standing at 27-23 after the third quarter.

The drama only intensified in the final period as the Jets used a clutch shot by Bryce Mason with 7.2 seconds to make the score 42-40 Bob Jones.

Patriot point guard Sean Paul made a free throw to push the James Clemens defect to just three points with only 3.3 on the clock.

A half-court sideline pass to Mason by the Jets and a subsequent timeout gave James Clemens one last chance with 1.2 to play.

The ball found Mason yet again, but his shot attempt didn’t find its mark and the Jets came up short.

“We believed until the final sec-

onds on the board,” Mason said.

“I just played hard. I wish our seniors would come back. I’m going to miss them for sure.”

The narrow victory for Bob Jones sent them back to Decatur for a Friday battle with Austin.

The Area 8 championship was not nearly as close as the Black Bears controlled the game with timely shots and pressure on Patriot playmakers.

Austin teammates Cam Collins and Jordan Johnson both had 15 points in the victory, while Mitchell ended up with 12 for Bob Jones.

The Black Bears led the game 11-10 after the first quarter, but the Patriots struggled to keep pace as the Austin lead stood at 26-19 by halftime.

“We played hard,” Mitchell said. “I just thought that we needed to block out more, be more aggressive on the ball and switch on defense, listen, and be vocal.”

The score was 42-26 by the end

Chargers sweep Saturday doubleheader, Bodine breaks hit streak record

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – The University of Alabama in Huntsville baseball team finished off a four-game series at Charger Park against visiting Missouri-St. Louis with an 8-7 win followed by 26-5 victory on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Charger Park. UAH moves to 4-3, while UMSL’s record now stands at 2-2.

UAH hits the road to Miles for its next action on Wednesday. First pitch slated for 12 p.m.

UAH 8, UMSL 7

A back-and-forth affair between the Chargers and Tritons ended up in favor of the Blue & White, as Landon Ezzell delivered a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to win it 8-7 for UAH.

Garrett Bodine highlighted the beginning of the contest, as his single to lead off the bottom of the first gave him 39 consecutive games with a base hit to break the UAH baseball program record and the Gulf South Conference re-

cord. The previous record was recorded by former UAH player Vincent Kortbawi in the 2013 season.

Bodine finished the day 2-for-5 with one run scored and two stolen bases.

Brennan Vasquez recorded a team-high three hits in a perfect 3-for3 day at the plate to go along with two runs, one RBI and one walk. Three Chargers rated second on the squad with two hits apiece, including Bodine, Ezzell and Mitchell Rottier.

Will Griffith earned the win in relief, as he tossed the final 3.1 innings with one run allowed and three strikeouts. He picks up his first win of the season to improve to 1-0.

Landon Singley started for the Chargers, turning in 3.2 innings with six runs allowed and two strikeouts.

UAH 26, UMSL 5

The Chargers scored at least two runs in each of their six innings at bat, highlighted by a 13-run outburst in the sixth as UAH drubbed UMSL 26-5

See UAH BASEBALL Page 4B

UAH ends Chillout in victorious fashion after falling to ODU

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

ALBERTVILLE – The University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team wrapped up play at the Charger Chillout, presented by Marshall County Tourism & Sport, at Sand Mountain Park on Sunday with a 5-4 loss to Ohio Dominican followed by an 11-7 win over Kentucky Wesleyan. UAH’s overall record now stands at 6-3.

The Chargers look ahead to their home-opener at Charger Park on Wednesday against visiting North Georgia. First pitch for the doubleheader set for 1 p.m.

ODU 5, UAH 4

Ohio Dominican came from behind to win 5-4 over UAH, as the Panthers plated the game-winning run in the top of the seventh.

Alexa Douthitt registered a team-high two base hits in a 2-for-3 day at the plate to go along with one run and one RBI.

Kinley Adams registered the Chargers lone extra-base hit with a double in the bottom of the third. She also scored one

run on the day, which came in the third as well.

Jada Henderson drew a team-high two walks and scored a roster-leading two runs. Kaylee Vaught and Caitlyn Bryson each had two walks to rate second on the squad.

Josie Thompson started for the Chargers, turning in 3.1 innings with four runs allowed for a no-decision.

Grace O’Berry took the loss in relief, despite working an efficient 3.2 innings with one run allowed, zero walks and one strikeout. Her record drops to 1-1 this season.

UAH 11, KWC 7

The Chargers came from behind to win it 11-7 over the Panthers in the squad’s final game at the Chillout, as the squad rallied for four runs apiece in the fifth and six innings to propel UAH to victory.

Maddie Cartron led the Chargers offense with a team-high four RBI in a 2-for-4 day at the plate, as she also had the squad’s lone extra-base hits in the win. Cartron’s day was highlighted by a game-tying, three-run home run in the

See UAH SOFTBALL Page 4B

Austin defeated Bob Jones to win the Class 7A Area 8 title on Friday. The runner-up spot was good enough to earn the Patriots a trip to Wallace State this Thursday to open their regional tournament action against Vestavia Hills.

Garrett Bodine broke the Gulf South Conference record for consecutive games with a base hit.

Maddie Cartron’s day was highlighted by a game-tying, three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth against Kentucky Wesleyan.

High school games hosted at Toyota Field begin March 1

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Signs of spring are almost back in the Rocket City as baseball returns to Toyota Field in less than five weeks.

Following the Auburn game against North Alabama on Tuesday, February 21, high school baseball will take center state at the home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas in March. Throughout the month, Toyota Field will host 13 games featuring schools from across the Tennessee Valley, before concluding with one more local high school game in late April.

The first high school games begin Wednesday, March 1, with a doubleheader.

• Game 1 – 4:30 p.m.

New Hope vs. Priceville

• Game 2 – 7 p.m. Athens vs. Grissom

About three weeks later, the James Clemens High School Spring Take Off Tournament will take over Toyota Field for a busy weekend.

Thursday, March 23

Gates open at 12 p.m.

• Game 1 – 1 p.m. Holtville vs. Opelika

• Game 2 – 4 p.m. Holtville vs. Priceville

• Game 3 – 7 p.m.

James Clemens vs. Creek Wood

Friday, March 24

Gates open at 9 a.m.

• Game 1 – 10 a.m.

Holtville vs. Collierville (TN)

• Game 2 – 1 p.m.

Opelika vs. Collierville (TN)

• Game 3 – 4 p.m.

Stanhope Elmore vs. Oakland

• Game 4 – 7 p.m.

UAH Softball

bottom of the fifth.

James Clemens vs. Oakland (TN)

Saturday, March 25

Gates open at 9 a.m.

• Game 1 – 10 a.m.

Stanhope Elmore vs. Creek Wood (TN)

• Game 2 – 1 p.m.

Stanhope Elmore vs. Riverdale

• Game 3 – 4 p.m.

Russellville vs. Riverdale (TN)

• Game 4 – 7 p.m.

Russellville vs. James Clemens

Tickets for all high school games will cost $10 and are good for all games on a given day and can be purchased by going to www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

Parking at Toyota Field is available for $3 per day and can be purchased online via Clutch! Parking will only be charged once per day. Guests can leave and re-enter as they please.

Toyota Field concession stands will be open, serving a selection of ballpark favorites as well as Pepsi products.

For the James Clemens High School Spring Take Off Tournament, tickets purchased from the Trash Pandas will be the only ones accepted for games at Toyota Field. Tickets purchased from other locations will not be honored for games at Toyota Field.

The last game in March will feature the University of Alabama baseball team making the trip to Toyota Field for the first time to battle Middle Tennessee on Tuesday, March 28.

On Monday, April 24, Bob Jones High School will host the final high school baseball game of the year, taking on Hoover at 5 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m.

Continued from page 3B

Lawren Hayes also had a two-hit game out of the top of the order and reached base in all four of her plate appearances as she also had a team-

UAH Baseball

high two walks. She also scored a team-best three runs.

Alexa Douthitt rated second on the squad with three RBI, with the freshman going 1-for-2 with two runs.

Continued from page 3B

in the series finale on Saturday. UAH collected 22 base hits in the matchup, led by Landon Ezzell and Mitchell Rottier who both went 5-for-6 against the Tritons. Ezzell additionally scored a team-high five runs and added three RBI, while Rottier drove in a roster-best five runs and scored four times.

Lady Patriots

Carson Villalta rated second on the roster with three base hits to go along with three RBI, with Bodine, Brock Butler, and Jackson Lindsey each adding two base hits to give the Chargers six multi-hit performances.

Bodine’s hit streak extended to 40 games with his 2-for-3 day at the

Continued from page 1B

down defense with a dose of opportunistic scoring.

Janiyah Bone’s 14 points and 13 for Jae Smith helped lift the Lady Patriots over James Clemens.

“We just couldn’t get anything to fall,” Jets head coach Monica Maxwell said.

“I think it was a mixture of nerves and being anxious. It’s a lot.”

Patriots

The Jets were grounded with just two total points scored in the second half.

As the seasons for Bob Jones and James Clemens progresses into the regionals at Wallace State this week, Hoover’s 55-27 rout over Vestavia Hills for the Area 5 title on Thursday determined who the Lady Patriots and Jets are playing.

Continued from page 3B

of the third quarter and hopes of a comeback for Bob Jones had started to fade.

The loss for Bob Jones was disap-

pointing but the team quickly shifted its focus to facing Vestavia Hills this week in the regional tournament at Wallace State Community

Auburn Continued from page 2B

available at trashpandasbaseball. com/auburn.

Auburn enters the 2023 season after an incredible run to the College World Series in 2022, finishing the season with an overall record of 43-22 including 16-13 in SEC conference play. Under the direction of Head Coach Butch Thompson, the Tigers reached two of the last

Wrestlers

tion of our wrestlers.”

three College World Series in 2022 and 2019.

The 2022 Tigers were led by SEC Player of the Year Sonny DiChiara, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the draft and finished the season with the Trash Pandas, appearing in 36 games for Rocket City in his professional debut.

Continued from page 1B

The event featured middle school and junior varsity competition. In JV action, Ben Hazuga, T. J. Sanders and Ben Forton captured first place medals. Dunyea Dorsey was a runner-up while Slade Congo, Gidion Roll

and Don Baker each captured fourth place in their weight classes.

For the middle school Patriots, they had 12 competitors out of the 14 weight classes with eight of those wrestling placing. The points gathered by all of the wrestlers combined throttled the Patriots to the team title.

Individually, Bob Jones had two middle school wrestlers capture first place medals. In the 114-pound weight class Jacob Reyes, with a 31-6 record on the season, won the gold medal. In the 167-pound class, Sheldon Sharp (47-14) was tops. As an eighth grade student-athlete, Sharp participated in the Bob Jones varsity lineup throughout the current season with several of his losses coming against much older wrestlers in varsity action.

Second place finishers for the Patriots included Connor Nicholson (121 division), Jackson Caballero (147) and Jackson Aquino (177). Third place medal winners were Carter Lindsey (137) and Isaiah Gehrig (205). Micah McKinney (132) won a fourth place medal.

The North Alabama Championships were sort of an “icing on the cake” for the Patriots as they placed on the podium 58 times during the season with 27 of those being gold medal winners. Bob

Katie Bracken earned the win in relief, as she worked 5.1 shutout innings out of the bullpen with one hit allowed and six strikeouts. She improves to 2-0 with the win.

plate.

Payton Lemons earned the win in relief to improve to 1-0 this season, as he tossed 2.1 innings with one earned run allowed.

Cole Loftis started on the mound, turning in 3.1 innings and two earned runs allowed for a no-decision.

James Clemens has a duel with Hoover, while Bob Jones gets Vestavia Hills on Feb. 16 with the games being played at either 9 a.m. or Noon respectively.

“It’s about us,” Carr said.

“We have to continue to work in practice so that we can be prepared to play better in the offensive end and defensive end.”

College on Thursday, Feb. 16. Austin meets Hoover on Feb. 16 with game times for both games at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

“I’m not sure it gets better than this,” DiChiara said of the atmosphere at Toyota Field. “This is a great crowd, a great environment, and something I look forward to every day.”

In the event of inclement weather on February 21, the game may be postponed to Wednesday, February 22.

Jones posted a 55-percent winning percentage with 43-percent of the time winning by a pin.

Zepp retired in 2018 after 28 and a half years from the U.S. Army as a Colonel. He began his coaching with the program in 2013 and took a two-year break due to travel duties with his work with the Military. He supports Bob Jones head coach Matthew Steadman in his endeavors whenever possible. “I like working with Matthew as his enthusiasm is contagious,” said Zepp, who was a high school wrestler and took to the mats at The Citadel before focusing on his military career.

Zepp uses his military background structure and discipline in his coaching style. He understands how wrestling changed his life and hopes to pass those experiences to his young wrestlers in an attempt

Coach White Continued from page 1B

ators were 8-3. His last season his squad was 5-5.

His younger brother, Kelvis, is the head coach at Sparkman’s archrival Bob Jones.

“It was time to get away from the game as I’ve been thinking of this move for about a year,” said White, who will turn 49 on Valentine’s Day. “I’ve been a head coach a long, long time as there’s not many head coaches who have been at it as long as I have. I’m proud of that fact.”

White said his most memorable event during his tenure as head coach at Sparkman came in the sixth game of the 2019 season. The Senators battled against Austin High, which was regarded as one of the top teams in Alabama. White said, “We beat Austin 24-21 winning the game at the end as Austin was a great team.”

Sparkman won its first seven games on the schedule in 2019 and earned a season-high No. 6 state ranking.

White and his wife, Kathy, who works for the Decatur City Schools System, have three sons. The oldest, KaRon, plays

Jacob Reyes proudly displays his championship trophy of winning the 114-pound weight class at the North Alabama Championships finishing 31-6 on the season for the Bob Jones Jr. High wrestling team.

for their lives to change for the better as they make their way through life. He added, “After wrestling, because of the discipline, everything seemed to come easy as I realized how much hard work was required to be successful.

The discipline of the sport made me focus on my grades for college and the military.”

The Tennessee Valley Wrestling Club is a feeder program for Bob Jones wrestling as many of those young wrestlers arriving into the Patriots program are already wellversed in the sport, which makes for a quick transition from club to school wrestling.

“We drill the basics on the first day and drill those same basics on the last day,” said Zepp. “I strive on that and what we get from our hard work are team championships.”

football for Appalachian State while 12year old twins, Kaden and Karsen, attend Monrovia Middle School and will play football next season. White wants to see them play. “My schedule would not allow me to see them, so I’ve decided now is the right time for me to see my family,” added White.

Assistant coach Ronnie Watson has been named interim coach as Shaw indicated a search for a new coach is aggressively underway. White said he has not recommended someone for his replacement and will not be involved in spring practice. He will remain in his teaching position until the end of the current school year and will assist in any type of transition to the New coach.

“This is a good job here at Sparkman as the talent is there,” added White. He will pursue a job in the private sector and wants to work in an area away from football.

“It’s time to hang up my coach’s whistle,” said White.

WINDOWWORLDOFHUNTSVILLE

HAPPY PRESIDENTS’ DAY

On the third Monday in February, our Nation observes the Federal holiday known as Presidents Day in honor of all who have served as Commander In Chief. The holiday began as an annual celebration of Washington’s Birthday, but it was changed to celebrate all U.S. Presidents. George Washington was the first President of the United States and is considered to be the “Father of our Country.” He was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland, Virginia. As a young adult he worked as a land surveyor before beginning his military career. He fought through the Revolutionary War, and on April 30, 1789, he took the Oath of Office and was sworn in as the first President of the United States. President Washington held office for only two terms--from 1789 to 1797. He helped to pick the sight of the White House which has been home to all of the American Presidents but him. Washington’s birthday was made an official holiday in 1885 by President Chester Arthur. Our Nation’s current leader is President Joseph Biden. He is the Nation’s 46th President.

MOUNT RUSHMORE

Can you name the 4 Presidents in the picture to the right?

PRESIDENTIAL WORD FIND

Hidden Words:

Adams, Biden, Bush, Carter, Cleveland, Clinton, Eisenhower, Fillmore, Garfield, Hoover, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nixon, Obama, Reagan, Roosevelt, Taft, Trump, Washington, Wilson

Connect the dots to see what the President uses to travel. Then decorate it.

WASHINGTON’S CROSSWORD

Across Clues:

AIR FORCE ONE

3. _____ Birthday was made a holiday in 1885.

8. In which war did Washington fight?

10. Who is the current President of the U.S.?

11. Washington’s Birthday is this type of holiday.

Down Clues:

1. What is the name of the President’s home?

2. What do you have to take to become the President of the United States?

4. What is the name of the President’s plane?

5. How many terms in office did Washington serve?

6. In which State was Washington born?

7. This monument, Mount ____, shows four American Presidents.

9. Washington was born on ____ 22, 1732.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” - Psalm 54:4

NIV Bible Gateway

One afternoon I just felt like going to my local coffee shop to write, read and chill. My neighbor was sitting in a vehicle outside and she couldn’t believe I was going alone. Some people don’t do good alone then at times alone is good.

It is good to have time to think and collect thoughts. As a believer, it is not good to be alone all the time. You need fellowship time with others and time one on one to get to know a friend.

Upcoming Christian and Church Events

Madison Methodist Women to host inaugural marketplace event

During your alone time pursue peace in your inner man. Think of those in your life needing prayer, which is almost everyone, and silently pray for them. You could journal. Just in your time alone be thankful also for friends and family. Take this time to think of all the blessings in your life.

PRAYER: Throughout history mankind at times has been alone. You, Lord, are our helper and it is you who gave pioneers the ideas to build this great land. I am thankful for times of peace and times to build into another’s life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on Facebook or at godslemonadestand.blogspot.com.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. - 1 Cor. 13:4-8

By ERIN COGGINS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Madison Methodist Women will host their inaugural Gifts of Grace Marketplace on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the church in Historic Downtown Madison.

The event, open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., will feature local vendors offering items for spring gift-giving and decorating.

“We have a variety of vendors from across the area, including soap and candle makers, talented woodworkers, crafters in fabric, pottery, mosaics and more,” president of the Madison Methodist

Women, Carol Moats said. “Homemade baked good and beautiful plants will also be available.”

Visitors can also treat themselves to lunch in the Charity Café, featuring homemade soups and bakery items prepared by church members.

“Visitors can expect to do some shopping and sit for a leisurely lunch during a shopping break,” Moats said. “There will also be an opportunity to purchase tickets to win prizes from our participating vendors.”

Proceeds from vendor fees, the café and raffle items, will benefit Madison Methodist Women’s

These are just a sample of some of items that will be on sale Feb. 18 at the inaugural Gifts of Grace Marketplace.

missions which include various local non-profits.

“The missions we support include 305 Eighth Street, Owens House and Lincoln Academy,” Moats said. “We also fund our

children’s youth and preschool ministries at our church.”

For more information, contact Carol Moats at gogcoordinator@gmail. com.

Pondering a heaven-iversary

By DAWN REED

Do they eat cake in heaven? That’s one of the things I’m pondering today. My mom went to heaven three years ago this morning at 7 a.m.

Sometimes my brain spins with what’s going on up there. The term “heaven-iversary” seems appropriate. (You have to say it a few times for it to get a rhythm.) It was the best day ever for her: the day she had lived and served the Lord for!

I didn’t go to preacher’s wife school, nor do I have a seminary degree.

I know there will be singing around the throne and there will be a marriage supper, but will there be other celebrations and snacks? Are there cupcakes for birthdays or do they annually recognize arrival dates?

To be honest, before my mom went to abide there, I only thought about life in heaven occasionally. I knew we would both go there at some point. She and I often talked about the rapture. Nowadays I tend to look to the sky-a LOT. When I see a magnificent skyscape, I can’t help smiling, thinking, My mom is up there!

Losing a good mother is a deep wound. It hurts like a hog bite (a mountain phrase expressing great pain). In the last three years, I have comforted many a grown child who has lost his/her mother, saying, “I’m so sorry. I know exactly how this feels.”

Especially today, my heart and mind are filled with good memories and kind words she shared.

Kind words were her thing. She was known all over for being a great en-

HISTORY with John Rankin

courager. When Facebook arrived, it became a tool she fully utilized. I often hear from her Facebook friends that they miss her.

In Lexington a few weeks ago, I saw a woman from back home I hadn’t seen in at least 30 years. The first thing out of her mouth was, “I miss your mom!”

My mother had encouraged her and prayed for her often.

Today, on this heaven-iversary, it’s natural for me to reflect on her last day, her last hours. She was on Facebook at 4 a.m. that morning, three hours away from her departure. As I tried to sleep in an un-straddle-able chair in her room, she was praying for people who were hurting and posting something about a lost dog. Mmmm mmmm, she left a mark. Not a scar, but a good mark. Her passing was so sudden. We are now quite sure it was COVID. Her absolute last words to me were, “Pray, Dawn, pray!” And I did! Not realizing she would be gone in a few minutes, I prayed, “Please Lord, help my sweet mother to be strong and courageous!” I’ve often re-thought that. What a strange thing. Why, of all things in the world, would I say that? Strong and courageous? She had been the epitome of strong and courageous. She taught her children to be victors, not victims. She taught us to trust in the Lord, period. He was Plan A and there was no Plan B. I was most blessed to be the daughter of Nancy Loftis Blackburn. I am so thankful to know that she is in heaven. My mother was always a little embarrassed when I wrote about her. (I’m smiling as I type.) I wonder if they see some newspapers in heaven?

Take care of yourself and others with an easy test.

Don’t wait. If you have symptoms, find out if you have the virus. The testing is simple, fast, and effective at identifying COVID-19. Find testing near you at AlabamaUnites.com.

To advertise in The Madison Record, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152

Cornelia Binford & Henry Seay

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - In 2007 I wrote an article about Henry and Cornelia Seay of Madison and their lives here in the early 1900s. Henry and his wife Cornelia were apparently remarkable persons of accomplishment in a time of general repression of the Black race in the nation. Cornelia was the wife of a man born into slavery for about the first 10 years of his life. In 1936 she was able to provide land just a bit west of Sullivan Street for a school to serve Black children in Madison. According to the draft of an unpublished book entitled “History of Madison County Schools” by Berneice L. Dilworth, Black children were rarely afforded opportunity for an education in the early 1900s. However, by a 1920 school for Black children was held in the small lodge building beside Big Shiloh Church on Maple Street, just south of Mill Road. It is still standing on the west side of Maple Street’s northern portion. just south of the city’s old public cemetery.

Beginning in 1926, schooling for Black children was held in another old lodge or Masonic Hall that was along Pension Row that ran just west of today’s Sullivan Street. In 1936 Cornelia Seay, without compensation, deeded land in that immediate area for a separate building. Dilworth wrote that L. C. Jamar served as Principal there until 1947. Dorothy Turner was Principal during 1947 to 1948. In 1948 Rev. E. C. Binford was the Principal. However, the school building at that location burned in 1949, so the classes moved back into the old lodge building and some church classrooms for a few years. Dilworth reported that Alabama state regulations had prevented rebuilding of the school on the same site along Pension Row.

By 1953 the old Pension Row building was finally replaced with a new concrete and brick structure along Wall-Triana Highway on land provided by Walter Betts. The national Works Progress Administration provided materials, and interested citizen volunteers provided the labor to construct the new building that became known as West Madison Elementary School. That school building served Black families exclusively until full racial integration in 1970.

It is intriguing that E. C. Binford served as the 1948 Principal of the school that Cornelia Seay sponsored. It was December 29 of 1881 when Cornelia Binford married Henry Seay. Census records and other sources show that none of their children were named anything to lead to the initials of “E.” or “C”. Additionally, the only census record found for Cornelia before her marriage was in 1870 when she was listed in the Madison Station area as age 4 in the household of Register and Octavia Binford, along with a sister named Sarah at age 1. The link, if any, between Cornelia and the 1948 Principal of the school is not yet known, but it is quite possible that there was some connection.

Just as with Cornelia’s heritage and that of most other Black persons of the time, Henry’s ancestry is also difficult to firmly establish. However, it appears that he was born in August of 1855, according to the census of 1900, while Cornelia was listed as born in May of 1865. If those dates are correct (other census years show other dates for his birth), then Henry was born into slavery, before the Emancipation Proclamation and the 1865 end of

the Civil War. His occupation was listed as “blacksmith” in 1900, but in 1910 his occupation was given as “Farmer. Apparently, he must have done well with his occupations and purchased property wisely. After his death, which had to be sometime before or in early 1916, the census of 1920 gives Cornelia as a widow and head of the household, with the occupation of “farmer” in both the 1920 and the 1930 census. The 1910 record shows that Cornelia had borne 11 children, but only 6 were still alive in that year, so there may have been one with names that would be noted as “E. C.” – but if so, he would not have been living in 1948 to be a Principal of the school.

Though the family ancestry is difficult to trace, there is a likelihood that Henry was born on the plantation of John Seay in northwestern Madison County near Kelly Spring, just east of the communities of Jeff and Monrovia. The Seay families owned considerable land, mostly east of the spring on the south side of Kelly Spring Road that is the source of Indian Creek. That site had also held a fortress for defense from Indian attacks in the early 1800s. There are two or three Seay Cemeteries still in the immediate area, even though one of them should be called the Hancock Cemetery because it is on the land that was patented by Revolutionary War soldier Robert Hancock, who is almost certainly was interred there as the original burial in that cemetery before the nearby Seay families began to use it.

The 1860 census of Madison County has only two Seay families listed, John and Willis W. Seay. They lived adjacent to one another and also adjacent to William McGehee Gooch, a son of Roland and Elizabeth McGehee Gooch of Madison. William’s father, Roland Gooch from Virginia, was the original owner from February 2, 1818, of the land around today’s junction of Hughes Road with Old Madison Pike and Brown’s Ferry Road, including today’s Dublin Park and the location of the Publix grocery store. The park is named for the Dublin family because one of Roland’s daughters married James Dublin, and their family inherited the property from Roland and Elizabeth. Many years later, a descendant of James Dublin and his Gooch wife donated the land to the city with the stipulation that the park be named Dublin.

Willis Seay of the Kelly Spring area was born in 1795 in Virginia, while John was born in 1787 Virginia. Only John had slaves -- 40 of them, including one black male, age 5 in 1860, who may well have been Henry. Their neighbor William Gooch had 16 slaves in 1860, and perhaps one or two among them could have been Cornelia’s Binford parents, since she was born within a month of the end of the Civil War.

However, the census record of 1870 with her name at age 4 was for the old Madison Station area. Considering his birth year of 1855, Henry would not have experienced the full horrors of slavery beyond his early childhood years, and Cornelia (being 10 years younger and born just after the end of the Civil War) would not have experienced slavery first-hand at all. Naturally, throughout their lifetimes, they still would have had other trials and hardships as the South transitioned in culture and racial relationships, but Henry and Cornelia seem to have succeeded and been apparently well-accepted in the Madison society of their time.

In the 1900 census, Henry’s occupation was listed as “blacksmith”, which then was a highly-regarded and skilled occupation. Henry’s family in 1900 was living beside that of Seymore Doolittle, who at age 78 was also listed as a blacksmith. Henry probably employed by Doolittle, who was one of the most recognized blacksmiths of early Madison. Doolittle may have depended upon Henry of most of his blacksmith business operations. Henry’s household was the 3rd house from that of Madison Mayor Benjamin F. Harper in 1900, and they were also close to the home of John Ford Lanier. John D. Whitworth was their neighbor in the 1910 census.

In the 1920 census, the family headed by Cornelia was listed on the same page as E. T. Martin, Harvey Anderson (the banker who lived at 17 Front Street), John E. Bronough, and Samuel Balch – all notables of the town. The 1930 census showed Cornelia’s neighbors as including Jim E. Williams (who lived at 19 Front Street), William Binford Humphrey (who lived at 23 Front Street), and Robert L. Sturdivant, who was listed as Mayor of Madison in that census. Obviously, Cornelia and Henry Seay lived among Madison’s most prominent citizens and were a key part of the community in many ways.

This photo was given by Percy Brooks Keel to John Rankin. It was labeled as Pension Row School, dated May 22, 1941.

In the old section of the Madison City Cemetery.

LIBERTY MIDDLE WAS ON A ROLL LAST WEEK - LITERAL-

LY. The PE department leased a large stash of roller skates to offer skating this week in the gym for students wanting to try it during their PTA period. Principal Shannon Brown joined in and said the activity has been a hit. “You get a workout. And we’ve seen kids helping each other like tying skates and helping steady each other. It’s shown how kids care about each other.”

PE Teacher Laura Vines said the vendor supplied skates with wheels that will not damage the gym floor. Some kids from the special needs classes participated as well.

BOB JONES BAND AWARDS - Band Director Leigh Thomas and Assistant Director Kevin Smart, along with three drum majors representing the full band, were recognized for several major awards last week by the Madison City Schools Board of Education. The BJ band emerged as “grand champions’ in three of four recent competitions including Class 7A Marching Band Championship; beating out 40 bands; Coldwater Classic beating out 25 bands and grand champion from a major competition in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Pictured above: (L-R) Band Director Leigh Thomas with drum majors Taylor Cunningham, Ana Parker and Emma Cook; Principal Sylvia Lambert; Assistant Band Director Kevin Smart.

Bob Jones AFJROTC excels at Hoover Drill Competition

CMSgt. Ellis Clark and Dr. Maj. Melissa M. Lacey instruct aerospace science at Bob Jones.

The Air Force Junior ROTC or AFJROTC Drill Team from Bob Jones High School earned numerous awards at the Hoover High School Annual Drill Competition. Dr. Maj. Melissa M. Lacey, kneeling at far left, and CMSgt. Ellis Clark, kneeling at far right, instruct aerospace science at Bob Jones.