Alabama Ledger May 2022 (Graduation)

Alabama Ledger May 2022 (Graduation)

Have A Safe and Blessed Memorial Day

A LABAMA L EDGER May 2022 Northeast Alabama Print Edition www.AlabamaLedger.com 24 Pages Published by The Sports Ledger, LLC

Alabama Sets Deadline For STAR ID on License

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) enforcement deadline for Alabama’s STAR ID is set for May 3, 2023. The STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification, is Alabama’s version of REAL ID, an identification program the federal government launched more than a decade ago in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001. In June 2021, the Federal Government announced the extension concerning the deadline during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its effects on driver licensing agencies across the nation. As the threat of the COVID-19 continues to diminish and Alabamians return to life as normal, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has successfully completed the upgrade and modernization of the Agency’s new statewide Driver License System, known as LEADS. “As we continue to improve the quality of driver license services across our great state through innovation and the full integration of technology with our new LEADS system, we recognize the necessity to take this opportunity to remind Alabama citizens of the upcoming deadline and requirements as it relates to obtaining a STAR ID on an Alabama Driver License," said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. ALEA Driver License Division Chief Jonathan Archer added that , “Since launching LEADS on Tuesday, April 26, a number of customers have asked whether the STAR ID is among the list of expanded online services, however due to the federal requirements, STAR IDs must be obtained by visiting an ALEA Driver License Office in-person.

Driver License Examiners are required to examine and scan documents into LEADS per federal law. However, once customers receive their first STAR ID issuance they may renew online or at a probate or license commissioner’s office.” The Agency offers an online guide designed to assist with the STAR ID application process, as well as to determine eligibility. The online guide includes a checklist for requirements and necessary documents, a list of ALEA Driver License Examining Office locations across the state and the option to schedule an appointment. Required documents will be used to establish identity and date of birth, confirm authorized presence in the United States and verify address of principal residence. An applicant whose name has changed from the one displayed on the documents produced (marriage, adoption, court order, etc.) will also be required to produce official documents verifying the name change. “We encourage all citizens to take advantage of the resources and information provided online to determine whether they are eligible for a STAR ID and to begin gathering the necessary documents to obtain a STAR on your license. While Alabama does not require its citizens to have a STAR ID, it will be a requirement of DHS beginning in May 2023, to have a STAR on your license or be required to provide additional proof of identity such as a valid, current U.S. Passport to board a domestic commercial flight," Secretary Taylor added. For further information visit the following website: https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license/star-id.

WHAT'S INSIDE State Parks Amendment - Page 2 Area Death Notices - Page 4 NFL Draft - Page 6 Softball and Baseball Coverage 2022 Ledger Leader Awards Special Graduation Section These traffickers are not seeking to make it easier to vote. In fact, they are trying to make it easier to cheat. Ballot trafficking cheats Alabamians out of their opportunity to freely elect their leaders without coercion or manipulation. If you are a witness to ballot trafficking or have been a victim of ballot trafficking, then it is incumbent upon you to report this activity to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 334-242-7210 or by visiting stopvoterfraudnow.com. Individuals who are found to be engaged in ballot trafficking will be referred to prosecuting authorities so they can be indicted and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law Ballot Trafficking is Illegal in Alabama In Alabama, it is illegal for any individual to return or mail another individual’s absentee ballot application or their absentee ballot. This practice, known as ballot trafficking or ballot harvesting, is a dangerous practice that often leads to ballot traffickers stealing the votes of well- meaning and unsuspecting voters. Alabama law requires that the chain of custody be maintained for both absentee applications and absentee ballots. If the chain of custody for an absentee application or ballot is broken, then the law has been violated. According to §17-11-4 of the Code of Alabama, “The application may be handed by the applicant to the absentee election manager or forwarded to him or her by United States mail or by commercial carrier, as determined by rule by the Secretary of State.” Under Alabama law, the application must remain in the voter’s custody or with an approved commercial mail carrier during the entire process. Pertaining to absentee ballots, §17-11-9 states that after completing their ballot, voters must “forward it by United States mail to the absentee manager or hand it to him or her in person.” Once again, the absentee ballot must remain in the custody of the voter or an approved commercial mail carrier. Ballot trafficking will not be allowed in our state. It undermines the legitimacy of the elections process, and it leads to many Alabamians having their votes trafficked by paid political operatives. Cornerstone Christian Academy has named the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2022. William Grady Camp is the Valedictorian and Allison Joy Nelson is the Salutatorian. For more about the graduating Class of 2022 be sure to check out the inside of this issue of the Alabama Ledger. Photo Courtesy of Ann Nelson Photography Top of the Class

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently visited Snead State’s historic Fielder Auditorium to help announce the construction of a new Career and Technical Training Center that will facilitate business and industry’s training needs within the Northeast region. Snead State’s Career and Technical Training Center will be an approximately 45,000 square-foot project that is expected to initially house four Career and Technical Education programs – Heating, Ventilation, Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration; Welding Technology; Machine Tool Technology; and Industrial Systems Technology with Additive Manufacturing. In addition, the center will have adaptable and flexible space to interchange programs as needed by the local workforce. A conference area, engineering design and 3D fabrication laboratory is also expected. New Career and Technical Training Center Coming To Marshall County Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger

Students across the state are getting ready for their next chapter following the 2022 school year. For these Marshall County Christian Academy Kindergarten students that next step will be moving up a grade, while many high school seniors are preparing for college and/or the job market. The kindergarten students in the Class or 2022 at Marshall County Christian Academy include: (L-R) Baileigh Wilson, Gentry Kennedy, Finley Knight, Jackson Nicholls, Evelyn Hodges, Liam Gomez, Rylan Kay, Adelyn Strait, Carter Ferguson, Ariani Lopez. Not Pictured: Emily Wade Hartley & Elena Hawkins. For more graduation coverage be sure to check out the inside of this issue of the Alabama Ledger. Congratulations Class of 2022 Submitted Photo

Vote May 24th, 2022 Republican Primary Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Earth Day 2022 PAGE 2 May 2022 By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger Springtime is full of events around Northeast Alabama. One of these was the recent 2022 Earth Day Celebration in Valley Head. Several hundred people came out to the Valley Head Town Park to enjoy an afternoon filled with various Earth Day related activities. Some folks enjoyed planting seeds, while some of the children lined up for face painting and various arts and crafts activities. The events special guests included Bigfoot and Smokey the Bear. If you have an upcoming event that you would like for us to consider featuring in an upcoming Traveling Alabama edition, contact the Alabama Ledger at 256-506-7368.

Photos by Myra W. Pierce & Brandon K. Pierce

Past Time Alabama It's graduation month across the state, and it's the prefect time to reflect back on a few previous graduation classes in Alabama. These will take you back eight years ago to a time when Sunday Night Football (NBC) was the most popular TV Show and Pharrell Williams song "Happy" was at the top of the charts. Below you will find the Classes of 2014 from Boaz, Sylvania, and Douglas. If you have a picture or a story that you would like to share with us for future Past Time Features in the Alabama Ledger please contact us at 256-506-7368.

With fertile soil, four distinct weather seasons and the flowing waters of the Tennessee River through the region, North Alabama offers an ideal setting for farming a variety of produce. Agriculture is important to the North Alabama region, and to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage that has sustained and will sustain the region for generations, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) announces the launch of a new self-driving trail, joining eight other trails taking visitors and locals on an adventure across the region. Created by AMLA, the new Agriculture Adventures Trail was unveiled to the public during a recent ceremony at Sullivan Creek Ranch in Vinemont. The Agriculture Adventures Trail highlights 35 agricultural bounty and agritourism hotspots throughout the 16 northernmost counties of Alabama, showcasing the diverse array of engaging agricultural activities that the North Alabama region has to offer. It takes visitors and locals on a tasty journey to businesses and farms that have an agriculturally-related product for sale or is an educational, entertainment, historical, cultural or recreational activity that allows members of the general public to observe or participate in that activity. “The North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail is one of eight self-driving trails and part of our overall initiative to attract more visitors while supporting local businesses,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “Farming is important to local communities offering environmental, economic and cultural benefits so we wanted to create a fun and informative journey to support the many farmers and agriculture-based businesses that serve a critical need in North Alabama. The Agriculture Adventures Trail provides to both North Alabama residents and visitors direct access to fresh, locally-produced farm products by connecting them directly with farmers and producers, many of whom established roots generations ago, and a chance to enjoy hands-on agricultural experiences.” There are a variety of things to experience on the Agriculture Adventures Trail including hands-on farms, orchards, farmer’s markets, made-on-the-farm products, farms with animals, U-pick farms, vineyards and wineries, farm-to-table dining, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, living history farms, farm festivals and more. The trail travels through rural areas, rolling hills and rich red soil, and is made up of over three dozen places to experience. Every spot on the trail is either locally owned or operated. Enjoy an apple slushie from Isom’s Orchard, pick strawberries at Reeves Farm, purchase heirloom-inspired linens made from cotton grown right here in North Alabama and smooth on some 1818 Farms’ shea cream, hand whipped and packaged in Alabama. Be sure to plan visiting the trail around one of these great festivals centered on agriculture. These include the Watermelon Festival in Russellville, Strawberry Festival in downtown Moulton, Alabama Gourd Festival in Hartselle, Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days in Athens or Mule Day in Winfield. During the program launch ceremony at Sullivan Creek Ranch, one of the stops on the Agriculture Adventures Trail, guests were treated to product information and a farm-to- table luncheon, featuring products from Isom’s Orchard, Reeves Peach Farm, J. Calvert Farms and Gentry’s Produce. The meal consisted of: Appetizer - Southern Charcuterie: Assorted Sullivan Creek Ranch Akaushi beef bite samples, “heifered up” deviled eggs, pimento cheese spread topped with bacon jam, candied pecans, assorted jams and jellies, biscuits and cornbread, pickled vegetables, fresh fruits and local honey; Salad: - Summer Strawberry Salad: Mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese served with a strawberry vinaigrette; Main Course: An assortment of different cuts of Sullivan Creek Ranch Akaushi Beef, choice of herb roasted potatoes, spice rubbed roasted sweet potatoes, maple butter roasted corn and Southern collard greens; and Dessert: Caramel peach cobbler served with homemade ice cream "People are looking for a local, authentic experience and the new North Alabama Agriculture Adventures Trail is a way to showcase the flavors unique to the region," added Reist. "Not only will they get a chance to tour, taste and learn about local agriculture, the experience benefits the farming industry by adding another source of revenue with direct-to-consumer sales." For more info call 256-350-3500. Agriculture Adventures Trail

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Governor Ivey Asks for a 'Yes' on State Parks Amendment

Snead State Students Attend State Conference Snead State Community College had 14 students to attend the virtual 2022 Alabama Phi Beta Lambda State Conference. Students interested in the fields of business and economics are encouraged to join Phi Beta Lambda, but students in other majors are welcome to join. This year, the student majors ranged from elementary education to engineering, criminal justice and business. The purposes of the organization are to develop competent, aggressive business leadership and to create interest and understanding in business occupations. During the State Conference, the students competed against other college and university students from across the state. All 14 students placed in at least one of their competitive events. The team of Erika Aragon Cruz of Horton, Cindy Guerrero of Boaz, Amber Lopez of Horton, Marisol Lopez of Albertville, and Nancy Santiago of Albertville won first place in Parliamentary Procedure. The individual winners from Snead State included: Albertville • Jareny Lopez – second place in Organizational Behavior and Leadership and third place in Management Concepts • Alicia Ramirez – second place in Marketing Concepts and fourth place in Retail Management • Daniela Ramirez-Soriano – first place in Financial Concepts and second place in Personal Finance • Arturo Ramos – first place in Project Management and second place in Management Concepts Attalla • Jake Tidwell – first place in Network Design and first place in Networking Concepts Boaz • Raven Fox – first place in Management Concepts and first place in Marketing Concepts • Cindy Guerrero – first place in Personal Finance • Adriana Ponce – first place in Desktop Publishing and third place in Retail Management Crossville • Gabriela Andres – first place in Entrepreneurship Concepts and second place in Retail Management Gallant • Ronald Clark – first place in Justice Administration and first place in Sports Management and Marketing Horton • Erika Aragon Crus – second place in Sports Management and Marketing Free Fishing Day 2022 On Saturday, June 11, Alabamians and out-of-state visitors alike will have the opportunity to fish for free in most public waters including both freshwater and saltwater. Free Fishing Day allows residents and non-residents to enjoy the outstanding fishing Alabama has to offer without purchasing a fishing license. The event is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 4-12. “This is the perfect opportunity for non-anglers to test the fishing waters and to remind former anglers of all the fun they’ve been missing,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). To celebrate Free Fishing Day, ADCNR and Academy Sports will be hosting "Go Fish Alabama" on June 11 from 8 a.m. to noon at Gateway Park, 3800 Davenport Dr., in Montgomery. The event is free to attend. All the necessary bait, equipment and tackle will be provided for the event.

Courtesy of David Rainer Alabama boasts some of the most beautiful and highest-rated state parks in the nation. To maintain that beauty and integrity, a funding mechanism will be on the May 24 ballot. The State Parks Amendment is the only amendment on the May ballot. If approved by voters, the State Parks Amendment will authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of the State of Alabama of up to $85 million. The amendment proposes that $80 million be used to improve, renovate, equip, acquire, provide, construct and maintain state parks under the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The Alabama Historical Commission will receive up to $5 million to do the same for public historical sites and public historical parks. “It’s just real important that we all vote ‘Yes’ on that amendment on the ballot,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said recently. “We have so much natural beauty here, and it’s important that we offer our citizens and tourists the great opportunities to experience and enjoy them. With your support of the State Parks bond issue on May 24, we will soon have ribbon-cuttings on several renovated campgrounds, cabins and improved day- use areas in our 21 State Parks.” The Alabama State Parks boast 2,600 campsites, 700 lodge rooms, 200 cabins and cottages, and over 300 miles of trails. Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director, said while much of the Alabama State Parks infrastructure was built in the 1970s, some structures date back much earlier. “Some of the CCC (Civilian Conservation

Corps) cabins go back to the late ’30s and early ’40s,” Lein said. “And we have a lot of outdated campgrounds. We’ve tried to do what we could with our available funding, like the renovation of the campground at Joe Wheeler that got hit by the tornado in December 2019. We ended up doing part of it. We still have a portion of that campground that needs to be renovated. But a prime example of a park in need of updating is Wind Creek State Park, which has a very large campground. None of the original sites have 50- amp service. That is true in several of our parks. Improving campsites so modern RVs can use them is a big deal to us.” Commissioner Chris Blankenship made that point during the recent celebration of the addition of the Belcher Tract to Oak Mountain State Park. “Alabama is blessed with great State Parks,” Blankenship said. “We have 21 beautiful parks around the state. Some of them were started in the 1930s and have been built during the last 83 years. Some of our campgrounds look like they were built 83 years ago. All kidding aside, when those campgrounds were built, camping was a pop-up camper, a tent, or a really small motorhome. That is what they were built to accommodate. “That is not where we are today when you look at what Tiffin is building in Red Bay, luxury motorhomes with three air conditioners. People are living in their RVs, traveling around the country. We are working as a parks system to get into the 21st century, as well as adding some cabins and other amenities to help make our State Parks first- class and very sustainable.” Blankenship pointed out that during the past couple of years, the number of park visitors increased from an average of 5 million

to approximately 6.2 million visitors. “Outdoor activity was recognized as an ‘essential activity’ during COVID-19, and our State Parks remained open and operational during the pandemic,” he said. “I know many of you enjoy the State Parks on a regular basis. I hope the rest of you will give them a try soon." “I describe our State Parks as gems. That is truly how I feel about them, although some of those gems need a little polishing to bring out their full sparkle and majesty.” While Lein said upgrades to the electrical systems in the campgrounds is a big component of the planned renovations, other items need attention as well. “Some of the work involves issues not visible to the public. Some parks require the installation of new water lines, while others require sewer improvements,” Lein said. “A lot of the funding gets spent on the pad itself. We will be redoing the pads that the RVs are actually sitting on, getting them level, creating new pad borders as well as paving the campground roads that access those sites.” “Another big component of the campground renovations are the bathhouses. We’ve got some old bathhouses at some of these sites. Demolishing those bathhouses and constructing modern ones with A/C and heating systems is a big element of a campground renovation.” Lein further noted that modern campers want to maintain connectivity, even as they enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle. “Wi-Fi is another component,” he said. “While we’re doing this, we want to add that modern convenience to make the new product even more attractive to the people who are looking for great

campgrounds.”

manufacturer of wood- based panels, has donated new equipment to the FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) program at Gadsden State Community College’s Ayers Campus. This includes two programmable logic control communication cards that will be used to improve lab experiences for the students. Kronospan’s Eastaboga facility is one of 12 industry partners participating in the FAME program at GSCC. Seven Gadsden State students currently work for Kronospan with eight students from the next cohort slated to work for the company this summer. New cabins at several parks would be an additional attraction. “Some of the parks don’t even have cabins, or very few, Wind Creek for example,” Lein said. “They’ve got a couple of very small cabins. Having something new and modern, like the Cottages at Gulf State Park, at Wind Creek would be a huge improvement.” Lein said the increased attendance at many Alabama State Parks has allowed the system to do some needed maintenance and add a few new features, but the State Parks Amendment would be a huge step forward in meeting the goal of providing a State Parks System for the future. “We have made progress, but with limited funding we have not been able to update our parks as quickly as we would like,” he said. “To renovate a campground, like Joe Wheeler, requires saving money for two or three years to build enough money to undertake a project like that. The passage of the State Parks Amendment gives us the means to quickly make the improvements and renovations and provisions for new things so that the public more quickly gets to be out there enjoying their State Parks. “The State Parks System understands that the better our amenities, the better the experience we can offer. We don’t want just good State Parks. We want an exceptional parks system for the people of Alabama.” “Governor Ivey has said this is very important for our State Parks and our state moving forward. With your support for the bond on May 24, we can make Alabama State Parks truly spectacular and provide for the outdoor recreational needs for our state for decades to come," added Blankenship.

Coloring Corner GSCC Receives New Equipment Donation Kronospan LLC, the world’s leading

Submitted Photo

Pictured with a donated PLC communication card are (L-R) Jerry Creel, training manager at Kronospan; Tim Lewis, maintenance manager at Kronospan; Tarina Vannatta, FAME program instructor; and Alan Smith, Gadsden State Dean of Workforce Development.

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DEATH NOTICES

PAGE 4 May 2022

Adams Brown Service Funeral Home The following Death Notices are published as a courtesy of the Alabama Ledger and local funeral homes. To include more information, or a photo of your loved one, in a future Edition of the Alabama Ledger contact us at 256-506-7368. You can also find more obit information on the Sand Mountain Obits Facebook Page. Guntersville Memorial Chapel Eva Louise Harden passed away at age 89 Rosemary Rains Hubbard passed away at age 75

Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne Anthony "Tony" Lydon Hunter, age 68, of Blake Marlon J. Bailey, age 79, of Fort Payne James Clifford Allred, age 77, of Fort Payne Bobby Lee Beatty, age 87, of Rainsville Dr. Charlotte Robinson Scott, age 93, of Fort Payne Albert Leonard Fellger, age 63, of Mentone Ronald Terry Shirley, age 72, of Valley Head Helen Elizabeth Dobbs, age 94, of Fort Payne Daisey Ruth Barnard, age 76, of Fischer Jimmy Wayne Ballinger, Jr., age 34, of Fort Payne Johnny Max Kuykendall, age 81, Fort Payne Joseph Ray Ostgard, age 28, of Fort Payne Richard Van Burbol, age 67, of Fort Payne Hattie Delores Kirby, age 70, of Fort Payne W.T. Wilson Funeral Home Daniel Max Hood, age 62, of Collinsville Sharon Kay Moreland, age 66, of Geraldine Raymond Eddie Greenleaf, age 59, of Section Randall Word, age 74, of Crossville Delmer Eugene "Chuck" Carr, age 55, of Boaz Carolyn Frances Chitwood, age 76, of Grove Oak Infant Miracle Victoria Townson of Albertville Bobby Loyd Sanders, age 63, of Crossville Rose Marie Venord, age 46, of Albertville Glenda Roberts Benefield, age 76, of Scottsboro Troy Jerome Lindsey Sr., age 66, of Geraldine Woody Ray "Willie" Shelton, age 83, of Fort Payne Robert Emmett Hurst Jr., age 68, of Fort Payne Clifton "Sonny" Harden, Jr., passed away at age 71 Lonnie Ray Collins, passed away at age 63 Nancy L. Gilbert, age 50, of Rainsville Virginia Scott Lee, age 92, of Fort Payne Rita Sue Stone, age 71, of Fort Payne Ricky Dee Marion, age 66, of Pisgah Johnny Alan White, age 55, of Collinsville Dallan Lee Roden, age 54, of Dawson Hoyt Junior Rowell II, age 54, of Crossville Tonya Kay Blair, age 51, of Albertville Sandra Kay McMullan, age 78, of Geraldine Camden Drake Brown, age 4, of Dutton Barry Don Harper, age 57, of Section Audrey Jean Sewell, age 88, of Albertville Johnnie Frances Naler, age 88, of Boaz James Dale Smith, age 64, of Pisgah Gary Joe Gant, age 45, of Dutton Louis Andrew Craig Sr., age 85, of Albertville For over 40 years, Riley Whitaker was a fixture at Gadsden State Community College and was synonymous with athletics. He started the College’s Athletics Department in 1966 with the men’s basketball, baseball and golf programs, all of which he also served as the coach. “Gadsden State meant a lot to him, and it means a lot to me,” said Marie Whitaker, his wife. “My husband loved sports. He started it all and he coached it all. He and I spent almost all of our career at the College.” Marie recently met with Dr. Kathy Murphy, Gadsden State’s president, and Kevin McFry, dean of Financial and Administrative Services, to finalize a $20,000 endowed scholarship. In addition to a donation from Marie, funds for the endowment came from donations made in Whitaker’s memory after he passed away in 2013. “We thought the best way to honor him is with a scholarship,” she said. “He would be so proud.” During his long tenure, Whitaker also added women’s basketball, women’s cross country, volleyball, softball and tennis to the Gadsden State program. Under his leadership, Gadsden State won 11 state championships and was awarded the All Sports Trophy six times. The 1970 men’s basketball team made it to the National Junior College Tournament as well. He was inducted into the Alabama Junior College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. “Riley was a fixture in Athletics,” Marie said. “He had a good repertoire with the local coaches and the players. His strong suit was public relations. He was very good at it. He was not that great at completing forms and doing paperwork.” Marie was well-known for supporting her husband and ensuring that all the paperwork was filed. She worked as an instructor in the Business Division at Gadsden State from 1966 to 2000 and then volunteered as his assistant until his retirement in 2007. “I never really left campus until Riley retired,” she said. “We had a wonderful time at Gadsden State.” Murphy thanked Marie for the generous gift and said it is a blessing to students.“As someone who depended on scholarships, I can tell you from experience that it helps very much,” she said. The Riley and Marie Whitaker Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior at Glencoe High School. Consideration is given on academic record, demonstrated financial need and faculty/leader recommendations. The scholarship is $750 for the fall semester and $750 for the spring semester. “It means something to me and my family to be able to do this for our College,” she said. Whitaker family gives endowed scholarship to Gadsden State College

James Darrel Hitt, age 53, of Horton Brandon Charles Bennett, age 30, of Albertville Michael Robert Poe, age 43, of Boaz Sandra Kay Campbell, age 63, of Horton Elizabeth Anne McLemore, age 73, of Arab Margaret Elaine Hawkins, age 63, of Albertville Linda Kay Smith, age 84, of Albertville Mary Elizabeth Harper, age 101, of Albertville Charles "Cotton" Westbrooks, age 84, of Albertville Dorothy June McCrory, age 93, of Albertville Daniel Chandler, age 40, of Albertville Thomas Eugene Campbell, age 88, of Albertville Barbara Gail Roberts, age 72, of Albertville Robert George Brodzinski, age 76, of Albertville Thomas B. Hyde, age 75, of Albertville Mrs. DeMervle Carnes, age 96, of Albertville Eleanor Hollingshead, age 85, of Albertville Lisa Ann McNeal, age 50, of Horton Claudell Hendrix, age 69, of Boaz K.D. Dorsett, age 64, of Albertville David Morris Bowen, age 83, of Albertville Billy Kline Allen, age 86, of Boaz Lynward Harmel Reagan, age 86, of Boaz Patricia Ann Claburn, age 74, of Boaz JoAnn Dobbins, age 81, of Boaz Marjorie Anne Monroe, age 83, of Boaz Esmeralda Ruby Garcia, age 24, of Crossville Calvin Guen Hudgins, age 94, of Boaz John Howell Dodd, age 79, of Boaz Dorothy Evelyn Lowery, age 87, of Albertville Mary Ann Armstrong, age 68, of Horton Glenda Joyce Estes, age 62, of Boaz Virgil "Bucky" Norwood, age 72, of Albertville Travis Wayne Boone, age 31, of Albertville Roger Alan Fetterolf, age 58, of Boaz Mildred Ann Taylor, age 80, of Albertville Barry Steven Staton, age 64, of Albertville Burt Funeral Home Robert Randall Wills, age 74, of Fort Payne Carr Funeral Home in Boaz Calton C.T. "Tab" Gillilan, age 82, of Boaz Albertville Memorial Funeral Home Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville Jackie Saint passed away at age 59 Richard Francis Sherrod, age 74, of Guntersville Douglas Dene Stephenson passed away at age 66 Veronica "Roni" Otwell Alexander, age 64, of Arab Patricia Carol Champion, age 78, of Guntersville Jackie Saint passed away at age 59 Richard Francis Sherrod, age 74, of Guntersville Douglas Dene Stephenson, age 66, of Guntersville J.T. Fulton, age 90, of Boaz Shirley Ann Gazaway Gilliland, age 85, of Guntersville Lillian Rosalee Pfeiffer, age 81, of Scottsboro Mike Cornelius, age 69, of Guntersville Margaret B. Starnes, age 89, of Guntersville Collier-Butler Funeral Home Gregory Keith Peters, age 57, of Gadsden Laura Herring Allen, age 77, formerly of Gadsden Nora Jane Bearden Bowen, age 86, of Gadsden Matthew Littleton McAnear, age 55, of Gadsden Judy Hill Campbell, age 78, of Etowah County William Patrick Daniel, age 73, of Gadsden Steven Ray Huie, age 62, of Gadsden James Kermit Henry, age 79, of Southside Melba "Betty" Inell Lowe Whittemore, age 94, of Attalla Marion Keith Hall, age 74, of Gadsden Nannette Dendy Burns, age 70, of Gadsden Martha "Betty" Elizabeth Spann Echols, age 92, of Gadsden Jimmy Harold Sewell, age 82, of Hokes Bluff Virginia Louise Camp, age 90, of Gadsden Ralph Leonard Toney, age 50, of Glencoe Gloria Jean Thrasher Vickery, age 75, of Gadsden Douglas McArthur Bedwell, age 80, of Etowah County James Jim Walter Brown Jr., age 52, of Rainbow City William "Bill" Lerald Smith, age 91, of Southside Dr. Kenneth Norman Shannon, age 67, of Montgomery Mary Augusta Sauls, age 94, of Gadsden Larry Hubert Keener, age 78, of Gadsden Saul Carlos Silva, age 65, of Gadsden Frances Whitt Able, age 87, of Gadsden Willie Gussie Martin, age 95, of Attalla JoAnn Mabrey Waits, age 86, of Gadsden Arthur Lamar "Jack" Livingston, age 82, of Rainbow City Michael Allen Thompson, age 62, of Southside Barney Holt Leach, age 78, of Gadsden Rev. Harold Leon Daugherty, age 84, of Attalla Katheryn Killebrew Grimes, age 83, of Gadsden Keith "K.B." Back, age 68, of Rainbow City

Willie Ruth David passed away at age 82 Glen Buren Nicholas, age 91, of Guntersville Faye La'Vica Holland, age 82, of Guntersville Troy Joseph Bass, passed away at age 58 Debra Ann Murray, passed away at age 67 Robert Weldon Brown, passed away at age 92 Matthew Colter Bishop, passed away at age 38 Etowah Memorial Chapel Charles Randall Turner, age 77, of Boaz Patricia Lynn Franklin, age 65, of Boaz Travis Lavonne Naylor, age 77, of Attalla Norma Jean Fortenberry, age 79, of Gadsden Lamurle Lavone Hooper, age 60, of Boaz Ernest Ray Roberson, age 72, of Boaz Rev. Billy Doyle McCormick, age 80, of Attalla Linda Carol Knott, age 74, of Boaz Lisa Sherie Works Johnson, age 58, of Attalla Jeffery Allen Wiggins, age 57, of Boaz Donna Sue Smith, age 59, of Attalla Glenda Casey, age 48, of Albertville Rev. Jimmy Ray Dyer, age 75, of Altoona Doris Bernice Wynn, age 88, of Etowah County Kerby Funeral Home in Henagar Edward L. Rogers, age 86, of Pisgah C. Winford York, age 83, of Henagar Olivia Hawkins, age 21, of Henagar Infant Lynnah Pearl Stevens passed away on April 20

Michael Lavon Frost, age 69, of Pisgah Christina D. Laney, age 47, of Pisgah Berthell Coleman Moses, age 83, of Pisgah Tony Parton, age 58, of Ider Jackie Roberts, age 86, formerly of Pisgah

Marshall Memorial Funeral Home

Nelda Jo Hammock, age 88, of Guntersville Luke Daniel Kelly passed away at age 20

McRae Funeral Home in Boaz

John Howard Thomas, age 42, of Boaz Randy Hughes, age 54, of Boaz Shirley Peters Pullen, age 79, of Boaz Genell Crow, age 80, of Boaz

Oren F. "Doc" Fuller, age 92, of Boaz Anthony Ray Pippin Jr., age 32, of Boaz Beatrice H. "Bea" Allen, age 88, of Boaz Robert W. Galloway, age 80, of Boaz Doris Jean Taylor, age 82, of Albertville Brenda Gail Wright, age 80, of Altoona Martha Francelle Lester Ingram, age 85, of Boaz Helen Edwards Dodd, age 80, of Boaz Neale Chambers, age 92, of Huntsville Lois Garmon Kilpatrick, age 97, of Boaz Zelotes Quay Kohler, age 84, of Boaz John Mountain, age 65, of Boaz Denise Jenkins Monday, age 51, of Boaz Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory Corene Hopper Burkacki, age 97, of Southside John Will Skelton Jr., age 64, of Attalla Alton Elwin "Big Al" Sanders Jr., age 70, of Reece City David Lee Kirkland, age 62, of Ashville Joys Morgan Peterson, age 82, of Wellington Elizabeth Diane Campbell, age 61, of Rainbow City Max Magnum Galimore, age 38, of Altoona Kathryn Louise Roberts, age 95, of Gadsden Terry Lee Bowen, passed away at age 57 Rickey Glenn Lee, Sr., age 65, of Attalla Gladys Ruth Wise, age 91, of Attalla Tommie Lynn Carr, age 78, of Attalla Dianne Cole Johnson, age 68, of Attalla Michael Gibbs Livingston, age 78, of Attalla Ronnie Lamar Garmany, age 73, of Attalla Jeffrey "Scottie" Scott Cranford, age 47, of Attalla Randy Oliver Kelley, age 77, of Rainbow City Deborah Lynn Smith, age 53, of Attalla Joseph William Wheat, age 81, of Rainbow City Daniel Alfred Duke, age 50, of Gadsden Betty Wallace Glenn, age 97, of Gadsden Bobby Christian "Chas" Cline, age 47, of Attalla Danny Lee Blevins, age 72, of Gadsden Susie Melinda Lynn, age 85, Gallant Vicki Gay Hill, age 73, Steele Imogene Frances Snell Baker Heathcoat, age 92, of Gadsden Tammy Rushell Queener, age 53, of Attalla Rebecca Faye Elrod, age 75, of Altoona Joseph Landon "Joey" Putnam, age 46, of Culpepper, VA LiVida Irene Kitchens, age 54, of Ashville Curtis Norris Jackson, age 88, of Glencoe Bobby Garrett, age 75 of Gadsden Janice Conner Hankins, age 59, of Gadsden Rainsville Funeral Home Newton Ivan Hilyer Jr., age 76, of Fort Payne Verdis P. Taylor, age 90, of Rainsville Ruth Neeley, age 96, of Sylvania Donald Raymond Joseph Olszewski, age 66, of Henagar R.W. "Bob" Dennis, age 83, or Rainsville Villa Elizabeth Campbell Hanks, age 69, of Rainsville Delana Delphine Barron, age 72, of Madison Horace "Bimbo" Garren, age 68, or Rosalie Chris Garren, age 44, of Rosalie Angela Clark Patterson Baker, age 61, of Henagar Judy Brown Gilbreath, age 73, of Sylvania Evelyn Winn Mayhall, age 79, of Section Mamie Plemmons, age 88, of Fort Payne The Valley Funeral Home Gary Waddell, age 71, of South Pittsburgh, TN Cynthia Waldrop, age 59, of Skyline Michael Richard Long, age 62, of Sherwood, TN Kandy Lynn Pettit, age 60, of Fackler Bobby Joe Parker, age 73, of Stevenson Mary Elizabeth Thomas, age 74, of Stevenson Deby Talley, age 66, of Stevenson

Wilma Joyce Firestone, age 81, of Gadsden Judith Carol Moon, age 81, of Rainbow City Collinsville Funeral Home Billy Wayne Daugherty, age 60, of Collinsville Victor Judd Lankford, age 67, of Langston Betty White Powell, age 75, of Centre

Cornerstone Funeral Chapel in Ider

Julie Ann Welden Lankford, age 50, of Ider Tony Curtis Smith, age 57, of Flat Rock Ethan Corde Morgan, age 30, of Bryant

Mary Jo Trussell Boatner, age 91, Formerly of Flat Rock Mary Juanita Phillips Tracy, age 95, of Rossville, GA Johnny Wells Lee, age 83, of Valley Head Michael Leon "Mike" Cameron, age 60, of Pisgah Winfred Mason Reeves, age 82, of Rising Fawn, GA Thomas Eugene "Tommy" Gilbert, age 62, of Flat Rock Crossville Memorial Chapel Ted Dorsett, age 87, of Boaz Phillip Michael Holcomb, age 66, of Albertville Jessie Miller West, age 65, of Bryant Scotty Wayne Parson, age 52, of Ider

Dr. Kathy Murphy (right) President of Gadsden State Community College is pictured with Marie Whitaker (Center) and Kevin McFry, Dean of Financial and Administrative Services. Submitted Photo

PAGE 5 May 2022

Growth Projects Pump $7.7 Billion in New Investment Into State's Economy

SONGWRITERS MUSIC NIGHT - Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) is set to host a songwriters’ night of music on campus in Rainsville. The event will feature Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters. The opening act will feature the fiddle, guitar playing, and twang singing Joshua “Mr. Jukebox” Hedley. The concert will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 21, 2022 in the Tom Bevill Lyceum on NACC’s campus. Read more about the event the Alabama Ledger website at www.alabamaledger.com BOAZ CHAMBER BANQUET - The annual Boaz Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at The Event Center located at 201 Elizabeth Street. The event will be Downtown Abbey Attire and the cost per ticket is $50. The banquet will include dinner, music, fun, games and a live auction. MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced the funding of two additional Mental Health Crisis Centers, which will further expand the Alabama Crisis System of Care. The two new centers (located in Tuscaloosa and Dothan) add to the four existing centers in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. These locations are currently serving individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders at staged levels of care. The fiscal year 2023 awarded Community Mental Health Centers include the Indian Rivers Behavioral Health in Tuscaloosa County and SpectraCare Health Systems in Houston County. ROCK THE SOUTH - The "Biggest Party in the South” is back in Cullman on Aug. 5-6, 2022, with an incredible lineup of musicians. Morgan Wallen and ALABAMA will be the 2022 headliners with other well- known musicians, HARDY, Jamey Johnson, Koe Wetzel, Jimmie Allen, Colt Ford, Matt Stell and Dee Jay Silver. STYX CONCERT - The legendary rock band STYX, along with REO Speedwagon, are scheduled to perform at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.. STYX is known for a variety of 70's and 80's music, including hits such as "Come Sail Away" and "Renegade" GARTH BROOKS CONCERT - Garth Brooks will hold a concert on June 4, 2022 in Birmingham. BLACKBERRY SMOKE CONCERT - The Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville is set to host the Spirit of the South Festival, which will feature music from Blackberry Smoke, Drake White, and the Read Southall Band. The concert will be held on June 24, 2022. HYDROFEST - The 2022 Guntersville Lake Hydrofest will host the APBA Gold Cup for the first time in history. The event will be held on June 25-26. ARMED FORCES PROGRAM - The Fort Payne Garden Club is set to honor the US Armed Forces during a program at Patriots Memorial Park on May 26 at 10 a.m. A Blue Star dedication plaque will be presented at the event. BLUEGRASS ON THE RIM - The 9th annual Bluegrass on the Rim will be held at the Little River Canyon Center on June 11, 2022 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets visit www.jsu.edu/epic/canyonconcerts/. HAMFEST - Town of Hammondville 2022 Hamfest will be held on June 4, 2022 The event will include a BBQ contest, a car show, various vendors, as well as music and fun for the whole family. In case of rain it will be held on June 11. The Hamfest will get underway at 10 a.m. For more information call 256-635-6374. FREEDOM FEST- The Rainsville Freedom Festival will be held on June 25, 2022 at the Field of Dreams. Gates open at 1 p.m. In addition to various musical groups, there will be face painting, pony rides, a mechanical bull, and an automotive show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles. The artists set to perform at this year's event include Chasing Payne (1:30), New Ground (2:30), Still Kickin (3:30) Crossroads (5:00) The Underwoods (6:30) and Confederate Railroad (7:30).

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced that economic development activity across Alabama surged during 2021, with a new report showing that projects launched during the year will inject $7.7 billion in capital investment and nearly 10,200 jobs into the state’s strengthening economy. The project activity is outlined in the 2021 New & Expanding Industry Report, a comprehensive analysis of the state’s economic development performance published each year by the Alabama Department of Commerce. Commerce said the $7.74 billion in new capital investment stemming from project announcements last year represents the second highest annual total in state history, trailing only the $8.7 billion registered in 2018. The investment figure for 2020 was $4.8 billion. “Last year, the Alabama economic development team engaged with companies from around the world to lay the groundwork for significant growth in key strategic industrial sectors,” said Governor Ivey. “These projects are already creating good-paying jobs, providing an economic spark for families and communities across Alabama.” The report shows that robust project activity took place in major economic sectors during 2021, triggering broad job gains totaling 10,190 new positions. Job creation in key industries includes: • Distribution/logistics: 2,384 jobs • Automotive: 1,426 jobs • Metals: 1,100 jobs • Information technology: 1,011 jobs • Agriculture/Food products: 919 jobs Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the state’s economic development team successfully completed 247 projects across a diverse lineup of industries last year. “I believe 2021 stands out as a pivotal year for Alabama’s strategic economic development efforts because we delivered high-impact projects that will create meaningful job opportunities and prepare a path for long- term economic growth,” said Secretary Canfield. “Looking ahead, a strong project pipeline makes me confident that our team can build on this momentum throughout 2022 and beyond.” Notable successes during 2021 include the recruitment of Landing, a technology-focused company creating a model for flexible apartment living, which relocated its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham, where it is creating over 800 jobs. Another is J.M. Smucker Co.’s decision to invest $1.1 billion to open a new manufacturing/distribution hub in McCalla, which will generate 750 direct jobs in Jefferson County. Other high-performing companies, including Facebook, Amazon and FedEx, also announced Alabama projects in 2021.

Meanwhile, activity in rural Alabama was strong during 2021, with projects involving almost $1.7 billion in new capital investment and 1,638 jobs landing in designated “targeted” counties, which have fewer than 50,000 residents. Over the past two years, Alabama’s rural counties have attracted $2.3 billion in new investment and over 3,600 jobs, according to commerce >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

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