The Madison Record - August 25, 2021

SPORTS: Sparkman High School golfer competes in State Drive, Chip & Putt contest

M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY August 25, 2021

THE

Free Edition • Published Every Wednesday

NEWS

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Madison teen struck and killed in hit-and-run

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

Help wanted!

The new Chick fil-A location is only a couple of months old, but is having to scale back some services due of a labor shortage that is hitting area resturaunts.

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Editor’s note: The suspect in this tragic hit-and-run has not been apprehended at press time.

That could change by the time this issue hits the newsstands.

Please go to www.themadisonrecord.com for updates to this story.

MADISON – A Madison teen was killed Thursday in a hit-

1/4 mile north of the intersecand-run wreck near Athens.

The Alabama Law Enforce- tion of East Limestone Road and Nick Davis Road. ment Agency (ALEA) The teen was prosaid the crash hapnounced dead at the pened around 10:30 scene. He was later p.m. on Thursday, identified in a FaceAugust 19 when a book post from Lawl16-year-old pedestrian ers Barbecue as one of was struck and killed the employees at their by a vehicle that left Hughes Road location the scene. in Madison, Mason Authorities say the Mason Cozelos Cozelos. wreck occurred on “He was a fine young 16-yearEast Limestone Road, about a

EVENTS

old who was a joy to be around,” the post stated. “Mason lit up the place with his smile and customers loved him. We were blessed to have known him the short time he was able to be with us. Join us in praying for his family, especially his mom as they deal with this terrible tragedy. May God bring us all a little closer to Him and each other through our time of mourning.”

See MASON Page 2A

COVID still running high in local schools

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

Let The Be Music Rob and the Red Beards will perform at the next concert installment for “Let There Be Music, Madison!” on Aug. 26. Page 5A

Fun, fun fun

SPECIAL

WEEK 0 - The 2021 high school football season kicked off for some local teams on Friday. The Bob Jones Patriots faced Dothan in the 2021 Kickoff Classic in Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl (above) and James Clemens traveled to Mobile to face Murray. Madison Academy traveled to Briarwood Christian and Sparkman hosted Gardendale. Read about how they fared and who plays who this week in our sports section - page 1B.

Authorities: Suspect killed man in Huntsville before Decatur shooting; $5,000 reward offered

By STAFF REPORTS

The High School Marching Bands After the COVID-19 pandemic limited venues to perform in 2020, local bands have returned to the turf with excitement to again thrill audiences with their mastery of music and motion on the field.

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CLASSIFIEDS

FIND JOBS INSIDE: There are plenty of jobs within today’s classifieds pages.

See page 4A.

INSIDE Business ......... 4B Kids................. 5B Church ............ 6B Lifestyles ......... 7B

16 pages • 2 sections

HUNTSVILLE - The suspect in a Thursday morning robbery and fatal shooting in Decatur is considered the prime suspect in a killing in Huntsville about 30 minutes earlier, according to authorities.

Law enforcement agencies continue to look for Ricardo S. Bass, 40, of Huntsville, in the slayings of Mark Allen Nich-

olson, 54, of Hartselle, and Jeffrey Carden, 31, of Huntsville.

Capital murder warrants for his arrest have been obtained in both cases, Huntsville and Decatur authorities said.

On Friday afternoon, the U.S. Marshal’s Service said it is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of Bass.

Decatur police said they reSee SHOOTING Page 2A

Bass

MADISON – Madison City Schools saw another 100 students test positive for COVID last week.

Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said the school district has seen over 200 students catch the virus since school began on Aug. 4.

Madison County Schools reported having over 500 cases of COVID within its school district.

“COVID is on the rise throughout our community and the state,” he said. “This includes Madison City Schools. Even with these cases, that are higher than at any point last year, we are seeing up to 50-60% fewer students being excluded due to being a ‘close contact’.”

Nichols said the school district is trying to keep the community informed about the spread of COVID within the district by placing the numbers on the district website at www.madisoncity.k12.al.us. To find these numbers, go to the district website, click on Departments and Health Services. The website provides the number of close contacts and positive cases.

“The district has received some questions about the 14 day exclusion period. While the CDC states that a 10 day period may be used for ‘close contacts,’ they defer the standard to the local See SCHOOLS Page 2A

James Clemens student named National Cyber Scholar

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

MADISON – Alex King, a senior at James Clemens High School, has been named a National Cyber Scholar in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition.

The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation sponsors the challenging online competition covering 48 hours. In recognition of his achievement, King earned an invitation to the Cyber Foundations Academy,

an online program for multiple weeks with the nationally recognized SANS Foundations training course as its basis.

The course is valued at more than $3,000.

King competed against 5,000 high school students in a cybersecurity competition designed to challenge its participants to solve computer security problems, capture and defend computer systems or a combination of these tasks. In total, 50,000 students nationwide sought to See KING Page 2A

Alex King receives congratulations from Gov. Kay Ivey for his selection as a 2021 National Cyber Scholar. Lee Ann Pessonney, King’s former teacher in cyber security at James Clemens High School, also attended the presentation.

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Check out some of the upcoming events and fun opportunities in the area. For a complete listing of events this weekend, check out www. themadisonrecord.com on Thursday.

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Records .......... 2A Events ............. 5A Education ........ 6A Sports ............. 1B

@themadisonrecord

2A • THE RECORD

August 25, 2021

Shooting

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Check us out at themadisonrecord.com

ceived a call at 6:20 a.m. Thursday about a fatal shooting at the Wavaho Food Mart at 707 Wilson St. N.W. When they arrived, they found Nicholson dead.

At 5:50 a.m., Huntsville police received a call of a homicide and robbery on McVay Street, southwest of the Huntsville Metro Kiwanis Sports Plex, according to Huntsville police spokesperson Sydney Martin.

Martin said Carden was fatally shot in a parking lot on McVay Street when he was picking up a co-worker for work. She said the Huntsville Police Department’s major crimes investigators believe the shooting and robbery were random acts.

“We don’t believe the victim and suspect knew each other,” Martin said.

A news release from the Huntsville Police Department said once Huntsville investigators heard about the shooting in Decatur, they contacted Decatur police and obtained video evidence from the Decatur shooting. It helped determine Bass’ identity, the release said.

“Our investigators learned Ricardo Bass has ties to Huntsville including a previous arrest in the general area where (Thursday’s) murder happened,” it said. “…

Bass was named the primary suspect.”

The sites of the two homicides

are about 24 miles apart.

Court records lists addresses in Southwest Decatur and Northwest Huntsville for Bass.

A short time after the shooting at the Wavaho, Decatur police began inspecting an abandoned small white Chevrolet in the 110 block of 12th Avenue Northwest near Moulton Street. Police spokesperson Irene Cardenas-Martinez on Friday confirmed the vehicle had an out-of-state license tag and “was being investigated as possibly the suspect’s vehicle.”

The car was found 1.7 miles from the Wavaho fuel station.

“Investigators believe it was a random killing,” Cardenas-Martinez said. “If that was his car, he fled on foot, but I have no more details.”

While an employee at the Wavaho station said business was slow early Friday, at least one customer said he was not concerned about the shooting there.

“I’ve got no worries,” said Brad Bennett of Huntsville, who works at an industry near the Decatur store. “(The owner and family) are good people, and (the store) is convenient. I’ll keep coming here.”

Station owner Dilipkumar Patel on Thursday said the suspect purchased beer and a cigar moments before allegedly shooting Nicholson three or four times in the chest. He said Nicholson was

pumping fuel into a truck when he was gunned down.

“The guy pulled the gun and shot him like three rounds,” Patel said.

He said the suspect then searched through Nicholson’s pockets. “He pulled the pockets and he found something and he ran out.”

Bass is considered armed and extremely dangerous, authorities with both police departments said.

Cardenas-Martinez said anyone with information regarding Bass’ location should contact Detective Joshua Daniell at 256-341-4644 or email jdaniell@decatur-al.gov. To leave an anonymous tip, call 256341-4636, she said.

According to court records, Bass was out of jail on bond on a first-degree robbery charge from an incident that took place at a Texaco station on Sixth Avenue Northeast in Decatur on April 14.

According to an affidavit filed

by Daniell in the Texaco incident, Bass brandished a handgun and took money and a wallet from a male victim. Daniell said Bass was identified when authorities reviewed video surveillance. He was charged with robbery on April 20 and placed in the Morgan County Jail. According to jail records, he was released on April 30 on a $200,000 bond.

A Nicholson family member Friday said the family is asking for privacy and had no comment.

wears a mask and maintains six feet of separation from other individuals,” Nichols explained. “Since we cannot guarantee the six feet of

separation in the school classroom setting, we are utilizing the 14 day period of exclusion for our close contacts.”

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Schools and state health agencies. Currently, the ADPH recommends a 14 day period unless after 10 days, the close contact is symptom free,

A new day.

A new beginning.

Madison Weather with Steve Norris

Typical August weather this week

By STEVE NORRIS

It all starts with amazing care in a new facility nestled at the base of Monte Sano – the mountain of health.

The Orthopedic & Spine teams move to a new free-standing tower which is likely to become a destination for people seeking life-improving treatment options — a new beginning to do the important things in life.

It’s what people want from orthopedic and spine treatment.

MADISON - We will roll along through the week with a typical weather pattern for August -- afternoon highs from the upper 80s to the low 90s, otherwise partly sunny skies and a chance of scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

We are expecting rainfall to continue above-normal into the first week of September.

We are getting into a more exciting time of year when tropical systems can come up from the Gulf of Mexico into the state of Alabama but also cold fronts can drop down from Canada.

I often get asked especially by school students, how did I get started as a meteorologist? My grandfather bought me a thermometer when I was about 10 years old and I started writing down the temperature and keeping up with the weather every day. By age 14, I was getting weather books from the library and studying every day.

I got my first job with the radio station in town in my senior year in high school.

It is a fun and exciting career choice and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

If I can ever help young people that need weather information please feel free to contact me at weather1@charter.net.

qualify, with only 10 percent satisfying requirements.

The Alabama State Board of Education honored King with a resolution that commends his efforts and experience to qualify as a 2021 National Cyber Scholar “after successfully wining the rigorous 48-hour national technology competition designed to evaluate professional skills in combating cyber threats.”

In middle school, King’s computer science classes sparked his interest in cyber security. He learned about the competition from his cyber security teacher, Lee Ann Pessoney, at James Clemens. “She told me about the competition my junior year; I will miss her during my senior year, as she has accepted a full-time position at the Center for Cyber Security Research and Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville,” he said.

“Mrs. Pessoney has really supported me by providing extra opportunities in the field of cyber security outside of those offered by James Clemens,” King said. “I am thankful Mrs. Pessoney came to the Alabama State Board of Education meeting in Montgomery to see me get my award.”

King enrolled in extra online courses.

After graduation, he will have completed James Clemens Computer Science Career Academy. He pursued two summer internships with MITRE, where he received a SPARK Award for his contributions and teamwork.

“After graduating from college with a degree in cyber security, I will enter the workforce in a related field,” King said.

At James Clemens, King was Captain for JROTC Cyber Patriots; his team placed in Platinum National Semi-Finals for two years. He participated with Computer Science Team and National Beta Club. He attained Eagle Scout ranking and was vice president of Venturing Crew.

King volunteers at Madison Church of Christ and in community events. His hobbies are programming, reading and traveling.

His parents are Richard and Dr. Molly King. Richard is a Program Manager for the U.S. Army. Molly is a college professor.

A national nonprofit organization, the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation identifies and nurtures the next generation of cybersecurity experts, while eliminating the gap for cybersecurity skills in the United States.

King

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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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to reward $5,000 to whoever finds the suspect.

Mason’s father is asking for donations to go towards a future scholarship and physical place for Mason’s friends to remember him. You can find information about a GoFundMe to help that goal at https://gofund. me/77012782.

Mason’s funeral is set for Saturday, Aug. 28, at Asbury Church at 11 a.m. Visitation is Friday evening, Aug. 27, at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison.

Legacy Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Norman Dull, the Chick fil-A Madison operator, sent out an appeal over the weekend asking for job applicants.

New Chick-fil-A Madison hit with labor shortage, forced to scale back

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – A couple of months after re-opening at the new location within Clift Farm, Chick fil-A Madison, 7885 Hwy 72W, is having to scale back, but not for lack of business. The popular fast-food restaurant is experiencing an employee shortage.

“We are doing everything we can to hire more team members. We are seeing far less job applicants or people not showing up for their interviews,” said the restaurant’s operator Norman Dull.

“The restaurant industry has suffered from a hiring perspective during the pandemic, and unfortunately Chick-fil-A is not immune to this labor shortage.”

Dull made an urgent appeal online for anyone wanting a “fast-paced” job with Sundays off in hopes of adequately staffing the location. In the meantime, Dull said the restaurant will have to cut back on services.

“We are having to temporarily close our dining room, turn off our mobile curbside ordering option, as well as our

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Mason was a member of the James Clemens lacrosse team. “Mason was a friend to all; he was always there for his friends and teammates to just listen or cheer them up with a good laugh,” the team posted on social media over the weekend.

mobile carryout option,” Dull said in a Facebook post Saturday night. “This was done to help reduce the stress on the team members we currently have but also to be able to still provide you with the Chick-fil-A experience you expect, just through a limited venue.”

Dull added, “We have some of the best team members in the world. They work hard every day, but they are tired and overextended. We have grown tremendously, but we need to add to our roster.”

The location’s drive thru and mobile drive-thru ordering option will remain open.

We want to thank this community for the overwhelming support you have shown us over the past several months as we have transitioned into our new location,” Dull said. “We wouldn’t be here if not for you. We want nothing more than to get back to normal as soon as possible.”

If you are interested in working for Chick fil-A, apply by going to Indeed. com and searching Chick-fil-A Madison.

They also have open interviews every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

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County Sheriff’s Office at (256) 232-0111.

Alabama State Troopers and Limestone County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently asking all law enforcement agencies to help find who did this.

The Cozelos family said they are asking for help to find a dark colored vehicle with damage to the front and passenger side.

People in Madison and Limestone County are sharing information across social media to get the word out about that missing driver. A GoFundMe account has been set up to be used as a reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the hitand-run driver responsible for the death of Mason.

It can be found at https:// gofund.me/fbcb8aad.

“Mason was struck by a car while walking down the street and left to die…” a description of the GoFundMe account stated. “Mason deserved better than the way he was left to die and his family deserves answers and peace.”

It stated the fundraiser’s goal is to raise reward money in the hopes of bringing the driver to justice. All funds raised will go towards information identifying the person responsible. So far, the GoFunMe has raised nearly 8,000 by Tuesday. Their goal is $10,000. Lawlers stated they are also going

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Mason was a student at James Clemens High School in Madison.

“We are saddened to hear of the loss of Mason Cozelos. He was a wonderful person and great student who will be dearly missed. Our prayers go out to his family and all Jets,” said the school’s principal Dr. Brian Clayton over the weekend.

“Extra counselors will be available on Monday at James Clemens to serve our students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time.”

While at James Clemens, Mason played on the school’s lacrosse team.

“The JC Jets Lacrosse family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Mason Cozelos in a hit and run accident,” a social media post from the team said on Saturday. “Mason played lacrosse with passion and heart. He was awarded the ‘Hustle Award’ this spring because he always gave 100% on and off the field. Mason was a friend to all; he was always there for his friends and teammates to just listen or cheer them up with a good laugh. Mason will be missed by the JC Jets Lacrosse family and many more in the Madison community. Please join us in prayer for the Cozelos family during this difficult time” If you have any information about this crime, please contact Limestone

4A • THE RECORD

August 25, 2021

Blakely sentenced to 3 years in jail

By STAFF REPORTS

Hogan Family YMCA has scheduled programs that appeal to children, teenagers and all ages of adults.

Hogan Family YMCA opens sessions for lifeguarding, Tang Soo Do, weights and soccer

By STAFF REPORTS MADISON – Hogan Family YMCA in Madison has scheduled new programs that offer fun activities, sessions for new skills and classes to improve health and well-being. * AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING -- Runs from Sept. 3-6. The course gives participants basic skills and knowledge required for lifeguards in pools and aquatic environments.

This comprehensive course offers up-to-date procedures to guard, anticipate and prevent problems and respond to individuals at risk.

CPR, first aid and AED certifications are included.

On the first day of class, participants must pass a swim test. Any participant who does not pass the skills test will receive a 50-percent refund.

Individuals must attend all class dates.

Meeting times will be Sept. 3, 1-5 p.m.; Sept. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept. 5, 1-5 p.m.; and Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Final registration date will be Aug. 27.

Lifeguarding students must be 15 years old minimum. Fees are $200 and $300. For more information, call 256-705-9622 or email farris. williams@ymcahuntsville.org. * TANG SOO DO – A martial art from Korea, based on karate. Participants will learn kicks, punches, throws and joint-locking techniques in self-defense while gaining self-confidence and mental discipline.

In Tang Soo Do, character values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility are cornerstones. Classes are progressive and recognize achievement and skill levels.

Sessions for beginner youth, 7 to 12 years old, will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. from Sept. 2-28. Advanced youth, 7 to 12 years old, will meet from 6-7 p.m. from

Sept. 2-30. Adults, 13 years and older, will gather from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 2-30.

Tang Soo Do instructor will be Ola Myszka.

Registration closes Sept. 9. Fees are $52 and $72. For more information, call 256-705-9622 or email colby.flack@ymcahuntsville.org. * “WOMEN ON WEIGHTS” – Teaches women the basics of weight training with circuits training. A personal trainer will show safe and effective lifting techniques.

From beginners to experienced lifters, participants can understand ways to improve strength and build better bones. The four-week class must have a minimum of three participants.

Women on Weights runs from Sept. 1-29 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. or on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. Registration closes Sept. 8.

Minimum age is 14 years old. Fees are $55 and $70. Kia Ray will be instructor. For more information, call 256-705-9622 or email colby. flack@ymcahuntsville.org. * FALL SOCCER – Shows skills, team work and sportsmanship. Character values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility are program cornerstones. Hour-long practices are held once weekly, beginning Sept. 6. Dates/ times are to be determined.

Games on Saturdays will start Sept. 27 and end Nov. 13. The child must be five years old by time of registration. Holiday time off will be Oct. 4-8 for fall break.

Fees for five- and six-year-olds is $65 and $100. For more information, call 256-783-9622 or email ty.harris@ymcahuntsville.org.

Teams will form for other age brackets: 3-4 years old; 7-8; 9-10; and 11-12.

For information about other programs, visit ymcahuntsville.org and click “Locations” to select Hogan Family YMCA.

Madison Police officers to wear identifying military pins

By SAMANTHA MAGNUSON MADISON – The City of Madison Police Department will start utilizing veteran pins on uniforms for officers who served or are actively serving in the military. With a high concentration of veterans in the Madison area, Chief Johnny Gandy hopes identifying these officers will help in emergency events.

“Oftentimes, officers that are military veterans are the very best at handling crises with other veterans. Instant rapport is established with a fellow veteran – especially one from the same branch in which the person in crisis had served,” Gandy said. “This can help calm a mental health crisis situation.”

The pins consist of an American flag crossed with the flag of the service branch officers have served or are currently serving, representing branches including the US Air Force, US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy and National Guard.

The pins will be worn with Class “A” uniforms over top of the officer’s name tag for identification.

“Our community gladly celebrates all veterans’ sacrifice and service,” Mayor Paul Finley added. “The pins also function as a source of pride for officers who have honorably served in the military to wear on their uniforms, and we

hope local veterans can find camaraderie from our police officers as well.”

MPD continues to prioritize Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for equipping officers during emergency and mental health crisis situations.

This training includes awareness of signs and symptoms of those suffering Post Traumatic Stress, often referred to as PTSD.

State’s July unemployment rate is 3.2%, city of Madison falls to 2.2%

By STAFF REPORTS MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted July 2021 unemployment rate is 3.2%, down from June’s rate of 3.3%, and well below July 2020’s rate of 7.4%. July’s rate represents 71,627 unemployed persons, compared to 73,769 in June and 165,510 in July 2020. Alabama remains below the July national rate of 5.4%.

Madison County had an unemployment rate of 2.6% in July, down from June’s 2.9% rate.

Last year the rate was 6.2% in July. Limestone County had an unemployment rate of 2.4% in

July, down from 2.7% in June and 5.1% a year ago.

The city of Madison had an unemployment rate of 2.2% in July, which fell from 2.7% in June and 4.3% in July 2020. Huntsville’s rate was 2.9% in July, from 3.1% in June and 7.3% last year.

“Each month we edge closer and closer to our pre-pandemic unemployment rate,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Employers have added over 73,000 jobs in the past year, and nearly 83,000 more people are working today than they were last year. Industries that were hit the hardest are seeing employment numbers increase monthly. We’ll keep working as hard as we can to continue this remarkable progress.”

ATHENS — Despite emotional testimony from the defendant, his son and a former employee, a judge on Friday sentenced former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely to the maximum three years in jail requested by prosecutors.

Judge Pamela Baschab ruled the sentence must be served in a jail outside Limestone County and will be followed by two years of unsupervised probation. She denied the state Attorney General’s Office’s request that Blakely be fined or ordered to pay restitution.

Blakely, who had been in Limestone County Jail since his Aug. 2 conviction on two felony counts, was released Friday on a $50,000 appeal bond. Blakely appealed the sentence and conviction — for first-degree theft and use of official position or office for personal gain — minutes after the judge announced the sentence. The posting of an appeal bond means he will not have to serve jail time until after the appeal is resolved.

As he did at trial, Blakely testified at his sentencing hearing.

With long white whiskers and wearing a white polo shirt the former sheriff had to pause several times to regain his composure, especially when mentioning his family members. He did not discuss the crimes for which he was convicted.

“One of the biggest regrets in my life is that being sheriff — being totally committed to that job — there’s a lot of times when I was kicking a door down for a drug raid or working on a homicide case or helping someone else with their problems. I know it took a lot away from my family,” he said.

He said his “hobbies today are riding horses and helping people.”

Blakely said he regularly told his employees there were “three Cs” to being a good officer: “Courage, common sense and compassion. And the most important thing is compassion. …

Compassion for the people who we serve, compassion for the people we arrest, compassion for the people we’ve got in jail.”

“It’s a really different experience staying in my jail, but I’m thankful for that,” Blakely said.

He told the judge he has appreciated the support he’s received from the community since being in jail.

“No matter what happens to me, I’m blessed,” he said. “I just want you to know that I care about the people in this county.

It’s been an honor to serve.”

Assistant Attorney General Kyle Beckman argued that Blakely lied when he took the stand during trial, and that was a reason for giving him a harsher sentence. Blakely objected to the accusation.

“I believe in being honest.

I think it’s insulting that Mr. Beckman accused me of lying,” Blakely said, and then accused prosecutors of lying. Baschab said her sentencing decision would not be affected by the state’s allegations that he committed perjury.

“Your honor, my fate is in your hands. I never had the intent to break the law,” Blakely said. “... I’m sorry for the decision that you have to make and I truly apologize. … More than anything, I haven’t seen my dog in three weeks. I sure would love to see it.”

Lost retirement In arguing for probation rather than jail time, lead defense lawyer Robert Tuten focused on the “collateral consequences” suffered by Blakely as a result of his conviction, including his automatic removal from an office he had held for 38 years.

“Mike Blakely has first of all lost his career. He’s lost his job and, because he was under the old retirement system, by virtue of losing his job he’s now lost his retirement. He has nothing at this point. He’s lost his reputation and he’s lost his dignity from being confined in the county jail for the last three weeks,” Tuten said. “What could be more punishment than what the collateral consequences are here, your honor?”

Blakely Tuten said no jail sentence was necessary for other public officials to be deterred from committing crimes.

“Obviously the massive statewide and even national publicity about this case is enough to deter anybody,” Tuten said, adding there is no possibility of Blakely committing future similar crimes because he has been removed from office.

Tuten said the strong community support for Blakely made clear that probation and community service would be a more effective sentence than jail.

“There’s nothing good that can come from locking him up.

We simply ask you not to do that,” Tuten said.

The courtroom was crowded, primarily with supporters of Blakely. Beckman referenced this community support in arguing for jail time.

“You don’t get to be a 10-time elected sheriff if there aren’t people that like you. We will stipulate that there are people that like this defendant,” Beckman said as he gestured toward the crowd. “But that is not a getout-of-jail-free card. If anything it goes toward his culpability.

“He had all these opportunities. He had all this support and he committed the crimes anyhow. Most defendants that come into this courtroom didn’t have the support, didn’t have the six-figure salary, didn’t have the family support and the opportunities that this defendant has. They get punished. This defendant needs to be punished, too.”

Maggie Suttle, an employee of the Sheriff’s Office who is assigned to courthouse security, gave a tearful plea for mercy, stressing that Blakely had helped her brother become a productive citizen when at one time the brother “got into trouble and he was headed into a brick wall.”

“People make mistakes,” she said. “Even with that mistake, I want you to understand how great the sheriff has been to the community and especially my family.”

Michael Anthony “Andy” Blakely II also testified, occasionally breaking down. He said the former sheriff, a rare elected Democrat in north Alabama, was a strict father but a good man.

“He’s always stood for the American values. While some people think Democrats are a bunch of liberal crazies, he was a Southern Democrat,” the younger Blakely said. “… He’s been a servant leader his entire life. A servant leader puts the needs of the community and people that he serves in front of everybody else. That’s what he’s done.”

Blakely was convicted of first-degree theft for taking $4,000 from his campaign fund and depositing it in his personal account. The conviction for using his official position for personal gain involved him frequently borrowing cash from a safe that held inmate funds, money that he ultimately repaid.

After the hearing, Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Clark Morris said she was pleased with the sentence.

“I think the judge sent a message that public corruption is not going to be tolerated in Limestone County. I’m hoping that we as the Attorney General’s Office sent a message that we are not going to tolerate public corruption,” Morris said.

“It’s been a big summer and it was a long trial, and honestly I think justice was served today.”

EVENTS

5A

August 25, 2021

Rob and the Red Bears bring bluegrass, rock to Madison

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

MADISON – Rob and the Red Beards enjoy making music and share their excitement with those who listen to their rhythms and vocals. The band will play at Let There Be Music, Madison! on Aug. 26 at Old Black Bear in downtown Madison.

Rob and the Red Beards is so named for lead singer and guitarist Robert ‘Rob’ Galloway and his two fellow band members who happen to have red hair (the Red Beards).

Stephen Smiley plays dobro, an acoustic guitar with a metal resonator that acts as an amplifier. Smiley also masters a ‘lap steel,’ a steel guitar that the musician plays horizontally across the lap by pressing a polished steel bar against plucked strings. Smiley has won awards at the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

Coming from a long line of musicians in his family, Trey Terry creates his impressive sounds on a stand-up bass.

“We are one of the few bands where everybody gets along great,” Galloway said. “We don’t fight over songs. If we can pull off a song, we’ll play it. Or, we’ll scrap it and play another one.”

The three men formerly played in different bands. Their group gelled a couple of years ago and during the pandemic.

Trying to get to the ‘next level,’ Rob and the Red Beards have gained fans from the bar scene, and now they are about to cut a CD. When they started as a band, bluegrass was their primary music.

“I’m 15 to 20 years older than Stephen and Trey, so I’m classic rock. When we started fooling around, we were doing the Ramones and some heavy metal.

Now, we play classic rock, original songs, blues and bluegrass,” Galloway said.

Their version of bluegrass is a bit more lively than standard fare. “My rhythm is like rock.

(My sound) is like an unplugged rock song, coming hard and heavy,” Galloway said.

Getting together to rehearse

can be challenging, because they all live in different towns and counties. Galloway lives in Owens Cross Roads, Smiley is a resident of East Limestone, and Terry is from Decatur. Instead of a formal rehearsal, they will try new music before a gig. “I’ll throw a song at them, and, after a few shows, we get it pretty good,” Galloway said.

In a typical gig for Rob and the Red Beards, “we kick off the show with the theme from ‘48 Hours,’ the Eddie Murphy movie. Then, we’ll play ‘The Boys Are Back in Town,’ something by Waylon Jennings or Merle Haggard, Chris Isaak and switch to ‘Boom, Boom, Boom’

by John Lee Hooker and come into ‘Hangman’s Jury’ by Aerosmith,” Galloway said.

For more information, email robertscottgalloway@gmail. com or visit Facebook/Rob and the Red Beards.

Let There Be Music, Madison! concerts open at 6 p.m. Old Black Bear’s address is 212 Main St. in downtown Madison. Parking is available on Main and Martin

Red Beards enjoy the experience of making music in their own original way. The three-man band will play at Let There Be Music, Madison! on Aug. 26. streets. Madison Arts Council and Madison Visionary Partners are working as partners

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6A

August 25, 2021

Bob Jones High School Marching Band

Bands return to the field this week with excitement of rock, hip-hop and disco

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

MADISON - After the COVID-19 pandemic limited venues to perform in 2020, local bands have returned to the turf with excitement to again thrill audiences with their mastery of music and motion on the field.

In spring 2021, these instrumentalists, color guards, dancers and majorettes handled rigors of auditions for the ranks of their on-field marching band. Next, they memorized music charts and learned the moves of marching formations. In sweltering humidity, they worked at on-campus band camp to perfect the multi-tasking of ‘marching-while-playing’ skills.

MADISON ACADEMY MUSTANG BAND At Madison Academy, Band Director Sara Ann Schaffer said everyone – students, parents, faculty and staff – are very excited for the band to look more normal this year. “We did not do a marching show last year due to COVID-19,” Schaffer said. “We’re so ready to bring it back this year! There is so much more enthusiasm this season already.”

Schaffer has collaborated with Color Guard Instructor Kelly Kelley, Majorette Instructor Kristen Bumpas-Troncone and returning Drum Major Molly Southard, a junior, to present “Mamma Mia! Featuring the Music of ABBA.” The show has three movements featuring

four songs recorded by ABBA from the musical: “I Have a Dream,” “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.” “ABBA tunes are very recognizable to everyone, even those who have never seen ‘Mamma Mia!’ and have no idea who ABBA is,” Schaffer said.

Henry Tucker, saxophone section leader, will perform a solo. “To play a solo confidently can be challenging in a small band such as ours, but Henry is doing a great,” Schaffer said.

The Mustang Color Guard has rehearsed new tosses for this year, including a flag exchange from the 40 to 40 yard lines!” Schaffer said. “Our majorette is planning many different tricks while using one, two and three batons, hoops and light-up baton.”

The second movement features “Dancing Queen.” “We hope everyone can get up on their feet and move. Some incredible things are in store during this movement, including our majorette twirling three batons,” Schaffer said.

Section leaders in the Mustang Band are role models: Malachi Elkins -- percussion, senior, tenor drums; Henry Tucker -- winds, alto saxophone, sophomore; Raye Speir -- winds, tenor saxophone, sophomore; Evelyn Herrington -- Color Guard Captain, sophomore.

The Mustang Band has 20 students marching: Drumline, four; Color Guard, two; and one majorette. “New to Madson

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BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOT BAND At Bob Jones High School, Director of Bands Leigh Thomas said band members were extremely positive and resilient during camp this year. “We dealt with quite a bit of rain the first week and brutal heat and humidity the second week,” Thomas said. “We’ve been enjoying bonding as a group and wiping the slate clean from last year.”

“This is a brand-new band,” Thomas said. “Our seniors were sophomores the last time we had a ‘normal’ season; our juniors were freshman.” Sophomores had a limited 2020 season, and freshmen are fresh out of middle school. “They’ve worked hard these two weeks and are determined to make the most of our time together . . . especially because we now know how precious that time is.”

Kevin Smart, Assistant Director of Bands, and Thomas trust the leadership of Drum Majors Emma Cook and Anaya

Parker, both juniors, and senior Alondra Vargas-Ramirez; Assistant Conductors Taylor Cunningham, junior, and Salina Turner, senior; and Band Captain Josh Cagle, senior.

Bob Jones’ section leaders give critical commands on the field: * Flute -- Katerina Fedoseyev, Bethany Stoots. * Clarinet -- Hayden Purser, Liz Robertson. * Alto Sax -- Brandon Amaya Ortiz, Salina Turner. * Tenor/Baritone Sax -- Jacob Johnston. * Trumpet -- Will Cox, Anna Digges, Boyd Emmons. * Mellophone -- Paige Hughes. * Trombone -- Audrey Groger, Chase Smith. * Baritone -- Brandon Todd. * Contra -- Connor Bailey, Charlie Grimes. * Percussion -- Gunnar Amsler, Josh Boyd, Austin Revera, Daniel Wright. * Dance Team -- Noelle Humpal, Reagan Drake. * Color Guard -- Jessica Cochran, Olyvia English, Naomi Kaufman, Evie King.

The 191-member Patriot Band has 110 winds (brass and woodwinds), 32 percussion, 33 color guard and 16 dance team.

Bob Jones develops two shows – one for football and a competition show for competitions. The football show, “Friday Night Lights,” features “All of the Lights” (Kanye West), “Light ‘em Up” (Fall Out Boy) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd). “These three pop tunes capture the spirit of being under the lights every Friday night, having a blast with our team, cheerleaders and fans!” Thomas said.

Featuring more complex music and march formations, the competition show explores the concept of time and living in the moment, Thomas said. The show includes “Now” (“Doctor Who”), “Back to the Future,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” (Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes).

Several soloists will claim the spotlight throughout this show, largely playing the melodic role of “Time After Time” and “Time of My Life.” Three large props will relate to the time concept. The Color Guard will wear a trio of uniforms representing time periods -- the past, present and future.

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Academy this year is the addition of majorettes to our band program. We’re excited to grow and support each student’s talents alongside our Color Guard, Winds and Percussion students,” Schaffer said.

Madison Academy plans to attend Northeast Alabama Marching Invitational, Albertville High School, September 25; Scottsboro Marching Festival, Scottsboro High School, October 16; and Alabama Marching Band Championships, Hoover and Pelham high schools, Oct. 30.

August 25 2021

THE RECORD • 7A

James Clemens High School Marching Band face, powerful musical moments that hopefully will excite the audience. The end of the show embodies enjoying the present moment.

Bob Jones will compete for honors at Rockvale High School in Tennessee, Sept. 18; to be determined, October 23; Alabama State Marching Band Championship, Hoover, October 30; and USBands Southeastern Championship, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Nov. 6.

“We’re planning to travel to Disney World in March 2022 to perform a parade in Magic Kingdom and explore the parks,” Thomas said. “Additionally, Bob Jones Wind Ensemble, Alabama’s top concert ensemble, was selected to perform a feature concert at Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference in January 2022. This will be the second time the wind ensemble has performed at AMEA and the third time an ensemble from Bob Jones has performed in five years.”

JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL JETS BAND “Our students are thrilled to be getting back to our normal performance schedule,” Keith Anderson, Director of Bands at James Clemens, said. Anderson’s staff includes Assistant Director Brian Sims and Drum Majors Conrad Burns, Aiyana Milligan and Bryan Prefer.

Section leaders answer members’ questions about music and drill moves: * Flutes -- Kate Owen, Emma Kane. * Clarinets -- Lauren Campbell, Emma Kane. * Alto Saxes -- Daniel Choi. * Tenor Saxes -- Steve Jung. * Trumpets -- Maddie Henslee, Jayden LaCross. * Mellophones -- Quinn Zalamea. * Trombones -- Ian Zalamea, Joseph Choi. * Baritones -- Kourtlan Harmon. * Tubas -- Aidan Bullard. * Percussion -- Patrick Byrne, Jake Williams, Adam Schneider, Justice Bright. * Color Guard -- Sterling Stundtner, Aun’yae Johnson, Ronda Woods, Olivia Bonner, Madi Barksdale, Emma Blair. * Dance Team -- Annika West, Chloe James.

“The full ensemble is almost 180 members with 24 guard members, 11 dance team members and 27 drum line members,” Anderson said.

The Jets’ 2021 halftime show is “The Hits of Journey,” paying tribute to American rock band with (original) lead singer Steve Perry. “We hope the crowd enjoys our performances of ‘Separate Ways,’ ‘Wheel in the Sky’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ Everyone should plan to sing along to ‘Don’t Stop Believing!’” Anderson said.

“Like Water,” the Jets’ competition show, “combines the musical and visual performance to portray the elements and characteristics of water, inspired by the famous quotes of Bruce Lee,” Anderson said. “We’re planning many special moments that we’ve never done before to give the audience a special experience . . . but it’s too early to give all that away now.”

The Jets Band plans to attend four competitions throughout Alabama, including their first entry in the Bands of America regional contest on October 16 in Jack-

sonville and Alabama State Championships on October 30 in Hoover.

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS BAND David Raney, Director of Bands, at Sparkman High School also serves as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. Sparkman’s Assistant Director is Robbie Stout, and Director of Percussion is Jack Albert.

“Our students are incredibly motivated and excited to have a full competitive season this year,” Raney said. “Although we lost valuable experiences of competition last year, we are looking forward to the dedication and commitment that a full competitive season can produce.”

“Although the new Sparkman High School Fine Arts Facility was completed last year, we are finally able to fully utilize the facility this year with a new band room and auditorium,” Raney said.

The 2021 Drum Majors at Sparkman are Kaden Burgess, Kalea Connolly and Lauren Tillman.

Band members who rank in seniority and mastery of music are section leaders: * Flute -- Sophia Parks, Hannah Harmon. * Clarinet -- Elias Loo, Gabriella Hawkes. * Saxophone -- Tristen Trees, Morgann Parrow. * Trumpet -- Harris Spinks, Joseph Lee. * Mellophone -- Chrissy Foshee, David Renfrow. * Trombone -- Micah Vasquez, Noah Edwards. * Euphonium -- Lorenzo France. * Tuba -- James Spurlock, Noah Gewin. * Percussion Battery -- Joseph Hamm, Ethan Smith. * Percussion Front Ensemble -- Clara Bagwell.

For the 2021 marching season, the Sparkman Senator Band has 178 wind players, 30 percussionists and 28 Color Guard members – for 236 total marching on the field.

Their halftime show, “Dance With Me,” features a collection of pop dance tunes that is intended to spur audience participation at football games, Raney said.

“The marching band show should be enjoyable with audience participation from beginning to end.”

“The Travelers,” their competition show, “will take the audience on a jour-

59

Sparkman Marching Band

Madison Academy Marching Band ney through the eyes of a group of travelers moving from town to town while exploring their culture along the way,” Raney said. Soloists will perform, from trombone to alto sax.

“The music in this program features fast, syncopated rhythms with occasional odd meters at fast tempos,” Raney said.

Selections include ‘Caravan,’ ‘Superstition’ and ‘Erghen Diado,’” a Bulgarian folk song.

Sparkman’s competition schedule in-

cludes Northwest Alabama Marching Classic, September 25; Bands of America Regional Competition in Jacksonville, October 16; and Middle Tennessee State University Contest of Champions, Oct. 23.

“We hope to announce an alumni event this year inviting all alumni to participate in a pre-game performance at our homecoming game on Sept. 10,” Raney said. “We want our alumni to see Sparkman’s Fine Arts Facility that was anticipated for decades.”

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Cruz Control: catcher stays ready in mind, body and spirit

INSIDE SPORTS

Emily Lindsey Bowling lanes at both the Pin Palace in Huntsville and on Redstone Arsenal are like a second home to Emily Lindsey. The 17-year old Sparkman High senior has entered her final year in high school as an All-State bowler.

Page 3B

By LAUREN KING Rocket City Trash Pandas

SCHOOLS

The Bob Jones Patriots traveled to Montgomery for the 16th annual AHSAA Kickoff Classic played at Cramton Bowl where they faced Dothan.

Project Lead The Way Liberty Middle School has been recognized as a 2020-2021 Project Lead The Way or PLTW Distinguished School.

Page 4B

Area high school football teams kick-off new season Jets win on the road while Dothan claims hard-fought win over Bob Jones in preseason bowl

By STAFF REPORTS

Playground fun Check out these fun photos of the students enjoying the new playground at Midtown Elementary School.

Page 4B

KIDS & CHURCH

Special Weekly Pages Check our weekly Kids and Church pages with games and activities for kids, and area church listings.

Pages 5B and 6B

HISTORY

James E. Tribble

Check out this interesting look at Madison’s past with John Rankin.

Page 7B

MADISON - James Clemens football came out of the gate running Friday night to make a big statement. They traveled to Mobile to face the 7A Murphy Panthers, who went 5-5 overall last season.

Under first year head coach, Chad McGehee, the Jets racked up 25 points by halftime on their way to a 32-0 win to open the 2021 season.

To begin the James Clemens scoring this season, Aaron Rowe (K-P, 5-10, 180, Sr.) kicked a field goal early in the first quarter. That was followed by

a 25 yard rushing touchdown

by Cameron Berry (RB, CB, Fr.) with about two minutes left before the second quarter. Kobe Johnson (WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.) then rushed for a two point conversion giving the Jets 11 points to end the opening quarter.

Berry again added a seven-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter with one minute left to go before the half.

Rowe added the extra point.

The Jets then turned around and their third touchdown of the night with a two yard dash

by Jonny Ross (CB, WR, 5- 2, 120, Fr.) after a blocked punt. Rowe again added the PAT, giving the Jets 25 unanswered points to open the third quarter.

Dante Snodgrass (RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.) added the last TD of the night with a two-yard rush, followed by a Rowe PAT, bringing the final score to 32-0.

Quarterback Gio Lopez (QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.) was named the night’s “Player of the Game”.

The Jets will play their first home game on Friday against Athens. Kick-off is 7 p.m. at Madison City Stadium.

Local student competes in State Drive, Chip & Putt contest

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com PRATTVILLE - State competitions in any sporting event are always filled with superb talent.

Clara Tran is one of those gifted golfers who qualified for the State Drive, Chip & Putt contest held in Prattville. The Sparkman High sophomore finished seventh in the 14-15-year old division where she posted a final total score of 101.

“I felt good going into the competition, was a little nervous and gave it my best shot,” said Clara, 15, who competed in her last Drive, Chip & Drive event in the division with the oldest competitors.

After winning the local regional event at Hampton Cove Golf Course, which qualified her for the state competition, Clara readied for her chance at winning in her last event by lots of practice. Her and her father, Hugh, arrived the night before the scheduled event and actually took in some practice time.

Upon rising the next morning, the two made their way to the golf course at least two and a half hours prior to the start of the event. Clara spent close to 90 minutes chipping and putting before she made her way to the driving range where she prepped for the long-ball event of the three-skill competition.

See TRAN Page 2B

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BOB JONES VS DOTHAN Dothan High School clawed out a hard-fought 42-32 win over Bob Jones Friday night at the 16th annual AHSAA Kickoff Classic played at Cramton Bowl.

Dothan and Bob Jones, meeting in a non-counter jamboree clash, left it all on the field as both teams combined for 772 total yards, had 111 offensive plays and totaled 38 first downs.

Quarterback Javierre Jackson completed 6-of-8 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns and running back Quinton Norton rushed for 168 yards and two more scores on 19 carries to pace the Wolves of Coach Smitty Grider. Defensive back Elijah Swain had 11 stops and an interception that set up a first-half TD for Dothan on defense.

Bob Jones quarterback Ray Hardy was 9-of-20 passing for 106 yards and had 66 yards rushing on 17 carries with two TDs. Deangelo Davenport also had 12 tackles to lead the Patriots defensive of Coach Kelvis White.

Bob Jones marched inside the Dothan 10-yard line on its first See FOOTBALL Page 2B

MADISON – Catcher Michael Cruz was assigned to the Rocket City Trash Pandas for his first career Double-A action in 2021. At the plate, he has been the Trash Pandas’ most consistent catcher. In 49 games, he has accounted for nine home and 26 RBI, along with a .262 batting average and .282 onbase percentage. Recently, he hit two home runs and drove in all four runs of a 4-2 Trash Pandas win at Tennessee on August 15.

Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Cruz described the move to the Trash Pandas as, “unexpected, but for the best,” after bouncing around numerous teams for the first four years of his career. “I was immediately welcomed as family, which was really appreciated.”

Cruz is ecstatic about this organization because of the game day atmosphere and excitement created by the fans, and the nice amenities that are supplied to players and Trash Pandas fans.

Before being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the seventh round of the 2016 draft, Cruz attended Bethune Cookman University, a Historically Black University located near Daytona Beach, FL. “That was the time of his life, benefitting from amazing weather conditions and unconditional support from the school, teachers, and his teammates,” Cruz said of the college experience.

“I knew when I was 14. I was hanging around older guys that were 17 or 18 years old that had the same ambition and passion for getting See TRASH PANDAS Page 2B

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Addressing the ball ready for her drive, Clara Tran of Sparkman High gave a great effort at the Alabama State Drive, Chip and Putt contest held in Prattville. She finished seventh overall in the three skills competition.

2B • THE RECORD

August 25, 2021 What an amazing sight this week at Toyota Field in Madison. The approaching storm clouds made for an eerie sight during the Trash Pandas’ home game Wednesday night. The Trash Pandas (48-46) hit the road this week for a six-game series with the Biloxi Shuckers (35-61). First pitch at MGM Park is scheduled nightly for 6:35 p.m. Josh Caray will be on the call for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsRadio.

MA struggles against tough Briarwood Christian 41 MA 17

By STEVE MOULTON

Follow us at www.facebook.com/themadisonrecord

BIRMINGHAM- 107.8 miles is the exact distance between the two schools 6A Region 5 Briarwood Christian coming off of 8 win campaign including making it into the second round of 6A playoffs. The Lions (1-0) picked up right where they left off beating Madison Academy (0-1) on Friday night, 41-17.

“We’ve got nine more to go that’s the most important thing.” Coach Bob Godsey said after the game.

“If it could go wrong it went wrong and I’ll take responsibility for that.

That is not what this team is about and we will get it fixed.”

The first score was set up after a miss cue on special teams for Madison Academy then one play later Senior Luke Reebals scored the first of four touchdowns on the night just a minute and half into the first quarter. Early in the second quarter the Mustangs connected on a 30 yard field goal from Senior Ian Vachon, making the

Football 427641-1

What’s up at the

possession of the contest and settled for a 30-yard field goal by senior place-kicker Joseph Wheat and led 3-0 at the 9:16 mark.

Dothan struck quickly on its first possession with senior quarterback Jackson firing a perfect strike to receiver Joisiah Lynn for a 40yard touchdown connection at 7:22 to give the Tigers a 7-3 lead. Three minutes later, Jackson connected with Za Henry for a 65-yard connection and place-kicker Will McCarthy booted the extra point as the Wolves built a 14-3 lead.

Grider’s defense came up with the next big play when Swain picked off a Patriots pass early in the second quarter and sped 34 yards to the 12yard line on the return. A late hit moved the ball to the 6-yard line and Norton bulled into the end zone on a straight dive as Dothan extended its lead to 21-3.

A lightning delay at 9:15 in the

Tran

very hot and tiring,” said Clara of the three-day event held with temperatures in the low 90’s. “I injured my left elbow going into the third round and it really hurt on my backswing. I kept playing and was determined not to quit.”

score at the 7-3. Then on back to back possessions the Lions scored consecutive touchdowns one on the ground and one threw the air from Junior Quarterback Christopher Vizzina. Vizzina found senior wide receiver Luke Gilbert on a third down conversion play for a 42 yard touchdown hook up.

“One of the reasons we came down here (to Briarwood Christian) was to be exposed and some of us we got a rude awaking in terms of what a good team will do to you, so our quest is to have this make us better moving forward” Coach Godsey said.

Heading into the fourth quarter the deficit for the Mustangs was 31 points, but the Mustangs did score twice in the fourth quarter.

The first touchdown of the year for Madison Academy was by Senior Will Stokes who scored from 34 yards out with a little over seven minutes to play in the game. Later in the fourth quarter Madison Academy would score on a scoop

and score by senior KD Cherry from 46 yards out.

Next up for the Mustangs is their first home game of the year versus another 6A opponent in the Scottsboro Wildcats (1-0). Scottsboro is coming off a come from behind win over intra county foe the Chiefs of North Jackson, 16-12.

The Wildcats out gained the Chiefs 183-70 and all 183 yards were on the ground. The Chiefs returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. So the Wildcat defense really stepped up and locked down the Chief offense but the Wildcat offense did have one fumble as well. “We expect more of the same against Scottsboro, new coach (Cris Bell), but one thing I do expect is for us (Madison Academy) is to play a whole lot better moving forward.” Coach Godsey said.

Kickoff is set for Friday Aug. 27 2021 at Bill Washington Stadium located off of Slaughter in Madison.

Head to gofan.com to get your tickets today.

second quarter took both teams to the locker room for almost and hour. When the two teams got back on the field, Bob Jones moved quickly to the end zone with quarterback Hardy scoring on a keeper from the 2-yard line at 5:45 to trim the Wolves’ lead to 21-10.

A good return on the following kickoff was followed by a 37-yard run by Tamarion Peterson to the Patriots’ 11-yard line and Norton dash into the end zone on the next play for his second TD of the night as Dothan moved ahead 28-10 with 4:04 remaining in the half.

An energized Bob Jones offense moved 70 yards in six plays on its following possession with Tyren Washington, who finished with 54 yards on 12 carries and two TDs, scoring on a 6-yard run with less than two minutes to go in the first half to close the gap to 28-17.

Dothan attempted a 45-yard field

goal on its last play of the second period, but the kick was blocked at Patriots linebacker Matthew Lee to end the scoring threat.

The Wolves extended their lead midway through the third quarter with Joisiah Lynn capping an 80yard, eight-play drive with a 44-yard TD run. Bob Jones responded with a methodical drive than ended early in the fourth quarter with Washington scoring from the 3-yard line.

Dothan, holding a 35-24 lead, roared right back – thanks in part to a 41-yard run by Norton to the 2-yard line and Lynn scored on the next play to move ahead 42-24. The see-saw battle continued with the Patriots moving quickly to the end zone with Hardy keeping for 5-yard TD run with 6:31 remaining. Bob Jones went for two and cut the Dothan lead to 42-32.

Bob Jones will open their regular season on Friday at Buckhorn.

The trip to Pinehurst was her third time to play there as she qualified through the local golf tour.

Overall, the great experiences she lived in the event will last a lifetime.

Clara has planned to work on some swing changes during the upcoming

off season to try and eliminate the stress placed on her left elbow. She may play in a couple tournaments this fall before teeing it up for the 2022 high school golf season.

“This year I definitely made some great memories,” added Clara.

Trash Pandas

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drafted as professional baseball players,” he said of his first professional ambitions.

Cruz said that being motivated at such a young age drove him to want to dedicate his life to become a better baseball player every day, which is what he did to land in this position in the Rocket City.

“Taking care of your body prior to and after games is crucial to being a successful catcher,” he said of the most important advice to young catchers with dreams of playing professional baseball.

He added that his pregame routine consists of spending time talking with his family for 20 minutes before each game, which is followed by meditating so that he can concentrate on the game plan. After that, he

warms up by stretching and drinks coconut water, which is one aspect of his routine that he could not do without.

Despite six years of professional experience, Cruz admits that some aspects of being a catcher are tougher than others.

“Staying mentally engaged for 9 innings is the most difficult part,” he said. “It is challenging to be ready for all game calls and in-game scenarios.”

It is a catcher’s job to be able to interpret a pitch, be aware of their pitchers’ shortcomings, and be able to assist when he is having trouble. Before each game the catchers and pitchers have a meeting, which is vital for the catcher-pitcher relationship. During the meeting they discuss strategies to utilize against the opposing team and formulate a successful game plan.

Michael Cruz. Photo by Cristina Byrne/Rocket City Trash Pandas Cruz’s passion for baseball is undeniable, which made the cancellation of the 2020 season hard to handle. However, he made the most out of a bad situation and spent his off time back home with his wife, child, and the rest of his family in Puerto Rico.

He admitted the timing was Inconvenient, but that he appreciated being able to take advantage of an extra opportunity to spend time with his family.

Cruz wants his fans to know that he is a kind, easy going person when he is not at work, as the Trash Pandas continue to entertain in their inaugural season. In fact, he enjoys spending his free time listening to music and brushing up on his English, which he learned in just 6 months.

He will continue to hone his craft both on and off the field as the Trash Pandas enter the final stretch of their inaugural season.

August 25, 2021

THE RECORD • 3B

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Fre e Phone C onsu ltation C al l 1-251-342-8538 w w w.JSEAL.com James Clemens • Bob Jones • Sparkman • Madison Academy

Emily Lindsey has been named First Team All-State by the Alabama U.S. Bowling Association for her outstanding performances among the summer leagues at the Pin Palace Bowling Lanes in Huntsville. Lindsey is a senior at Sparkman High.

HARVEST - Bowling lanes at both the Pin Palace in Huntsville and on Redstone Arsenal are like a second home to Emily Lindsey.

The 17-year old Sparkman High senior has entered her final year in high school as an All-State bowler so named by the Alabama U.S. Bowling Association.

As an anchor member of the Sparkman bowling team, Lindsey finished fourth in the individual competition while helping the Senators to the Class 7A team State Championship last season. Her talent on the lanes is showcased year round as she participates in numerous leagues around her sanctioned school bowling schedule, which runs October to January.

Lindsey earned her First Team All-State placement as she posted a 190.94 game average in the recent summer leagues. She’s ranked No. 2 in the All-State Team only behind Jamie Thomas of Helena. The top eight among the All-State squad garnered their honor for an average over 60 games.

“I began bowling in 2012 going to the bowling alley with my dad who bowls,” said Lindsey. “My mother also bowls. I soon joined the Saturday morning league at Pin Palace.

I stuck with the sport and have made a lot of friends.”

She has a 4.1 grade point average and would love to study social working. Just before Christmas she has planned to sign a scholarship to bowl for Pikeville University located in Kentucky. Her rise among the ranks of bowling stemmed from the fact she loved the challenge of what the sport presents each time she stood on the lanes.

“I find a line on the lane I like depending how oily the lanes are as I feel I can move out of my comfort zone at any time,” said Lindsey. “I throw a hook, but some patterns of

the lanes determine how much of a hook.”

Taking to the action in the “Rebels” Saturday morning league, Lindsey is the top ranked bowler among girls and third overall in the league when compared to boys.

“I’ve learned about the sport, the patterns, the lanes, the balls and just about everything about bowling,” added Lindsey, who is the anchor member of the Sparkman team for two years.

A local school screening for scoliosis revealed Lindsey suffered from the abnormality of the spine. Following expert physician examinations she was placed into a corrective back brace she wore during both the seventh and eighth grades. Her sideways curvature of the spine held at 30-degrees, which

The Beat Goes On MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

1

Look for the 2021 Football Preview this week. You can find it in Madison businesses or go to www.themadisonrecord.com

is what the doctors were hoping for. The malformation is very common and did not stop her determination of living a normal life and the continuation of bowling.

“We’re currently going through physical conditioning workouts in preparation for our upcoming season at Sparkman,” said Lindsey, a member of the national honor society for her academics.

She has posted a game-high score of 269 and is gearing up to help her Sparkman team defend its title that radiates from the AHSAA State Championship blue trophy that stands at the school. Each time she steps onto the lanes, sets her eyes on her mark and visualizes the ball striking the awaiting 10 pins with strong velocity and spin, Lindsey is at home, sweet home.

Protect with 3!

Tdap HPV MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

www.themadisonrecord.com 1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for Showing her perfect form at the lanes, Sparkman’s Emily Lindsey is the top ranked bowler for the defending State Champion Sparkman bowling team. The senior is ranked No. 2 in Alabama according to the Alabama U.S. Bowling Association and looks to bowl in college. Lindsey rolled a 190.94 season average this summer and was named First Team All-State.

Liz Hurley Ribbon Run registration open STAFF REPORTS HUNTSVILLE – Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, benefiting the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation (HHF).

The annual 5K race has boasted a sellout crowd of 6,500 runners in recent years, and now anyone can safely participate from their neighborhood, favorite trail or a treadmill thanks to the virtual format.

Ribbon Run proceeds help ensure our region has access to the latest diagnostic technology through the Breast Centers at not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital. Last year, runners and sponsors made it possible for HHF to purchase new 3D mammography + biopsy equipment, making the diagnostic and biopsy process smoother, more accurate, and less stressful for patients.

“Patients of the Huntsville and Madison Hospital Breast Centers have been fortunate to have access to 3D mammographic imaging for more than five years now,” said Libby Shadinger, MD,

Medical Director of the Huntsville and Madison Hospital Breast Centers. “This technology has clearly resulted in fewer patients called back for additional images after their screening mammograms and has also led to earlier identification of many cancers which may have otherwise gone undetected for much longer.”

The 2021 event will provide two software upgrades for screening mammography machines. This upgraded technology means higher-resolution images, improved cancer detection and a likely decrease in the number of false positive examinations.

“With good technology comes inevitable improvements and needs for upgrades over time,” Dr. Shadinger said. “Earlier detection leads to increased survival. We are grateful for the faithful support of Huntsville Hospital Foundation in our mission to provide the best care possible for the greatest number of patients we can serve.”

Registration is now open for $25, and every registrant receives a race T-shirt.

For more information or to register, please visit lizhurleyribbonrun.org.

ELDER ABUSE “This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

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By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

Top high school players to watch for this season A look at the marching bands

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Sparkman senior Emily Lindsey named All-State bowler; looks to college

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August 25, 2021

Liberty Middle named Project Lead the Way Distinguished School Liberty is one of only 158 U.S. middle schools to receive this honor

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

MADISON – Liberty Middle School has been recognized as a 2020-2021 Project Lead The Way or PLTW Distinguished School.

Liberty is one of only 158 U.S. middle schools to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students with PLTW Gateway. The nonprofit PLTW organization serves millions of U.S. students and teachers in grades PreK-12.

“The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs,” Jodi Jones said. Jones is Career Tech Department Lead at Liberty.

To qualify for the designation, Liberty had to meet specific criteria: * Have more than 50-percent participation of student body

during the 2019-2020 school year. * Have 25 percent of students who are advancing to high school to participate in two or more units. * Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit for each grade. * Apply strategies and policies that support reasonably proportional representation for race, ethnicity, poverty and gender.

Substantiate these claims with relevant data.

To offer equitable access to PLTW classes, Liberty promotes these courses at all curriculum nights for rising grades 6-8. “We share a presentation at curriculum night, on social media and on our website that briefly describes each PLTW course,” Jones said. “We also have added PLTW course offerings for the past four (consecutive) years so students have a variety of options to select as electives.”

PLTW course fee is minimal ($10 maximum to none). To promote multiple enrollments, ad-

At Liberty Middle School, students in the class for PLTW Computer Science Innovators and Makers code a microbit processor for use as a compass sensor. They are testing the sensor outside during a mask break. Liberty recently was named as a Project Lead the Way or PLTW Distinguished School.

ministrators ask PLTW teachers to share a presentation highlighting each course curriculum and students’ final projects.

“We also stress . . . PLTW courses are project-based learning within the school setting and not projects to complete independently at home,” Jones said.

“Madison City Schools provides all technology, equipment and supplies.”

Enrollment in Liberty’s PLTW courses has grown annually.

Many students enroll in multiple PLTW courses for all three years in middle school. “We also offered virtual PLTW courses throughout 2020 with COVID-19.

We’re very fortunate to have our

district and school administration fully support our growing PLTW course curriculums and continually (allow) teachers to attend PLTW professional development to expand our PLTW offerings to ensure courses meet students’ needs and interests,” Jones said.

Nine Liberty teachers are trained to facilitate PLTW courses in Green Architecture, Science of Technology, Computer Science Innovators and Makers, App Creators, Energy and Environment, Design and Modeling, Magic of Electrons, Robotics, Flight and Space, Medical Detectives and Engineering Essentials.

JETSPRESS - JetsPress, the award-winning film/photography/ media program at James Clemens High School, got a big boost last Wednesday. State Senator Arthur Orr delivered a $20,000 check to the school today, where it will be used to acquire more video/audio equipment. Those acquisitions will mean broader videography capabilities that will help with the addition of a news media class, production of a new weekly coaches talk show, and improved livestreaming coverage of events. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell, Principal Brian Clayton and JetsPress instructor Clay Combs greeted Orr outside the school to accept the check.

“This generous gift from Senator Orr will not only benefit the current filmmaking classes in the AV career tech cluster, but will also fuel new opportunities,” said Combs. “It will improve our weekly news show that has become its own course this year, and now gives us the ability to livestream any game or event with multiple camera angles.”

DR. NICHOLS TO SPEAK AT MCC QUARTERLY LUNCHEON The Madison Chamber of Commerce is getting back to businesses as usual, and that means it is time to bring back the Chamber’s Quarterly Luncheons. The next MCC Quarterly Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Best Western Plus, 9035 Madison Blvd. in Madison. The guest speaker will be Madison City School Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. You can go to www.madisonalchamber.com for more information.

PTA EVENTS - Schools were busy holding special events for parents since school began. Curriculum nights and a “pastries with the principal” event for newcomers to Horizon Elementary (pictured left) are just some of the activities kicking off the school year. PTAs are always at the forefront helping organize and providing support.

Consider joining your PTA and get involved -- www.facebook. com/MadisonALCityPTA.

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A Natural Storyteller

A little bit of daydreaming led Cynthia Simmons to the creation of her first character, The Lonely Bean

Back to Normal

Football is gearing up for a hard-hitting, fun season

Chief Johnny Gandy Madison’s new Chief of Police considers himself “blessed” to have been selected to lead Madison’s Police Department

ALSO INSIDE From the Mayor Around Town with Lee Marshall Out & About Madison Hospital Midtown Elementary The Ricky Shack Upcoming events and much more

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

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“It’s a great honor to recognize Liberty for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience, despite the unusual circumstances and unique challenges that COVID-19 presented to the educational landscape,” Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President/ CEO, said. “(Liberty teachers) should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with knowledge to thrive in life beyond the classroom -- no matter what career path they choose.”

Shannon Brown serves as Principal at Liberty.

STUDENTS BRINGING THE PLAYGROUND ALIVE AT MIDTOWN ELEMENTARY - Madison City Schools shared these fun photos of the new playground at Midtown Elementary School. The campus, located on Wall Triana beside Kroger, is the newest school for the school district. It opened for students for the first time on Aug. 4.

Since then, the play area sees plenty of action with recess and mask breaks.

August 25, 2021

THE RECORD • 5B

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7B MADISON HISTORY with John Rankin A patriot of A look at Madison’s the American

August 25, 2021

James E. Tribble

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - Tucked away in the Tribble family folder in the Heritage Room of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a DAR application worksheet compiled by Eva Landers Grantland.

Mrs. Grantland lived in Louisville, Kentucky, at the time that she filed the papers showing her ancestry to James E. Tribble (who died in what is now Madison) via her mother Elizabeth Jane Tribble (1874-1942) who was born here.

Eva’s father was John Henry Landers (1872-1948), and he died in Decatur.

Elizabeth Tribble Landers’ father was James E. Tribble (1848-1921), and her mother was Amanda Landers who died in 1883 in the Madison area. However, this “younger” James E. Tribble is not the focus of this article. Rather, the focus is on his great-grandfather who had the same name. The older James lived 1756-1840 and was a patriot of the American Revolutionary War who came to the Madison area and is buried in Madison.

The senior James Tribble was born in Maryland. He was orphaned at an early age and lived in Virginia until 1785.

From there, he moved to South Carolina, and from that location he relocated to the Madison County area of Alabama in 1819. His wife was Ann Echols (17601842). James Tribble and his family came to Madison County in 1819, but it wasn’t until 1830 that he patented 80 acres of government land with James Gray in the area that is now the City of Madison. That land extended from today’s Eastview Drive westward extension across Hughes Road to where Bob Jones High School is located now. The 80-acre parcel ran almost entirely on the west side of Hughes Road, extending southward to the Sun Temple Drive area across Hughes Road, and it included the eastern portion of the Abbington Downs housing development on the west side of Hughes Road, immediately north of the Church of Christ with the tall steeple. The 80 acres extended about a hundred feet toward the east across Hughes Road, long before that road was built.

The southern half of the 80-acre parcel was sold for $400 in 1839 by James Tribble and his wife Ann Echols to William Echols, father-in-law of Col. Egbert J. Jones of Civil War fame. The timing and ages suggest that Ann may have been an aunt of this William Echols, or they well have been siblings or some other close relationship. It is difficult to determine the exact relationship because there were several known residents and land owners named William Echols at the time, mostly involved in Huntsville. In all likelihood the purchaser from James and Ann Tribble was William Echols Junior, whose wife was named Mary.

The senior William Echols of Huntsville had a wife named Sarah, with the wives sometimes named in the land records with their husbands. While the Echols men bought and sold literally about a hundred parcels of land throughout all of Madison County from before 1819 until their demise, they purchased only one other small parcel of land in the nearby area, adjacent the holdings of David Gray. William Echols certainly did not need 40 more acres here to add to his Huntsville holdings or to become a farmer. This fact indicates that the 1839 land sale may have been intended to assist William’s relative Ann Echols Tribble. That assumption is supported by the fact that William and Mary Echols in 1858 sold the parcel bought from the Tribbles and identified in the deed as the Tribble tract at half the price they had paid for it in 1839. The 1858 sale was to Hezekiah Baines Cartwright and Alexander Russell as “assignees” of Daniel Whitworth, who must have paid part of the purchase price before defaulting (thereby never receiving a deed to the land) and assigning his right to his assignees for completion of the procurement process.

Oddly enough, James fought (among other engagements) in the Revolutionary War on the land of this author’s 5th great grandfather. The land was then owned by Robert Rankin (b. 1759 NC, d. 1840 TN), another Revolutionary War patriot (S4042) was engaged in the same battle as James. The engagement was named the Battle of Guilford County Courthouse in Greensboro of North Carolina. Today this author lives immediately east of and adjoining the parcel that James and Ann sold to William Echols. Family papers indicate that James and Ann are both buried without headstones in the Gray Cemetery, behind the Balch Road Self Storage facility. That cemetery of about five acres is shown as the Betts Cemetery on some recent maps, but it was known

as the Providence Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in the 1800s.

Today the Gray family graves there are the most numerous with inscribed prominent markers, and there are no Betts graves known to be there. However, there are a few Betts grave funeral home markers about 50 yards away, to the east in a separate small burial plot.

James Tribble’s obituary stated that he had been a Baptist for 46 years. It is possible that the little Presbyterian church began as a Baptist church and changed to Presbyterian around 1831, when deed records first mention it. In any event, the church met in a small structure immediately east of the large cemetery, but it disbanded in the 1920’s, and there is no trace of the structure today. However, there was found to be “roof drip lines” in the soil that indicated old roof drainage at the location, measuring about 15 to 20 feet on the edges. As an additional note, an old road between Huntsville and Mooresville ran along the south edge of the cemetery.

The deeply-worn ruts can still be seen at the site, running toward the southwest and sunken several feet deep.

James and Ann Echols Tribble had seven children, six of whom were born in South Carolina, whereas the firstborn was birthed in Virginia. According data compiled in 1994 by Violet Louise Young of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, their second child was Stephen Tribble (17861850). Her records show that he is buried in the old Providence (Gray) Cemetery in Madison. As with his parents, there is no headstone there today for him. Stephen’s son John Petty Tribble (1811-1860) was the father of the James E. Tribble of 1848-1921, a grandfather of Mrs. Grantland. John Petty Tribble married Elizabeth Moore Bailey in 1840.

Family data says that both are buried in the Gray Cemetery. In fact, about 25 years ago, a woman in Texas called to say that she had her ancestor John Petty Tribble’s tombstone and would like to return it. However, it has not been sent back, so far as is known today. Still, she did say that she took it from the southwestern corner of the cemetery, as that was the “Tribble area” of the cemetery.

In 1833 John Petty Tribble recorded 40 acres between today’s locations of Liberty Middle School and Columbia Elementary School, generally the site of Walden Preserve housing development. While the descendants of James Tribble in Madison are prominent in the history of the town, it should also be noted that the family may have connections to prominent Tribble and Clark and figures in American history. A George Tribble (1715-1792) married a Betty Clark in Virginia. She was a sister of George Rogers Clark and famed explorer William Clark. W. E. Clark, 1927 Mayor of Madison, may have been connected. George and Betty Clark Tribble were the right ages and places to possibly be grandparents of our local James E. Tribble.

James Tribble’s grandson John P. Tribble became the father of Robert Donnell Tribble (1841-1914), a Civil War Confederate soldier. R. D. Tribble married Martha “Mattie” Gooch (1856-1930), and they are buried in the old section of the Madison City Cemetery. R. D. Tribble was the father of William Henry Tribble (1876-1945), who married Annie Inez Powell (1879-1926). They are buried in the new section of the Madison City Cemetery. William Henry Tribble became the father of Caudice Henry Tribble (1900-1992), who married Ozelle Hereford (1905-1984) in 1924. They are buried in the Huntsville Memory Gardens Cemetery on Highway 72. The name “Caudice” is sometimes found in records as “Caudis”, “Caudus”, or “Cordice” – and even the poorly-written surname “Tribble” was interpreted in the 1930 census index as “Brible”, when the family of Caudice lived in New Hope, Alabama. There the occupation of Caudice was listed in 1930 as “cashier in bank”.

Some people recall that Caudice was vice president of the State National Bank in Huntsville overlooking Big Spring Park in Huntsville, which could tie back to the 1930 occupation. Sometime between 1930 and 1935 the Caudice Tribble family built a house in Madison and lived at 316 Church Street. During the Great Depression Caudice left the banking business for a time, and the 1940 census in Madison shows the occupation of Caudice as “garage owner” – doing automobile repairs and the frequently-needed flat tire “fixes” so much in demand during those times. On school mornings during the years that Madison high school students went into Huntsville to attend Butler High School, Caudice would often take students to the school in his car.

Revolution for Independence

Mattie Gooch Tribble, Helen Whitworth’s grandmother, was a daughter of Nathaniel Matson Gooch and his wife Susan Caroline Litzy, so this photo goes back another generation before R. D. Tribble and his wife Mattie Gooch.

Caudice and Ozelle were the parents of two daughters, both born in New Hope.

Their first child, Mary Elizabeth Tribble (born 1926), married Charles Heustis King, Jr. in 1945. Fifty years later, in 1995, she married Hugh White Buck and still lives in Huntsville, while her daughter Elizabeth Ann King Fletcher lives in Ft. Walton, Florida. The second child of Caudice and Ozelle, Margaret Ann Tribble (1930-2016), married James Orville Schrimsher (1926-2001). A recent personal visit was greatly enjoyed with Mary Elizabeth Tribble King Buck,

Caudice Henry Tribble 1987

a fifth-generation descendant of Revolutionary War soldier James Tribble. The visit in her home revealed that at age 95 she still has a very good memory of her childhood events in Madison, and that she is quite fit mentally and physically.

She still drives herself around town and leads an active life in the community, as well as having toured in Europe several times and enjoyed bus excursions throughout the United States. Tribble pioneers and their descendants of today apparently have a strong longevity trait that is to be envied.

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