Meteorologist pays a visit

RUSSELLVILLE Meteorologist James Spann visited the city last Saturday for a meet and greet and book signing at The Grind coffee shop on Highway 43. Some people waited in line more than two hours to see the popular weather man.

“We love Franklin County,” Spann said. “It’s a marvelous place. I love hearing stories, and most people have stories about tornadoes because of what happened in 2011.”

Spann’s visit came just one day before the 14th anniversary of the aforementioned EF-5 tornado.

Russellville residents Mason Madison and his son, Michael, were among those greeting him.

“I grew up watching him on TV, and it’s pretty neat to meet somebody in person you have seen all these years,” Madison said. “My son has submitted pictures to him on Facebook, so he’s glad to meet the man behind the legend.”

Spann said the people who live in this part of Alabama are “the nicest people in the world,” adding they’ve “all got a story to tell.”

“Everybody’s got a tornado story,” Spann said, noting he had heard “so many” tornado stories, including some that were new to him.

“It’s been a great day,” Spann continued. “I love to hear experiences, and it helps me be better at my job. The kids make me laugh. Some of them are absolutely fascinated by weather. And they’re going to be doing this one day. It’s the next generation.”