SPORTS - Former Sparkman player goes pro; Dell Pettus signs with New England Patriots
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M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY July 17, 2024
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Limestone has already approved more subdivision lots this year than in 2023
INSIDE
Tribute concert
District 2 includes part of the city of Madison
Country Music Hall of Fame member, Dean Dillon, will be the center of attention at the Von Braun Center Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama, on Wednesday, October 9, as many of country music’s biggest stars honor the legendary singer/songwriter. Page 3A
By ERICA SMITH news@themadisonrecord.com
Bear is the newest member of Madison Police Department. Bear has been trained to detect electronics, like thumb drives and tracking devices, and to provide comfort to victims.
Summer learning fun
Teachers and students alike look forward to summer break. However, the learning environment continues to flourish with numerous camps, learning programs and traditional summer school on campuses of Madison City Schools. Page 4A
Sarah’s Legacy
In November of 2021, Brandon and Meredith Gibbs held their 17-month-old daughter, Sarah Gayle, as she gained her angel wings. In just an instant, their world forever changed, and they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their days carrying on Sarah Gayle’s legacy. Page 5A
City Lights & Stars
Burritt on the Mountain’s long running summer concert series, The City Lights & Stars Concert Series continues with the next artist, Eric Essix, performing this Friday evening, July 19. Page 6A
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16 pages • 2 sections
Officer Bear
Canine officer joins Madison Police force to detect devices, offer therapy
By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com MADISON –Madison Police Department has welcomed its newest recruit, Bear the dog. Bear is expertly trained in locating electronics and calming victims experiencing trauma. An anonymous donation paid for Bear’s acquisition in full, along with his complete training and equipment. The donation and sponsorship of Bear was brought to Madison Police Department by the non-profit organization Operation Underground Railroad Rescue or O.U.R. Rescue. This organization supports law enforcement agencies with the fight against child exploitation and human trafficking. With his training, Bear can detect and locate electronic devices. This skill will aid investigators, especially during cases involving crimes against children and other major crimes. See BEAR Page 8A
Officer Bear and Detective Ted Thiele will visit the community to educate groups on the canine’s inspirational work.
LIMESTONE COUNTY – As of July 1, Limestone County has already had more subdivision lots receive final approval than in all of 2023, however the district commissioner with the most growth said there are both pros and cons to the county’s increasing growth and it would be easier if the growth were put on hold. “Growth maintains and improves the standard of living for everyone in your community,” said Limestone County District 2 Commissioner Danny Barksdale. “It provides additional choices, where to live and where to work, provides additional jobs and helps maintain a vibrant local economy.” Barksdale said there are also cons to the county’s growth. “The cons of that growth, essentially, are costs, the cost of that growth,” he said. “The growth demands more and better roads, schools — and, Limestone County, we’re essentially losing a way of life, I guess a more laid-back way of life.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Limestone County’s population in 2010 was 82,782 and grew to 103,570 in 2020. The estimated population in 2023 was 114,654, which was a 10.7% increase from 2020. During the last two Limestone County Commission meetings, 279 lots in 10 subdivisions received either preliminary or final approval. District 1 added three lots, District 3 added 10 lots, and District 4 added nine lots. Barksdale’s District 2, which includes part of the city of Madison, is in the mid-eastern portion of the county. It is the smallest of all the county’s districts in area, and inSee GROWTH Page 3A
Aldi construction date announced, new recreation fee schedule debuts Cops’ Kids scholarship recipient announced By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - Last week’s Madison City Council meeting kicked off by recognizing the local winner of the Cops’ Kids scholarship Evan Stout, son of Lieutenant Jon Stout. Cops’ Kids is a North Alabama organization that offers higher education financial assistance to the children of area law enforcement
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through a yearly essay competition. Stout won this year’s competition and the $2,000 scholarship with his essay on “What it is like growing up as a child of a law enforcement officer.” Stout’s essay detailed the worry and sacrifice that can characterize the lives of cops’ children but also showcased the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement and their families. “It has been our belief that children of police officers have extra special issues and different and unique issues to deal with, some of which are very See CITY COUNCIL Page 8A
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Evan Stout received a $2,000 scholarship from Cops’ Kids representative Tom Borcher. Evan, son of MPD Lieutenant Jon Stout (above), was selected after submitting an essay for “What it is like growing up as a child of a law enforcement officer.” Evan will be attending Mississippi State University this fall, beginning his studies in veterinary medicine.