SPORTS: Check out which local football teams are playing in the first round of playoffs
M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY November 8, 2023
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Undefeated
The opening of the Madison location this Friday will become the company’s first store in Alabama.
HEMSI to merge
HEMSI has approved an agreement for the non-profit ambulance service to join the Huntsville Hospital Health System. Page 2A
Madison Academy remained undefeated Friday night against Westminster. The Mustangs capped off their perfect season run with the 47-7 win, and will be hosting the first round of the Class 7A playoffs against Hokes Bluff on Friday. Photo by Andrew Noles (nolesnestphotography.com)
Pickleball anyone?
Temps were in the 40s at 8 Friday morning – definitely coat, hat and glove weather – but that didn’t stop a group of pickleball players from christening the newest courts in Madison. Page 3A
Madison Academy crushes Westminster to stay perfect By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com
Possum Pie
The star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It’s topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favorite dish. Page 5A
The Age of Armor
A new exhibit opening at the Huntsville Museum of Art on Nov. 10 explores the story of armor in its golden age. Page 6A
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INSIDE Schools............. 4B History............... 5B Kids................... 6B Faith.................. 7B
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HUNTSVILLE - The Madison Academy Mustangs (10-0) took care of Westminster Christian (8-2) on Friday for the road blowout 47-7 to close out the regular season with a flawless record. The dominant Mustangs outscored their opponents a combined 530-87 over the course of 10 games. This perfect run included two shutouts and Madison Academy even had a game where it scored 74 points against Brindlee Mountain on Oct. 20. The only close game was a narrow 26-21 victory on Sept. 8 against Pennington. The Mustangs charge into the 3A playoffs this Friday with a home game against Hokes Bluff (5-5). It came as no real surprise when Madison Academy did what it had been doing all year to Westminster. The Mustangs wasted no time taking the early 7-0 lead on
Mustangs senior running back Ken Cherry ran for a 67-yard touchdown carry to open the scoring run for Madison Academy. Photo by Andrew Noles (nolesnestphotography.com) the first play when senior running back Ken Cherry slashed through the Wildcat defense and was off to the races for a 67yard touchdown carry with his breakaway speed. With 1:44 on the clock in the first quarter, Madison Academy
put the ball on the ground and Westminster was there to scoop it up. Cherry’s fumble was recovered by Wildcat defender Derrick Cumberlander who gave Westminster the ball deep in See MUSTANGS Page 4A
City of Madison to celebrate the re-opening of Kids Kingdom playground at Dublin Park By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – Madison leaders say they are thrilled to finally get to celebrate the opening of the new playground at Kids Kingdom in Dublin Park on Monday, Nov. 20. A ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. will mark the complete renovation of the playground with added inclu-
siveness and safety. “Kids Kingdom has stood as a cornerstone in the city of Madison since the late ’90s when Jane Dow and her team led the community build of the first playground. We are so excited to see this playground updated with improved safety and added inclusiveness for children of all abilities. We are eager to watch future generations en-
joy the playground as much as our kids were able to when they were younger,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. The completion of the project is a very welcomed sight for city officials and Madison Parks and Recreation Director Kory Alfred. The playground closed in September 2022 for renovations and was originally See KIDS KINGDOM Page 4A
BJ’s Wholesale Club’s first Alabama location to open this week By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com
MADISON – BJ’s Wholesale Club announced last week that its brand-new club location in Madison will open on Friday, Nov. 10. The club, located at 165 Graphics Drive, is a part of Town Madison and just minutes from Toyota Field. The new location is BJ’s 239th club and Alabama becomes the company’s 20th state. The new club also features a BJ’s Gas location on-site. The Madison BJ’s Gas station opened on Thursday, Oct. 26, and offers regular, premium, and diesel fuels. “We’re thrilled to open the Madison club, our first location in Alabama,” said Tommy Metheny, Club Manager, Madison BJ’s Wholesale Club. “As we gear up for the holiday season, we can’t wait to bring BJ’s unbeatable value and convenience to this community. I want to thank both our great team for its commitment to serving our members and the community for giving us such a warm welcome.” BJ’s offers a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, household essentials, pet supplies, various exclusive offerings, and much more. In addition, the club offers shoppers a treasure-hunt experience with a variety of seasonal favorites, home décor, fashion for the family, top trending toys, hot tech, and a selection of local products. BJ’s Wholesale Club is also an active participant in its local communities. The BJ’s Charitable Foundation supports a range of organizations and programs across 20 states. In Madison, BJ’s is partnering with the Food Bank of North Alabama, donating nutritious, fresh foods to help local families. “With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we are excited to have BJ’s Wholesale Club as the newest member of the Madison community,” said Shirley Schofield, Chief Executive Officer, Food Bank of North Alabama. “The See BJ’S WHOLESALE Page 8A
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