The Madison Record - May 15, 2024

Northern lights show out in North Alabama

ing power and communications.

By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The aurora borealis, rarely visible from Alabama, was visible — including from Madison — Friday night.

According to The Associated Press, an unusually strong solar storm hitting Earth produced northern lights in the U.S. over the weekend, potentially disrupt-

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning when a solar outburst reached Earth on Friday afternoon, hours sooner than anticipated. The effects were due to last through the weekend and possibly into the week.

NOAA alerted operators of power plants and spacecraft in orbit to take precautions, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“For most people here on planet Earth, they didn’t have to do anything,” said Rob Steenburgh, a scientist with NOAA’s Space

WOW! Local Scout achieves top rank in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Sea Cadets

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Most people would be satisfied with only one of her achievements, but Lilliann ‘Lilly’ Markowitz was determined to reach the highest levels in three service organizations.

Markowitz has earned the Gold Award in Girl Scouts, Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and Chief Petty Officer in Sea Cadets.

Circa her 13th birthday, Markowitz joined Sea Cadets and eventually was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, Sea Cadets’ highest rank. Less than five percent of cadets, mostly male, qualify for Chief, according to Scott Markowitz, Lilly’s father.

Sea Cadets drill monthly and

engage in week-long training for STEM, medical, JAG, photojournalism or international exchange.

The first step to Chief was Recruit Training, similar to boot camp, for two weeks at NAS Pensacola. “Reveille was at 4 a.m. . . . to the PT field. I also attended week-long advanced training covering Navy history, radar, JAG, Space Camp and my favorite - field ops. We lived in a swamp with no running water, ate MREs and slept in the mud. It was fabulous!” Lilly said.

At 2022 training in Louisiana, Lilly earned the Distinguished Service Ribbon, Sea Cadets’ second highest award, for saving a cadet’s life. “The cadet had an undisclosed heart problem. I recognized her con-

Lilliann Markowitz has achieved the rare combination of Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts, Gold Award in Girl Scouts and Chief Petty Officer in Sea Cadets.

dition’s severity, performed first-aid to stabilize her and took command of the scene un-

MADISON – U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona last week announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

One of the U.S. Presidential Scholar finalist is Samantha Si-Wai Chan, a Bob Jones High School senior. Three of the 161 finalists nationwide are from Alabama. The others attend Randolph School in Huntsville and the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

The Madison Record’s Madison Living Magazine highlighted Samantha Chan and her sister Abby in February for their achievements in swimming. They recently helped the Bob Jones girls swim team win its second consecutive Class

State Championship by taking four gold medals collectively.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

See LIGHTS Page 3A

The Northern Lights could be seen across North Alabama on Friday and to a lesser degree on Saturday. Clouds rolled in Sunday, hampering viewing.

BASEBALL - For the first time, the two Madison high school baseball teams faced each other in the AHSAA 7A Baseball State Final 4 series. Fans for Bob Jones and James Clemens filled the field at Bob Jones High School last Wednesday and Thursday to cheer their teams. The winner of the series would punch their ticket to the state title series this week. The Bob Jones Patriots edged their cross-city rivals to earn the chance at the state crown in a best-of-three series against Central-Phenix City, which started yesterday and continues today. See full coverage and more photos on page 1B. Photo by Andrew Noles

On May 11, 2021, the very first Rocket City Trash Pandas fan entered the gates of Toyota Field for Trash Pandas baseball. On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the team welcomed its one millionth fan. The one millionth fan turned out to be Melanie Forbes. The Trash Pandas held a celebration and showered her with some cool gifts. “This is a great milestone for everyone who’s been a part of these first 3+ seasons,” Trash Pandas Executive Vice President and General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the local communities who support our team, and we hope each and every night we have reciprocated that support both on and off the field.” The Trash Pandas led the Southern League in attendance during each of the club’s first three seasons. This season, the Trash Pandas have already welcomed 53,326 fans over 12 home contests.

To request a correction or clarification, call 256-7631150 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday, or email news@ themadisonrecord.com. COMMENTS Have a comment about a story or a suggestion? Email news@ themadisonrecord.com

not last long,

Weather Prediction Center.

The best aurora views came from phone cameras, which are better at capturing light than the naked eye.

The most intense solar storm in recorded history, in 1859, prompted auroras in central America and possibly even Hawaii.

“We were not anticipating that” but it could come close, said NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl.

This storm posed a risk for high-voltage transmission lines for power grids, not the electrical lines ordinarily found in people’s homes, Dahl told reporters. Satellites also could be affected, which in turn could disrupt navigation and communication services here on Earth.

An extreme geomagnetic storm in 2003, for example, took out power in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa.

Even when the storm is over, signals between GPS satellites and ground receivers could be scrambled or lost, according to NOAA. But there are so many navigation satellites that any outages should

noted.

The sun has produced strong solar flares since last Wednesday, resulting in at least seven outbursts of plasma. Each eruption — known as a coronal mass ejection — can contain billions of tons of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. The flares seem to be associated with a sunspot that’s 16 times the diameter of Earth, according to NOAA. It’s all part of the solar activity that’s ramping up as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle.

NASA said the storm posed no serious threat to the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The biggest concern is the increased radiation levels, and the crew could move to a better shielded part of the station if necessary, according to Steenburgh.

Several sun-focused spacecraft monotered all the action, said Antti Pulkkinen, director of the space agency’s heliophysics science division. “This is exactly the kinds of things we want to observe.”

Steenburgh

UNVEILING - Madison Visionary Partners or MVP hosted a special unveiling to celebrate completion of two murals in downtown Madison and the start of the Madison Mural Trail. The first unveiling was held for the “March of the Monarch” mural on Shorter Street at Honest Coffee. The second unveiling, “Madison Station”, was held at 14 Main Street. Madison Mayor Paul Finley helped with the unveiling. “The Madison Mural Trail is truly a grassroots effort that began with a group of community members who wanted to see more public art in the city,” MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said. Through grants and corporate donors, MVP has successfully funded two mural projects, which were completed in April. Designed by local artist Ann Moeller, the ‘March of the Monarch’ mural pays homage to the Monarch butterfly -- our state insect and a symbol of transformation and community, which represents our own city’s growth. The second mural, “Madison Station, Established 1869,” appears on the eastern side of retail stores at 14 Main St. in downtown Madison. Sonya Clemons designed the mural. To complete the mural project, MVP received funding from Huntsville Area Association of Realtors or HAAR, Toyota Alabama, Sealy Management and Bank Independent. Pictured above: Ann Moeller, representatives from Sealy Management and Bank Independent, along with Madison Mayor Finley and MVP Executive Director in front of the March of the Monarch mural. Pictured right: John Rankin, members of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission, artist Sonya Clemons, along with Madison Mayor Finley and MVP Executive

Director Melanie Thornton and Representative Parker Moore (AL House District Four) in front of the Madison Station Mural.

Madison Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Epling was recently honored as a chamber leader statewide.

Michelle Epling named

“Chamber

Champion” by Alabama Chambers

By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce Michelle Epling was awarded Chamber Champion award last month by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

The award honors a chamber leader statewide with less than five years’ experience at their chamber and who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, advanced the mission of their chamber, and participated in non-chamber community volunteering.

Epling was presented with the award at the Alabama Chambers Night of Champions Awards on April 24.

When Epling first started at the chamber, the award was a motivator and source of inspiration for her to grow the Madison chamber and take it to new heights in serving its members and the city.

“I first learned about the Chamber Champion award at my very first chamber conference a little over two and a half years ago,” said Epling. “I went to my first ever executive leadership conference on scholarship because our chamber couldn’t afford to send me without me getting a scholarship through them, and I’ll never forget Penelope [Hines of Monroeville] got up on the stage and she had won the award, and I remember being like, ‘I hope one day we can grow our chamber to be like her[s].’”

Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Madison Chamber of Commerce

DeWayne Howell, Director of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability at Polaris, nominated Epling for the 2024 Chamber Champion Award. She has just two and a half years under her belt at the helm of the Madison Chamber of Commerce and has already made a huge impact.

Since Epling’s arrival at the chamber in November 2021, the chamber has launched its first public policy agenda to advocate for Madison businesses with elected officials, hosted One Madison meetings once a quarter that bring together area organizations and businesses to collaborate, received the first ever Small Business Week Proclamation in Madison from Mayor Paul Finley this April, and seen record-breaking attendance at events it’s hosted in the last six months.

Epling’s non-chamber volunteer work is just as impressive and extensive. Most recently, she has served as chair of the Grandparents Club (Wisecats) at Midtown Elementary School and as co-chair of the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Competition. Her past volunteer work

includes work with the Gothic Guild, Huntsville Ballet Company, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, and Junior League of Huntsville just to name a few.

“We’re only as good as the community members that give back to our community each and every day. So, when we can give back to our community, it really lifts the entire community up,” said Epling of her community involvement. “I love giving back. I think the hardest thing in this position for me right now is that I don’t have the time to sit on the seven to ten boards that I used to sit on before I took this job.”

Though Epling was the official recipient of the Champion Chamber Award, she says it’s really an award for the entire chamber and how far they’ve come as a team.

“This Chamber Champion award might have my name on it, but it would have not been possible if it wasn’t for my team, the Board of Directors, chamber ambassadors, if it wasn’t for the city council, for Mayor Finley, for Chairman McCutcheon,” said Epling. “This is really a great testament to our community coming together and supporting an organization that’s really truly been rebuilt coming out of COVID, and it’s just been an honor to get to be here at the chamber. We call it magic, chamber magic, and we’re just having fun watching the chamber magic happen.”

“We’ve had so many business owners that have believed in us when we had a sheet of paper and a dream,” she said.

As for the future, they will host the third annual Celebrate Madison in October, the second annual Back to School Breakfast later this summer, and more ribbon cuttings throughout the year as they continue to aim to create value and community connections for area businesses.

“When you look long term at the Madison chamber, our focus is fulfilling our mission, and that mission is to create community connections and to grow businesses and to continue to be a connector, a convener, and a catalyst for positive change within our community. Our team works every day to make sure we’re fulfilling that mission,” Epling said of the future.

In addition to the Chamber Champion award, the chamber was also honored with official accreditation from the Alabama Chamber of Commerce Association, a prestigious accreditation, which is achieved by meeting “rigorous standards of organizational effectiveness, professional conduct, and community impact.” Learn more about the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s mission and events at madisonalchamber.com.

World Records SCHOOLS

Liberty’s

Shravan Balaji wins ‘Best of Fair Award’ in regional science fair

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Shravan

Balaji earned the “Best of Fair Award” in the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair or NARSEF at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Shravan, a seventh-grader at Liberty Middle School, earned the award in the Junior Division for grades 6-8 with his project, “An Innovative Approach to Predict and Analyze Diabetes Using Machine Learning.” He competed in the Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences Category.

Shravan received $500 in prize money from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

After his win at regionals, Shravan advanced to the Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair or ASEF, where he won second place in the Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences category. He also received a spot in the Junior Innovators Challenge.

“I have participated in STEM summer camps through which I gained interest in biology and computer science,” Shravan said. “I decided to take it a step further this year by creating a research project in that field.”

Helping Shravan along the way, Danyale Ragus, an eighth-grade science teacher at Liberty, mentored him and assisted with the registration process for the science fair.

Shravan’s project “analyzes various factors that contribute to diabetes and uses a machine learning algorithm to predict individuals’ likelihoods of

having diabetes. At the fair, I was judged based on my presentation, poster and research paper,” he said.

“The inspiration behind creating this project arose from observing the challenges faced by a diabetic friend. Witnessing their struggles sparked my curiosity to delve deeper into understanding the disease and explore ways in which I could contribute to improving the situation,” Shravan said.

“Participating in the fair allowed me to explore my interests in-depth and discover my passion for a specific area of science,” Shravan said. “Presenting my project to judges helped me overcome stage fright and develop strong communication skills.”

When Shravan was in sixth grade, he won third place for his project, “Gene Variations and Their Impact on Medication Efficacy” at ASEF. He was nominated for the 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge or JIC, a program of the Society for Science.

Formerly called the Broadcom MASTERS, the Thermo Fisher Challenge is the premier STEM competition for U.S. sixththrough eighth-graders. Thermo Fisher is an incredible achievement, with only the top 10 percent of middle-school projects nationwide that are invited to apply online for the national competition.

His parents are Balaji Purushothaman, who works as a Principal Product Manager at Adtran Inc., and Subashini Gopalakrishnan, an engineer at Siemens.

Bob Jones, James Clemens JROTC cadets challenged in Rocket City Rivalry Day

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – No doubt that bragging rights were at stake, but achieving personal bests was also on the line when the Bob Jones Air Force Junior ROTC or AFJROTC and James Clemens Army Junior ROTC or AJROTC engaged in exercises at the Rocket City Rivalry Day.

Cadet Major Xin Lin from James Clemens hosted the second annual Rocket City Rivalry Day on April 19. Lin serves as the Battalion Executive Officer of James Clemens JROTC Jet Battalion, and currently he is Alabama JROTC State President.

“At the Rocket City Rivalry Day, rival Madison City Schools’ JROTC programs at Bob Jones and James

Clemens came together to compete in a series of sports events and drill to determine who is ultimately the best JROTC program in Madison City,” Lin said.

“Over 100 cadets participated, and, with a close call for two years in a row, Bob Jones pulled through winning two for two,” Lin said. The winning unit can keep a perpetual belt that signifies their status.

“This event is one of the ways the two JROTC units engage in friendly rivalry, befitting of the history-long, county-wide rivalry,” Lin said. “The Army National Guard provided us games, such as a gladiator pit, rock-climbing wall and football toss.”

The JROTC units competed in a four-by-one race, flag football, dodgeball, track relays, obstacle

course and tug of war.

“In addition, the cadets had a rivaling fundraiser for Chick-fil-A milkshakes to raise money for both units in program funds,” Lin said.

All cadets showed great sportsmanship and determination throughout the competition. Cadets cheered and encouraged each other, truly embodying the spirit of the event.

“Both JROTC units will continue to host Rocket City Rivalry Day for years to come,” Lin said.

At James Clemens, ret. Major Rezell Linen and ret. Sergeant Major Samuel D. McCray instruct students who have enrolled in AJROTC.

Bob Jones’ AFJROTC instructors are ret. Chief Master Sergeant Ellis Clark and ret. Dr. Major Melissa M. Lacey.

Shravan Balaji earned the “Best of Fair Award” in the Junior Division at the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Shravan is a seventh-grader at Liberty Middle School.

Cadets from Bob Jones Air Force Junior ROTC and James Clemens Army Junior ROTC engaged the Rocket City Rivalry Day with

She was a model teacher who loved and supported her students, organized & implemented engaging lessons, and shared her passion for the French language and culture to her students. She enjoyed getting to know her students and encouraged their academic and personal growth. Mooney passed away on March 16 after complications from open-heart surgery in Birmingham. She is survived by her husband Chris; son Logan and daughters Brianna and Kendall.

year

- field day events

local schools.

JONES

Band annual Jazz

- The Bob Jones

was held last week at the Madison Senior Center. “We truly appreciate all band members, band director Leigh Thomas, assistant band director Kevin Smart, who also coordinates the indoor drumline, for their continued support of MSC,” a Facebook post by the senior stated. “To each performer, parent, grand-parent, friend, loved-one and MSC member the MSC staff sends you all our gratitude and well wishes!” In 2018, the annual event started when the president of Bob Jones Band Boosters contacted then-center director Vickie Parker with the idea of a brunch. “Our center has always partnered with the city schools,” Parker said. “I saw this as an excellent way to partner with them.” Band parents will served a tempting array of sweet and savory foods. The Bob Jones Jazz Brunch not only raises funds for the senior center but gives the teenagers a way to give back by showcasing their mastery of the jazz genre.

BOB

JAZZ BRUNCH

High School Jazz

Brunch

FIELD DAY - It’s that time of

again

at

The Heritage Elementary field day was a success last week. All of the kids had a blast! It was made possible with volunteer help from the parents and PTA. Here are some fun photos from the event.

CAREER DAY - Discovery Middle recently hosted a Career Day Speaker series organized by Amanda Haynes and the DMS Technology Student Association. Some 16 speakers from a variety of careers presented to several classes. The forum exposed students to potential career interests and gave them an opportunity to ask questions. The students enjoyed learning about the different career paths and hearing speakers explain pathways to get there and how their careers may have changed over time. Madison City Schools leaders said they are very thankful all of their industry partners who took time to share their knowledge and experience with the students.

French, Latin students at James Clemens excel in testing, contests

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – In year-end tasks, language students in French and Latin have demonstrated their mastery of a different mode of communication.

“Our World Languages programs are closing out the year on a busy note, with language competitions, tests and other foreign language challenges for students,” Dr. Ed Nichols, Superintendent of Madison City Schools, said.

“Here’s a snapshot of recent activities: a National French Contest by James Clemens students; a Spanish Assembly at Discovery Middle School involving Bob Jones, Discovery, Journey and Liberty middle schools’ Spanish programs; and James Clemens award winners from the National Latin Exam,” Nichols said.

“The following students participated in the National French Contest this year -- a test of their French language skills in reading, listening and grammar,” Katie Greene said. Greene teaches French at James Clemens. “Over 40,000 students participated in this contest across the nation.”

James Clemens had 21 students earn awards in their respective divisions this year, including five medalists:

• Level 5 (Advanced Placement) -- Erik Wu, National Honorable Mention, highest score in state; and Matthew Williams, National Honorable Mention, second highest score in state.

Dauwen, National Honorable Mention; Zemirah Sprayberry, Kinsley Hardy, John Litavec, Ethan Izatt, Ivana Rubio, Emma Titsworth, Isabelle Berrones and Alexis Conner, National Honorable Mention within top 25 scores in the state. In classes for Latin, 41 James Clemens students took the National Latin Exam this year, Latin teacher Allison Shratter said. Shratter also sponsors Latin Club and Latin Honor Society. Among those 41 students, 29 Latin students at James Clemens won awards and honors.

Several students were judged in different levels:

• Cum Laude (with praise) -- Isaac Caldwell, Barrett Daughtry and Dominik Karascony.

• Magna Cum Laude (with great praise) -- Sage Mankowski

• Level 4 -- Ana Lara, National Silver Medalist, highest score in state; Max Pasho, National Silver Medalist, second highest score in state; Vincent Stewart, National Honorable Mention, seventh highest score in state; Emily Harrison, National Honorable Mention, eighth highest score in state; and Alexandria Alford, National Honorable Mention, ninth highest score in state.

• Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude (with the greatest praise) -- Ethan Brewer. These students competed in Beginning Latin:

• Cum Laude (with praise) -- Autumn Elliott, Brielle Hicks, Abby Horn, Hailey Kim and Natayla Niebuhr.

• Magna Cum Laude (with great praise) -- Jack Crider, Caleb Densford, Alex Emmons, Philip Hester, Shaan Patel, Brady Percy and Rylan York.

• Level 3 -- Urvi Mysore, National Gold Medalist, highest score in state; Disha Patel, National Bronze Medalist, second highest score in state; and Anaya Naphade, National Honorable Mention, third highest score in state.

• Level 2 -- Claire Frazier, National Bronze Medalist; Gavin Sharp and Ruby

• Silver Medal, Maxima Cum Laude (with the greatest praise) -- Owen Clark, Carmen Cruz, Kelly Hwang, Levi Kuehnl, Katherine Mai, Sydney Saxon, Marcy Walliser, Jack Weber, Caden Whittington and Reece Williams.

• Gold Medal, Summa Cum Laude (with the highest praise) -- Caroline Reynolds and Chandana Suru.

JUNGLE BOOK - The Midtown Elementary school family received a musical treat last week. Students at the school performed the musical “Jungle Book” to the classmates (above) and to family and friends last Friday and Saturday. The hardworking cast did an excellent job bringing this wonderful classic to life.

and burrow deep in search of food and safety, continuing the cycle.

“In addition to the noise, you might see more predators around. Cicadas are great meals for a lot of things, especially birds,” Hill said.

Get Out and Explore

With the emergence of Broods 13 and 19, Meredith Shrader — an Alabama Cooperative Extension System entomologist — said this year is a great opportunity for parents to use the cicada to teach their children about ecosystems, life cycles and science.

“The earlier parents can introduce their children to insects and help them understand that they are not all bad, stinging creatures — the better,” Shrader said. “It is important to help them understand the importance of insects in our ecosystem.”

Cicadas in Brood 13 emerge every 17 years, and Brood 19 emerges every 13 years. Shrader encourages parents to follow the emergence of these period-

til medical personnel arrived,” Lilly said. “She made a full recovery.”

Lilly’s unit, MS BB 41, drills in Amory, Miss. “Other cadets are exceptional young men and women who are welcoming and respectful of a female Chief,” Lilly said. Lilly was recently promoted to Midshipman (an adult officer rank); another female now manages cadet leadership.

For Boy Scouts, a friend invited Lilly to attend an-girl meeting when Lilly was a sophomore.

“Lilly was hooked and decided to join,” Scott said.

“I had just enough time to make Eagle,” Lilly said. Her Eagle project involved planter boxes with poles that form an openroofed gazebo with climbing vines at Athens Public Library.

Deadlines were tight with no downtime between ranks. Lilly finished her Eagle project on the deadline, just before her 18th birthday.

For Girl Scouts, Lilly joined as early as possible at age five and has been active since then.

For her Gold project, Lilly’s team built a sensory room for children with special needs to relax and ‘decompress’ at The

ical cicadas in their area, using it as a tangible, life-science teaching tool. She recommends using cicadamania.com to follow trends and updates. This website includes facts, species identification, emergence tracking and the sounds made by each species.

“One of the interesting things about the broods emerging this year is that their sounds truly are different,” Shrader said. “If people listen to the sounds in their backyard and compare what they hear to the website, they will be able to identify which cicada brood is singing nearby.”

Shrader said cicadas from Broods 13 and 19 have different sounds, but they also sound different than the annual cicadas that sing each summer in Alabama. When is the best time to look for cicadas?

This year’s emergence is an important event for cicada predators. Cicadas first feed on tree roots. Then — as they emerge from the ground — moles, birds,

Arc of Morgan County in Decatur. In early May, she received the confirmation letter for her Gold Award, Girl Scouts’ highest honor and roughly equivalent to Eagle Scout.

Lilly wholeheartedly thanked Girl Scout, Boy Scout and Sea Cadet leaders, teachers, relatives and friends for encouragement.

In other honors at James Clemens, Lilly earned the DAR Youth Citizenship Medal and National Merit Scholar status; participated in National Honor Society, Science Honor Society and German Honor Society; and received the Seal of Biliteracy and National German Exam Scholarship for a three-week school, homestay in Brandenburg and sightseeing.

Lilly will attend Centre College in Danville, Ky. as a Lincoln Scholar to study biology with sights on medical school.

“I believe she may be the only ‘Chief Golden Eagle’ out there,” Scott said about Lilly’s titles.

Lilly’s parents are Scott and Kristal Markowitz. He teaches social studies at James Clemens. She works as librarian at Central School in Huntsville.

opossums and other small creatures feed on the cicadas. Shrader said the emergence is a survival strategy for the insects. They emerge all at once, hoping that some cicadas will survive to reproduce, lay eggs and start the process again.

“Cicada emergence will happen in the dead of night, when the cicada’s major predators are not moving,” Shrader said. “This will give them time to come out of their exoskeletons and dry off. Then, they fly to the tops of the trees to warm up.”

Shrader said that cicadas must be warm to sing, so singing will likely begin around 10 a.m. the morning after emergence.

“Unfortunately, most opportunities to see cicadas will be as they are dying on the ground,” Shrader said. “Those who do not make the climb up the tree will be the ones that are most easily available for observation with families and children.”

and educational purposes.

As a member of American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit, Finley has participated in veteran’s grave flag placement and cleaning on Memorial Day and Veteran’s day, as well as placing wreaths for Christmas and participating in annual gravestone cleaning. Much of her volunteer service hours are spent on behind the scenes work to help prepare for events and projects for the American Legion.

Finley’s work with veterans has made a significant impact in Madison’s senior living facilities by remembering them and honoring them for their service.

“Gentry-Isom VFW, Post 2,702 is proud to once again have our top Scout become the recipient of the Department-level award,” Bobby Lee Jr. said. Lee is Commander of VFW Post 2,702.

“This is the third year in a row that Post 2,702 has had the Department-level ‘Scout of the Year,’ which is a reflection on the quality of Scouting programs in our area,” Lee said.

Some of the VFW’s earliest

Things to Do

Shrader said there are plenty of ways to use this natural phenomenon as a teaching tool.

“It is important for children to have exposure to insects in order to teach them not to be afraid,” Shrader said.

“These guys are big but they won’t hurt you, and they will be in a lot of places. Take the time to see, touch and experience what is going on around you.”

• Collect specimens. Find cicadas or exoskeletons and pin them on a foam board for observation and safekeeping.

• Make your own map. Find and identify species, collect data and create your own map of your findings.

More Information

Use this year’s double-brood emergence as an opportunity to teach children about the ecosystem, all while enjoying one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. Learn more about Alabama’s ecosystem and other insects by visiting www.aces.edu.

ties to the community involve youth groups. “Perhaps none is stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America’s Scouting organizations,” Lee said.

“In fact, VFW’s partnership with Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2,100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Wash.,” Lee said.

“In addition to teaching our youth vital life and survival skills, Scouting programs help develop America’s youth into the well-rounded, strong leaders that our country’s future needs. The VFW is proud of all that these students have achieved and accomplished, and we’re honored to recognize them through our Scout of the Year program,” Lee said.

“Finley embodies the qualities we look for in our Scouts. She not only participates in many extracurricular activities, but she also seeks leadership positions in the organizations in which she participates,” Lee said. “That quality sets her apart from many other candidates for this award.”

Finley performed over 400 hours of documented community service while in high school. Her service qualified her for the Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) during each of those years. Her 136.5 hours of service in 2023 qualified her for the Silver Level PVSA.

“Once you grow to love volunteering it will come naturally and you will never fail to lend a helping hand whenever you see someone who needs help or when help is asked of you. I also recommend setting a goal for how many volunteer hours you want to complete a year to keep you motivated to give back to the community.” Finley was recently honored as a finalist for Madison Visionary Partners’ “Madison Youth Volunteer of the Year”. After graduating from James Clemens High School this month, she plans to attend Auburn University in the fall. Troop 926 leaders are Jean Downs and Andrea Johnson.

Finley and her family will be honored with a presentation ceremony at Post 2,702 on May 25 at noon.

Scout Continued from page 1A

Final 4 showdown in Madison

Patriots battle Jets to reach this week’s state 7A championship

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - This past week featured a baseball series for the ages as bitter rivals Bob Jones and James Clemens ran it back just three weeks later. The stakes were massive as both Madison schools had already battled through two rounds of the playoffs to reach the 7A Final Four with games to be played at Bob Jones.

On paper, it was supposed to be another Bob Jones sweep because that is what the Patriots

always do to the Jets.

But James Clemens didn’t go all the way to Hoover and swept the Bucs to get dusted by Bob Jones in the Final Four. With a first-round road sweep of Grissom and then the Hoover series win in just two, JC was riding high heading back to Madison to face the mighty Patriots.

Bob Jones’ playoff pathway was a dismantling of Sparkman at home followed by winning two of three at home against Thompson in the second round. James Clemens bested the

Patriots in Game 1 last Wednesday at Bob Jones by a score of 3-1 before falling 9-1 in a Game 2 that was stopped for inclement weather. Those first two games set the stage for a legendary final clash last Thursday for a ticket to the state championship against Central – Phoenix City. Thursday Game 3: Bob Jones 5, James Clemens 4

The Patriots used their dangerous lineup to come back against the road Jets who appeared keen to escort Bob Jones

By BOB LABBE

MADISON - For those who would like to extend their activities to remain healthy and face a different type of challenge a triathlon could be that extension for someone already physically active.

Most everyone can swim, ride a bike and run/walk, but not everyone has tried to do all three back-to-back in a competitive setting. For those wanting to tackle the daunting task to complete a triathlon, Fleet Feet Training Groups is there to support anyone willing to face a personal challenge as the groups can help with coaching, comrade of like-minded individuals and a sense of accountability working toward the goal of participating in a triathlon.

Fleet Feet of Madison/ Huntsville is offering triathlon training programs to assist participants of all levels of athleticism and experience. “Tri 101” beginner level trains for the Sprint Triathlon scheduled for August. Training began May 14. The program for intermediates, “Tri 201,” will provide training for the Rocketman Triathlon in August. This program starts June 3. For those who fall into the category of endurance triathlete, “Tri 70.3” is setup for those wishing to complete a Half Ironman. The elite training begins July 8.

A look at the AHSAA 7A baseball title series matchup

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - A heavyweight championship bout is the best comparison that can be made for the upcoming State Championship Series for the Class 7A Baseball title when Bob Jones will tangle with Central-Phenix City.

“You couldn’t ask for a better

matchup with No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the state and both of us ranked in the Top 15 nationally,” said Bob Jones head coach Jared Smith. “I’d be surprised if this series doesn’t go three games with these two teams being so evenly matched.” The best-of-three series begins on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Choccolocco Park, a 1,200-seat facility located in Oxford. Game

two and three, if necessary, will be held on the artificial turf Rudy Abbott Field at the 2,020 capacity Jim Case Stadium on the campus of Jacksonville State University on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Patriots are No. 1 in Alabama and No. 13 nationally according to Perfect Game. The Red Devils come into the finals as No.

Details and registration are available at www.fleetfeet. com/s/huntsville/training. A triathlon is made up of three disciplines of sport: run-bike-swim. Participants have their own reasons for wanting to complete a triathlon, but the benefits are universal. The tasks of competing a triathlon both physically and mentally are rewarding in multiple areas of the experience. For most, a triathlon offers a new challenge, improves fitness and an overall sense of accomplishment. Completing three separate disciplines is an incredible accomplishment and after crossing the finish line in any event the feeling of being motivated and inspired can last a lifetime.

Steve Keller, member of Team Rocket Triathlon Club, will be one of the coaches in the training programs. “Since arriving here in 2012 and worked at Fleet Feet-Madison for 18 months as I began competing in triathlons in 2007 and completed four ironman distance events,” said Keller.

“I love being a mentor for Triathlon 201 Training Groups and enjoy helping others achieve their goals,” added

It was a full house at Bob Jones last week as the Patriots faced their cross-city rival Jets in the Class 7A Final 4 baseball series. Photo Odom

The Patriots are in Oxford this week competing for the Class 7A baseball crown. Their first game was yesterday, but due to press deadlines for The Record, this issue prints ahead of the opening game. Check

madisonrecord.com for updates. Photo by Caleb Odom

into the offseason.

Bob Jones’ starting pitcher Jack Shaw overcame a disastrous top of the first inning where he allowed four runs with just one hit as James Clemens took advantage of some early jitters.

Senior catcher Zach Johnson led the way for the Patriots with his 2 for 3 days with two RBIs for the Patriots, while the Bob Jones shortstop Braden Booth also had a big moment in the bottom of the fourth inning to give his team the lead.

The top of the first inning couldn’t have gone any worse for Jack Shaw as he hit the first two JC batters in the helmet.

A flurry of wild infield throws and even a double by Ty Marsh that burned the left fielder who was playing very shallow had Bob Jones in a bit of a hole.

“I started off rough,” Shaw said.

“I hit a few people and make a couple of errors, but we got out of it and knew that my team would score some runs and I just had to trust my stuff and go right at them.”

“After the last two games, I was not hitting bad, but not great. So, I was just trying to hit something hard and get us going after that 4-run first inning from them.”

With Shaw dealing, Booth gave Bob Jones the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a 2-run single with two out to make it 5-4 Patriots.

“I was going up there trying to put something in a hole somewhere,” Booth said.

“At least get one across to tie the game, but I ended up running into one that got past the centerfielder and I’m not going to lie, that was probably the biggest hit of my Bob Jones career.”

James Clemens meanwhile was just unable to generate much of anything else after the first inning outburst.

Anytime the Jets would look to have a threat on the bases, the Bob Jones defense would step up to support Shaw who continued to grind for his team on the mound.

Wednesday Game 1: James Clemens 3, Bob Jones 1

The first installment was a duel between pitchers Luke Davenport with JC and Braden Booth for Bob Jones.

Davenport gave his team everything he had in his final appearance of his high school career with seven innings where he allowed just one run with five hits, two walks and six strikeouts.

In the other dugout, Booth also pitched seven innings where he gave up three runs with seven hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts. Bob Jones took the 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, but three runs by the Jets in the top of the fourth inning made all the difference as JC took the opener 3-1.

Wednesday/Thursday Game 2: Bob Jones 9, James Clemens 1

The pressure was on the Patriots at home in the second game on Wednesday, but it was a race against the weather.

To his credit, Shaw settled in and gave his team six scoreless innings the rest of the way.

Down 4-0, the Patriots got one back in the bottom of the first with a run to make it 4-1 when Zach Johnson drove in Jacob Pearl with an RBI double.

Bob Jones scored two more runs in the bottom of the third when Booth reached on an error and eventually scored on another error.

Third baseman Gresham Baker would double with two outs and there was Johnson once more to knock him in with his clutch bat when it matters most.

In the end, it would be Shaw who fielded a comebacker with two out in the seventh inning.

The Bob Jones pitcher sprinted toward the first base bag to do the job himself to secure the win and send his team to the state championship.

As the Patriots celebrated and the fans cheered with glee, a disappointed James Clemens team that had earned their rival’s respect accepted defeat with class.

“This group did things that nobody else has done at James Clemens,” Jets head coach Johnny Johnson said.

The threat of bad storms that included lightning, hail and even tornados forced Game 2 to be postponed with Bob Jones leading 7-1 in the fifth inning.

When the action resumed on Thursday, the Patriots added two more runs to roll to victory in the second game on a hot day at Bob Jones.

By the time this publication comes out, Bob Jones will have played Game 1 of the 7A State Championship on Tuesday against Central –Phenix City at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala.

“First AB, I was just trying to hammer something,” Johnson said.

“We were one or two runs away from getting to the final so I can’t be prouder of our community, our school and the kids.”

Game 2 is slated to be played today at 2 p.m. at Jacksonville State while Game 3, if needed, will take place Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. also at JSU.

Keller.

Tri 101 is basically a beginner triathlete program over a 12-week period geared towards the new triathlete covering swim technique, cycling safety and gearing and run technique including the transition

2 in the state, but No. 10 on the national scene. The two heavyweights met earlier this season on Feb. 17 as part of the PBR Alabama Kickoff at Hoover High where Bob Jones lost in a close one 2-1.

“Central plays really good defense, throws strikes, and hits for a high average with the ability to hit extra base hits. They are a complete team, but what makes them really tough to beat is they always believe that they

of one sport to the other. Nutrition, injury prevention and stretching will also be touched on all for the fee of $200 (excluding race fee) in preparation for the Huntsville Sprint Triathlon, scheduled for Aug. 3. Training kickoff is May 14

will win,” said Smith of the Red Devils. “They are extremely competitive and gritty, which makes them very tough to beat. They are also used to winning as this is their third straight state championship appearance.”

For Bob Jones (42-12), making their second appearance in the finals in the last five years, they went three games in the semi-finals against its crosstown rival James Clemens (3312) in scores of 1-3, 9-1 and 5-4. Cen-

at Fleet Feet.

“I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and with the experience as a coach. Personal trainer and competitive athlete, I’m ready to help Team Fleet Feet reach their 2024 goals,” said Keller.

tral (39-3) swept Auburn (27-12) 11-6 and 10-1 in its semi-final matchup. “I think everyone has momentum at this point if you are still playing at this point in the season,” added Smith. “Of course, we are coming off a huge series win over our rival James Clemens but we have to turn the page pretty quick because the State Championship will be here before you know it.”

145-pound

UAH hauls in three provisional marks

CLEVELAND, Tenn.The UAH men’s and women’s track & field teams competed in the Lee Last Chance Qualifier meet on Saturday prior to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Notable Performances

-The women’s 4x100 meter relay team of Krystalynn Oatman, Amiah Murray, Chandler Robinson, and Jordyn Dortch claimed first place and had a Lee Last Chance meet record time of 45.30 and is a NCAA Division II provisional mark.

-Dortch also took first place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 24.15.

-Ayden Walton grabbed second place in the triple jump, as he leapt a distance of 14.88 meters which is a D-II provisional mark. -Four Chargers re-

corded personal bests in their respective events, with Ke’Andre Campbell (100m, 10.76), Weston Ellison (800m, 1:50.05), Malik Turner (Long Jump, 7.06

meters), Marshall Rosenhoover (Pole Vault, 4.37 meters).

-Ellison’s time in the 800 meters of 1:50.05 is a D-II provisional mark.

6-foot, 155-pound student-athlete played outfield, first base and was a right-handed pitcher.

James Clemens baseball player Francisco Ramirez, center with his parents alongside, signed an athletic scholarship with Marion Military Institute. As a senior for the Jets’ program the 5-foot-9,

infielder batted .317, with 40 hits and 29 RBIs.

Track & Field State Track Meet

Local high school athletes add to schools’ trophy cases

By BOB LABBE

MADISON- The trophy cases at each of the four local high schools received some additional hardware after the recent Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Track and Field State Meet with each school taking home individual gold medal first place awards while one school took home the Blue Map Trophy as Team State Champion.

Overall count for first place finishes had Bob Jones taking home five, Madison Academy three, James Clemens two and the Sparkman Senators one. Individually, Jordan Urrutia of Bob Jones, an Ole Miss signee, was the star of the event winning four gold medals taking the Class 7A 100, 200 and 400-meter races and being the anchor leg of the 4x400 relay team, which placed a gold medal winning performance in the history books. His younger sister, freshman Alivia, also turned the tables on the competition winning the 400-meter. As for a team performance, Madison Academy’s boys rallied with 24 points over the final three events to capture the Class 3A title for the second consecutive year with a final tally of 96 points edging out W.S. Neal which posted 84.

“This team did something twice that is hard to do once,” said Dante Dorsey head coach of the Madison Academy track.

“With all the pressure from last year on their shoulders, they all stayed hungry and humble. They continued to work hard and trust their coaches and the process. It is an honor to be their coach and I cannot wait to see what each of these athletes goes on to do.”

The Mustangs won three state individual event titles. Reese Baker won the javelin with a new Class 3A state record of 184-08 and was second in the shot put.

The Mustangs also won two relay championships with the 4x400 setting a new Class 3A mark at 3:24.67 and the 4x800 race at 8:19.66.

James Clemens took third place in Class 7A boy’s division claiming 10 medals at the State Meet held in Gulf Shores. The Jets were led by the stunning performance of the 4x800 relay team of Luke Alverson, Cole Robinson, John Luke Stovall and Dylan Dryer who broke the all-classification state record with a winning time of 7:41.07 averaging 1:56 per runner. The posted time ranks the relay team No. 3 in the nation.

For Sparkman in the 100th State Meet, the Senators were led by sophomore Charity Collier who won the state title in the shot put and was second in the discus among the Class 7A girls competition.

The final team scores from the Class 7A State Meet held in Gulf Shores were Boys- 1. Hoover 156.5, 3. James Clemens 71, 4. Bob Jones 55, 12. Sparkman 18; Girls- 1. Hoover 90.5, 7. Bob Jones 50, 10. Sparkman 27.5, 15. James Clemens 23; Class 3A State Meet held in Cullman were: Boys- 1. Madison Academy 96, 2. W.S. Neal 84. Here are the medal winning (top three) performances: Class 7A Boys- pole vault, 3. Austin Abney, 12, James Clemens 14-0; 1,600meter, 2. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens 4:12.47; 3,200meter, 2. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens 9:10.21; 400meter, 1. Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones 47.96, 3. Joe Quez Keith, 11, Sparkman 48.87; 4x800, 1. James Clemens (Luke Alverson, Cole Robinson, John Luke Stovall, Dylan Dryer) 7:41.07; 100meter, 1. Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones 10.62; 300meter hurdles, 3. Joe Quez Keith, 11, Sparkman 45.29; 200meter, 1. Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones 20.85; 800meter, 2. Dylan Dryer, 12, James Clemens 1:54.51; 4x400 relay, 1. Bob Jones (Zathian Webster, Elijah Wells, Caleb Johnson, Jordan Urrutia) 3:16.70.

Class 7A Girls- discus, 2. Charity Collier, 10, Sparkman 121-10; long jump, 2. Kalah Christopher, 10, Bob Jones 18-1.75; 400meter, 1. Alivia Urrutia, 9, Bob Jones 56.47; shot put, 1. Charity Collier, 10, Sparkman 40-0.50; high jump, 3. Jasmyne Rochelle, 9, Bob Jones 5-4; 100meter, 3. Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens 11.94; 300meter hurdles, 2. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones 45.29, 3. Kalah Christopher, 10, Bob Jones 45.32; 200meter, 1. Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens 24.20; 4x400 relay, 3. Bob Jones (Alaya Obianozie, Alivia Urrutia, Jolissa Coe, Molly Halter) 3:58.29. Class 3A Boys- 800meter, 2. Jackson Reese, 12, Madison Academy 2:00.29, 3. Jr. Howard, 11, Madison Academy 2:01.12; javelin, 1. Reese Baker, 12, Madison Academy 184-08; shot put, 2. Reese Baker, 12, Madison Academy 47-05.50; 4x100 relay, 3. Madison Academy 43.31; 4x400 relay, 1. Madison Academy (Selano Thomas, Joshua Williams, John Randell, Howard, Jackson Reese) 3:24.67; 4x800 relay, 1.Madison Academy (Sam Hall, Caleb Williams, John Randel Howard, Jackson Reese) 8:19.66.

Bob Jones’ Alivia Urrutia

Reese Baker-Madison Academy

Jordan Urrutia-Bob Jones

4x800 James Clemens with coaches

4x400-Madison Academy (center).

4x800-Madison Academy.

4x400-Bob Jones

Charity Collier-Sparkman

Zaria Parker - James Clemens

HISTORY with John Rankin

Fletcher Family and the 1884 “Electrification” of Madison

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - In 1964 the Fletcher family descendants privately printed a 36page booklet written by Octavia Fletcher Frazier, who was born in Athens, Alabama, in 1875. The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society was granted permission to use the booklet, and portions are excerpted here. Octavia was the youngest child of Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher (1830-1906) and his wife Rebeckah Mason (1832-1909) of Athens. Octavia’s parents were married in 1855. Octavia was the only one of their ten children who was born in Athens, while two died young, and the others were born at Birnam Wood, the family plantation home in Limestone County at “Nubbin Ridge” near Madison. Octavia’s father was born in Richmond, Virginia, the oldest son of James Nicholas Fletcher and his wife Matilda G. Cheatham who moved to Limestone County by 1833. Most of this family’s early generations in this area are buried in Maple Hill Cemetery and not in Madison.

James N. Fletcher was born in Virginia in 1785 and became the first sheriff of Nottingham County, Virginia. After serving in the Virginia legislature, James moved his family to Alabama when Richard was only three years old. James was much wealthier than most of his neighbors here, so he built a plantation and house called Aspen Dell for his family. He later also gave nearby land for a plantation and house called Birnam Wood to his son Richard. The Fletcher family had settled in the area where Burgreen Road and Brown’s Ferry Road intersect today. They called it “Nubbin Ridge”, according to Octavia’s account, “because the land was so poor … it could not produce even ‘nubbins’ of corn.” Yet, Octavia’s recollections are of productive fields, beautiful knolls, and rolling meadows with perpetual springs of water.

Dr. Fletcher was the primary physician for the area in and around Madison during the Civil War years, even though he also served the Confederacy in his birthplace of Richmond, VA, and in Culpepper Courthouse of Virginia until he was sent home to help the Madison community. He had been tutored at home in his early years, by “preceptors” hired by his father James. One of these preceptors was Dr. Algernon Sydney Harris, with whom Richard M. Fletcher “read medicine” for several years after attending Green Academy in Huntsville. Dr. Harris (1811-1884) is buried in the old Madison City Cemetery. Richard Fletcher went on to attend Lagrange College before going to study medicine from 1853 until his graduation in 1854 at the University of Pennsylvania.

Octavia wrote that her father would buy a horse during that time, ride it to Philadelphia over a period of three weeks, then sell the horse while attending the university each year. At the end of each school year, he would purchase another horse in Philadelphia and ride it home to Alabama for another threeweek trip. Octavia recalled one of her father’s stories of seeing a whiskey store sign in Philadelphia during those years with the name of the proprietors, “I. Ketchum” and “U. Cheatham”.

It was late in her own life that Octavia detailed her memories of her father’s life in the booklet entitled “DR. RICHARD MATTHEW FLETCHER, 1830-1906, A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE AND WORKS”. Octavia was raised in Madison, because the family home, Birnam Wood at Nubbin Ridge, burned during her infancy. Her memories describe in vivid personal detail life in the small town throughout the 1880s and 1890s, as well as providing earlier historical stories that she recalled hearing from older family members.

Among Octavia’s anecdotes is a story that reveals the hearts of her parents and runs contrary to plantation life stereotypes by the media of the 1900s and now. It tells of the poisoning and death of Dr. Fletcher’s first baby girl by one of their slaves. In Octavia’s own words, “A great sorrow which left an indelible scar upon my father and mother was the loss of their first baby girl, who was accidentally poisoned by a young Negro slave girl of age seventeen, whom they and Mammy Agnes (another slave) were training for a maid and seamstress. Mammy, the most reliable in all the world, was in charge of the baby. Mother and Father had driven over to see Grandmother Mason (in Athens). The baby was asleep. Mammy wanted some-

thing from her cabin, so she told Eliza to watch the baby, and not to awaken her. The baby awoke and began to cry soon after Mammy had gone. The baby had been often subject to cholic. Eliza had seen Mammy give her catnip tea and sometimes put a drop or two of paregoric in it. She fixed the warm catnip tea and reaching on the shelf picked up what appeared to be the paregoric bottle – but it was a laudanum bottle. Dropping what she believed to be the paregoric into the tea she fed this to the baby. When Mammy returned, the child was in a stupor and never regained consciousness. She was only three months old. No, there was no punishment of the distracted and distressed Eliza -- only mingling of tears, pity, and prayers.”

Octavia included a story that she titled “Electrification of Madison” in the biography of her father and stories of her family. No, it was not about implementation of electrical power and wiring in the town in 1884, but it was about a period of intense emotions in the town of Madison during the early days. Octavia’s 36-page booklet is quoted below to tell of the events associated with the earliest known murder in Madison.

“Madison County, especially the village (of Madison), was electrified when Old Mr. Freeman was found murdered in his store. He was a respected and beloved citizen and the whole community was ready to hang the criminal who had stabbed him in the back while he was leaning over the sugar barrel and was left bleeding behind the counter. No one ever knew how much money he got. For days the officers were on his trail. Finally, word came that the guilty party had been found. It was a Negro in Tennessee, and he had confessed. They were bringing him to Madison to take him on the 5:00 o’clock train to Huntsville to jail. The community ran wild. Father and the boys (Octavia’s six brothers) immediately advised all the Negroes we knew to pass the word to all the other Negroes to stay out of sight until things quieted. They sent trusty Negroes out on the pike and other roads to turn back any coming to Madison, knowing the turn events might take and wishing to protect the innocent.”

“As the time for the train carrying the captured murder drew near and the crowd increased, about twenty-five seemed to form themselves into a mob which was turbulent and determined to hang the culprit. They were armed with pistols, guns, and knives. They were not all rabble. Some were well-known citizens. They grew bolder and more threatening as they gathered around the railroad track. Father said it was a tense and anxious moment. The minister, surrounded by a group of pleading men and boys, was trying to persuade the mob to obey the law, to disband and let the officers do their duty. The mumbling and threats continued. Syd (Octavia’s uncle Algernon Sydney Fletcher -- an attorney who had been a Captain in the Confederate Army and later Vice President of the First National Bank in Huntsville) climbed up on a freight car which had been switched onto the sidetrack behind the depot. He began by saying, ‘Boys, I got up here where you could see me and hear me. I know practically every one of you. We are friends. We all knew and loved Mr. Freeman. I helped to bury him. There is no man who deplored his death more than I do.

I want the criminal hanged, but we are citizens of a law-abiding state and a peaceful community. We do not want blood upon our hands or to be known as lawbreakers. Mr. Freeman would want the law to be observed.’ This last statement seemed to find a responsive chord. Syd continued appealing to the better sense, as he could see he had gotten their attention. Finally, he concluded, ‘The train will be here in a few minutes. I am coming down to join you, and we will all stay on this side of the tracks and let the officers have room to put that man on the train and take him to jail. The law will hang him. Let us all try to be as calm as possible.’”

“He came down and joined the crowd. When the train pulled in, they all stayed on their side of the track. By due process of law, the culprit was hanged. Madison was a peaceful community again.”

While Octavia did not provide a date for the event, subsequent research of old newspaper accounts proved that the murder occurred just before Christmas in 1884 and that the victim was grocer Nathaniel Freeman at age 66. Even when two more murders crossing racial lines were committed in the town in 1903

and 1914, Madison remained a law-abiding, peaceful community, and “Judge Lynch” never ruled here.

Syd Fletcher went on during his lifetime to assist Dr. William Hooper Councill, Founder of Alabama A&M University, as one of three notable and prominent Huntsville men with Madison roots who guided and protected Councill’s career. Additionally, there were several other physicians of the time who served both Blacks and Whites during the period and whom were all members of the Fletcher family or somewhat related to it. They were mostly well-established friends and collaborators in treating the townspeople and the nearby population of both races. Some of these other physicians were Richard Mason Fletcher (a son of Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher),

When Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher died, he was being treated by his friend Dr. Isaac Fox Deloney. Dr. Fletcher was so well-loved by all in the community that when the funeral procession started from the Methodist Church on Church Street toward Huntsville and Maple Hill Cemetery, the wagons and foot-traffic of the crowd of Blacks and Whites intermingled and stretched more than a mile along the road, according to Octavia’s booklet. Octavia herself lived in Birmingham after her marriage, and it is presumed that she is buried there, but her son who authorized use of her booklet lived in Tuscaloosa at the time.

Waddy Tate, Algernon Sydney Harris, J. J. Dement, Eldridge Rawlins Mason, John Fletcher Moore, Alfred Moore, and David Moore.

ALL ABOUT SEA TURTLES

1)

3) The largest sea turtle.

5) Sea turtles are an ___ species.

6) Something sea turtles like to eat.

7) Sea turtles live in this type of water.

8) Instead of teeth, the turtles have what?

Sea turtles are saltwater turtles found in the Earth’s oceans. There are seven types of sea turtles: flatback, green, leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, Kemp’s, ridley, and olive ridley. Sea turtles lay their eggs on land, just as all turtles do. All the eggs hatch on land at the beach where their eggs were laid. Certain beaches around the world are home to the turtles during their mating seasons. The turtles return to the same beach in which they were hatched to lay their eggs. Immediately after hatching, they make their way to the water- not all of them make it. Once in the water, they swim out to the open ocean where they will live the first few years of life. In adulthood, only the leatherback and olive ridley remain in the open sea. Most others come back closer to land in coastal waters. All sea turtles have front flippers to swim and a tough beak instead of teeth, in which to eat. Most sea turtles consume jellyfish, crustaceans, fish, and small marine animals. Algae and seagrass are only eaten by the green sea turtle. The largest turtle known to man is the Leatherback Sea Turtle which can grow as long as 7 feet, as wide as 5 feet, and can weigh as much as 1300 pounds! Sea turtles have become an endangered species, and so, for this reason, their breeding grounds are now protected wildlife areas!

Algae, Beach, Coastal Waters, Eggs, Endangered, Fish, Flatback, Green, Hatch, Hawksbill, Jellyfish, Kemp’s, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Ocean, Olive Ridley, Ridley, Saltwater, Sea Grass, Turtle

Help me Lord stay focused on above

By BECKY MILLER

God’s Lemonade Stand

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

Have you ever experienced a day where your mind just drifts from one thing to the next and it is a battle to stay positive?

Satan knows your weak areas and will toy with you to get you being a pit dweller.

Don’t do it. Recognize what is occurring and say, “In Jesus’ name get out Satan” and move on. Open up your Bible and start reading Psalms and

Joseph’s second robe

Proverbs.

Social media can mess your mind up and for those who don’t have it, I say more power to you. The constant seeing everyone’s life and comparing is not healthy. Thinking wrong thoughts if someone does not respond or put ‘like’. Stop it. Get focused on God. Know He is your best friend!

PRAYER: Today looks like a good day. I will stay positive and uplifted. 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.