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PAGE 3 February/March 2025
Representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), City of Guntersville, Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce and Marshall County Tourism and Sports took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, February 3, 2025, to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp (also known as the Jaycees Boat Ramp) located at 3375 Alabama Highway 69 in Guntersville. Brown’s Creek is one of 21 public boat ramps operated by ADCNR that provide access to outdoor recreation on Guntersville Reservoir, one of Alabama’s premier boating and fishing destinations. The facility was temporarily closed in September 2024 for a nearly $1 million renovation that included a new three-lane launching slab and a new 150- foot floating access pier. The facility also features 64 trailer spaces and security lights and is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. “This renovation project provides improved access to some of the best boating and fishing anywhere in the nation right here in Guntersville,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “There are several boating access improvement projects currently in the works throughout the state and we look forward to reopening those facilities so that anyone can enjoy quality time on Alabama’s waterways. We are grateful for Governor Kay Ivey’s continued support for these projects and for the partnerships that make the improvements possible.” Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar said the newly renovated boat ramp will have a positive impact on the local community and areas surrounding Lake Guntersville. “This boat ramp is one of our biggest assets with boaters, anglers and even boat racers using it throughout the year,” Mayor Dollar said. “Lake Guntersville is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, and we are pleased to have solid launch ramps that are easy to access and easy to use. We appreciate the partnership with our state Conservation Department and the work they have done on the boat ramps here at Lake Guntersville.” Katy Norton with Marshall County Tourism and Sports said boat ramp improvement projects like this one not only Authorities have apprehended an arson suspect. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, on Tuesday, February 4 at approximately 10:38 pm Dekalb County Deputies were dispatched to 1535 County Road 54 in Geraldine where Geraldine and Crossville Fire Departments were fighting a fully engulfed house fire. Once on scene, Deputies determined that an altercation between two residents of the home and a trespasser had occurred immediately before the fire which was suspected to have led to the house being intentionally set on fire. The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit was then notified and responded to the scene. After interviewing the residents of the home, the trespasser was identified as Toby Robert Joshua Townsend (27 of Geraldine). A search of the immediate area then ensued and Investigators were able to locate a male subject hiding in a large field behind the residence several hundred yards away. Believing this subject to be Townsend, Investigators and Deputies set a perimeter around the field and called in the Dekalb County Aviation Unit in order to provide overwatch before moving in to make contact with him. Once Aviation Unit resources were in place, Investigators and Deputies moved through the field, made contact with the male subject and detained him without incident. The subject was identified as Townsend and was arrested on scene for outstanding warrants. Townsend was charged with Assault 3rd, Criminal Trespass 1st, and Arson 2nd. Townsend is currently being held without bond in the Dekalb County Detention Center due to violation of the bond schedule for previous charges. Arson Arrest
Gadsden State Theatre To Present 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
Gadsden State Community College’s Theatre Department will present Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” at the Black Box Theatre in Meadows Hall. The production will run for two weekends: March 6-8 and March 13-15. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. each night as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays. The play was first performed in 1895 and is widely considered Wilde’s most brilliant and enduring work. It is an exploration of identity, love and social expectations and follows the lives of two young men, Jake Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. These men adopt false identities in order to escape the burdens of their respectable lives. “This show is perhaps the most enduring comedy of manners ever written,” said Joe Fuselli, director and theatre instructor. “It is certainly my favorite. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The characters are eccentric and exaggerated, making them equally as fun to play as they are to watch. I have absolutely no doubt that the audiences will love this one.” The Gadsden State production features a cast of students and local actors. The show will have two different casts performing on alternating nights, which gives the audience the opportunity to see different interpretations of the iconic characters. “Our department has grown rapidly over the past few years, and I only have so many opportunities to give my acting students a chance to perform,” Fuselli said.
“The students are always my first priority, and they need experience to truly learn," Fletcher added. The cast 1 members include: Algernon – Jonas Abernathy; Jack – Ian Anthony; Lane – Lucas Gamblin; Gwendolyn – Carolyn Humphrey; Lady Bracknell – Heather Ross; Cecily – Afton Yarnell; Miss Prism – Buffy Bailey; Rev. Chasuble – Ryan Kelly; and Merriman – Nolan Fletcher. The cast 2 members include: Algernon – Jake Rhinehart; Jack – Eric Wilkerson; Lane – Josh Kimbril; Gwendolyn – Diana Alhegazen; Lady Bracknell – Lilly Barber; Cecily – Addie Jenkins; Miss Prism – Eliza Hardy; Rev. Chasuble – Darius Spears; and Merriman – Phoenix Rich. “Each cast will bring its own dynamic and that is a learning tool,” Fuselli said. “I want my actors to see how different interpretations of the same character can still work so long as they balance with the choices of their fellow castmates. I would encourage people to watch both casts if at all possible.” He said he and the cast are excited to also present “The Importance of Being Earnest” to local schools in addition to their community performances. “For many students, ‘Earnest’ is required reading,” he said. “I believe it will be a very enriching experience to see the play actually on its feet.” Tickets for are $8 for the public and $5 for students and Gadsden State employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.gadsdenstate.edu/FineArts.
Boat Ramp Reopens at Lake Guntersville
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
improve access to outdoor recreation but also help support the state and local economy. "Lake Guntersville is a billion dollar business for our community, and it generates millions in tourism revenue every year that is recirculated into the local economy,” Norton said. “We are proud that our state continues to improve and upgrade assets such as boat ramps and our state park facilities so that tourism can continue to grow." This project is part of a series of boat ramp improvements currently in progress throughout the state. Additional boating access improvements in north Alabama that have been recently completed include a new three- lane launching slab at the McFarland Public Boat Ramp facility on Pickwick Reservoir in Florence. An access pier at McFarland is also scheduled to be replaced in 2025. The Brown’s Creek boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR and the City of Guntersville. Funding for the project was primarily provided through the Wildlife
Restoration Program under the federal Pittman-Robertson Act. Additional funding was provided by the City of Guntersville and Innovate Alabama, a statewide public- private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama. Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp is free to use and is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. For more information about this and other public boating and fishing access areas provided by ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com/freshwater-boating-access or call the Fisheries Section of ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
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