The Madison Record, March 17, 2021

M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY March 17, 2021

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Murder suspect asserts ‘stand your ground’ defense Madison man faces two counts of capital murder

By STAFF REPORTS

A sign of hope During troubled times, like the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, people need a sign of hope and optimism to realize better days are approaching. One such sign recently occurred at the Huntsville Hospital Community Vaccination Clinic. Page 3A

MADISON — A man charged with shooting one victim three times and the other six times, killing both as they sat in a car in Limestone County, will argue he is immune from prosecution under the state’s “stand your ground” law.

Jadon Gideon Copeland, 22, of Madison, is charged with two counts of capital murder in an East Limestone shooting on Aug. 30, 2017, that left Damian Blake Ricketts, 21, of Hazel Green, and Devin Edward Richard, 22, of Huntsville, dead.

“The defendant would respectfully show that his use of deadly physical force in this case was justified, and that he was entitled, as a matter of law, to stand his ground,” de-

fense attorney Bruce Gardner of Huntsville wrote in a motion filed with Limestone County Circuit Judge Robert Copeland Baker.

Baker on Tuesday scheduled the requested hearing for April 8. Under Alabama’s “stand your ground” law, the determination of whether the defendant is im-

Two public hearings for school rezoning set for Monday

COMMUNITY

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

Blood donations needed

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has added a second location in Madison, a temporary pop-up site on County Line Road. With recent winter storms and COVID-19, LifeSouth has been placed in an Emergency Appeal. Page 5A

EDUCATION

Sgt. Ricardo McCants, second from left, Officer Jeff Landrom and Officer Shannon DeFazio received lifesaving medals for assistance to residents Chris Snipes, at left, and Tracy Snipes, at right.

Officers recognized for role in saving Madison man’s life

School success The Legislative School Performance Recognition Program has selected Heritage and Mill Creek elementary schools for their record of success.

Page 6A

SPORTS

“The Old Rooster” In November, 2020, David Webb visited a powerlifting competition in Decatur to show support for a friend who he came to know through workouts at Huntsville’s Powerhouse Gym. Page 4B

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mune from prosecution is made by the judge. If the court determines the deadly force was justified under the law, the charges would be dismissed.

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 See COPELAND Page 2A

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madison countyrecord.com MADISON – Sgt. Ricardo McCants, Officer Shannon DeFazio and Officer Jeff Landrom with Madison Police Department received lifesaving medals because of their care for a Madison resident who suffered a near-fatal cardiac emergency.

Acting Police Chief John Stringer presented the awards to the Madison Police Department officers at the Madison City

Council meeting last week.

Unlike many people in the workforce on Feb. 16, McCants, Landrom and DeFazio did not receive an email message that stated work was cancelled due to a Winter Weather Warning.

These police officers had reported for duty on Feb .16 as the winter storm approached; they realized that getting a day off for a weather day was not an option for them.

Meanwhile, Madison residents Chris Snipes and wife Tracy, married for 25 years, started

the morning “as an icy day off that would be extraordinary beyond any snowstorm that could have been predicted,” Stringer said.

Normally, Chris would have gone to his fitness center and then to work as a Program Manager for the U.S. Army. “But on this icy, cold morning, Chris was in his kitchen when he suddenly collapsed. Hearing him fall, Tracy ran to his aid and found him unresponsive on the floor,” Stringer said.

See MEDALS Page 2A

FLAG RETIREMENT AND VETERANS HONOR CEREMONY - Joshua Schrimpsher (right), a Boy Scout in Troop 7083, Madison is completing a very special Eagle Scout project, which will culminate with a flag retirement ceremony this Saturday involving the American Legion Post 229.

In addition to the flag retirement, Joshua has prepared a presentation to honor veterans active in the community. The public is invited to attend.

It will be held at Veterans Park in Downtown Madison, 100 Church Street, on Saturday, March 20, beginning at noon. He has made plaques with personalized engraved plates for several local veterans. The Veterans Honor Ceremony will include a description of the plaque and handing each plaque out to the honored veterans with a brief description of their military history. The Flag Retirement Ceremony will include 200 flags.

There will also be a drill and rifle team present.

The process will be performed by area veterans, Boy Scouts, and members of the James Clemens JROTC. For more information about Joshua and his project, go to www.themadisonrecord.com and see next week’s issue of The Record.

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MADISON - The Madison City Schools is preparing to open Midtown Elementary School in time for the 2021-22 school year, and that means rezoning for elementary schools.

MCS superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said Friday that the school district has prepared a webpage detailing the disNichols trict’s plan for rezoning.

It can be found at www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Page/6253.

“We prepared the new page on our website to share the revised elementary rezoning plan and for the community to provide feedback.,” he said.

In addition, Nichols said the district is planning two public hearings related to this rezoning plan.

Te first will be held March 22, 4 – 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium at James Clemens High School, 11306 County Line Road.

The second will also be held March 22, but at 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the Zompa Auditorium at Bob Jones High School, 650 Hughes Road.

Midtown Elementary will open with approximately 880 students in August, providing room for additional growth in school district’s ever-increasing population.

“Even during this pandemic, we have continued to see growth at all three levels of students: elementary, middle and high. With the opening of this new elementary, comes the need to rezone students. This rezone is based on all current and new developments approved by the City of Madison and the Town of Triana,” Nichols said.

“Rezoning is always a challenge with movement of See REZONING Page 2A

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2A • THE RECORD

March 17, 2021

Medals

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Tracy immediately dialed 911 and began chest compressions on Chris.

“Brief minutes became what seemed like hours waiting to hear the wail of sirens bringing help, but Tracy continued CPR until Madison Police officers arrived,” Stringer said.

“Officer Jeff Landrom immediately jumped into action. Tracy ‘saw the size of his arms’ and knew Chris was in good hands,” Stringer said.

“Without hesitation, Officer Landrum, Officer Shannon DeFazio and Sgt. Ricardo McCants began lifesaving measures to keep Chris alive until HEMSI and Madison Fire and Rescue personnel could arrive on scene.”

Chris was transported by ambulance to the hospital and placed on “hypothermic protocol” for two days to allow his heart to recover from ventricular fibrillation. After three days under this protocol, Chris finally was able to Zoom call Tracy. Chris still cannot remember the events that occurred on Feb. 16.

Landrum, DeFazio and McCants were starting their shift when Tracy Snipes’ 911 call for help came in 30 minutes later.

“Landrom recalls replaying the entire call in his head and worrying if he had ‘done it all right.’ Tracy Snipes says he definitely did everything right, and just his calm pres-

ence brought her peace and confidence in his abilities,” Stringer said.

As Chris was transported to the hospital that icy morning, Landrom drove Tracy to the hospital but not knowing if his efforts had been successful or if he might be driving into a situation that was even more difficult. Fortunately, the efforts of Tracy, the 911 call taker, Madison police officers, Madison Fire and Rescue and HEMSI personnel all worked together seamlessly to get Chris to the hospital where he received lifesaving care.

“On March 1, a mere 13 days after surviving a near-fatal cardiac emergency, Chris and Tracy Snipes came into the Mad-

ison Police Department to show their gratitude and appreciation to the officers credited with saving Chris’ life,” Stringer said.

“It is not often that officers get to see the benefit of their commitment and hard work, but on this day, it was very clear that their training and dedication paid off.”

“Madison Police Department was honored to present Officer Jeff Landrom, Officer Shannon DeFazio and Sgt. Ricardo McCants with a Lifesaving Medal at the City Council meeting held March 8,” Stringer said. “Thank you to Chris and Tracy Snipes for allowing us the privilege of serving you and sharing your story.”

$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 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.

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.

they arrived around 9 or 10 p.m. Aug. 31, 2017, McAbee said.

He ran behind the house when he saw officers approaching, but was caught about 50 yards from the house, McAbee said. Copeland threw out some ecstasy as he ran that was later recovered, McAbee said.

Copeland’s jury trial has not been scheduled. Limestone County courts on March 13, 2020, issued an order canceling non-emergency court proceedings, including jury trials, through May 1 of last year due to COVID-19, and the Alabama Supreme Court then suspended all jury trials through Sept. 14.

Self-defense law Alabama’s “stand your ground” law authorizes the use of deadly force in self-defense “if the person reasonably believes that another person is … using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force,” but the defense is not allowed if the defendant was the “initial aggressor.”

Copeland told investigators that after shooting the men he took the Airsoft rifle, went home and burned his clothes in a fire pit behind the house, McAbee said. Both his burned clothes and the Airsoft rifle were recovered at the house.

Investigators determined Copeland was the last person the deceased men talked to through their phone records and went to Copeland’s house on Mill Road in Madison.

They found him sitting on the front porch, where he appeared to be rolling a marijuana cigarette, when

Visitation request In separate motions filed last week, Gardner also asked the court that Copeland — who has been in jail since his arrest — receive a speedy and public trial and that he be allowed in-person visitation with his parents.

“The defendant has not had in-person visits with his parents since his incarceration,” Gardner wrote. “The defendant’s parents have completed the required vaccine regimen against COVID-19.

Because of the defendant’s young age, and the isolation that accompanies being incarcerated, counsel believes that the defendant’s mental well-being is beginning to deteriorate.

“In the interests of justice and humanity, the defendant respectfully requests the opportunity to visit with his parents in-person.”

The court also will consider those motions April 8.

Copeland 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

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Accepting new patients at Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital.

Rezoning challenge with movement of families,” he added.

“We have tremendous faculty and staff at each of our schools. Each school ranks in the top ten based on the most recent NICHE report. Also, since the inception of the A-F State Report Card, all of Madison City Schools have received an A on their Report Card. Each school will be sad to see students rezoned to another school, but at the same time are always excited to welcome new faces.”

To download a map of the proposed rezoning for elementary schools, go to wwwthemadisonrecord.com or www.www.madisoncity. k12.al.us/Page/6253.

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Staff Directory French Salter, General Manager, 256-722-6677 french.salter@theredstonerocket.com

Madison County Record is published each Wednesday by Madison Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758.

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March 17, 2021

THE RECORD • 3A

Cross-section of active, retired pros unite to support COVID-19 clinic MADISON – During troubled times, like the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, people need a sign of hope and optimism to realize better days are approaching.

One such sign recently occurred when active and retired medical workers, along with professionals in other fields, volunteered their time to assist with the Huntsville Hospital Community Vaccination Clinic.

For the clinic at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, people from across Madison County dedicated time to help their neighbors to receive the vaccinations.

“I was so fascinated by the people I met as I volunteered my time at this clinic,” Alice Lessmann said. “I think it’s amazing to see how all parts of the community come together where they are needed.”

“We all have different skillsets. It was truly an honor to work with all

these people,” Lessmann said.

Lessmann is CEO of Signalink, Inc., a technical services government contracting company, and a member of Madison Board of Education. She also has kept her Registered Nurse or RN and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner or CRNP licenses up to date. Learning about the Covid Clinic, Lessmann contacted Mary Lynn Wright, President of Madison Hospital, and asked how to assist.

“I was honored to put my license to use again by volunteering on weekends to help with administering the COVID-19 vaccines,” Lessmann said.

Coordinator for the clinic was Andrea Cooper, RN. Stephanie Sandwell, also a CRNP, opted to stay at home with her small children a few years ago.

When the opportunity arose to volunteer at the clinic, Sandwell immediately offered to assist.

“Stephanie volunteers whenever she can, which has been weekends most-

A diverse group united to volunteer at the Huntsville Hospital Community Vaccination Clinic at John Hunt Park. Volunteers included Carolyn Pippitt and Kathi Sutton, registered nurses, front from left; Alice Lessmann, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner; Andrea Cooper, clinic director; Julie Groark, registered nurse; and Anna Robles, Huntsville Hospital Admissions and IT. Lee Shaw, Madison City Schools Business Development Director, back from left; Teresa Kimminau, registered nurse; Michael Cooke, Doctor of Osteopathy; Jean Loux, registered nurse; Peter Loux, Doctor of Osteopathy; and Stephanie Sandwell, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. ly,” Lessmann said.

Several retired individuals returned to the front lines. Carolyn Pippitt, Julie Groark, Teresa Kimminau, who are registered nurses, along with Michael Cooke, Doctor of Osteopathy, came out of retirement for the clinic.

Kathi Sutton, RN retired a year ago with hopes to

American Legion and Auxiliary to sponsor ‘An Irish Evening’ tonight

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com MADISON – Veterans and members of the military community can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at “An Irish Evening” on March 17.

Sponsored by Auxiliary Unit 229 and American Legion, Post 229 in Madison, the event on March 17 will run from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Bowler Hat Brewing Company, 7429 U.S. 72 W. in Madison.

“Join us on St. Patrick’s Day for an evening of great food, beverage and camaraderie amongst fellow servicemen and women from our community,” Auxiliary

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Unit 229 President Jean Downs said.

“We will be raffling off an amazing basket of Irish goodies. Proceeds will benefit veterans’ programs in our community,” Downs said.

A food truck will be on site from 6 to 8 p.m. “We will have special pricing on Irish Red Ale and Robust Porter craft beer,” Downs said.

The event host is Bowler Hat Brewing Company, which is a veteran-owned business. Bowler Hat was voted “Best at the Fest” at the Rocket City Trash Panda’s Beer & Wine Fest in October 2020.

For more information, call 256-929-8450 or email ALAux229@yahoo.com.

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Madison Weather with Steve Norris

Storms today, cooler weekend ahead

By STEVE NORRIS MADISON - I am becoming more and more concerned about the threat of severe weather in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee today. Please keep up with the latest forecast because all modes of severe weather will be possible including tornadoes.

It is going to be continued mild for the week with highs in the 60s to mid 70s through Thursday and in the upper 50s for Friday and Saturday. The weekend is looking partly cloudy, dry and cooler with temperatures dropping into the low-to-mid 40s at night.

Spring begins this Saturday morning March 20th at 4:37 a.m. Central Time.

The day and night will be of almost equal length of 12 hours as the sun will be directly over the equator. On the first day of spring and the first day of autumn, the sun sets directly in the west

and rises directly in the east.

The days will now get longer until the 4th of July. All of the planets have an equinox but the one on Saturn only comes around every 15 years.

This past weekend marked the 28th anniversary of the blizzard of 1993 which brought record amounts of snow.

Mount Leconte in the Smokies measured 56 inches of snow from the blizzard with drifts to 14 feet. Over a foot fell as far south is Birmingham Alabama with 4 inches in the Florida Panhandle.

Fifteen inches of snow was even measured in the Knoxville Tennessee area and thunder and lightning accompanied the blizzard in many areas of The Southeast. and I have only seen this three times in my 40-year meteorological career.

You are welcome to drop me an email anytime with questions or comments to weather1@charter.net

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March 17, 2021

Capitol Notebook

Bill prohibiting job discrimination based on hairstyle advances

By CAROLINE BECK Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY — A bill that would prevent an employer from firing or refusing to hire someone based on their hairstyle has passed a Senate committee.

Senate Bill 265 sponsor Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said he has heard from some of his constituents who have faced discrimination for hairstyles in the workplace.

He said he faced the same in the corporate world for how he wore his hair.

The bill also says no one can be denied receiving state or federal financial assistance based on their hairstyle.

The bill states that: “the Legislature recognizes that continuing to enforce a Eurocentric image of professionalism through purportedly race-neutral grooming policies that disparately impact Black individuals and exclude them from some workplaces is in direct opposition to equity and opportunity for all.”

The bill specifically mentions hairstyles more commonly used amongst the Black community like braids, locks, twists,

cornrows, afros, bantu knots and fades that cannot be used as justification for firing someone.

Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, voted against the bill saying that he thinks this will cause unnecessary litigation against employers in the state.

“I think this is going too far where we don’t need to go,” Givhan said.

Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, also voted against the bill saying Alabama is a right-towork state and he should have control over who he hires.

“As a business owner, you can wear your hair any way you want to, but I’m not going to hire you in my business,” Stutts said. “I’ve got a certain level of professionalism that I want to display.”

Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, also voted against the bill saying he was concerned about burdensome litigation being placed on employers.

However, he agrees that discrimination based on hairstyle shouldn’t be allowed in the state.

The final vote on the bill was 5-4 with Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, being the other vote against.

It now goes to the Senate.

VIRTUAL VISITOR - PreK kids at the Madison City PreK Center had an official “speaker” speak to them last Wednesday. Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon read to the kids over a virtual linkup from his Statehouse office in Montgomery. After reading a story, Speaker McCutcheon stayed live with the kids while they did an animal dance before starting their next lesson. It’s hard to say who had more fun.

COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to be expanded

By STAFF REPORTS MONTGOMERY – Eligibility is expanding for COVID-19 vaccinations, Gov. Kay Ivey said Friday.

Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced that starting March 22, ADPH will extend eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to include people age 55 and older, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the population defined as Allocation Phase 1c in the Alabama Vaccine Allocation Plan, www.alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine/ assets/adph-covid19-vaccination-allocation-plan.pdf.

“We have been concerned that many people at high risk and others engaged in close contact work have not been eligible to receive the vaccine yet, but with the additional vaccine supply we are better able to meet the needs of Alabama residents,” Governor Ivey said. “Starting March 22, individuals can be assured of receiving the shots they have been patiently waiting to get.”

In addition to those age 55 and older and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, groups to be included for extended eligibility are people age 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions which include but are not limited to the fol-

lowing conditions: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • COPD • Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state • Solid organ transplant • Obesity, BMI greater than 30 • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease • Smoking • Type 1 and 2 diabetes • Other medical conditions as determined by your medical provider Also, critical workers in the following areas who were not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b will be eligible: • Transportation and logistics • Waste and wastewater • Food service (includes restaurant staff) • Shelter and housing (construction) • Finance (bank tellers) • Information technology and communication • Energy • Legal • Media • Public safety (engineers) The additional priority groups will add over 2 million people who are eligible to receive a COVID-19

vaccination in Alabama. While around two-thirds of Alabama residents will qualify to receive the vaccine, the state receives between 110,000 and 120,000 first doses each week.

During the week of March 29 through April 2, additional vaccination clinics will be planned for around the state.

As of March 11, 556,603 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, 611,566 doses of the Moderna vaccine and 8,745 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been administered in the state.

A total of 1,731,965 vaccines have been delivered to Alabama.

“Alabama is expanding its guidance to accelerate access to the safe and effective vaccines now available in our state,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “While authorized vaccines roll out and more people are vaccinated, everyone needs to continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing to protect their loved ones and the many vulnerable people in the state.”

For general information about COVID-19, the COVID-19 Information Hotline number is 1-800-2707268. Alabama vaccine providers can be found within the Alabama COVID-19 Dashboard Hub at arcg. is/0brSGj.

Alabama unemployment was 4.3% in January

By MARY SELL Alabama Daily News STATEWIDE Alabama’s unemployment rate in the first month of 2021 was 4.3%, down from a revised December 2020 4.7% and up from the preCOVID January 2020 rate of 2.7% “As we begin a new year, it’s encouraging to see our monthly unemployment rate drop, marking a new record low since the pandemic began,” Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “While we are still not where we were before this year of massive change, we are making progress. More people were employed this month, and fewer were unemployed, which is always good news.”

January’s rate represents 2,160,347 employed persons, compared to 2,157,736 in December and 2,180,872 in January 2020.

January’s rate represents 97,726 unemployed

persons, compared to 106,318 in December and 59,405 in January 2020.

Wage and salary employment decreased in January by 28,600.

“It is not uncommon for the number of jobs to drop from December to January,” Washington said. “This happens nearly every year and is related to holiday and seasonal employment ending. Combined with the extraordinary circumstances of the last year, it’s not surprising to see job losses. However, the trends of the past few months indicate that we will likely soon begin to see the jobs number climb again.”

Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby, 2.3%; Blount, 2.4% and Limestone and Cullman, 2.5%.

Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Vestavia Hills, 1.9%, Alabaster and Homewood, 2.0%, and Madison 2.2%.

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Huntsville Museum of Art to showcase art from local students for 2021 YAM

By STAFF REPORTS HUNTSVILLE - The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) will celebrate the 34th annual Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibition of student artwork on view from March 14 through May 2, 2021.

This exhibition showcases exuberant works of art by youth in kindergarten through grade 12 from Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County, Athens City, Limestone County, Decatur City, and Scottsboro City schools.

The Juried Art Teachers’ Biennial, Congressional Art Competition, and VAA: Visual Arts Achievement Program District V Blue Ribbon Finalists exhibitions will complement the student artwork this year.

The VAA District V award-winning works will subsequently be a part of a statewide virtual competition with the Alabama State Council on

the Arts. The Congressional Art Competition’s winning artwork, selected from high school students in the 5th Congressional District, will later travel to Washington D.C. for a year-long display at the U.S. Capitol.

The Congressional Art Competition Honorable Mentions will be on display in the Museum and then at the Congressional office.

Laura E. Smith, Director of Education/Museum Academy at HMA, encourages everyone in the community to celebrate the talents of North Alabama’s young artists and teachers.

“The YAM 2021: Exhibition for Youth Art Month demonstrates the creativity and collaboration of the talented youth whose artwork emphasizes the quality arts in education programs in North Alabama,” said Smith. “Join us as we celebrate the month of March as Youth Art Month (YAM). Museum visitors will

have the opportunity to view a variety of artwork depicting portraits, landscapes, still life, and animals.

Thank you to all educators in our community!”

The Museum is following the state’s mandates for social distancing procedures and masks. HMA requires all visitors to wear a mask or facial covering, and no one is allowed inside the Museum if they have a fever or are experiencing other symptoms of COVID-19. Disposable masks can be purchased at the front desk for visitors who do not have a mask.

Hand sanitizing stations are located in the lobby. Museum employees will wear masks at all times and routinely disinfect all surfaces. Visitors can purchase their tickets online to ensure a touchless entry into the Museum.

More information can be found by visiting the Museum’s website at hsvmuseum.org.

March 17, 2021

THE RECORD • 5A

America’s Thrift Stores hosts grand opening March 18-21

HUNTSVILLE – America’s Thrift Stores announces the Grand Opening of its newest store in the Old Kroger off Drake Avenue, 2009 Drake Ave SW. Grand Opening Weekend will kick off Thur., March 18 at 8:00 a.m. with events and door prizes and continues through Sun., March 21.

The Huntsville store will be one of the largest thrift stores in the Southeast with its more than 65,000 square-foot facility, 35,000 square-foot sales floor and ability to restock more than 15,000 new items every day.

Ken Sobaski, CEO of America’s Thrift Stores, said with up to 70% off pricing of name brand clothing and household goods, the store reinvents itself daily with donations from the community.

This new location also offers a completely contactless drive-up center for safe and easy donating.

“We’re excited to bring our 22nd America’s Thrift Store to Huntsville,” Sobaski said. “Our stores are unique, when you walk in you’ll realize ‘We’re Not Your Mama’s Thrift Store’. We don’t just offer quality, inexpensive clothing and household goods, but we organize our store in a way that helps all those thrifty treasure hunters find everything they are looking for. We also give back to the community that’s embraced us by creating up to 100 new jobs, and giving donors an ecofriendly way to discard their unwanted items.”

America’s Thrift estimates 40 million pounds of goods are kept out of local landfills every year thanks to their stores. Additionally, locals can rest assured their donations are going toward

a good cause. Through their unique “Donate for Wishes” program, America’s Thrift supports Make-A-Wish Alabama with every new store opening.

“Make-A-Wish is a cause close to our hearts and we’re thrilled to be able to continually support them,” Sobaski added. “For every pound of goods donated, we make a cash donation to the organization. Every bag or box of donations benefits Make A Wish of Alabama and will help grant wishes to the 85 children in Northern Alabama that are waiting on the ‘Wish List’. Last year we donated more than one million dollars to the organization and we’re looking forward to raising even more money for them this year, through this new store and others.”

For more information about career opportunities or about the America’s Thrift Store location coming to Huntsville, visit www.americasthrift.com/ huntsville.

America’s Thrift Stores will open Thursday at the Old Kroger off Drake Avenue, 2009 Drake Ave SW.

2021 A

America’s Thrift Stores CEO Ken Sobaski explains how the donation center in Huntsville is already open, accepting donations daily. The store, located in the old Kroger location on Drake in Huntsville, will open with a grand opening celebration on March 18.

A

R NG CRA T

OW

We will be following the State, City and VBC guidelines regarding COVID-19 at the Time of the Show. Aisles have been expanded to 12 feet to assist with social distancing.

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With recent winter storms and COVID-19, LifeSouth has been placed in an Emergency Appeal, prompting the need for a second location in Madison.

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LifeSouth announces temporary location on County Line Road MADISON – LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has added a second location in Madison, a temporary pop-up site on County Line Road.

“There is no doubt we have struggled with blood donation recently,” Kami May, District Community Development Coordinator said.

May said with recent winter storms and COVID-19, LifeSouth has been placed in an Emergency Appeal, which means there is a less than two-day blood

supply on the shelves for area hospitals.

LifeSouth provides blood products for 17 North Alabama Hospitals.

“We want to make it convenient for our donors to give blood,” May said.

“The need for blood is not going away, so we want to make sure we are doing everything in our power to make it easy for all to donate.”

The new temporary blood center is located at 12060 County Line Rd. Suite F. Please visit www.lifesouth.org to schedule an appointment or call LifeSouth’s toll-free number, 1-888-795-2707.

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Continued from Page 3A ing room table with her grandchildren all around as she helped with homework,” Lessmann said. “When she found out about the Community Clinic, she reached out to volunteer with the cause.”

Currently employed at Huntsville Hospital, Anna Robles assists with admissions and IT; she also volunteered.

Lee Shaw, Business Development Director with Madison City Schools, was

humbled to help on holidays and weekends. Shaw previously had worked for Hospice of Huntsville and is familiar with the medical field.

A retired couple, Jean Loux, RN wanted to assist in any capacity alongside husband Peter Loux, Doctor of Osteopathy.

Dr. Loux worked at Huntsville Hospital from 1983 to 2012 and promptly offered his services.

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EDUCATION

6A

March 17, 2021

Heritage Elementary School (left) and Mill Creek Elementary School (right) were selected for the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program

Heritage, Mill Creek lauded by Legislative program

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madison countyrecord.com

MADISON – The Legislative School Performance Recognition Program has selected Heritage and Mill Creek elementary schools for their record of success.

Created within the State Department of Education, the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program rewards public schools that demonstrate high results by ranking in the top 25 percent of public schools. The school grad-

ing system is the basis for selection.

In addition, the school can demonstrate exemplary progress by improving its overall annual ranking by at least one letter grade.

These selected schools will receive a Legislative Recognition award of $5,000. The local school can determine ways to apply the award money.

In developing the program, the State Superintendent of Education will request input from parents, teachers, school

administrators, State Department of Education advisory groups and other education stakeholders.

The superintendent will ask about ways that the program properly can reflect both overall academic proficiency and academic improvements that each public school has reached.

Madison City Schools Superintendent Ed Nichols commended Heritage and Mill Creek for inclusion among only 50 schools statewide to earn the prestigious state award for ac-

ademic excellence. “The hard work and dedication of our teachers, students, staff, certified faculty and support of our parents are the reason for this honor,” Nichols said. “We are so proud of this honor.”

Madison Board of Education has recognized Heritage and Mill Creek at board meetings in the Central Office.

In an additional academic honor, Mill Creek has been selected as a 2020 CLAS Schools of Distinction by the Council for Leaders in Alabama

Schools or CLAS. The CLAS award recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama.

Mill Creek is one of four schools in the region to earn the designation of ‘CLAS school.’ Statewide, 31 schools received the award.

A major factor in Mill Creek’s inclusion to this elite group is its “Read Around the Block” initiative. Teachers and staff members launched an outreach into communities

Snapshot One year ago, Madison City Schools found itself in the whirlwind of COVID uncertainty with the health threat forcing the closing of schools. The school district shared some photos last week showing the various ways the schools and community came together to get through the pandemic during the past year. The top photo is of the meeting led by then Acting Superintendent Eric Terrell with principals and administrators to discuss school closing plans and the path forward. The others are random scenes that underscore the resilience of teachers, principals, support staffs and students.

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

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that Mill Creek serves.

The school employees traveled by school bus to apartment complexes and neighborhoods.

Many areas had been rezoned recently to Mill Creek, and school families were trying to build connections.

Teachers strolled through neighborhoods and apartment complexes, playing music and pulling wagons filled with brand new books and snacks to help build and strengthen relationships with student families in the community.

March 17, 2021

THE RECORD • 7A

Discovery Middle ranks high in National K-12 Showdown for chess

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

Discovery Middle School eighth-graders Zachary Calinsky, from left, Caleb Chen, Owen Lang, Steven Pan and Swetha Jakka placed fifth in the National K-12 Chess Showdown. years past, and were looking forward to competing again last December.

“Our students have done a great job of continuing to improve their chess skills in weekly practices and competing in online chess tournaments, like the National K-12 Showdown,” Bartlett said.

The Discovery team’s coach is Michael Guthrie, a University of Alabama freshman and graduate of Bob Jones High School.

The chess team holds virtual practices with Web-Ex, and they use the ChessKid platform. Their

sponsor is Julie Goldston.

Currently, the team is preparing for the State Scholastic Chess Championship, which is scheduled at the end of March in online format on ChessKid.com.

ChessKid.com provides learning tools that motivate youth to learn and improve their chess skills.

While learning chess, players gain skills that they can apply throughout life: strategy, tactics, creativity, perseverance and calculated risk-taking.

Players engage with various learning tools, puz-

zles and real-time chess against computer robots or other humans with ChessKid.com. This activity provides brain-stimulating challenges to youth, even with the natural growing pains of learning the demanding game of chess. (ChessKid.com) Madison City Chess League’s mailing address is P.O. Box 843, Madison AL 35758. For more information about the league’s activities, visit madisonchess.com.

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MADISON – Chess players at Discovery Middle School ranked in fifth place among contestants in the National K-12 Showdown chess competition.

Team members earning the national ranking are Zachary Calinsky, Caleb Chen, Swetha Jakka, Owen Lang and Steven Pan. They all are in eighth grade.

These students competed in the showdown in December. The U.S. Chess organization coordinated this online chess tournament on Chess.com after the annual Grade Nationals contest in Orlando was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Grade Nationals is a unique event because kids in the same grade level from across the country compete against each other for individual and team awards,” Ranae Bartlett said. Bartlett serves as Executive Director of Madison City Chess League.

The Madison students traveled to Orlando to compete in this annual grade-level chess contest in 2020, as well as other

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WAY TO GO! - James Clemens High School cheerleaders were recognized by the Madison City Board of Education tonight as back-to-back state champions. The team heads to Orlando April 22-25 to compete in nationals. The school board congratulated Coach Hannah Stockman and assistant Blake Lane for leading these talented students to perform so admirably. Principal Dr. Brian Clayton said they work hard and are exemplary students. Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols congratulated the team and said he will be at the national championship cheering them on. The squad won the AHSAA 7A State Championship and the AHSAA 7A Game Day Championship. The cheerleaders are: Kenze Achenbach, Ashley Ahrens, Whitney Bailey, Kathryn Bennefield, Alex Corn, Ava Cramer, Paris Dryer, Evelyn Edger, Shayla Hawkins, Mary Kate Heusel, Jadyn Hines, Julia Ingalls, Alexis Ivy, Emma Koerlin, Manie McDonald, Perri McMahan, Ashlyn Newberry, Kiersten Ratcliff, Samantha Rhodes, Gabbie Russell, Katie Russell, Mandi Russell, Sydney Snodgrass, Malikah Stowe, Emily Tieszen, Ella Thomas, Alyssa Tucker, Kaylee Tucker, Alexis Wayne and Shelby Williams.

Snapshot

Representatives of the North Alabama Land Trust visited Madison Elementary last week for a hands-on lesson on tree and plant life. They talked about photosynthesis and the role of plants in the ecosystem, and much more. Magnifiers helped give them a more up close look at plant and limb structures. Great learning for the kids. The classes were held - fittingly - in the school’s outdoor classroom and garden.

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8A • THE RECORD

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M adison RECORD THE

WEDNESDAY

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

www.themadisonrecord.com INSIDE SPORTS

BJHS national ranked With the spring season now upon the Tennessee Valley, athletics are in full bloom with the Rocket City Trash Pandas about two months away from its inaugural season, a local softball team currently nationally ranked.

Page 2B

UAH basketball The University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s basketball team is going to the NCAA Division II South Regional final for the sixth time in program history.

Page 3B

LACROSSE RIVALRY WEEK - In their first meeting this year, the Bob Jones and James Clemens lacrosse teams got a chance to heat up their cross-city rivalry last Wednesday. The Patriots outscored the Jets in this match, 9-3, but they will face each other again on April 15, 7 p.m., at Bob Jones High School. The top scorers for the Patriots were: Dwight Ware, 3 goals, Baylin Navarro, 2, Caleb Cooper, 2, Aaron Moll and Jackson Lozano with one each. The top scorers for James Clemens included: Damond Jones, Corey Legere and Kaiden Samad. They each scored a goal. The two teams are rivals, but many of the players play together for the North Alabama lacrosse club team, Bama Elite, during the summer and fall. For more about both lacrosse teams, go to www.themadisonrecord.com.

Trash Pandas bringing back “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair”

By STAFF REPORTS

“The Old Rooster” In November, 2020, David Webb visited a powerlifting competition in Decatur to show support for a friend who he came to know through workouts at Huntsville’s Powerhouse Gym. Page 4B

LIFESTYLE

Southern Plate Giant beef empanadas, a flavorful and savory filling inside a tenderly flaky crust. What’s even better is that this recipe is an easy one and y’all know those are my favorites.

Life is complicated enough without bringing all that mess into our kitchens! Page 7B

HISTORY

History of 317 and 318 Church Street Historian John P. Rankin takes on a journey into the history of this Madison downtown home.

Page 7B

MADISON - Following the success of last summer’s “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair,” the Rocket City Trash Pandas have once again teamed up with Kissel Entertainment for more exciting festivities this spring.

The second edition of the “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair” begins Thursday, April 8, and runs through Sunday, April 18.

The midway will be highlighted by 30 rides, plus numerous games and activities in the Toyota Field parking lot.

Admission is $8 per person Monday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday, and is free for ages 5 and under. All-day, all-inclusive ride wristbands are $25 per person Monday-Thursday and $30 Friday-Sunday. The event begins at 4 p.m. each weekday and 1 p.m. on weekends.

Individual weekdays will also feature special promotions. Monday, April 12, is “Mommy Monday,” where a mother or guardian receives a free armband

with a purchase of a child’s armband.

Tuesday, April 13, features free admission for “Student Day.” Wednesday, April 14, offers buy one, get one free ride wristbands, and Thursday, April 15, has $5 off wristbands with a coupon.

Kissel Entertainment will have concession stands running throughout the course of the fair, filled with tasty, unique fare such as funnel cakes, chicken and waffles, fried Oreos and Twinkies, Philly cheesesteak nachos, candy apples, and much more. The Trash Pandas will also have beer and wine available for purchase for attendees age 21 & older.

Additionally, The Junkyard Team Store will be open for fans to grab the latest Trash Pandas merchandise.

Admission tickets and ride wristbands can be purchased online in advance or at the fair entrance with either cash or credit card.

For directions and information on other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Jets take host Patriots in Redcoat Invitational Track

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com MADISON - Individual outstanding performances at the 2021 Redcoat Invitational Track Meet held at Bob Jones High included Johnny Holloway of Sparkman and Tyler Pitts of the host Patriots as each secured two gold medals at the annual event.

The real performances of the day-long event were the boys and girls squads from nearby James Clemens, which won both of their divisions in impressive style.

The boys flew the Jets to the top of the team scoring with 153.50 points, which was more than doubled the numbers set by runner-up Hazel Green. In girls, the Lady Jets posted a 26-point victory over second place Whitesburg Christian.

Track teams representing 20 schools made their way to the outdoor track facility at Bob Jones.

With 22 medals won overall by the Jets, the final See TRACK Page 2B

Rubio Montano, front, carries the baton across the finish line for the James Clemens 4x800m relay for a gold medal performance at the annual Redcoat Invitational Track Meet held at Bob Jones High. The visiting Jets won both the boys and girls divisions of the annual event. Photo by Drew Bell.

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2B • THE RECORD

March 17, 2021

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The season is young, but already midway through March the Bob Jones softball team is making national waves.

Alabama Department of Public Health Announces...

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com MADISON - With the spring season now upon the Tennessee Valley, athletics are in full bloom with the Rocket City Trash Pandas about two months away from its inaugural season, a local softball team currently nationally ranked, the idea of girl’s flag football and a look back at the completion of the high school basketball season are just some of what is happening in this transformation time of the year.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31ST For coronavirus vaccine activities to support broad-based distribution access and vaccine coverage for high risk and underserved populations including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.

TARGET POPULATIONS: AFRICAN AMERICANS, HISPANICS AND TRIBAL NATIONS Each proposal must be submitted in Times New Roman or Arial font, 12 font size, 1.5 paragraph spacing and include:

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Cover Sheet Scope of Work and Activities Rationale Program Evaluation and Measurement Plan Budget

Proposals must be submitted online no later than Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at ImmProposals@adph.state.al.us

For more information visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/call-for-proposals.html

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Top 10 national ranking for BJHS softball highlights a bevy of sports happenings

High School Basketball Although none of the four local schools advanced to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Basketball Tournament, the 2021 event held in Birmingham was a huge success with over 31,000 fans in attendance over the eight-day schedule, which was held in two locations- Bill Harris Arena and Bartow Arena on the campus of UAB. Here are the results in both boys and girls in each of the seven classification championship games: Boys: Class 7A- Oak Mountain 41 Enterprise 37; Class 6A- Mountain Brook 56 Spanish Fort 43; Class 5ALee-Huntsville 47 Ramsay 29; Class 4A- Anniston 54 B.T. Washington 53; Class 3A- Fyffe 49 Montgomery Catholic 43; Class 2A- Midfield 58 Lanett 54; Class 1A- Autaugaville 38 Belgreen 34. Girls: Class 7A- Hoover 61 Hewitt-Trussville 37; Class 6AHazel Green 49 Carver-Montgomery 41; Class 5A- Carver-Birmingham 78 Mae Jemison 69; Class 4A- Rogers 48 Anniston 37; Class 3A- Prattville Christian 62 Sylvania 55; Class 2APisgah 64 Hatton 38; Class 1A- Skyline 54 Marion County 41.

For the Lady Trojans of Hazel Green (36-1) the blue trophy was their fourth in-a-row and they be-

came the first in AHSAA history in the organization’s two largest classes of schools to win four consecutive titles. Head coach Tim Miller, who once coached at Bob Jones, earned his eighth state title. Besides his fourth at Hazel Green, Miller also took home championship trophies with one title at Jeff Davis and three at Bob Jones (2008, 2009, 2011).

Bob Jones Softball The 2021 softball season is beginning in a big way for the Bob Jones Patriots. Besides beginning ranked among the top 10 teams in Alabama alongside Class 7A schools, the Lady Patriots have been listed as the No. 10 team in the country according to a recent USA Today Super 25 poll.

“Rankings are nice because they give some acknowledgement to the players’ hard work, but we aren’t spending too much time focused on that,” said Whitney Deaver head coach of the Bob Jones softball team. “We appreciate the national exposure, but we know we still have a very long way to go in our season.”

The No. 1 team in the U.S. according to the poll is Lakewood Ranch, Fla., which has one loss in the last three years of play with a 45-1 record. Alabama’s Hewitt-Trussville is listed as No. 2 in the USA Today listing.

State Softball Tournament Moved For the first time since its inception in 1986, the AHSAA State Softball Tournament will not be played at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park. The AHSAA Central Board of Control has announced the annual event will move this year to Oxford’s Choccolocco Park May 18-22.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play our state softball championships at a complex that is designed solely for fast-pitch softball, has experienced hosting state

and national events and has a signature field and stadium just for championship games,” said Kim Vickers, AHSAA Assistant Director in charge of softball of the new location, which will also the state tournament in 2022.

The remainder of the state championships within the AHSAA this spring include tennis set for Mobile’s Tennis Center and Montgomery’s Lagoon Park; State golf championships will be at the Mobile Magnolia Grove RTJ Course; The soccer championships will again be played at Huntsville’s Metro Soccer Complex; The state outdoor track and field meet will be at Gulf Shores Sports Complex for Class 4-7A and Cullman High School for Class 1-3A competition.

Look Good In Stripes There’s a shortage of high school officials in every sport. If you would like to remain close to sports, earn some extra money and meet some new people, then becoming a high school referee is the way to go. High school referees protect the integrity of the games by demonstrating qualities like honesty, objectivity, consistency, courage and common sense. As veteran officials retire, new officials are needed and have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of young people.

Contact the AHSAA for more details on how you can become a part of high school athletics by becoming a certified game official.

Flag Football For Girls The AHSAA staff was approved to conduct an investigation and survey to explore the possibility of implementing the sport of Flag Football for females. Evidently, there has been some discussion to allow the sport for girls in high school.

Track team tabulations included: Boys- 1.

James Clemens 153.50, 4. Bob Jones 67.50, 6. Sparkman 38, 14. Madison Academy 19; Girls- 1. James Clemens 108, 3. Bob Jones 73.50, 8. Sparkman 43, 17. Madison Academy 8.

Sparkman’s Holloway is a senior leader of the Senators program and is currently exploring his options for possible scholarship offers for college in his efforts to run track at the next level. He took third place in the state for the 60meter event at the Indoor State Meet and ranked among the top three in the outdoor season.

On the girl’s side, Sparkman sophomore is easily making a place for herself among the state’s top sprinters with superb efforts winning the 200m and finishing third in the 100m.

For the James Clemens’ boys, the sprinters placed five among the top seven in the 100meter, including the top performance by Chad Coulter who is currently ranked No. 1 in Alabama.

Boys: 100m - 1. Chad Coulter, James Clemens, 10.71, 2. Manny Sanders, James Clemens, 11.00; 200m- 1. Johnny Holloway, Sparkman, 22.03, 2. Chad Coulter, James Clemens, 22.14; 400m- 1. Johnny Holloway, Sparkman, 50.49; 800m- 2.

Mateo Santiago, Bob Jones, 2:04.21; 1600m- 1. Dylan Dryer, James Clemens, 4:46.47, 3. James Garrison, Bob Jones, 4:47.88; 3200m- 3. Tyler Gohlich, James Clemens, 10:24.62; 100m hurdles- 1. Tyler Pitts, Bob Jones, 14.93; 300m hurdles- 1. Tyler Pitts, Bob Jones, 41.20, 2. Isaac Pollard, James Clemens, 43.53; 4x100m

relay- 1. James Clemens, 42.34 (Kameron Barnett, Ephraim Rolingson, Keenan Hill, Manny Sanders), 2. Bob Jones, 44.93; 4x400m relay- 3.

James Clemens, 3:50.45 (Ephraim Rolingson, Kameron Barnett, Kennan Hill, Manny Sanders); 4x800m relay- 1. James Clemens, 8:39.29 (Dylan Dryer, John Luke Stovall, Max Shah Isaul, Rubio Montano), 2. Bob Jones, 8:48.14; high jump- 1.

Cosey Scarebrook, Bob Jones, 6-06, 3. Keenan Hill, James Clemens, 5-08; pole vault- 1. Aaron Davis, Madison Academy, 12-00, 2. Austin Abney, James Clemens, 9-00; triple jump- 1.

Willie Campbell, James Clemens, 43-06.75 (school record), 2. Kendall Russell, James Clemens, 43-04.25; shot put- 1. Jaylen Drake, James Clemens, 47-07; discus- 3. Terrant Young, Sparkman, 113-07.75.

Girls: 100m - 2. Liyah Nelson, Madison Academy, 12:00, 3. Janae Hilliard, Sparkman, 12:15; 200m- 1.

Janae Hilliard, Sparkman, 25.73, 2.

Madesen Holman, Sparkman, 26.41; 800m- 2. Arienna Coe, Bob Jones, 2:30.26; 3200m- 2. Sydney Freeman, James Clemens, 12:34.05; 4x100m1. James Clemens, 51.38 (Aniyah Alexander, Alexa Moore, Reynna Mayers, Madison Rose), 2. Bob Jones, 51.42; 4x100m thrower relay1. Bob Jones, 1:01.85; 4x400m- 2. Bob Jones (Arienna Coe, Ebba Detulleo, Faith Mason, Mercedes Zich); 4x800- 1. Sparkman, 11:03.98 (Addie Doggett, Jenna Duncan, Samantha Menikheim, Kinsey Sivley); high jump- 2. Mercedes Zich, Bob Jones, 4-08; long jump- 1. Xanyah Edwards, James Clemens, 16-10, 2.

Faith Mason, Bob Jones, 16-09.50, 3.

The James Clemens track team picked up two more trophies for the program’s trophy case winning both the boys and girls championship trophies at the annual Redcoat Invitational Track Meet.

Kala Christopher, Bob Jones, 16-04.

Triple jump- 3. Xanyah Edwards, James Clemens, 31-05; shot put- 2.

Jazmin Grigsby, James Clemens, 31-09, 3. Adaeze Okafor, Bob Jones, 31-07.50; discus- 2. Isha Patel, James Clemens, 78-09.50, 2. Jazmin Grigsby, James Clemens, 75-02.

March 17, 2021

THE RECORD • 3B

Look for the March issue of Madison Living this week. You can find it in Madison businesses or go to: madisonlivingmagazine.com

UAH advanced to Tuesday night’s championship game in which the Chargers took on No. 1 seed Flagler. Check www.thrmadisonrecord.com for game results.

UAH reaches regional championship game with 73-66 win over Lee gap to just five at 41-36, but ultimately that would be as close as the third-seeded Flames would get thanks in large part to a Charger defensive effort that held LU to connect on just six of their 24 shots the rest of the game.

For the contest, UAH shot 44.2 percent from the floor with 11 of their 23 field goals coming from long range, and the Chargers limited the opponents to a shooting mark of 32.8 percent.

Rebounds in the game were even at 38-38, though the Flames kept themselves in the game with a 12-3 difference in second-chance points.

UAH advanced to Tuesday night’s championship game in which the Chargers took on No. 1 seed Flagler who was a 69-53 winner over West Georgia in Sunday night’s first game. Check for game results at wwww.themadisonrecord.com.

UAH drops heartbreaker in series finale, will open home play this weekend

By STAFF REPORTS CLINTON, Miss. - The No. 13 University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team dropped a heartbreaker in extra innings on Sunday, falling 1-0 in nine innings in the series finale at Mississippi College.

The Chargers slip to 12-6 (7-5 Gulf South Conference), while MC improves to 6-11 (5-7 GSC).

Game Changer -A Morgan Bradford double with one out in the bottom of the ninth sent in the only run of the pitcher’s duel to give the Choctaws the win.

Inside the Box Score -The teams combined for just nine hits with MC picking up five to UAH’s four.

-Layton Murphy was terrific in the circle for UAH, going the distance while allowing just the five hits and two walks, and she struck out five.

-Ashley Cornell was 2-for-4 at the top of the UAH lineup, with Mackenzie Nutt and Kaylee Vaught having the other two UAH hits.

-The Chargers did draw seven walks in the game, including a pair by both Kiara Akles and Regan Malone.

Key Plays -UAH would threaten in each of the first three innings, but MC would get out of

each frame by turning a double play.

-After giving up a hit to the first batter she faced, Murphy retired the next nine MC batters in order before giving up a walk to start the fourth, but she would sit down the next six straight before having to work around a leadoff single in the bottom of the sixth.

-UAH’s most significant threat offensively came in the top of the eighth when the team would load the bases with two outs before the hosts induced a fly out to keep the game scoreless.

-Murphy would get out of a jam of her own in the home half, stranding a pair of runners.

-In the top of the ninth, the Chargers would get runners at second and third after Akles and Lila Young walked before advancing a station after a Vaught fly out, but a strikeout would end the inning, allowing MC to win the game in the bottom of the ninth.

Noteworthy -The 8.1 innings mark the longest outing of Murphy’s career in the Blue and White.

Next Time Out -UAH will finally open up play at Charger Park this weekend when the team welcomes Auburn Montgomery for a three-game set that will start with a 3 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday.

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402609-1

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The Bob Jones High School girls soccer team had a terrific weekend in the Shamrock Cup at Cullman. They defeated Fort Payne (2-1), Enterprise (3-1) and Cullman (3-0). They are scheduled to travel to Sparkman on Tuesday. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Photo by Scott Edwards.

The James Clemens girls soccer team scored a big win over the weekend. They defeated Oak Mountain 2-0 on Saturday. In addition, Haley Patterson, #25, was nominated for Applebee’s High School Athlete of the Week.

Brandon Elder Saturday, March 20

400382-1

VALDSOTA, Ga. - The University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s basketball team is going to the NCAA Division II South Regional final for the sixth time in program history after defeating Lee 73-66 on Sunday night at The Complex on the campus of Valdosta State University. The Chargers advance to the national round of 16 with a 15-3 record, while Lee’s season ends at 15-6.

UAH has previously reached the regional final in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017.

It was no surprise who led the Chargers on this night as Sam Orf continued his torrid ways with a 22-point point performance as he finished 8-for-13 from the field including a pair of triples to log his sixth game of the season in which

he scored at least 20 points.

Joining him in double figures was Seth Swalve who had a workmanlike 17 points to go along with six boards and two assists, while Riley Webster came off the bench to hit four big 3-pointers on his way to scoring 12.

JJ Kaplan gave the Chargers four in double digits as he notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

UAH roared out of the gates, making 11 of its first 17 shots to open up a 28-13 lead at the 7:25 mark of the opening half, and one of Webster’s 3-pointers with 4:51 left until the half gave the Chargers a 31-13 advantage before the Flames closed the half on a solid run to cut their deficit to just seven at 35-28 at the break.

Just over five minutes into the second half, Lee would close the

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March 17, 2021

Protect with 3!

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BE MORE.

A new Alabama State Record in the deadlift was recently set by David Webb for the sub master men age 60-64 age division. The 63-year old also set a new state mark with the total lift combining deadlift, bench and squat.

The “Old Rooster”

GO BUILD.

63-year old David Webb sets state and national powerlifting records 402611-1

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

400393-1

MADISON - In November, 2020, David Webb visited a powerlifting competition in Decatur to show support for a friend who he came to know through workouts at Huntsville’s Powerhouse Gym. According to Webb, he watched the precision of the total experience of a powerlifting event and the passionate competition he witness and simply “got hooked” on the sport he knew he had very little knowledge of, but was determined to find out.

Since that fateful day in the River City, the 63year old Webb has made a name for himself on the local, state and national levels by attacking the sport with a competitive drive rarely seen. In just over three months of first making the decision to try the sport, Webb now holds four Alabama state records and one National marks in the sub master men 165-181-pound, 60-64 age division of the United States Powerlifting Association.

Among his drug tested events’ marks are the lone national record: bench press- 242.5 pounds; Alabama state records: squat248 pounds, deadlift- 352.7 pounds, bench press- 242.5 pounds, total (bench, squat and deadlift) - 843.3 pounds. He is strictly against steroid use.

Webb’s quick climb up the ladder of success parallels other athletic endeavors he’s tackled.

Growing up in Louisville, Ky. he didn’t participate in athletics and it wasn’t until his four-stint in the U.S. Army did he shift his gears towards sports.

Upon his time to serve his country, Webb played racquetball, softball and bowling, and participated in martial arts. Once moving to Alabama in 1983, he became an Alabama state champion racquetball player and disc golfer. He also earned his

teaching certificate for U.S. Kids Golf after not taking up the game of golf until age 48.

Webb and his wife, Nancy, live in Monrovia and will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary in April. He has worked on Redstone Arsenal for 27 years and for the last 22 years a research scientist contractor working for the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

“When I first started learning the techniques of powerlifting, like most of my endeavors in athletics, there was a small learning curve,” said Webb. “In powerlifting, you have to follow the commands of the three judges during the competition as you have to carry or lift the weights to a certain point or you will be disqualified. You must complete the lift.”

Webb goes through

powerlifting training alongside his training partner Bobby Brown of Harvest, who just happened to set his own Alabama state records (sub master men 35-39 age) in each of the individual events and total lift. Webb gives his dear friend a lot of credit for his own success calling Brown his mentor.

What’s the future look like for the 5-foot-8, 171-pound athlete nicknamed “Old Rooster?”

“I qualified for the Nationals scheduled for October to be held in Orange Beach and then hope to make it to the World Powerlifting Championships where I want to shatter the current record of 259-pounds in the bench press held by a Russian,” said Webb. “I have every intention to bring that world record back to the United States.”

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THE RECORD • 5B

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March 17, 2021

THE RECORD • 7B

I’ve had it!

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

Karen’s giant beef empanadas and good people

By CHRISTY JORDAN Southernplate.com

Today I’m sharing a recipe for giant beef empanadas from my friend, Karen Branscum.

I’m thrilled to share a recipe from Karen because I have a theory (which has been proven true time and time again, so I’m about to just start calling it a fact) that good people make the best food. Now if my theory/fact is right, that means Karen’s food is PHENOMENAL. Seriously. She is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet and I have no idea where she gets the energy Giant Beef Empanadas - and Good Peopleto be so kind. She volunteers endless hours for her church, delivers food with meals on wheels, fundraises for meals on wheels, and she is also a deeply devoted wife and mother who truly cherishes her family.

I’m sure I’m not even touching the surface here but let me tell you that anytime I have mentioned wanting to help someone in need to Karen, she is immediately on board as a partner in crime. The only bad thing I can say about her is that she lives too far away.

But that is probably for the best.

I’d be down for the count in one day if I ever tried to tag along with her.

Anyway, I wanted to thank Karen and all of you out there who are just like her. And even the folks who are more like me and help when you can but can’t quite seem to manage the epic-ness that Karen does. God didn’t make us all to be Karens but we are still serving a purpose and helping to lift up our brothers and sisters.

Which brings me to my little writing for the day. I wrote this as the opening letter in my newsletter yesterday. I generally start out by saying “Hi” and then move on into whatever is on my mind. Well lo and behold, once I finished my letter yesterday I thought “Hmm, that makes sense. I think I’ll share that in a post.” And here ya go…

I hope you’ve had a good weekend and are planning on having a great week – as opposed to planning on having a bad week, which a surprising number of folks do.

“Oh, I have to work all week.” might be the oft heard grumble. Well, does that mean it has to be a bad week? There are opportunities for a good week in a hard week’s work.

There are people to interact with, tasks to accomplish, and a life still being lived whether we are clocked in or not.

“Well, I’ll have kids all week.” Well good gravy, smile a bit then! Kids can bring a joy to our lives unlike anything else, no matter who the kid is.

I won’t get very much sleep this week… I’ve got to pay bills this week…go to court this week…drive a long ways this week….

You and I both know folks who complain like this all the time. Every now and then I get sucked into a back and forth with them with them lobbing a complaint while I toss back a reason to be grateful and they seem bound and determined to outgun me. There is a wonderful Southern saying that always comes to mind in these situations but I dare not say it out loud during one of these determined to be grumpy/ determined to be happy altercations, with thanks to my “Aunt” for

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. Psalm 40:1-3 Recently I was chatting with someone who was very much down on life, themself, their job, their weight, their future, their finances and nothing I could say was going to cheer them up. This person had dug a huge pity party hole and was so deep they almost were stuck and could not escape. Like emotional quicksand their focus was clearly on Satan’s agenda, certainly not God’s.

If you are honest you probably have been in a similar situation. You feel like there is no way out, things will not change, and this ordeal of life has you so immersed in mind games and depression you just don’t know what to do. So what do you do when these horrendous blues sneak up on you? Certainly don’t run to a bottle of booze, pills, cutting, or try to end life as those are tactics of the enemy to try to destroy a wonderful human being God has plans for using. Stop, breathe, turn off all devices, talk to God, and sing some praises to God. PRAYER: Father use me in the lives of others to help them be lifted up from the enemies plans to destroy them. Help me when I feel down to do a good deed for another thus aggravating Satan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on a Facebook page entitled God’s Lemonade Stand or at www.godslemonadestand.blogspot. com. Becky can be contacted by email at writemiller2002@yahoo.com.

Madison History

You’ll need: pie crusts (You can make your own or use store brand roll out crusts), cheddar cheese, salt, diced tomatoes, pepper, onion, chili powder, cumin, and ground beef. the wisdom: “Get down off the cross, honey, somebody needs the wood.”

There will always be plenty of things to bemoan and complain about just as there will always be a group of folks lined up to bemoan and complain about them.

How’s that working out for them?

Looking on the bright side. Seeking the joy, now THAT is where a life of the supposedly mundane becomes a life worth living.

I will smile today. I will notice the sun. I will pause a moment, close my eyes, and lift my face until I feel it’s warmth on my cheeks. I will squeeze you for all your worth when you come in for a hug rather than the usual “pat and go”. I will drink my coffee for pleasure, not just for caffeine. I will look you in the eye when you speak to me and see you as a person with a spirit seeking and hoping just like mine.

I will take this day that has been given to me and recognize it for the gift it is.

And you know what?

I’ll do the same tomorrow.

It’s hard to see the silver lining when we spend all of our time pointing out the clouds so I will adjust my focus until the silver nearly blinds me with it’s glory.

Our lives are worthy of no less.

Now here is Karen’s recipe for delicious Beef Empanadas. Karen is from Texas so she knows her stuff here. A flavorful and savory filling inside a tenderly flaky crust. What’s even better is that this recipe is an easy one and y’all know those are my favorites. Life is complicated enough without bringing all that mess into our kitchens!

You’ll need: pie crusts (You can make your own or use store brand roll out crusts), cheddar cheese, salt, diced tomatoes, pepper, onion, chili powder, cumin, and ground beef.

Brown your beef and onion in a large skillet over medium high heat, breaking it up really well as you do.

Add your tomatoes and seasonings and stir together. Return to heat.

Simmer uncovered stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until mixture thickens and most of tomato juice is absorbed.

Karen says it is important to place your pie crusts exactly where you want them because once you put the filling in there will be no moving without tearing. So I hung each over a bit on a large cookie sheet. That way I can just flip the top over and be done.

Place one unrolled pie crust at one end of greased cookie sheet. (If baking both giant empanadas on same cookie sheet think ahead about

placement. Once beef is added you cannot move empanada).

Place half of beef mixture on half of pastry leaving one inch border around edges.

Sprinkle with about ½ of cheese (careful not to over fill with either beef or cheese) Carefully pull remaining dough over, covering meat and cheese meeting the edge of bottom crusts. Spoon your filling into each one.

You fold your beautiful pies over and then fold the edges up and press them to seal a bit. You can use a fork or just your fingers. Then, beat an egg and brush that over it, too.

Serve with your choice of toppings. After one bite of these, I can see why it is one of her husband’s favorite recipes. My husband said “WOW! This is amazing!”

Ingredients 1 pound lean ground beef 1 cup onion chopped 1 cup green pepper chopped 1 can 14.5oz Diced Tomatoes, undrained 1 Tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese 2 refrigerated ready made pie crusts Karen uses Pillsbury 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 Tablespoon water Optional Instructions Cook beef, onions & green pepper in skillet until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Return beef mixture to skillet and stir in tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, & pepper.

Simmer uncovered stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until mixture thickens and most of tomato juice is absorbed.

Place one unrolled pie crust at one end of greased cookie sheet.

(If baking both giant empanadas on same cookie sheet think ahead about placement. Once beef is added you can not move empanada) Place half of beef mixture on half of pastry (like half moon shape ‘D’ ) leaving one inch border around edges.

Sprinkle with about ½ of cheese (careful not to over fill with either beef or cheese) Carefully pull remaining dough over, covering meat and cheese meeting the edge of bottom crusts.

Crimp edges with fork to seal all around.

Brush top with yolk mixture. (You should have a half moon shape) Repeat above with remaining pastry.

Bake at 400 for 20 – 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.

318 Church Street today.

317 & 318 Church Street The Nola & True/Smith Houses

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian MADISON - At the northern end of Church Street are two landmark houses on opposite sides of the street. They are also opposites in time, with one being just about two decades old, while the other is approaching 100 years of age.

The younger and more strikingly modern dwelling, on the west side of the street, is the home of Charles and Sandra Nola. The site has an unusual deed history, having been deeded to Charles and Sandy by Frank J. Nola Sr. in 1997.

However, it had been previously deeded in 1993 by Charles L. Nola and his wife to Frank J. Nola Sr. Prior to that, the property was deeded in 1991 by Charles W. Pfeiffer to Charles L. Nola and his wife. The house sits on Lot 1 of the James P. Bonner subdivision, which had four lots in total.

Lots 2, 3, and 4 were deeded by Jim Bonner to Frank J. Nola Sr. and his wife Grace R. Geraci in 1992. These lots include the site of the house of unusual architecture and features at 266 Mill Road, adjacent to the 317 Church Street house.

The Bonner subdivision was created from lands purchased in1987 by James P. Bonner (“a single man”) from William G. Thornton, a grandson of “Miss Hessie” (aka Nancy Hesseltine Gillespie), the wife of Joseph Bruce Farley. After Bruce’s death, it was Miss Hessie who had the house at 313 Church Street constructed. Her lot for the house was purchased from Samuel Williamson Balch on December 27 of 1910, as recorded in Deed Book 104 on page 179. The lot was specified as running back to the west from Church Street a distance of 391.3 feet and running along the street 91.1 feet, consisting of 0.89 acre. The deed terms included mention of right-of-way easements of 5 feet on the north and the south sides of Miss Hessie’s lot and then 10 feet from along the west side of the street. This easement would later be extended by Charles Nola all the way to Mill Road when he deeded in 2003 a 10-foot right-of-way easement to the City of Madison for a sidewalk on the west side of Church Street.

When James Bonner subdivided his parcel of land into Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 1987, he was preparing to sell this parcel that he had acquired on July 1 of 1987 from William Gillespie Thornton’s estate administrator. Bill Thornton, born in 1938, was a grandson of Miss Hessie, produced by her daughter Lorinda, who married Herbert Lafayette Thornton. According to some accounts, it was Bill or his father who had a large amount of dirt hauled and spread in the area that became the location of the 317 house site. This was done because the low-lying area held water in rainy times . It had become a place for children to skate on ice when it froze. In warm times, the water grew mosquitoes.

Bonner’s first sale of one of his four subdivided lots was on February 10 of 1988 when Jenny B. Pfeiffer acquired Lot 1, the location of 317 Church Street. In July of that same year, Jenny with Charles W. Pfeiffer took out a mortgage on the property from the Colonial Bank of north Alabama.

The difference in time may indicate that a house was being constructed during those months in 1988. On April 13 of 1989 the deed to Lot 1 was put in the name of Charles W. Pfeiffer only. Then on January 16, 1991, Lot 1 was sold by Pfeiffer to Charles L. Nola and wife, as recorded in Deed Book 765 on page 631. This was why Charles was able to deed the property to Frank J. Nola Sr. in 1993, before Frank

See HISTORY Page 8B

8B • THE RECORD

March 17, 2021

317 Church Street in downtown Madison today.

History

Continued from page 7B

deeded it back to Charles in 1997. Now the house is a very attractive landmark for the entrance to Church Street from Mill Road.

The house across Church Street from the Nola family is significantly older, having been constructed by Robert Edgar (“Pud”) True (1910-1987) and his wife Gladys Naomi McFarlen True (19132004) in late 1941. Now that Pud and Gladys have passed away, the property is the home of Douglas Smith. The True family had a grocery store at 208 Main Street of Madison for over 30 years.

They also used 210 Main for their store for several years before moving the business to 208. Both Gladys and Pud were born and raised in areas distant from Madison. Pud was from Gurley, where Gladys attended high school while boarding with other families, Gladys was from Trenton, in Jackson County. Her father had a store in Trenton, so Gladys grew up in the business.

In 1939 Pud and Gladys started a telephone company in Madison for the two places that had a telephone. They established the small company simply in order to provide a job for Pud’s aunt, Viola Styles Keel, the mother of Percy (“Toots”) and Ralph (“Buddy”) Keel. The manual switchboard equipment was installed in the Keel apartment on the second floor of the Humphry-Hughes Drugstore at 200 Main Street. After several years their company was sold, and it eventually became a part of the Bell Telephone system.

In addition to her many business involvements, Gladys was quite active in the Methodist Church and other community activities, organizations, and informal clubs. These included the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, where she was a charter member and officer. Later in life, Gladys prepared two books dealing with the history of Madison during her lifetime.

Her first book was mostly autobiographical, revealing events that shaped her character traits from childhood, while she lived in Trenton. However, the book also covered her adult life in Madison, describing her knowledge of or involvements in numerous accounts of the life events of many other citizens of Madison.

This book is entitled “My Life from Wagons to Rockets” as published in 1998. Her second book told details of Madison’s town history, entitled “Reflections of Madison, 1869-1999.” This book was not widely available, but a number of copies are still treasured by local citizens. Reflections covered periods of history of the area from archaeological times (before there was a town) through modern times in year range groupings for the time of 1869 - 1999. A few selected excerpts from Gladys’ first book as printed below describe her early years in Trenton and her family life experiences here. It may be that more will be published in later articles of this newspaper, or her daughters may re-publish one or both of the books in the future.

Regarding her childhood in Trenton, before marrying and moving to Madison, Gladys wrote in “My Life from Wagons to Rockets”: A time that was not so good for us was canning time.

When your garden had more than your family could eat, you canned the extra. Children were never too little to snap beans, wash fruit jars, and carry the jars to the cellar. There were a lot of things that children did then that they do not think about doing now. One time my daddy’s barn caught on fire. We had never heard about a Fire Department then. When you had a fire,

you shot a gun up in the air three times in rapid succession. People heard this and started looking for the smoke. The neighbors all came to help. Everybody showed up as a volunteer firefighter, bringing their own buckets. At this time, we had a well just off the back porch, called a bored well. It had a long bucket that was a cylinder. I drew up water, and Daddy ran out with the water to put out the fire. The men were able to get enough water to put the barn fire out. When it was over, I was exhausted because none of the men realized that I was drawing all the water. I did not either. You can do lots of things when you are excited. Just a little corner of the barn burned, and we never knew how it started.

Country life in those days meant you took care of your neighbor, saw about your neighbor, and did their work if they were sick. If your neighbor was in trouble or needed help, you did what you could to help them. Nobody had any money, but there were lots of things that you could do for them that did not need money, and we were all aware of that. For example, if somebody’s peaches were ripe and yours were not ripe yet, you went over and helped that woman can peaches. You just did not think anything about it.

Among the many details of her adult life in Madison, Gladys wrote: “The merchants downtown enjoyed good business, especially on Christmas Eve. People came and stayed all day, visited, ate lunch, and had a good time. About 7 or 8 P.M., they went home. Life moved so slow back then, and we really enjoyed it.

There was no crime. On Christmas Eve, Doc Hughes would get up on the top of the drugstore roof (at 200 Main Street) with chickens and a turkey. He placed a piece of paper around the leg of the poultry with a certain amount of money for the winner. He would throw them off, and the person who ended up with this piece of paper would bring it into the drugstore and receive the prize. It was looked upon as entertainment, and no one got hurt.

Everyone had fun.”

“Christmas Eve was a big business day for the local merchants. I worked behind the counter of Doc Hughes’ drugstore that day to help with the sales. (Gladys’ husband Pud True also worked there for their first eight years in Madison.) The drugstore had a beautiful, hand-carved soda fountain in the front of the building. This area had two round wooden tables and sets of chairs with round wooden bottoms and wrought iron trim where customers had Cokes, hand-dipped ice cream, and a good view of all the gifts displayed in the glass front display cases. When the building was sold in later years, the antique fixtures brought more than the building. The soda fountain ended up in Texas.”

Madison was typical of small Southern towns in the 1940s and the 1950s. It almost seems that the depictions of life in “Mayberry” on the popular Andy Griffith TV show of past decades were perhaps inspired by Madison’s ambiance of the time. Gladys wrote: “It was a time of much slower pace in almost all aspects of everyday activities. The really big news events of that time now don’t seem so significant as they were then. It was in 1944 when a man who was thought to have shot someone was chased by storeowner, mayor, and pharmacist Walton (Doc) Hughes along Main Street and up Church Street. Both were firing guns at each other -- a real shoot-out in our little town. That was probably the

Imagine your home, totally organized!

318 Church Street: Beverly True Young and current owner Doug Smith with the original house plan blueprint and historic house sign.

most excitement of the times back then. Nobody was hit by the gunfire, but it gave the town something to talk about for years. In fact, it was also in 1944 that a storm took the roof off of the second City Hall, a two-story wooden building located at the junction of Garner and Martin Streets, so with World War II going on, plus these events, it was an unusual year for the town.” The third City Hall, now Main Street Cafe, fit the “Mayberry” format quite well. It had the jail and the firetruck housed in the same building with the city offices. Spartan functionality, not elaborate appearance, was the philosophy of those days.

Throwing chickens with prizes off the water tower at Christmas.

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