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Resident Champion

From Logan Martin to the World Series

Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos

When it comes to Major League Baseball, St. Clair County has made more than a little imprint.

Springville’s Casey Mize, the former No. 1 overall pick in the draft, enjoyed a solid season in 2025 after missing a chunk of last season because of Tommy John surgery. This season, he helped the Detroit Tigers to the playoffs.

Todd Jones, former closing pitcher for the Tigers, was behind the mike as a broadcaster for Detroit. Jones has a home on Logan Martin Lake.

But when it came to activities around the 2025 World Series, there was another St. Clair footprint — specifically, size 2 in girls’ youth. It belongs to 8-year-old CaylacynSanford, who lives on Logan Martin in Pell City. For the second year in a row, she competed in the World Series in the 7-8 Division of Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit and Run competition. She earned the trip to Toronto to see Game 2 of the Series after winning local and regional honors in Atlanta to advance to win an all-expense paid trip to compete and to see the Blue Jays face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Caylacyn Sanford sports her Pell City All Stars jersey

The top five highest scores from all 30 team championships go to the Finals. Therefore, five softball and five baseball players from each age division get an all-expense trip to the World Series to compete in the finals. (40 athletes in all).

The World Series trip isn’t her only 2025 honor. In August, she was one of six players nationally to be named Major League Baseball Play Ball Player of the Month, which earned the opportunity for two more of her family members to attend the World Series.

The Sanfords had a bit of excitement even before traveling to the Fall Classic – a mad dash to the passport office in Atlanta after Toronto won the American League title.

“Thankfully, it all worked out,” her mother, Caycyn said.

Indeed it did. In the Pitch, Hit and Run competition, Caylacyn finished first in hitting, first in running and second overall in her age group,

The MLB Play Ball initiative is the league’s signature program when it comes to youth engagement in baseball and softball. The program promotes physical activity and encourages community and family. The program also helps to grow baseball and softball with events around the world.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” Caycyn said. “It has really helped Caylacyn’s confidence and given her opportunities she would have never been able to have.”

The POTM recipients were chosen based on athletic performance, positive attitude, teamwork, community involvement and embodying the Play Ball spirit. She was also interviewed on the MLB Network.

What makes Caylacyn’s showing all the more impressive is that this is only her second year of youth softball. Last fall, she played on a team with a classic name – Bat Attitude. This fall, she played for a travel team, Shelby Steel. In the spring, it was Aces of Bases.

She began her sports journey competing in cheerleading and gymnastics. But after taking up softball at her Dad Derek’s suggestion, she was hooked.

“We didn’t know how she would be skill-wise,” Caycyn said. “We just thought it would be a fun game for her. She ended up really taking to it and enjoying it. We even stopped cheer and gymnastics. She’s really focused on softball these days.”

And as far as ability, the kid has mad skills with a disciplined swing usually seen in older, more experienced players. It’s a product of daily practice, sometimes on her own.

“It’s definitely a gift that God has given her,” Caycyn said. “It surprised us as her parents, just how quickly she’s picked up the game. The Lord really has blessed her with athletic ability. We were surprised that it was softball (where she excelled) because I never played softball. It’s something different for us. But when she started playing last year, we could see that it was something she was good at and excelled at.”

Derek didn’t play competitive ball either. But he and others have noticed his daughter’s ability to swing the bat.

“People have commented and said, ‘Wow, she’s got a pretty swing,’” he said. Caycyn and Derek have worked with her on her skills. At the World Series, Caylacyn met USA Olympian, Jennie Finch, who also complimented Caylacyn’s swing.

Caylacyn’s success is no surprise to her Dad. “We kind of had a feeling she’d have a knack for it,” he said. And of her back-to-back trips to the World Series? “It’s a pretty unheard-of success for a 7- and 8-year-old to do it twice.”

Diamonds and dolls

When it comes to sports, the softball diamond may be this 8-year-old’s best friend, but Caylacyn is still every bit a little girl, who loves playing with Barbie dolls and Lego blocks and her little sisters, Kenlee and Kellesa. She’s known to put her favorite toys – her “stuffies” she calls them – on the fence by her team’s dugout during games, all while she’s turning double plays and hitting grand slams.

Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch grabs a selfie with Caylacyn. She was All American and Collegiate World Series winner at Arizona

And it’s important to note, Caylacyn experienced a more lasting victory in 2025 – one of an eternal nature. She came to faith in Christ. The family attends Northside Fellowship.

As Crash Davis, the fictional character played by Kevin Costner, noted in the movie, Bull Durham, baseball is a simple game. “You throw the ball; you catch the ball. You hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rains.”

Caylacyn seems to have a similar understanding of softball and why she fell in love with the game. “It’s competitive. You get to play with your friends, and you hit,” she said.

For Caycyn and Derek, all of this World Series stuff may have come as a surprise. “What are the odds?,” Caycyn asks. But they want folks to know something more about their daughter.

“We’re just proud, especially of her being humble and her being coachable,” Derek said. “That’s something all of her coaches say about her. We’re super proud that she’s willing to learn while still being humble,” he added.

“She’s a good kid,” Caycyn said. “Softball is just something she does for fun. It doesn’t define who she is. We’re thankful that God has given her this ability. But as her parents, we find more joy in seeing her picking up her teammates when somebody makes a bad play or strikes out. She’s one of the first ones out there to encourage them. She tries her best. But it’s something from within. Being a leader. Being a good friend.”

She added, “She’s more than softball.”

Christmas on the Coosa

Gadsden turns riverside park into winter wonderland

Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos

Folks in Gadsden are crazy about Christmas, and it shows. All you had to do is look no further than the city’s Riverside Park during the holiday season to see yet another way Gadsden rolls out the red carpet for residents and visitors alike.

A 60-by-100-foot ice skating rink, bright lights, fire pits and Alabama’s tallest Christmas tree towering 78 feet tall made this Christmas season merry and bright, not to mention taking the celebration to the next level with food trucks, live music and a breathtaking view of the river.

A newly constructed observation deck allows visitors to watch the skaters and to view the river. The tree was lit on Thanksgiving Eve. You could say the city earned a nickname as North Pole South.

“It’s a very intimate setting,” Janet Tarrance, the city’s director of special events, said. “It gives you the Christmas feel overlooking the Coosa out there that’s absolutely beautiful.”

This year’s festivities unwrapped a new gift for revelers, ice bumper cars. The iconic amusement park ride gave riders a chance to work out holiday frustrations. Twelve electrically powered cars scooted around the ice for a stocking full of fun fender benders.

The cars have four wheels and two joysticks for steering. “They are really a lot of fun,” Tarrance said. “Going across that ice feels a lot faster than it actually is. People really enjoyed it. It seems like there were more adults enjoying (the cars) than the kids.”

Ice skating is in its third year. Initially, the rink was a synthetic surface, but now, skaters can slide and glide elegantly on real ice. Ice skating began on Nov. 28 and continued until Dec. 23. The bumper cars returned and will be available until Jan. 10.

“When we started the skating, Mayor (Craig) Ford said it was like skating on cardboard. Now we have real ice,” Tarrance said.

Bumper car admission is $10 per person for a 10-minute ride. Skating admission is $12 during the week, $15 on weekends. Ice skates are included. Bumper car riders must be at least 42 inches tall and weigh no more than 300 pounds.

“Not everybody can ice skate, but most everybody can do bumper cars,” she said, “They’re super fun.”

Perfect complements

When you think about ice rinks and frosty air, thoughts inevitably turn to hot chocolate, cider and coffee. Local vendors offered a variety of festive food and drink. 3 Crow Coffee served a variety of coffee drinks. DonutNV (cq) cooked up gourmet donuts and folks were even able to watch the sweet, round treats being made.

Attalla’s Chill Spot served its lolly waffles, a deep-fried cake-like dessert with different toppings. And pizza cones were crafted from pizza dough filled with sauce and toppings.

Funkee Franks (cq) tempted hungry visitors with gourmet hot dogs, smashburgers and Cajun fries.

For folks wanting something stronger to fight off the winter chill, they could visit Frosty’s, a city run bar that offered Christmas cocktails, beer, wine and shots.

Celebrating the holidays by Neely Henry Lake

Rounding out the offerings was plenty of swag – sweatshirts, gloves and toboggans available for purchase.

Maintaining an ice rink has had its share of challenges, given an unseasonably warm Alabama November, but crews have worked tirelessly to maintain the rink, Tarrance said. Music was piped in, but on special nights, live music and Santa Claus entertained the crowds

Folks from all around – Etowah County, Anniston, Birmingham, Huntsville and from as far away as Tennessee and Georgia flocked to the city to enjoy the holiday fun.

“It’s another way to attract tourism and bring people to Gadsden, to do the ice skating, to do the bumper cars, to go to Noccalula,” Tarrance said. “We have a lot of things happening in Gadsden. We’re growing and it’s exciting to see. Everybody’s energy is just full force. It’s hard not to get excited.”

Skating and bumper cars aren’t just activities. The attractions are a place for making holiday magic, Tarrance said.

“Really and truly, if you want to make some fun memories that have a big city feel in a small, classy, little town, you need to come to Gadsden, because we are full of Christmas spirit and we have a lot of things that bigger cities have, but we are considered a smaller city.”

Tarrance added, “If you haven’t been to Gadsden, you will fall in love with it. It is a magical city, especially during Christmas. I think it’s absolutely wonderful, what we have done.”

Tarrance tells the story of a Birmingham Mom with a disability who came to the rink on a November Sunday with her eight children. The woman was in a wheelchair, but her heart’s desire was to ride in the bumper cars with her kids.

“My employees were able to help her get into a car and make memories with her kids,” Tarrance said. “She wouldn’t have been able to get on the ice otherwise. But my employees wanted to make sure she could do that … Those kids won’t forget that.”

There is a lyric from a popular Christmas tune that calls Christmas, “the time of year when the world falls in love.”

Think about that Birmingham mother, her children and the helping hands and hearts of Gadsden city employees.

That’s love.

And at the end of the day, love is what Christmas is all about, even with a bumper car.

This must be the place for fly fishing

Keeping Black Creek stocked with trout is key

Story by Paul South
Submitted and staff photos

Something fishy will be going on at Alabama’s most picturesque waterfall on Black Creek.

New residents – $10,000 worth of future feisty and flavorful trophy size rainbow trout – will make the creek their home.

The restocking is expected to take place in mid-January. That’s great news for the growing number of fly anglers who flock to the stream every trout season. There’s no need for a long trip to the Appalachians or to the Rockies to catch the legendary fish. Rainbows are right here at home.

The annual event is a joint collaboration between the City of Gadsden, Noccalula Falls Park, the Rainbow Fly Fishing Club and Greater Gadsden Tourism. A grant championed by State Rep. Craig Lipscomb, (R-Gadsden) – a fly fisherman himself – funded the restocking effort, which began in 2020.

“When I was first elected, I was fishing in the Appalachians and realized that my hometown of Gadsden had a very similar climate, insect life and water conditions which would likely support trout,” Lipscomb said.

Lipscomb’s legislation provided grant funding to stock the stream below the falls with a few thousand Rainbow trout. He calls the ongoing effort, now in its sixth year, “a tremendous success.”

The trout provide another revenue stream for tourism in Gadsden and the surrounding area for anglers and their families, who visit local hotels and motels, shops, restaurants and other attractions at Noccalula Falls State Park and beyond.

“It’s become an exciting, one-of-a-kind fly-fishing opportunity for people who love fly fishing and want an experience that is rather unique,” Lipscomb said. “Noccalula Falls provides an incredible backdrop due to its enormity, and you have several miles of fishing downstream from there.”

Lipscomb added, “More so, you have all the camping and recreational activities at the falls to create a well-rounded trip that the entire family can enjoy.”

The annual restocking effort has landed a big catch on social media. Some 838,000 views were hooked on Facebook alone in 2025. More than 100 day permits and 91 seasonal permits were purchased by fly anglers last year, said Tina Morrison, executive director of Greater Gadsden Area Tourism. The city gets a big economic bounce from trout fishing. The falls are located three miles from downtown.

“Just from the permits, that’s about $7,000 that goes back into Noccolula Falls Park,” Morrison said.

The city is also committed to growing the sport. Earlier this year, two fly fishing clinics for kids were conducted at the falls sponsored by Rainbow City Auction and Fly Shop. The shop, co-owned by Frank Roden, provided each participant with a free fly rod.

Fly angler Frank Roden shares expertise with new generation

Roden, an Orvis certified fly instructor, is perhaps Alabama’s biggest evangelist for the sport. Known as “the guy with the tie,” whose fishing attire always includes a necktie, helped with the annual restocking.

Roden has been part of the restocking effort since the beginning. Drought conditions have hindered the fish in some ways. But there has been natural spawning going on. And fish – about nine inches long – enter the stream and can grow as long as 22 inches, he said. The fish that are part of the restocking weigh about a pound when they enter Black Creek.

If you think that the buzz about fly fishing at Noccalula Falls is just an exaggerated fish tale, consider this: Representatives from Gadsden had a booth at the East Tennessee Fishing Show in Knoxville, one of the South’s largest such events.

“We go up there and have a booth to talk about fly and bass fishing. We have a banner that says, ‘Bass or Fly Fishing, Why Not Both?’.”

The booth drew a multitude of visitors. “People would come up and say, ‘We had no idea you could fly fish there, or anywhere in Alabama.’”

Roden saw the positive response coming.

“We anticipated this, that we would have a lot of response and a lot of good fish,” he said. “People are coming from all around. They’re coming from Illinois. They’re coming from Florida. They’re coming from Texas. They’re coming from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and North Carolina. We’re getting a lot of people and a lot of tourism associated with the fish. And that tourism is bringing a lot to the city.”

But fly fishing is only part of the story at Noccalula Falls Park and Campground.

“ There’s so much to do there,” Morrison said. “You can really bring your whole family, stay in an RV or a cabin. The campground is all brand new. Everything is beautiful, gorgeous, and new. And with the fly fishing, we’ve got miniature golf and a new train that has a wheelchair accessible seat on it. You’ve got hiking trails and an animal barn that has so many animals it doesn’t seem fair to call it a petting zoo. And there are always special events.”

She added, “You could plan your whole vacation and find plenty to do, just at Noccalula Falls, even if you didn’t set foot in any of the other things we have to do.”

Lipscomb offered a word of advice to his fellow fly fishers about Noccalula Falls.

“If you haven’t been there,” Lipscomb said, “then you are really missing out.”

WANT TO FISH THE FALLS?

Trout fishing is open from Oct. 15 through June 30. Catch and release is in effect until April 1. Harvesting is allowed from April 1 through June, with anglers allowed to keep up to five fish.

NOTE: Residents and non-residents must have a valid Alabama fishing license is required, as well as either a day or seasonal permit to fish at Noccalula Falls A state license can be purchased at Coosa Landing, 200 Lake Street in Gadsden, or online.

Day or seasonal trout passes can be purchased at the Noccalula Falls Park office near the Kiwanis Pavillion. Costs are $10 for a day pass, $35 for a seasonal pass. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fishing should be done with fly rods only. Limit one line and one pole per angler. Barbless hooks and artificial bait are allowed. Fishing is allowed between dawn and dusk and no fishing is allowed in the pool below the falls. Catch-and-release is required until April 1. This is a new policy. During the harvest season, a maximum of five fish is allowed.

Catchin’ the Coosa January 2026

Pro fishing tips on Logan Martin Lake and Neely Henry Lake with Zeke Gossett

Logan Martin

During the winter, fishing on Logan Martin is the best time to catch the biggest bass in the lake, in my opinion.

The water temps usually vary this time of year because Alabama temperatures vary so much. So, the type of technique you have to use to catch these big bass during this time may vary as well.

Here are a few ways I approach Logan Martin to catch the biggest bass of the year and maybe of a lifetime!

Typically, when you read any article on fishing in the winter, it’s going to include fishing deep most of the time. I’m not saying you cannot catch bass deep on Logan Martin in the winter, but a lot of my bigger fish come out of shallow water in the winter. This is especially true if the weather is in a warming trend.

Most of the time in the winter, I start on the main river. There are a couple of key things I look for in order to feel like I’m fishing the most productive waters. First, there must be some type of baitfish in the area. Second, I’m looking for more vertical structure this time of year.

The baitfish change daily on what part of the water column they may use. Vertical structure allows fish to move up and down easily with the baitfish. A couple of examples of this might be deeper docks or steep river banks with rock and laydowns.

A few of my favorite baits this time of the year are a flat-sided crankbait, a spinnerbait and jig. I usually throw some type of red or crawfish color pattern on the crankbait. This is one of the better baits to use if the water is colder than 60 degrees. The flat-sided crankbait is a great way to get bass to react in cold water.

If the water has a little stain to it, a spinnerbait can be deadly on warmer days. Usually, the spinnerbait works best slow rolling it on the bottom. I generally use a ½ oz. spinnerbait with a single Colorado as the blade.

The type of jig I use depends on water color. If the water is dirty, I will flip a black and blue jig. If the water is clear, I’ll stick with the more natural colors, like green pumpkin.

A jig is a great way to get really big bites this time of year. The new fad, of course, is using forward facing sonar. You can still catch plenty of fish without it this time of year, however, if you do use forward facing technology, this is a great time of year to use it as well.

The first key to success with using forward facing sonar is to find the baitfish. This is usually dependent on water clarity and temperature. You may find the baitfish in creeks or main river. If the water is colder on the main river, that usually will help me cut down on a lot of time since they will most likely be in the creeks.

Most of the time, this bite is better midday to late afternoon as the shad tend to get higher more in the water column. This not only is a great way to catch bass but any other type of fish species, such as stripe and crappie.

Of course, my number one bait while using FFS will be some type of minnow bait on a jig head. I’ll also mix in a jerkbait and Alabama rig. You have to let the fish tell you what they want on any given day.

Traditionally, January and February are not the best for catching numbers of fish. But if you bundle up and brave the elements, you could possibly catch some of the biggest fish in the lake.

Neely Henry

Neely Henry historically is one of the better lakes on the Coosa for winter time fishing. Why? It sets up really well for wintertime fishing.

Neely Henry is full of rip rap banks and vertical bluff walls on the bottom end of the lake. This allows bass to move up and down with ease with changes in the weather and water temp.

Neely Henry also has a lot of docks and flat clay points. These two choices are also great wintertime hot spots.

On the rip rap, I’ll first reach for a square bill crank bait. I keep colors fairly simple. Either I’ll throw a red or some sort of shad pattern. Boat positioning is a big key to success with the crankbait as well. I typically will hug the boat fairly tight to the bank and make repeated parallel casts.

This allows me to cover more water efficiently and keep my bait in the strike zone longer.

My next bait choice is a jerkbait. A jerkbait can be a real good fish catcher if the water is a little clear. I’ll fish a jerkbait around clay points and deeper docks in creeks.

Another great bait at Neely Henry is a jig. The jig probably ranks up there as one of my favorites baits at Neely Henry. The reason I like the jig is because I can fish it around any type of structure. It doesn’t matter – rock, docks, or wood.

If the water is below 60 degrees, a jig will always be my first choice when fishing Neely Henry. Fishing the north end of Neely around the Gadsden region of the lake can produce as well.

If they’re generating water, typically the spotted bass will get stacked in around current areas. Much like the bottom end, they like rip rap and docks.

Another place to look is in the smaller creeks where the baitfish tend to try and hide from the current or colder water. Here, the largemouth tend to hide out and feed up during the winter.

Largemouth, in my opinion, are more of the “lazier” species of the two, and these smaller creek arms are a perfect place to find them. They might not be far from the river, but noticing where the shad or baitfish are will help you find them a lot faster.

Using forward facing sonar helps a lot with finding them. My baits will stay the same even on the north end of the lake. A jig once again will more than likely be my number one pick in order to catch the big fish.

I tend to catch more numbers on the crankbait and jerkbait as well.

Neely Henry is a great place to catch some big wintertime bass. During the winter, get suited up and dress warmly because Neely Henry produces its best quality bass of the year!

Give it a shot, you might be surprised on what you might catch while others are inside or deer hunting.

Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.

Thank you, 2025

As we begin a new year and all the rush of busy holidays come to an end, the Coosa Riverkeeper team wants to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in events, volunteered during cleanups, or donated to protect the Coosa in 2025.

Our work is made possible by the folks like you, who live, work, and recreate on the river! We hope to continue inspiring your family and the next generation through educational programs like our workshops, free fishing clinics, and school visits, which reached over 675 kids in 2025. For some children in communities of greatest need, a free fishing clinic is their first time at the water’s edge. This first exposure to nature can be life-changing.

On that note, we also began the very first of our Angler Advocacy Focus Groups! In 2025, we hosted 4 of these groups, collecting information that will help our team better serve communities with fishing resources. Attendees shared honest feedback about their fishing priorities, the challenges they’re seeing on the water, and ways we can make our program even more useful.

Our field team has patrolled the watershed more than 85 times this year and released 15 weeks of Swim Guide data to the public, protecting 5,000 square miles of the river and the communities who rely on the river as the abundant resource that it is.

We also celebrated two exciting anniversaries in 2025: our 15th year as an organization, plus 10 years of our Swim Guide water quality testing program. (That’s 10 years of helping families recreate safely on the Coosa, all summer long.) Although this is just a glimpse of 2025’s achievements and events, we are excited to bring more opportunities to the folks of the Coosa in the new year!

Want to join us as we protect, restore, and promote the Coosa? Visit CoosaRiver.org/Events to sign up today or check us out on Facebook & Instagram!

Follow Coosa Riverkeeper on Facebook & Instagram @CoosaRiverkeeper
For more information, swim over to www.CoosaRiver.org.

Legends Boat Show

Returning to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

A pair of boat dealers on Logan Martin Lake had an idea that grew from a simple open house. And as good ideas often do, it’s still growing.

Mark Hildebrant of Woods Surfside Marina and Rodney Humphries of Rodney’s Marine began their joint venture as an open house at their respective dealerships. From there, they moved to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame as a small boat show.

Indoor venue makes the perfect all-weather boat show location

It’s appropriately called Legends Boat Show because it brings legends in the boating world at the place where motorsports legends are built.

In contrast to other boat shows, “we wanted something people did not have to pay to get in or park,” Hildebrant said. “We will see how it grows over the coming years.”

By the looks of it so far, they have the makings of a thriving new year’s tradition as the first area boat show of the year – Jan. 16-18.

For 2026, the boat dealers will be Woods, Rodney’s and Woods and Water Powersports. Also featured will be Town & Country Ford, which will have vehicles onsite.

AmFirst federal credit union will be providing onsite financing for boats and vehicles.

Legends showcases pontoon boats from Bennington, Evotti, Starcraft and Manitou along with ATVs and 4-wheelers, golf carts and Waverunners. Dock companies and Realtors have joined the show as well, giving attendees an opportunity to see lake life and the outdoors up close from all angles.

Admission and parking aren’t the only perks free with this show. There will be a free concert Saturday night with Deputy 5.

Six decades in the making

High school sweethearts find each other again, marry lakeside at 87

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Stillwell Photography

Sixty-six years after they ate cotton candy, rode the Ferris wheel and had their picture taken as high school sweethearts at a carnival, love found its way back to them.

Those attending turn chairs around for a group photo of the final walk

Life, as it often does, had taken Tom Johnson and Linda Rayfield down different paths since his senior year at Sylacauga High School in 1958. When those paths crossed again six decades later, the romance began anew.

Tom recalled the original romance. “I saw Linda first at church and then later at school as a teen. My first impression was that she was a tall, skinny, very beautiful girl. We went to the movies. I took her to the church in Hollins that she had not seen before. We went to the teenage restaurant to see the cars and have a burger on the tray hanging from the car window. Memories never forgotten.”

Linda was in the band. Tom was in the Glee Club. They drifted apart when Tom left for college at Faulkner University.

“For over 60 years, we were actually not very far apart in miles, but our paths did not cross,” Tom said. He lived in Conyers, Ga. She lived in Sylacauga.

“I married Shirley from Eufaula, Alabama, and Linda married Sonny. We both raised wonderful Christian families. We both were caretakers for our mates for many years before they passed. We both have great respect for each other’s former mates.”

But as fate would have it, they met again when he was visiting his brother, Clay County Commissioner Roy Johnson, who spends a lot of time in Talladega County. “I didn’t know who he was. I hadn’t seen him in 65 years,” Linda said.

Couple sporting their cowboy hats after the big event

Tom asked Linda if he could take her out for a meal together. “I was assuming she would suggest one of the steak restaurants, but she suggested the Old Town Grill in Childersburg. We learned quickly that we had a lot in common. I love her very much.”

That rekindled love was mutual, and those different paths they forged years ago finally merged into a wedding aisle on the banks of Logan Martin Lake. Tom’s niece, Rhonda Zorn Fernandez, and husband, Halo, hosted the afternoon celebration at their home.

“It was precious to honor two worthy people that have served others their entire lives,” Rhonda said. About 65 friends and family gathered for the wedding with the lake as a stunning backdrop.

As the bride readied just before the service, she said the two were “real excited” to have found each other again and were getting married.

A bluegrass band played in the background as wedding guests arrived and found their seats. At the appointed time, Linda descended the outdoor staircase. She and Tom came together under a beautifully decorated arch, perfectly framing the couple and the water just beyond, shimmering in the afternoon sun.

Flower girls – bride’s great granddaughters – drop petals

Rhonda had reasoned a time as special as this was meant to be shared, and they opened their home and began planning a celebration fit for an epic love story.

Jordan Alker, a preacher and Linda’s grandson, married them. His two daughters, Jaidyn and Avery, served as flower girls.

The bride and groom exchanged vows and rings and sealed it with the traditional kiss. “We planned to have it simple,” Linda said, as she prepared to walk down the aisle. “It turned out not to be.”

And that was just fine with her and Tom. Even a health scare couldn’t keep them apart this time around.

“I found out I had breast cancer two months before the wedding,” Linda said. “I was scared. I didn’t want to be another caregiver burden for Tom. He told me right off the bat, ‘I’m not going anywhere, we’ll face it together,’ and we did. We trusted our faith in God to help us, and we are together strong.”

In the Kitchen with Brooke Tollison

A new generation finds the perfect Coosa retreat

Story by Scottie Vickery
Photos by Mackenzie Free

If it’s a holiday or her father’s birthday, chances are Brooke Tollison is making a pie. An apple pie, to be precise, that’s baked in her grandparents’ cast-iron skillet.

They’ve developed quite a system. Once her dad has eaten his fill, “he gives the skillet back to me, all cleaned and seasoned and ready to go,” she said.

The fact that she and her parents, Gary and Lynn Williams, have houses next door to each other on Neely Henry Lake makes the process a little bit easier and a lot more fun. “I love that they are right there,” Brooke said. “Being next to my parents was a big selling point for me. My family has been on this part of the Coosa River for generations.”

That’s probably why, for Brooke, “lake” has always been synonymous with family.

As a child, it meant long summer days swimming with her cousins, learning to ski and kneeboard, and endless hours of boat rides and tubing. As an adult, it means drinking coffee or hot chocolate around the fire pit while watching the stars with her husband and kids on a crisp fall evening.

The one thing that has never changed is that “the lake” means Neely Henry. She and her husband, Jim, live and work in the Pell City area – she just opened The Brooke Tollison agency, an ALFA Independent Agency, and he is the regional manager for Alabama Farm Credit.

“Pell City has been so good to us,” she said. But in the 21 years they’ve lived there, Brooke said she’s only been to Logan Martin Lake three or four times.

“This is the lake I grew up on,” she said, standing at the water’s edge of the house they bought nearly two years ago. “I made so many wonderful memories here.”

Peaceful oasis

Brooke said she wasn’t actively looking for a lake house when the opportunity presented itself, but it had been in the back of her mind for a while, so she was keeping her eyes and ears open. “I knew I wanted a lake house for retirement,” she said. “I’ve still got 15 or 20 years to work, but I also had been watching prices appreciate.”

That’s why, when she learned that the 3-bedroom, 2-bath house on Palmetto Creek was hitting the market, she jumped at the chance. In addition to her parents, her uncle and several cousins have homes on Neely Henry, and she loved the idea of being close to her extended family. “I wanted my kids to have a similar experience to what I had growing up,” she said.

The perfect place to gather and watch the
game

That means lazy days surrounded by family and friends. Brooke, who grew up in Hokes Bluff, gets nostalgic watching 16-year-old Claire and her friends having fun on the lily pad float because it reminds her of lake days with her own high school friends, who are frequent visitors to the lake house. Jim and their son, Jay, 19, love to fish, and Jay enjoys canoeing and kayaking, as well.

“This is the perfect spot for that,” she said, adding that the creek has smooth water and meanders about a mile past their house. Although there are several homes nearby, their area of the lake has a peaceful, secluded feel. “It’s private, but it’s not isolated,” she said.

Buying the lake house was kind of a full circle moment for Brooke. Her parents bought their house from her sister in the late ‘90s, and then they also bought the adjacent lot where her house now stands. Her father eventually sold the 3-acre lot to another family member, however, and it’s changed hands a couple of times since.

At some point, one of the owners built the house, and when Brooke bought it, the property became part of the family again. Since then, it’s been put to good use.

She’s helped her parents host a family reunion, and with two docks and two big yards, there was plenty of room for parking and for everyone to spread out. Last summer, she even hosted a wedding with 50 or 60 guests when a cousin exchanged vows by the water’s edge. “It was such a beautiful day,” Brooke said.

Let’s eat

Entertaining at the lake means lots of good food, so what’s on the menu when crowds gather?

“We live on a cattle farm, so we grill a lot,” Brooke said. “We’ll have steak or hamburgers, and my dad likes to smoke wings and briskets. When friends come, everybody brings sides, dips, cakes, potato salad and appetizers, and we all dig in. We love desserts, so there are always plenty of desserts.” Often, they include a tray of Brooke’s no-bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.

When it’s just family, they usually take a more relaxed approach. “If we come up on a weekend, we go to Local Joe’s, get some food, eat on the pier, and then we go for a boat ride and watch the moon rise. And the stars – oh my gosh, the stars are fabulous,” Brooke said.

Relaxed getaway

Bedrooms let in plenty of natural light and are decorated in lakeside themes

Although the Tollisons escape to their getaway fairly often, Brooke has listed the home on Airbnb so that others can enjoy it when they can’t. So far, it’s been a great experience, she said, and she loves having the opportunity to help others fall in love with the lake that has meant so much to her and her family.

She wanted to create an inviting environment, so Brooke chose light colors and a mix of old and new furniture pieces to create the perfect oasis. There are some personal touches, as well. A family friend, Terry Lee, built the bed swing on the dock, and the artwork of two other friends, Jimmie Nell Miller and Shannon Abbott adorn the walls.

“I wanted it to feel like a lake house, a place that is comfy, welcoming and relaxing,” Brooke said. “Hopefully we achieved that.”

There’s plenty of things to entertain guests and friends who gather. Outdoor games like bocce ball and cornhole are favorites, and the Tollisons have a shed full of water toys like paddleboards, kayaks and a double canoe.

The area is a great spot for fishing, Brooke said, and the chances of spotting wildlife are pretty good. “We have ospreys here and the occasional bald eagle,” she said. “We’ve got bunny rabbits and deer. I grew up with creatures.”

It’s part of what makes lake life so special, she said. “This is my happy place, and I want everyone to love it as much as I do. Go kayaking, go paddleboarding, have a cup of coffee on the pier, sit in the sunshine, get some Vitamin D and just enjoy it. It’s a beautiful, beautiful spot.”

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
½ cup cocoa
½ cup milk
½ cup butter
¼ teaspoon salt
3-4 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup crunchy peanut butter

Directions

Combine sugar, cocoa, milk, butter and salt in a boiler and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, vanilla and 3 cups of oatmeal. Mix thoroughly. Add more oatmeal for a thicker consistency. Drop onto wax paper and let cool.

Skillet Apple Pie

Ingredients

2 pounds Granny Smith apples
1 pound firm, red apples like Gala
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 pie crusts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the brown sugar and ¾ of the stick of butter in a cast iron skillet (I use a 12-inch skillet) and melt them together. Peel and slice apples in ¼ inch pieces. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add 1 cup of sugar minus 1 tablespoon to the peeled apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Add salt and vanilla to bowl. Mix to coat. Place one flat piece of crust in the skillet, on top of the brown sugar and butter mixture. Top with apple mixture. Put slices of remaining butter on top of apples. Top with second pie crust and slice vents in the crust. Brush milk across the top of the crust and sprinkle remaining sugar on top. Cover and bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes.

LakeLife 24/7 all year long

When others say the lake is seasonal, all I have to do is take a look outside my window and see that just as our name implies, LakeLife is 24/7 all year long!

It just has a different feel is all. But we’re thankful some things never change. The sunsets are still spectacular. The water still shimmers in the sunlight. And anglers – granted, a little more bundled up – still try their luck on a daily basis.

In winter, activities and events do slow a bit, but it gives us all a chance for reflection – an opportunity to recharge and make plans for the new year.

Each new year in January brings the lake communities we serve our special boat show edition, chocked full of the latest features of watercrafts of all descriptions, water toys and piers, docks and seawalls. Our dealers share their knowledge and expertise on tantalizing products guaranteed to make those visions of sugar plums dancing in your head in December give way to horsepower and electronic fish finders by January, February and March.

Take a look. You’ll be amazed at what 2026 has in store for the water. And we encourage you to shop our dealers for the best boating season just ahead.

If it’s January, it’s time to restock the trout in Black Creek at Noccalula Falls. Fly fishing around these parts, you might ask? You bet. It’s some of the best fishing around thanks to the City of Gadsden, Etowah Tourism, Rainbow Fly Fishing Club and Rep. Craig Lipscomb, who have helped restock thousands of rainbow trout for the past seven years.

Too cold out on the lake? No worries, Gadsden has some major events planned just a stone’s throw from the water. The Mardi Gras Parade, hosted by the Krewe of Rowdy Revelers, is set for Downtown Gadsden Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.

Need something to warm you up that day? Check out Downtown Gadsden’s Annual Chili Cookoff at 2 p.m. on Broad Street.

It wasn’t quite winter yet, when Tom and Linda Johnson – high school sweethearts – finally tied the knot … 66 years later. The fairy tale setting for this fairy tale love story? Logan Martin Lake. We’ll take you aisle side and the steps leading to the marriage of this happy couple at age 85.

We’ll also take you inside the Neely Henry vacation home of Brooke Tollison, owner of an ALFA agency in Pell City. She’s cooking up something good for our In the Kitchen feature and giving us a close-up look around this lakeside home.

And while it may be a bit nippy this time of year, anytime’s a good time to fish on Logan Martin and Neely Henry. Just ask our pro angler, Zeke Gossett, whose tips, trends and takeaways are guaranteed to up your fishing game.

It’s all here and more in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. Turn the page and discover it all with us!

Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher

On the Water: Boat Preview 2026

Compiled by Paul South
and Graham Hadley
Submitted Photos

Come January, with lake levels low and 2025 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to dream of sleek new boats for the summer ahead. Area boat dealers are unveiling something new for 2026.

From a sleek tribute to a boat from 1957 sure to whet the appetites of lake lovers, to new product lines, there’s surely something for everyone.

Here’s a glimpse at vessels expected to be on display in showrooms and at boat shows in the coming year:

Rodney’s Marine

At Rodney’s Marine in Cropwell, a blast from the past will be celebrated, as well as a hot new pontoon.

The 2026 Starcraft ‘57 Ski Champ

Rodney’s offers Starcraft pontoons and tritoons. But this year, a hot ski boat may steal the spotlight – a replica of a 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ.

Billed as a “tribute to the original 1957 model,” this limited-edition has a riveted aluminum hull, two rows of bench seats and a wood veneer dash. It’s also re-engineered for 2026, with a Suzuki DF25 HP motor. They come in a choice of teal or the All-American version in red, white and blue, perfect for our nation’s 250^th birthday.“It’s super cute,” said Kim Humphries, the dealership’s finance manager. “It’s a limited production boat, so when they’re gone, that’s it.”

Starcraft RX Pontoon Boat

Rodney’s also features a 2026 Starcraft RX pontoon boat with a Suzuki 350-horsepower engine. It’s Starcraft’s luxury flagship, designed for comfort and performance. This is the perfect boat for families.

The RX offers a variety of options and colors, ideal for fun on the water. It offers an unsurpassed standard of luxury.

Visit Rodney’s Marine at 6046 Martin St. S., Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or online at rodneysmarine.com.

Poorhouse Branch Marina

Poorhouse Branch Marina celebrates two pontoons for 2026, the Avalon Catalina Pontoon and the LSZ Pontoon, both in a variety of layouts with a number of options that allow boaters to customize their boats with as many or as few options as they wish.

Poor House proudly carries Avalon and Tahoe.

The boats can be powered by either Mercury, Honda or Suzuki engines.

Avalon Catalina

The Catlina is a luxury pontoon that, like all Avalon boats, is known for style and quality features and performance and options like a Blue Ice lighting package, Garmin GPS and a quality Bluetooth sound system.

As with all Avalon craft, furnishings make comfort a top priority that will impress passengers. It’s been described as “a resort on the water.”

You can create the boat of your dreams with a variety of floor plans and options.

Avalon LSZ

The Avalon LSZ is part of the brand’s Signature Collection and is billed as “the ride of a lifetime.” It’s affordable, stylish and well built, in a variety of sizes, with layouts that will fit your lifestyle.

The vessel features a Deco wall design with a choice of four floor plans with plush handcrafted furnishings.

The LSZ models range in a variety of models from the LSZ Cruise, the LSZ Cruise Rear Bench, the LSZ Elite, the LSZ Elite Windshield and more.

Now with three locations, Poor House Branch Marina is Alabama’s only Premier Honda Dealer and is the top Avalon dealer in the state.

On Logan Martin, visit Poor House Branch at 7062 Stemley Road, Talladega, Ala., 35160, or online at www.poorhousebranchmarina.com. Other locations are Lake Martin, 14512 Highway 280 E.; Jackson Gap, Ala., 36831; and Smith Lake, 6167 Curry Highway, Jasper, Ala. 35504

Buck’s Island

One of the iconic local, family-run boat businesses serving boaters and anglers in the new year, Buck’s Island, will unveil a new product line and a new edition of one of the business’ mainstays.

SeaArk Boats

Best known for building the world’s largest Jon Boat – 24 feet long and 6 feet wide – the manufacturer has raised the stakes, crafting an even bigger Jon Boat at 26 feet.

SeaArk’s aluminum watercraft caters to anglers going for catfish, crappie and bass and also caters to duck hunters. Fans of the catfish circuit have no doubt seen the ProCat. But there’s really not a species on the water that SeaArk boats can’t be used for, according to the manufacturer.

Katie Grell, sales manager at Buck’s Island, said SeaArk will call Buck’s Island home in January.

Skeeter ZXE

Skeeter unveiled a new its ZXE for 2026, Grell said.

“We’re super excited. They changed some of the options on it, with a new fiberglass deck lid, which is really nice,” Grell said.

“That model has always been our number one seller.”

The updated boat has a sharp profile from bow to stern, but really struts its stuff below the waterline.

The elegant line above the waterline is perfect for recreation to tournament fishing, promising a comfortable ride.

Buck’s Island, with its expansive product line, will be like a boat show close to home.

In business since 1948, Buck’s Island offers new and used boats, as well as motors, and provides service and also sells tackle and sponsors local fishing teams. Visit the dealership at 4500 Alabama Highway 77 in Southside, (256) 442-2588 or online at www.bucksisland.com.

Woods Surfside Marina

Boat Show season at Woods Surfside Marina will feature exciting new boats, including the Bennington M Series and the Evotti 721 CS. Here’s a glance at both boats.

Bennington M Series

The all-new Bennington M Series is a sleek new pontoon with new features and innovative design. The company celebrates the new line as “a modern expression of style.”

The boat can accommodate 10 to 15 passengers. Models range in length from 22 to 26 feet.

The M Line offers standard features, as well as Luxe and Sport Packages. Other upgrades include Rockford Fosgate audio, sport and luxury trim packages and RGB lumbar accent lighting.

The Evotti 721 CS

The Evotti 721 CS is a new 21-foot pontoon that offers a blend of luxury and performance. With room for 11 passengers, the 721 CS can handle up to 250 horsepower.

It’s perfect for cruising, fishing and water sports and features a convertible stern. The 700 Series strikes a balance between performance, innovation and style, with luxury seating and advanced technology, all standard.

Visit Woods Surfside Marina at 37 Marina Drive, Cropwell, Ala. 35054, or visit online at www.woodssurfside.com. Call (205) 525-5533.

Rambo Marine

Rambo Marine in Westover will feature an armada of some 48 boats at the Birmingham Boat Show. Notably, the 2026 Axis T250 and the 2026 Barletta Lusso 25UC.

The Axis T250

The Axis T250 is billed by the manufacturer as “25 feet of bold design, room for 18 passengers with advanced wake and surf technology.” It’s a state-of-the-art ski and wakeboard boat.

The boat promises “next level comfort” and cutting-edge technology, including a one-touch “Go Home” button. Axis calls the T250 its boldest boat ever, with push- button technology to generate more wake.

Barletta Lusso 25UC

The Barletta Lusso 25UC features standard triple pontoons, RGB lighting and room for 14 passengers. More than 27 feet in length, the 25UC features VIP technology (Vibration Isolation Pad) to provide a smoother, quieter ride. A joystick control is optional.

The helm includes dual screens (12 and 7 inches), integrated storage and a premium steering wheel. There’s also storage under the helm.

Seating includes reclining captain’s chairs and front chaise lounges

Amenities include JBL stereo, power bimini and USB ports, among others.

Rambo Marine in Birmingham is located at 10396 U.S. 280 in Westover, Ala. 35185, or call (205) 543-5415. Visit online at rambomarine.com.

River’s Edge Marina

River’s Edge features some exciting new upgrades to two of its best-selling boating accessories and toys for 2026.

EZE Ladder

First, take a look at the 2026 Lake EZE Ladder. Offering an expanded color palate for 2026, including a red step, and instead of the traditional stainless metal, there will be powder-colored options in black, dark gray and white.

“We recently got to check them out,” said River’s Edge Manager Michael Emerick, “and they are sharp.”

EZ Dock

On the EZ Dock side, the company has just introduced a floating pontoon port. Bigger than the traditional jet ski port, the pontoon port can accommodate a pontoon or tritoon, with easy drive on and drive off capabilities.

The new docks and ports will also offer new colors for the new year, including red, dark grey, blue, brown and green.

“I think the brown could be a major color option for our lake, as a lot of people like to stain their piers a dark brown color,” Emerick said.

River’s Edge Marina is home to the Tiki Hut, River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, boat rentals, accessories and RV sites and luxury tiny home rentals. Learn more at www.riversedgemarina.net, or call (205) 525-5562. The marina is located at 79 Rabbit Branch Circle, Cropwell, Ala. 35054.

Skier’s Marine

The new year will be an exciting time at Skier’s Marine, as it unveils two completely redesigned boats for 2026.

2026 MasterCraft X24

First, the 2026 MasterCraft X24. Redesigned from bow to stern, the X24 blends aggressive performance with refined luxury. Dual digital displays with the MasterCraft MyDrive Controller make the boat user friendly. An optional stern thruster provides effortless maneuvering.

“MasterCraft hit a home run with the X24, and I can’t wait to show everyone what it can do on the water,” said Jeremy Talbot, a product specialist at Skier’s Marine.

2026 Harris Sunliner

Also completely redesigned for the new year, the Sunliner series unveils a sleek new exterior and an interior with luxury and ergonomics as a priority. The new design set the Sunliner apart from any other pontoon on the market.

“The new design is perfect for families like mine who love spending time on the water cruising, pulling water skiers and tubers and of course, lounging at our favorite anchor spots,” Talbot said.

The MasterCraft X24 and the Harris Sunliner will be on display at the Birmingham Boat Show. Skier’s Marine is located at 10171 U.S. Highway 280, Westover, Ala. 35147, or visit skiersmarine.com, (205) 678-9099.

University Marine

University Marine at Pine Harbor proudly carries the SunChaser brand. Here’s a glance at two of University’s popular models for 2026.

SunChaser Lucerne 22 LR DH Sport

Offering exceptional value in the popular pontoon market, the Lucerne combines style and function with thoughtful design. The vessel offers a sleek, modern look without sacrificing durability, promising a smooth, stable ride on the water.

The Lucerne offers eight exterior panel color options. An optional luxury package offers features like a power Bimini top, Helix 5 in-dash GPS, high-back helm chairs, interior mood lighting and an upgraded steering wheel.

“This has become one of our most popular and affordable options,” said University co-owner Ricky Ganey. The Lucerne is powered by Honda engines.

2026 SunChaser Eclipse 25

Anchored in comfort and fun, while promising a relaxing day with your pontoon crew, the Eclipse 25 features two standard rear bench seats that provide room to lounge or to enjoy dinner on the water.

The versatile pontoon also gives its crew a license to thrill, thanks to an integrated ski tow for tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding adventures.

The SunChaser 25 makes performance a priority. The standard PR25 third tube performance package ensures a smooth ride and an enjoyable experience for all on board.

The Eclipse model offers multiple layouts and can be powered by Honda’s new V8350.

University Marine is located at 2120 Fraim Drive, Pell City, Ala. 35128. Call (205) 884-2628, or visit online at www.pineharbormarina.com.