McAlister named Citizen of the Year
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The smile on Lanny McAlister's face could have lit the Todd Center Monday night as friends and relatives rushed to congratulate Franklin County's citizen of the year.
McAlister was presented the award during the annual Farm-City banquet Monday.
"I know of no one more deserving," Russellville chiropractor Dr. Tim Bishop said.
McAlister worked for more than 42 years teaching music and leading bands at the high school and college level.
He is the author of "The Legend of Toyland," which will be presented at Northwest-Shoals Community College for the 28th year next week.
"His plays are as good as any that I've seen in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or anywhere else," said Walt James, a Russellville teacher who presented the award to McAlister. "He has spent his life teaching and promoting the fine arts and that's something we definitely need here."
McAlister was swarmed by well-wishers following Monday's ceremony.
"This is astounding," he said. "To hear all of these people saying such nice things about you is just flattering. I am so glad my family could be here with me for this. It really is an honor."
The annual Farm-City banquet is held on Thanksgiving week each year during Farm-City Week, as a way to connect city and rural residents throughout the country.
During Monday night's banquet, several awards were given to local students and county residents.
Some of the award winners were: Jim Martin, Cooperator of the Year; Damien Simbeck, Educator of the Year; Don and Greg Bowling, Wild Award; Bobby Turbyfill, Cattleman of the Year; Tommy Johnson, Farmer of the Year; Joe Fike, Innovative Farmer; Orland Britnell and Herbert Trulove, Franklin County Extension System Agriculture Youth Development award; Susie Malone, Community Development Resource.
Homer Grissom, Frank Mitchell and Billy Sturdivant were given the Franklin County Extension System Agricultural Lifetime Achievement Award and the Century and Heritage Farm Award was presented to Bragwell Farms, which is now owned by Jack and Bonnie Hargett, of Belgreen.
Franklin County Extension System Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees were A.W. Todd, the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association, the Franklin County Farmer's Federation, Orval Pounders, Karen Linker and the Franklin County Cooperative staff, Jeff Vandiver, Luther Ray Thorn and Luther N. Duncan.
