Franklin Living Nov Dec 2015

November/December 2015 Vol. 5 Issue No. 6

A right jolly old elf

Homemade holiday

Joy of giving

304 Jackson Ave. NRussellville, AL

Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060

A Great Place to Live, Work & Raise a family.

Russellville City Councilmen Jamie Harris, Lanny Hubbard,

Gary Cummings, William Nale, David Palmer & Mayor David Grissom

304 Jackson Ave. NRussellville, AL

Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060

A Great Place to Live, Work & Raise a family.

Russellville City Councilmen Jamie Harris, Lanny Hubbard,

Gary Cummings, William Nale, David Palmer & Mayor David Grissom

4 FRANKLIN LIVING

“The Christmas Lady” heads up gift donation

program

Joy of giving

Cooking with SamBake up something delicious

The Christmas season – starting

Thanksgiving Day – is my favorite time of year. I love all the decorations, the lights, the food, the special church services – everything. People just seem nicer and more caring this time of year.

Christmas seems to bring out the goodness and generosity in people. I guess that is the way it should be, since we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. It is such a happy time of year. There are memories to be made and gifts to enjoy – not only monetary gifts, but gifts of time and togetherness.

This edition of “Franklin Living” highlights some of what makes Christmas special.

One of those special things is a homemade treat. Even people who don’t like to cook seem to have one certain favorite recipe they cook from scratch at Christmas and ONLY at Christmas. What I enjoy cooking at Christmas most is cookies, and I’m sure many of you like to leave Santa special cookies on Christmas Eve. So be sure to turn to page 20, so you don’t miss all of Sam Warf’s great Christmas cookie recipes.

Another special aspect of Christmas is festive crafts. While not everyone is “crafty,” a lot of people can be at Christmas. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just fun. It is especially fun for children, and craft time is a great time to make holiday memories together. We spoke to Jessica Peppers, a local artist, who came up with a few crafts that are perfect for children to do as a Christmas project.

Santa Claus is also a very important and busy person at Christmas. And Santa Steve Bell is the perfect Santa Claus. I hope everyone around here has been very good this year – I’m not positive that he isn’t the real deal.

Finally, we talked with Phil Campbell’s Kristi Riddle, who embodies the spirit of Christmas. This story is what Christmas is all about – or should be all about.

We hope you enjoy this edition of “Franklin Living.” Don’t forget to put out your cookies for Santa and leave the reindeer some carrots. I hope you’re not like me and wait until the very last minute to do your Christmas shopping.

Merry Christmas!

FCNI General Manager Nicole Pell with her husband, Hans.

10

14

20

24

6 Faces of Franklin County

8 Wellness22 What’s Hot23 Classifieds28 Looking Back30 Parting Shot

FROM THE MANAGER

A right jolly old elf

Christmas magic transforms mayor of Phil Campbell into Santa for

the season

Homemade holidayLocal artist shares a few holiday craft projects for families to enjoy

ON THE COVER: This photo, graciously submitted by Farris Photography, captures the spirit of the season and shows Phil Campbell Mayor Steve Bell in his annual role as Santa for local photography studios and Christmas parades. Read more about Santa Steve in this issue.

5FRANKLIN LIVING

P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653

256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883

www.franklincountytimes.com

General Manager NICOLE PELL

Managing Editor ALISON JAMES

Sales PEGGY HYDE

Circulation TOMMY MORRIS

Photography ALISON JAMES,

NICOLE BURNS, FARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY,

TAKE ANOTHER SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Franklin Living is published monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

FRANKLIN MEMORY GARDENSRUSSELLVILLE’S ONLY PERPETUAL CARE CEMETERY

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6 FRANKLIN LIVING

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Jason Higgins, Anthony Lovett and Dennis Mills

The Spirit of Hodges Festival brought yummy treats, handmade items, live music and good times to Hodges Oct. 10. The annual community event, managed by the Hodges Fire and Rescue Department and the Town of Hodges, pays tribute to tribute to the town’s achievement and recognition during World War II. The town raised $47,000 to help �nance the war by purchasing bonds that were sold during the month of January 1943. As an award, the war department allowed the Town of Hodges to name a P-51 Mustang �ghter aircraft. She was named the “The Spirit of Hodges.” The ultimate fate of the plane is unknown, but Oct. 11, 2007, the Town of Hodges celebrated its 100 birthday and hosted the �rst Spirit of Hodges Festival.

Photos by Alison James

Jackie Scott, Frankie Petree and Jean Nichols

Jessica Hamilton and Dakota White Aidan Timms and Cinda McCarley

Erica and Henrietta McCarleyLayne Boyd and Amanda Miguel

7FRANKLIN LIVING


Dylan Wilson and Nicole Dill

Je� and Robin Stidham

Leonard and Sue Ann McKnight

Sarah Beth and Andrew Black and Gary and Mae Jean Yielding

Terry and Sawyer Johnson

Ann and Brooklyn Hall

Wade Petree and Danny Brewer

Janet Martinez and Skylar KingBetty O’Mary

8 FRANKLIN LIVING

WELLNESS

With the holiday season upon us, many people’s schedules are hectic once again. There are social events and family gatherings to attend,

shopping ventures to make and decorating to be done. While fun, the holiday season can be a time of added pressure, which leads to stress and other unhealthy situations.

At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can affect your physical well-being. The American Psychological Association says the hustle and bustle of the holidays has psychological consequences for some people. More people are inclined to feel that their stress increases, rather than decreases, around the holidays. The National Institute of Mental Health says chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, and that can lead to unwanted weight gain.

Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays. A greater number of parties expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you might not consume on a regular basis, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating. Weight gained during this time of year can be difficult to shed come January, when colder temperatures challenge many peoples’ motivation to exercise.

Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.

You can still feel your best during the holidays. Follow these tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

· Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu. Get a flu shot before the holidays so you are ready for cold and flu season.

· Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Studies from researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson have found the flu virus — and even the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA — on airline tray tables. Buses, trains and doors all may be harboring germs. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes and allow them to air-dry before touching them. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.

· Balance your activities. It can be tempting to overbook your schedule with a ton of activities, but this might ultimately prove stressful. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do, such as viewing Christmas light displays or even just unwinding at home with a good book. Try delegating some tasks to others in the household so you don’t take on too much responsibility.

· Keep up an exercise routine. Don’t stray too far from your exercise schedule. You might have to move workout times to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties. Early morning is a good time to exercise because it gets you moving first thing in the morning and might even encourage you to hit the sack a little earlier each night, ensuring you get all the sleep you need. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.

· Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities that keep you moving rather than always being seated around the table for a big meal. Save indulgences for one or two treats on the holidays and eat sensibly otherwise.

· Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings.

Ways to stay healthy this holiday season

9FRANKLIN LIVING

10 FRANKLIN LIVING

When the children are out of school and the winter doldrums set in, parents might be looking for something to add a splash of color to long, chilly

days stuck inside. One option is craft projects.Jessica Peppers, local artist, designed a set of crafts

perfect for a variety of ages that parents and children can do together. She encouraged parents to take the time this holiday season to share a special moment with their children and create something.

Several of Peppers’ projects are, or can be, ornaments for the Christmas tree.

“Our tree is made up of items the kids have made at school, items we do at home, and things from mine and my husband’s childhoods,” Peppers said. “When we look at our tree, it’s memories. You make those memories by taking a minute, sitting down and doing an art project.”

So take the time to flex those artistic muscles this holiday season.

“It’s a bonding moment you won’t get back. They are only small for so long,” Peppers said. “It may not turn out like what you see in the magazines or what’s on the store shelves … I think when it comes to art, people expect everything to turn out just absolutely perfect. You’ve got to let that go. Even if you’re not an artsy person, making memories with your child is more important than thinking, ‘Oh, I can’t do that.’ Let that go and just do it.”

Christmas Crafting

Local artist shares a few craft projects for parents to

enjoy with their children this holiday season

Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

This snowman comes to life with some mini canvases, paint, ribbon, glitter and twine for an easy project families can do together.

11FRANKLIN LIVING

Jerica Peppers paints careful, even strokes to create her Thanksgiving Triangle Turkey during an afternoon of crafting at City Lake Park.

Canvas Critters Snowman

Materials neededThree 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch square canvasesStaplerRibbonPaint (orange and black)Glitter (fine) Twine

Cut three lengths of ribbon, about half an inch in length, to staple the canvases to. Once the ribbons are stapled to the canvases, attach a twine holder to the top canvas, in the center – this will allow him to hang from your Christmas tree.

With a small paintbrush, paint the snowman’s nose, eyes, hat and stick hands (if desired, real twigs can be used for his hands).

Glitter and Twigs Snow� ake

Materials neededTwigs Glue (hot glue or white Elmer’s glue)Glitter (fine works best)TwineFeltOld paint brush

Start by laying 6-10 twigs out. Attach the longest two across each other with a dab of glue. Attach another twig through the middle of the cross. This will give you a snowflake type design.

Once this is done, use an old paintbrush to brush Elmer’s glue across the front of the twigs. Sprinkle glue with white glitter (or other colors as desired).

Attach twine as the holder and dry overnight. Use as a Christmas ornament or other hanging decoration.

Tips to remember for successful crafting together

• Do all prep work beforehand, including gathering supplies.• Test the project out before you do it with your child.• Choose an age-appropriate craft for your child, and

temper your expectations for how the craft will turn out, particularly with young children.

• Glitter gets everywhere, and that’s OK.

Paper Plate Christmas Tree

Materials NeededPaper platesElmer’s glueTwineGlitter StaplerPaint

Using thin paper plates, cut a slit halfway through the plate. Fold each side of the slit inward to the center (the two sides will overlap). This will create a cone type shape. This can be made smaller the more you push/twist the sides inward. Staple each end together.

Paint the ornament green. Once it’s covered and before it dries, sprinkle it with green glitter.

Using the Elmer’s glue, scatter glue dots all over the paper plate tree.

Sprinkle each dot with red glitter (other colors can be used). Once this is completed, let dry overnight.

Cut the top point off of the tree (not too big – just enough to attach the hanger). Tie a piece of twine in a circle and fold in half, then push the twine up the bottom of the tree through the hole. The knot in the rope will keep the hanger from going all the way through. Finally, hang on your Christmas Tree.

other with a dab of glue. Attach another twig through the middle of the cross. This will give you a snowflake type design.

Once this is done, use an old paintbrush to brush Elmer’s glue across the front of the twigs. Sprinkle glue with white glitter (or other colors as


temper your expectations for how the craft will turn out, particularly with young children.


sides will overlap). This will create a cone type shape. This can be made smaller the more you push/twist the sides inward. Staple each end together.

Paint the ornament green. Once it’s covered and before it dries, sprinkle it


Sprinkle each dot with red glitter (other colors can be used). Once this is completed, let dry

Cut the top point off of the tree (not too big – just enough to attach the hanger). Tie a piece of twine in a circle and fold in half, then push the twine up the bottom of the tree through the hole. The knot in the rope

from going all the way through. Finally, hang on

other with a dab of glue. Attach another twig through the middle of the cross. This will give you a snowflake type design.

Once this is done, use an old paintbrush to brush Elmer’s glue across the front of the twigs. Sprinkle glue with white glitter (or other colors as desired).



sides will overlap). This will create a cone type shape. This can be made smaller the more you push/twist the sides inward. Staple each end together.

Paint the ornament green. Once it’s covered and before it dries, sprinkle it


Sprinkle each dot with red glitter (other colors can be used). Once this is completed, let dry

Cut the top point off of the tree (not too big – just enough to attach the hanger). Tie a piece of twine in a circle and fold in half, then push the twine up the bottom of the tree through the hole. The knot in the rope

from going all the way through. Finally, hang on

12 FRANKLIN LIVING

Glitter and Twigs Picture Frame

Materials needed2.5-inch by 2.5-inch square canvasGlueGlitterTwineFelt or paintSmall twigsA special photograph

Start with canvas. The canvas can be painted a solid color or left blank.

If painting: When the paint is dry, attach a twine holder on the back of the canvas.

If using felt: Cut square pieces of felt slightly larger than the canvas and attach with Elmer’s glue. Attach a twine holder in between the pieces of felt.

Create a frame by gluing twigs to the canvas; each twig will overlap each end. Brush with Elmer’s glue and sprinkle with glitter.

Attach the picture to the center of the felt, as if a tree has captured it. The twigs will cuddle the picture for safe-keeping while beautifying any Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving Triangle Turkey

Materials Wood triangle (any size) Paint Pencil

Paintbrushes Sharpie

Start by drawing off the turkey with a pencil.

Using whatever colors desired, paint the turkey’s feathers. Paint the body of the turkey brown.

Outline/highlight the feathers with

white paint and add detailing to the turkey’s body and face.

(In this example, paint was used for the words, but you can use a Sharpie for easier application.)

(Alternative: The turkey body can easily be replaced with a handprint or footprint to document a child’s growth over the years).

13FRANKLIN LIVING

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14 FRANKLIN LIVING

He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice … but Santa Claus is already in town. He lives in Phil Campbell.

Mayor Steve Bell didn’t have to think twice a few years ago when his daughter asked him to play Santa for his grandchildren and their church group in North Carolina. He had his answer ready.

No.“It wasn’t happening. I didn’t have any desire to

do it,” Bell said. “It was nothing I had ever thought about doing.”

Nevertheless, with a church-supplied Santa suit, a little wheedling and a list of excuses that were dwindling, Bell swallowed his hesitancy and his introversion to become the universal symbol of Christmas.

“My out was, if the suit fits, I’ll do it,” Bell said. “I got up there, and it was like it was tailor-made. So I was stuck.”

Thirty to forty children experienced Santa Steve Bell’s yuletide debut. He saw the joy in their eyes and the smiles on their faces, and he was hooked.

Of course, he wouldn’t admit it right away – not even to himself. But he said he thought

Down home SantaChristmas magic transforms mayor of

Phil Campbell into jolly old elf for the seasonStory by ALISON JAMES

Photos by FARRIS

PHOTOGRAPHY and

TAKE ANOTHER SHOT

PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOVE: Reading a story together can make for a special picture with Santa Claus.

“My out was, if the suit fits, I’ll do it,” Bell said. “I got up there, and it was like it was tailor-made.

Thirty to forty children experienced Santa Steve Bell’s yuletide debut. He saw the joy in their eyes and

himself. But he said he thought

“My out was, if the suit fits, I’ll do it,” Bell said. “I got up there, and it was like it was tailor-made.

Thirty to forty children experienced Santa Steve Bell’s yuletide debut. He saw the joy in their eyes and the smiles

15FRANKLIN LIVING

To get that special picture for parents and grandparents, Santa Steve Bell said he likes to take his time to interact with the children. Pictured are some of the Christmas moments captured by Farris Photography and Take Another Shot Photography, two studios Bell has worked with in the past. A variety of traditional holiday sets, plus a few well-selected props, reinforce Bell’s Santa image and bring a sense of wonder and magic to the holidays.

16 FRANKLIN LIVING

to himself, if I ever wind up doing that again, I’m going to do it right. So in Germantown, Tenn., he met a seamstress at Hancock Fabrics to choose material for his own custom-made, fur-trimmed, red coat and pants. By then, Bell had heavily researched his ideal Santa suit.

“It’s not just your catalog, mail-order, crushed velvet with a plastic belt,” Bell said. “It’s all authentic.”

He showed the seamstress pictures and patterns, and she chose the fabrics to create the suit – using, perhaps surprisingly, upholstery fabric, for its durability, colorfastness and clean lines. The festive vest he wears underneath the suit is made of drapery material for the same reasons.

“A lot of detail went into making the suit,” he said. “The belt came from a Santa in Arizona who makes Santa buckles … It’s all solid brass with a 4-inch wide, real leather belt.” The buttons in his coat are also all brass with reindeer names engraved.

Dressed to the nines, Bell turned his attention to his beard. In his premiere as Santa, Bell wore a detachable costume beard, but in subsequent years, his snow-white hair and beard has been all natural. The color, of course, took a little extra work – Bell undergoes two sessions to dye it before November and has to dye it a couple more times to keep it in Santa-shape all season.

In 2010 Bell got his first call to serve as a photography studio Santa. His Santa career has continued to snowball ever since; he has more work than he even has time for and has to turn down many requests. He’s booked every Saturday in November, and December is reserved for this year’s slate of seven Christmas parades.

“I don’t think I would enjoy the mall Santa experience. It’s a little too fast-paced,” Bell said. “You don’t get to spend any time with the kids. The goal with the (private) photographers is to end up with a good picture for mom, dad and the grandparents – they’ll spend whatever time it takes. At the mall, depending on how long the line is, you might have two minutes … it’s about getting them on your lap,

“From across the room, as they

start approaching, I can tell if it’s

going to end well or not. You can

see the fear in their eyes, and the

closer they get, the more they tense

up, and the more they cling to

mom or grandma.”

— Mayor Steve Bell

17FRANKLIN LIVING

ABOVE: Bell is booked for every Saturday in November, along with seven Christmas parades in December, to visit with all the good little girls and boys of Franklin County and North Alabama.

18 FRANKLIN LIVING

getting a picture and getting the next one.”Bell works between 6-11 hours in a day as a

studio Santa. The challenge, sometimes, is creating that special, picture-perfect moment with a child who is a little fearful of Santa.

“From across the room, as they start approaching, I can tell if it’s going to end well or not,” he said. “You can see the fear in their eyes, and the closer they get, the more they tense up, and the more they cling to mom or grandma.”

Santa has a few tricks up his sleeve to help create a positive experience.

“I don’t push them. I don’t try to force them to come over – it’s got to be their idea,” Bell said. “But I have some ways of enticing them. There’s always candy canes. And there are usually toys around

to play with.” He said he can also try to get in a child’s good graces by asking them for help with something. For instance, he might feign dropping something and ask them to pick it up and hand it to him.

Bell said he tries, when he can, to infuse a little spirituality into the Christmas conversation with children and downplay the commercialization of Santa and the holiday. He can’t quite put his finger on what makes seeing Santa such a special moment for children, but like the mystery of how Santa makes it all around the world in one night, some things are better left to magic rather than reason.

“You don’t try to figure it out,” Bell said. “You just enjoy it.”

ABOVE: Being Santa isn’t all milk and cookies. Bell said it takes a lot of time and e�ort. But it’s a joyful experience he has come to love.

19FRANKLIN LIVING

14131 Hwy 43 • Russellville 256-332-1881

fax: 256-332-1883

www.franklincountytimes.com

State Senator Roger Bedford

Your Hard Working Senator!

Working

to:

Carrie DeArman

of

(256) 332-7400

Behind KFC on Gandy Street

Come see Carrie for all your

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Local high school fo

otball season previews

See The Game Plan inside.

Red Bay routes Colbert Heights 59-28

See more on Page 12.

RBHS SADD chapter

receives national recognitio

n

See more on Page 15.

50¢ | Vol. 134, N

o. 35

Hometown Newspaper of Joan Scott —

Est. 1879 | Wednesday, A

ugust 27, 2014

Brie� y

Index

Records .........

..........

....... 3

Opinion .........

..........

....... 4

Kids .........

..........

..........

....5

Worship .........

..........

....... 6

Classifieds ....

..........

....... 9

Sports .........

..........

........ 12

Community .....

..........

... 15

REDUCE

HEAT & GLARE

Reduce

mperature by

up torees!On Air Blue 80

ELECT

DON GARRARD

Revenue Commissioner

November 4

Gordon Ave., Russellville, AL 35653

Responsible

adership

At their recent busi-

ness meeting, members

of the Franklin County

Commission voted

to

approve the closing of

the Franklin

County

Courthouse at 5 p.m. each

day on Monday – Friday

effective Sept. 1

.

Currently, the Probate

Judge’s office stays open

until 6 p.m. on Mondays,

but this is

the only offic

e

in the courthouse that is

open past 5 p.m.

Commissioners felt

it would be best to have

a uniform closing of the

Probate Judge’s office at

5 p.m. so the courthouse

itself could also close at 5

p.m. each day.

The Franklin County

Sheriff’s Offic

e will be

conducting traffic

safety

checkpoints this week-

end in conjunction with

the Alabama Department

of Public Safety’s “Drive

Sober or Get Pulled Over”

campaign. Checkpoints

l be set up at various

s throughout the

inning this

Courthouse

receives

new hours

Checkpoints

this weekend

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

United States Senator

Jeff Sessions

and

Congressman Robert

Aderholt visite

d one

of Franklin

County’s

leading employers,

International

Hearth

Products (IHP) this past

week.

Due to

scheduling

conflicts, Sessions and

Aderholt made separate

visits, but both came at

the behest of company

officials concerned about

a new Environmental

Protection Agency (E

PA)

rule that has the poten-

tial to

cost their in

dustry

several million dolla

rs

and hundreds of jobs.

According to th

e EPA,

the new rules – set to go

into effect in February

2015 – are supposed to

reduce air emissions

from wood burning and

pellet-fu

eled stoves as

well as fir

eplace inserts,

which are products pro-

duced by IHP.

IHP officials said th

ey

are absolutely committed

to clear air and producing

compliant products, but

the new rule goes beyond

the intended goals and

could prove very costly

to the in

dustry.

Mark Klein, president

and CEO of IHP, said in

a statement that while

the company welcomes

Sessions, Aderholt visit I

HP

PHOTO BY BART MOSS

Sam Scarbrough, IHP plant m

anager, talks to Russellville Mayor D

avid

Grissom, IHP’s V.P. of Engineering and Quality Mike Pennington, and

Sen. Jeff Sessions.

See VISIT,

Page 7

PHOTO BY KELLIE SINGLETON

Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council member Judy Horton sells tickets last Saturday to the firs

t movie shown at th

e historic Roxy Theatre

since 1976.

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@

franklincountytimes.com

The historic Roxy

Theatre in downtown

Russellville

opened its

doors on Aug. 15, not to

host a ty

pical concert or

recital,

but to actually

show a feature-length

movie for the first time

since 1976.

Crowds of people fil

ed

into the theatre that

afternoon to see “Elvis

on Tour”, which is a

musical documentary

about the King of Rock

and Roll.

Showing a feature-

length movie is major

milestone that members


Arts and Humanities

Council have been work-

ing toward for many

years, and council mem-

ber Wanda Myrick said

last Saturday’s event

was the beginning of

what they hoped would

be a monthly tradition at

the Roxy Theatre.

“Being able to show

a movie at the Roxy for

the first time in more

than 40 years was a very

special thing for us and

something all of us on

the council were excite

d

about,” Myrick said.

“We put the event

together quickly so that

we could do it in conjunc-

tion with

the Watermelon

Festival, so considering

the short notic

e, we had

a good turnout.

“We are already plan-

ning and finalizing plans

for movies that will be

shown at the theater in

the next two months,

More movies planned at R

oxy

See ROXY, Page 2

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


A community tip

led to

the arrest of tw

o cousins

last week after 92 meth

labs were

discovered in

their posses-

sion, author-

ities said.

D o n a l d

Wa

yn

e

Clark, Jr., 34,

18966 U.S. 43,

Russellville

,

was charged

with 92

counts first-

degree man-

u f a c t u r i n g

a controlled

substance.

Bi l l y

Wa

yn

e

Clark, 35, 400

Cotaco St.,

Russellville

, was charged

with 20 counts of fir

st-

degree manufacturing a

controlled substance.

According to Franklin

County Sheriff Shannon

Oliver, this is the larg-

est number of meth labs

found in one location in

Men

arrested

for 92

meth labs

See METH, Page 2

Donald

Clark, Jr.

Billy

Clark

Kellie Singleton

kellie.s

ingleton@

franklin

countytimes.c

om

PHIL CAMPBELL —

A local woman was kille

d

on Friday in a car crash

that occurred near Phil

Campbell.

According to

the

ma State Troopers,

r Allen, 73, of

was killed

rolet

she was driving left

Franklin County 81 and

struck a ditch three miles

east of Phil Campbell.

The single-vehicle

crash occurred at 11:58

a.m. Troopers said she was

not using a seat b

elt and

was pronounced dead at

the scene. Nothing further

is available as Alabama

State Troopers continue

to investigate th

e crash.

Local killed in crash Kellie

Singleton

kellie.singleton@


RED BAY — Being

prepared is the most

important step in many

areas of life, but it

’s espe-

cially essentia

l when it

comes to self-p

rotection.

With reports of vio-

lence in th

e news every

day, there is a growing

trend, especially among

women, to be adequately

prepared in the event

that they ever need to

provide protection for

themselves or someone

else.Members of the Red

Bay Police Departm

ent

are offering an opportu-

nity for area women to

be prepared in th

ese sit-

uations by hostin

g their

Women’s Basic Handgun

Course on Thursday,

Sept. 4, from 6 p.m. – 9

p.m. and Saturday, S

ept.

6, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m

.

at the Red Bay Police

Department.

Red Bay Police Chief

Janna Jackson said the

course will be taught

by Red Bay Police Lt.

Scottie Belue, who is a

certified FBI

firearms

instructor.

RBPD offering handgun class

See CLASS

, Page 2

State Senator Roger Bedford

Your Hard Working Senator!

Working

to:

Carrie DeArman

of

(256) 332-7400

Behind KFC on Gandy Street

Come see Carrie for all your

Pharmacy Needs

www.familypharmacygroup.com

• Easy Prescription Transfers

• FREE Delivery

• Drive-thru

• Friendly Staff

HOMETOWN

PHARMACY

It pays to be a Cattleman.

See more on page 2.

RHS cruises past Deshler in home opener.

See more sports on page 12.

Meet Phil Campbell’s Homecoming court.

See more on page 15.

50¢ | Vol. 134, No. 36

Hometown Newspaper of Angie Skidmore — Est. 1879 | Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Brie� y

Obits

Index

For a complete list, see page 3.

Vicky Jo Tompkins —

August 29, 2014

Carolyn Marie Lynch

Bishop — August 27, 2014

Tricia Reeves — August

27, 2014

Roy Carmack Garner,

Jr. — August 30, 2014

Records .............

.............

3

Opinion .............

.............

4

Kids .............

..............

......5

Worship .............

.............

6

Classifieds .............

........ 9

Sports .............

..............

12

Community Spotlight 15

Come see

Pamfor youring

Covering all the

news because

everything is

important to

meone1 256-383-5217

256-248-5362heffield, AL

REDUCE

HEAT & GLARE

Reduce

Temperature by

up to

30 Degrees!

On Air Blue 80

ELECT

DON GARRARD

Revenue Commissioner

November 4

Pd. Pol. Adv By: Don Garrard, 120 Gordon Ave., Russellville, AL 35653Responsible

Leadership

EMT arrested following transport

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


A local ambulance

service employee was

arrested last Tuesday

after authorities said

she failed a field sobri-

ety test following the

transport of a patient.

Pleasant Bay

Ambulance Service

employee Gina Jones,

38, of Franklin 25 in

Red Bay, was arrested

on charges of reck-

less endangerment and

public intoxication,

Russellville Police Chief

Chris Hargett said.

According to Hargett,

the Russellville Police

Department received a

call morning Tuesday

stating Jones had helped

with the transport of

a patient to an area

hospital and that she

appeared to be under the

influence of some type

of substance that wasn’t

alcohol.

Hargett said when

officers arrived on the

scene, they performed

a routine field sobriety

test on Jones.

Hargett said Jones

failed the test and was

arrested at that time.

Jones consented to a

blood test, and Hargett

said the blood has been

sent to forensics to deter-

mine what substances

were in her system at

the time of her arrest.

Jones, who is the

daughter of Pleasant

Bay owner Elzie Malone,

is a part-time emergency

medical technician with

the company.

Malone said Jones

has been placed on leave

pending the result of

the forensic analysis,

but Malone said Jones

denies that she was

under the influence of

any substance at the

time of her arrest.

PHOTO BY KELLIE SINGLETON

Pictured (L to R): WES librarian Mary Kay Rogers, Carol Glass, Jemma Moore, Connor Evans, Jake Sturdivant, Audrey Oliver, Annette Sturdivant,

Shirley Ezzell and Elizabeth Glass.

Local group donates books

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


Farming is an essen-

tial industry that is most

often the starting point

for many other indus-

tries. Its effects are far-

reaching and it’s safe to

say that we wouldn’t be

able to make it too long

without the men and

women who are part of

this essential facet of

our world.

Because of its impor-

tance, one local group

is doing their part to

promote farming to our

county’s youth through

the donation of books

at local elementary

schools.

The Women’s

Leadership Division of

the Franklin County

Farmer’s Federation

recently donated seven

books with farm-relat-

ed themes to West

Elementary School in

Russellville.

The books will be

added to the collection

of 18 books the group

donated in February

2013 along with a unique

New

PCHS

opening

delayed

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


PHIL CAMPBELL –

Students and faculty at

Phil Campbell High School

will have to wait a little

while longer before they

are finally able to attend

school at the new PCHS.

According to Franklin

County Schools

Superintendent Gary

Williams, the best case

scenario was to have the

school ready for occupa-

tion the day after Labor

Day, but Williams said

there were still a few

things that had to be com-

pleted before that could

happen.

“The main thing is the

parking lot,” Williams

said.“We didn’t want to send

the students back to school

without the parking lot

being completed, mainly

because that would pose

some safety concerns if

Phil Campbell

receives $100K grant

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


PHIL CAMPBELL

— The town of Phil

Campbell is getting clos-

er to completing neces-

sary sewer improvement

projects thanks to the

continued support from

state officials and agen-

cies.Sen. Roger Bedford

recently announced that

he has secured a $100,000

grant from the Alabama

Department of Economic

Affairs for the town of

Phil Campbell.

The funding will assist

the town in the replace-

ment of two sewer pump

stations.

“I’m proud that

through our efforts, we

were able to secure much

needed funding for the

town of Phil Campbell,”

Bedford said.

“This grant will

enable Phil Campbell to

continue to provide out-

standing infrastructure

Water board starting new project

Kellie Singleton

kellie.singleton@


The Russellville Water

and Sewer Board is offi-

cially moving forward

with plans to build a new

raw water pump station

that will not only better

serve the board’s cur-

rent customers but will

allow the board to pro-

vide adequate services

for future customers for

many years to come.

Members of the

water board,

the

Alabama Department

of Environmental

Management (ADEM),

the city of Russellville,

B.H. Craig Construction

Company, Inc., and

Utility Engineering

Consultants, LLC, met

last Wednesday to break

ground on the station.

Russellville Water and

Sewer manager Doug

Clement said the project

is being made possible

through a $500,000 grant

from the Tennessee

Valley Authority, admin-

istered through the

ADEM Drinking Water

State Revolving Fund,

coupled with funding

provided as low interest

loans to total the $1.3 mil-

lion final cost.

Clement said the new

raw water pump sta-

tion would allow the

Russellville Water and

Sewer Board to pump

up to 12 million gallons

of water per day into

their plant – a signifi-

cant jump from the six

million gallons the plant

is currently capable of

processing.

“What this means for

us is that we will be able

to continue providing

the same level of quality

See PROJECT

, Page 7

See EMT, Page 11

See PCHS, Page 7

See GRANT, Page 7

See BOOKS, Page 11

Courthouse

closing at 5 p.m.

At their recent busi-

ness meeting, members


Commission voted to

approve the closing of

the Franklin County

Courthouse at 5 p.m. each

day on Monday – Friday

effective Sept. 1.

Currently, the Probate

Judge’s office stays open

until 6 p.m. on Mondays,

but this is the only office

in the courthouse that is

open past 5 p.m.

Commissioners felt

it would be best to have

a uniform closing of the

Probate Judge’s office at

5 p.m. so the courthouse

itself could also close at 5

p.m. each day.

Dairy Margin

Protection

Program

Agriculture Secretary

Tom Vilsack announced

that starting Sept. 2,

2014, farmers can enroll

in the new dairy Margin

Protection Program. Visit

FSA online at www.fsa.

usda.gov/factsheets, or

stop by a local FSA office

to learn more about this

program.

Life in the great

outdoors

One local family makes

camping a priority

Hunting a major part of the

fall season in Franklin County

October 2014 Vol. 4 Issue No. 9

Enjoying life after 50

Travel important to many after retirement

Local couple competes in Alabama Senior Olympics

September 2014 Vol. 4 Issue No. 8

May Vol. 4 Issue No. 4

Feeding those in

needLocal bakery offers fr

e

made pastries

test: Franklin Co

estaurant

Covering news & events that are special to Franklin County.

SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPELOF RUSSELLVILLE

906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville

“Caring People, Caring for People”

256-332-1122

sprymemorialchapel.com

Wishing you and your

loved ones peace during the holiday

season.

20 FRANKLIN LIVING

Cookingwith Sam Recipes by SAM WARF

Candy-Coated Chocolate Cookies

1 cup shortening1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. vanilla2 eggs2 1/4 cups flour1 tsp. salt1 tsp. soda1 1/2 cups candy coated chocolate pieces

Blend shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and egg. Sift dry ingredients. Add to mixture. Mix well, add 1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces. Keep remainder for decorating. Drop from teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Decorate top. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

FOOD

21FRANKLIN LIVING

Coconut Macaroons

1 1/2 cup flaked coconut1/3 cup sugar3 tbsp. flour1/8 tsp. salt2 egg whites1/2 tsp. almond extractcandied cherry halves

Combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and almond extract. Mix well. Drop from teaspoonful on lightly greased cookie sheet, add cherry halves to top. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

FRANKLIN LIVING

Holiday Sprinkle Cookies

1/2 cup softened butter1 cup sugar1 egg1 tbsp. lemon juice2 tsp. vanilla1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. baking soda1 cup flaked coconut, finely chopped6 tbsp. colored sugar, red & green

Cream butter and sugar, until fluffy. Beat egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Beat in coconut. Shape into two 6 in. logs, roll each in colored sugar, wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Unwrap and cup into 1/4 in. slices. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Hello Dollie Cookies

3/4 cup butter2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs2 cups chocolate chips2 1/4 cups coconut2 1/4 cups walnuts2 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Pour melted butter onto sheet pan. Apply evenly one layer at a time in order listed above. Pour milk over top (cover sides too). Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Chocolate Walnut Cookies

2 packages (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips3 tbsp. soft butter3/4 cup sugar1 egg unbeaten1 1/2 tsp. vanilla1 tbsp. milk1/2 cup flour1/4 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Melt one 6 oz. package of chocolate chips over hot boiling water. Stir together butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat with spoon until smooth. Stir in milk and melted chocolate. Sift flour with baking powder and salt, then add to mixture. Stir in nuts and second package of chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonful on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove to cooling rack. Makes 3.5-4 dozen. Chewy on the inside.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

2 cups sugar3 tbsp. cocoadash of salt1/2 cup shortening1/2 cup milk1 tsp. vanilla1/2 cup chopped nuts3 cups of oats

Mix together, bring to boil. Let boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 3 cups of oats. Mix well and drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet or large plate.

22 FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT’S HOT

Featuring one of Santa’s helpers, this red elf ornament will look adorable

on your Christmas tree. Audrey’s Gifts and Décor, $9.95.

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Whether it be cookies for Santa or cookies for the kids, this

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Decorate your Christmas tree with this ornament to add a touch of style to your Christmas decorations. Audrey’s Gifts and Décor, $15.99.

Add a little extra Christmas spirit to your hot coffee or hot chocolate this holiday season with this Santa Claus mug.

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This classic Burlap Santa ornament features the jolly Saint Nicholas,

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This Christmas, make your kitchen more festive with this reindeer serving bowl set. Ava’s China and Gifts, $24.99.

Spruce up your tree with this

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Ava’s China and Gifts,

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Whether it be cookies for Santa or cookies for the kids, this

Santa Serving Plate is perfect for your Christmas holiday.

Gifts and Décor, $20.99.

Add a little extra Christmas spirit to your hot coffee or hot chocolate this holiday season with this Santa Claus mug.

Ava’s China and Gifts, $15.99.

This Christmas, make your kitchen more festive with this

Spruce up your tree with this

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Gifts, $27.99.

This classic Burlap Santa ornament

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Drivers: Home Nightly.Excellent Money. Full Bene�t Package. New Equipment. Family Work Environment. CDL-A 1yrs exp. Jay: 256-309-7520Mon-Fri 8-5

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Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Bene�ts available. Call for more information 256-539-1400www.alwaysthereinc.com

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Amrec ServicesFor ALL your Metal Recycling Needs!Located at 2800 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, or call 256-773-2584

ANN’S ALTERATIONS600 Limestone Street, Suite #6Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213

CAGLE SOD FARM419 Hybrid Bermuda$1.35 per square yardMeyers Zoysia$2.50 per square yardEmpire Zoysia $3.00 per square yard Delivery available662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com

CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Bene�ts & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement. Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com

THE MEADOWSLuxury ApartmentsGround �oor patio apts., Upgraded Appliances, Ceramic

Tile, Ceiling Fans, Individual Alarm Systems & More.1540 Lawrence St. East, Russellville256-398-8818

Soon The Mark Of The Beast Will Be Enforced! Free book & bible study! In God We Trust Ministries P.O. Box 171 Samantha, AL 35482 (205)339-4837

Looking for a home? Need help with �nancing?Call your neighbors down the street at Davis Realty. We can help you get a great rate!Call Willodean 256-762-5671Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc.115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL256-332-9920

Dunn Building Company has immediate openings in the Decatur area for Trackhoe and Backhoe Operators, Form Carpenters, Concrete Finishers, Rodbusters and Laborers. Must have minimum 3 years experience and be able to pass a drug test. Bene�ts included BCBS insurance, Aetna Life and Disability insurances, Vacation, Holidays and 401k. Download an application from: www.dunnbuildingcompany.com and fax to 205-510-0301 or email to [email protected] EOE M/F/Disabled/Veterans

NOW HIRINGElder Care Of North Alabamais in need of caregivers in theHartselle and Decatur area.(256)351-6565 or apply online:www.eldercareofnorthalabama.com

Now Hiring!Production Workers-CDL Class A or B Drivers-Food Service-General Labor-HVAC-Machine Operators-Forklift Operators-Custodians-Accounting Clerk: $7.25 - $17.00Decatur: 256-351-1183Cullman: 256-739-2024Huntsville: 256-532-0599

Welder TrainingComing Soon!Short Term LicensingCall for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com

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SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster? Call 205-893-7223

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24 FRANKLIN LIVING

Phil Campbell’s Kristi Riddle would be happy to keep her head down and slip through the holiday season unnoticed by the world. It’s not because she’s a

Grinch but because she loves living the life of a frugal Secret Santa.

Christmas consumes Riddle, even in the off-season. She founded and remains the lead organizer of the Phil Campbell Christmas program, a social media-based program that links needy children with good-hearted people willing to provide basic Christmas gifts.

Riddle said her passion for seeing Christmas wishes fulfilled was birthed one sweltering, miserable summer. She remembers it well - July 25, 2011. The town of Phil Campbell was still digging out from city-wide destruction caused by an EF-5 tornado in April. While many people were dealing with the “right now” issues of survival and recovery, Riddle went to work finding a solution for the problems of tomorrow. “I watched as help faded away and thought, by Christmas, these people are still going to need help. But from where?” Riddle said. “I made a group on Facebook, and within days, donations started pouring in.”

The PCC program gives local parents a place to list their children’s needs and Christmas wishes online. Then, the program relies on the generosity of the community to fill the stockings and provide Christmas for the families or children they have sponsored. Riddle acts as the go-between for families and donors. In turn, she asks families to post pictures from their Christmas morning whimsy to share with the people who helped make it happen.

That first year, the PCC focused on tornado victims who were still struggling after the storm. The program soon grew to include anyone who needed help and Christmas cheer.

Riddle said she spends her year pinching pennies to stretch every dollar for her own family. With three children, including one still in diapers, she said she knows how hard it is to save up for the holidays. That’s why she does all she can to assist other families who need a helping hand during the gift-giving season.

Participation in the Phil Campbell Christmas program continues to hold steady, although Riddle said the faces of the recipients keep changing – which is a great thing. “We have a lot of families from Phil Campbell that were once participants and are now

Story and photo by NICOLE BURNS

The Christmas LadyPhil Campbell woman spreads Christmas cheer

by heading up gift donation program

25FRANKLIN LIVING

LEFT: Kristi Riddle is the founder and lead organizer of Phil Campbell Christmas, which means coordinating donors and those in need, as well as making sure all of the children signed up have what they want and need under the tree on Christmas morning.

sponsors,” Riddle said. One of their biggest challenges each year is finding

sponsors for each child or family. “Whether it’s a bag of candy from the dollar store, or a $100 gift card, no gift is too small,” said Riddle. “Being a blessing doesn’t take a lot because it makes these kids happy; it gives their parents hope. You can’t put a price tag or name on those things.”

The PCC accepts applications for children in need. A few questions about a family’s situation and financial status will determine if a family meets the eligibility requirements set forth by the organizers. Riddle said it’s not hard to qualify. They want to make sure the children who really need a boost, get it.

“I don’t do this for the ‘thank yous’ or the recognition. I don’t like being pointed out in public as the Christmas Lady, as some people have called me,” said Riddle. “I do this because I love knowing that there are happy kids on Christmas. That there is joy instead of tears. That despite anything bad that might be going on in this kid’s life – the things they go without – that Christmas morning was made special.”

Riddle said she wants the PCC program to do more than provide a momentary pleasure for kids. The program expanded this year to include Easter baskets. Riddle said she wants the community to adopt a spirit of generosity, and it begins with teaching children thankfulness. “I had one child once thank Santa for the year before. Hearing that was really special.”

Riddle is also finding those young hearts are willing and ready to reach out after experiencing a selfless

act themselves. “Having kids that hear about PCC and wanting to take their hard-earned dollar to help somehow or donate clothes or a toy for someone else who doesn’t have one, that’s special to me too because that tells me they have hope and they have kindness in their hearts because of this group.”

Riddle said she and her small army of volunteers will spend this Christmas season just as they have the last four years. They will be rallying the troops of support to provide the things these Christmas angels have asked for on their Christmas lists. These lists often include requests such as clothing, bedding, dolls and toy trucks. They aren’t extensive lists – mostly needs wrapped in festive wrapping paper and bows.

“It’s about giving and being kind to your fellow human beings,” said Riddle. “It’s watching these kids grow up and wanting to help others, including my own children. There’s so much bad in this world; doing this creates some light.”

For more information on the Phil Campbell Christmas program, find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PhilCampbellChristmas or email Kristi Riddle at [email protected].

26 FRANKLIN LIVING


Keifer Rea and Todd Meckes

Clayton and Hannah Johnson Greg Hamilton and Lesley Cantrell

Harold and Linda Pharr

Mike and Jennie Nichols and Addie

Ashley, Corey and Riley Mims Alyss McCarter and Andy and Nellie Hodges

Mark and Izzy Humphries

Larry and Carol Kepfer

The Spirit of Hodges Festival brought yummy treats, handmade items, live music and good times to Hodges Oct. 10. The annual community event, managed by the Hodges Fire and Rescue Department and the Town of Hodges, pays tribute to tribute to the town’s achievement and recognition during World War II. The town raised $47,000 to help �nance the war by purchasing bonds that were sold during the month of January 1943. As an award, the war department allowed the Town of Hodges to name a P-51 Mustang �ghter aircraft. She was named the “The Spirit of Hodges.” The ultimate fate of the plane is unknown, but Oct. 11, 2007, the Town of Hodges celebrated its 100 birthday and hosted the �rst Spirit of Hodges Festival.

Photos by Alison James

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Christy Hu�man, Leigh Ann Dodd, Belica Cantrell, Myra Pinkard, Jared Cantrell, Carolyn Emmerson, Wynonia Dodd and baby Westin Isbell

Carolyn and Escher Brumley

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Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.

LOOKING BACK

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Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.

LOOKING BACK

30 FRANKLIN LIVING

PARTING SHOT

“I’m not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. I’m a symbol. I’m a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If you can’t believe, if you can’t accept anything on

faith, then you’re doomed for a life dominated by doubt.”

– Miracle on 34th Street

www.tif nmotorhomes.com

Peggy ElliottCustomer Service Representative

Scott “Torino” SmithService Department Supervisor

Tif n Motor Homes105 Second Street NW • Red Bay, AL

256-356-8661

Peggy Elliott has worked for the Tif n family for more than 20 years and she still enjoys each day, she said.

She began working for a Tif n af liate company, Camper’s Choice, before moving to Tif n Motorhomes 10 years ago. During that time, she has worked closely with cus-tomers from around the country to ensure that they receive everything they need in the way of repairs to their motorhomes.

“I answer the phone, deal with outback customers and keep in touch with them,” said the Red Bay, Ala., native. “I work with a lot of customers and I love that.”

Years ago, the Tif n Service Center took customer appointments before moving to the rst come, rst serve basis that it now operates on.

“A lot of customers that I helped back then will come by and visit now when they are in Red Bay so I really enjoy that,” she said.

One visit to Elliott’s of ce space gives a

pretty clear indication of what she enjoys in here spare time. An avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Elliott and her husband, Ter-ry, who worked for TMH for 28 years be-fore health issues forced him to retire, plan and coordinate tailgate and viewing parties at their Red Bay home when they are not in Tuscaloosa for the big games.

The couple has taken display models to ball games in the past and catered for cus-tomers looking at the units.

“Oh, we love it,” said Elliott, whose son, Beau, works for the University of Alabama.

The Elliotts also have a daughter, Renee Crites, who works at Campbell Clinic in Southaven and three grandchildren, Ethan, Maggie and Callie.

“We love those grandkids,” she said. “That’s our favorite thing, spending time with them. That’s our best hobby.”

The smile on her face as she talks about her family and the Crimson Tide, indicates that she is indeed one happy lady.

If you asked for Scott Smith at the Tif- n Service Center, people might look around confused as to whom you are ask-ing for.

But, if you ask for Torino, everyone will know just where to look.

Smith, or as he’s known, Torino, has been employed with TMH for more than 23 years. He currently serves as a super-visor at the service center in Red Bay.

He spent 11 years as an electrician be-fore moving to the service department. In his role now, the Phil Campbell, Ala., native works with customers who leave their units in the “out back” lot, meaning that the customers leave the units rather than staying on site throughout the repair process.

“They are not here to see the work done, so that’s my job,” Smith said. “I make sure that what they want and need is be-ing done and communicate with them to let them know how things are going.”

Many of the repairs to be made from

the “out back” lot are things such as col-lision or other larger damage issues.

“Usually the bigger jobs have to be left on site and the customers don’t stay here with them, so that’s what I am here for. Bob (Tif n) told me to make sure we keep the customers happy and satis ed, so that’s what we try to do.”

When he’s not working on customer repairs at TMH, Smith and his son, Seth, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Alabama, spend time to-gether working on four Corvettes and several other antique cars and trucks that they own.

“We really enjoy messing with old cars and trucks,” he said. “That gives us plen-ty to do.”

But, apparently not quite enough as Smith also maintains a 120-acre cattle farm in Franklin County.

“There is always something to do with the farm, so there’s not a lot of time to be bored, that’s for sure.”

Documents

Franklin Living Nov Dec 2015