Mayor Ranae Bartlett applauds Madison youth in varying, outstanding accomplishments
MADISON – Madison teenagers actively pursue progress in their endeavors, while their parents and mentors define avenues for them to succeed. These scenarios were evident in Mayor Ranae Bartlett’s schedule this week.
“We launched the inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council at Toyota Field, where high schoolers and their parents learned what to expect in the months ahead,” Bartlett said in her “Madison Weekly” newsletter.
City Clerk Lisa Thomas explained the steps for voter registration. “The importance of voting hit home when only 17 percent of the room stood to represent the share of people who actually turn out to decide our city’s direction. Seeing just six students on their feet was an eye-opening moment for everyone,” Bartlett said.
The youth council then listened to Trash Pandas General Manager Garrett Fahrmann and Groundskeeper Charlie Weaver discuss the working relationship between the city and Major League Baseball. “Charlie, a Bob Jones High School graduate and former pitcher at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, encouraged students to pursue what inspires them after graduation,” Bartlett said.
Toyota Alabama and Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville are sponsors for the Mayor’s Youth Council.
In forecasts for the 2026-2027 school year, Superintendent Eric Terrell talked about Madison City Schools at the Backto- School Breakfast, which attracted Bartlett and council members. Madison Chamber of Commerce sponsors this annual gathering. Event proceeds will benefit MCS’ Supporting Our Students Fund, which helps cover individual out-of-pocket expenses for students.
An exemplary Madison youth, Lana Lien with Scout Troop 404 earned Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in Scouting America. Lien received the award at an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony with troop members and Bartlett in attendance. Bartlett spoke at the ceremony to share her pride in Lien’s achievement and to encourage the troop to keep working toward their goals.
The Madison chamber is accepting submissions for the “Madison In Focus” photo contest for the year’s fourth quarter. Bartlett encouraged residents to photograph images of the city that show an interesting perspective. Quarterly winners advance to final competition; at its annual Membership Meeting in November, the chamber will announce the grand-prize winner.
In deserved praise at a Birmingham ceremony, Bartlett and a CEO from Madison, received the “2026 Women of Impact Award” from the Yellowhammer News organization. That CEO, Madison native Tina Tucker, recently accepted the leadership role at U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Award recipients represent managers in business, government, nonprofit work and civic leadership.
City departments reported their activities for the week to Bartlett:
• Madison Police Department — 1270 calls for service, 33 arrests, 79 incident reports, 86 citations and 131 warnings.
• Madison Fire and Rescue Department — 168 total incidents for daily average of 24; 2 fire calls; 8 public service; 115 medical calls; and 1 rescue.
• Madison Parks and Recreation Department — 8,539 app users, 646 Dublin Park membership visits, 372 Dublin walkin visits, 218 Wellness Center visits and 248 Madison Community Center visits.
Another scenario for Madison youth, the Madison Bowl on Sept. 4 will pit Bob Jones and James Clemens football teams in their annual pride-for-your-school contest. The Madison teams will face off at 7 p.m. in Madison City Schools Stadium.
For more information, visit madisonal. gov.
