Look What You Did! by Tallapoosa Publishers

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

Look What You Did! Stories of success, promise and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the horizon for the Lake Martin Region

2018 Progress Edition 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM 2

| 256.215.7011 |

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

FROM THE PUBLISHER This is the 43rd year now we at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., are bringing you an up-close-and-personal look at our community. I use the word personal because it is all about the people who make this community – and by that I mean everyone who relates to the Lake Martin and Tallapoosa County areas as home – the place that it is. And no matter where they have come from originally, all of these people have deep roots in Alabama – hometown roots, even if they grew up somewhere else. Who wouldn’t want to sink roots Steve Baker here? It’s the kind of place where local kids get an education from some of the best teachers in the country; where families with long ties to the area continue the traditions learned for past generations. We have healthcare options and access to state-of-the-art technology right here. We have access to a pristine lake just minutes away. This is also the kind of place where people celebrate their love of the place by restoring old homes and buildings, where history lives on. It is the kind of place that makes people with no previous ties to the area decide to settle down for what it has to offer – outdoor recreation that includes shopping, beautiful Lake Martin and more. It is the kind of town where friendships between statesmen and artists become a tangible, physical celebration of life in the South. It’s a place where shop owners know their customers by name; where friends are made for life; and everybody has a chance to get involved at the local level and make a positive change for the community. That’s what the parade of stories in this annual progress issue is about; it honors the work we’ve accomplished together and celebrates the many ways in which this community has moved forward in recent years. Our hometowns produce a lot of ordinary people who produce extraordinary stories, and at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., we’re grateful for the privilege of bringing these stories of triumph to you. Some of you know some of these stories already. Some will be new to you. Some of you know other stories that are not told in this issue but are every bit as important and worthy of recognition as these. We invite you to share those stories on our Facebook pages and other social media as we celebrate the progress this community has made with the theme, Look What You Did! I hope you enjoy this edition of Parade.

- STAFF Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Art Director Audra Spears contributors

Mitch Sneed, Managing Editor Cliff Williams Lizi Arbogast Santana Wood Donald Campbell Advertising Tippy Hunter, Advertising Director Katie Wesson, Advertising Manager Rebecca Carlisle Erin Burton Marilyn Hawkins Kat Raiford Scott Hardy Composing Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway

Steve Baker, Publisher

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

CONTENTS

“The people here have been incredible ... everyone has really gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed.” ~ BES professional angler Brett Hite

Letter from Publisher................................................................4

Graydon for the Gold .............................................................. 44

Staff.........................................................................................4

Sabal Trail Pipeline Generates Value........................................ 48

John Thompson .....................................................................10

Lake Martin Hosts Bassmasters Elite Series ............................. 52

Russell Medical Opens Hybrid Healthcare Model .....................12

Lyman Ward Soars to New Heights .......................................... 61

Catherine Bates .....................................................................16

A Step Toward Blue Zones ....................................................... 65

New Businesses Open in Town ................................................18

Sidewalks and Signage Enhance Sportplex .............................. 66

Richard Wagoner ...................................................................23

A Candid Approach to Street Construction ................................ 68

Trip of a Lifetime ....................................................................24

Greener Pastures ....................................................................72

Community Day of Action........................................................28

Clean Water Awareness ...........................................................74

LMCH Delivers Donations........................................................30

Wellborn Industries Score Big ..................................................76

Old-Fashioned Fun..................................................................32

John Kendrick ........................................................................80

MainStreet Revives Vintage Signage .......................................38

County Activates New Warning System .................................... 82

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Leap Toward Success ................................................85

Keebler Park Beautification .....................................86 Sharing Christmas Spirit .........................................88 Wind Creek Builds Adventure ..................................90 Local Company Impacts Treasured Landmarks...........92 Business Card Directory...........................................94 Our Advertisers .......................................................97

ON THE COVER: Lake Martin hosted this year’s Bassmaster Elite Series season opener at Wind Creek State Park with 110 professional anglers from around the country in attendance. Photo by Mitch Sneed

“I am excited about people coming into Alexander City, and I think we’re headed in a good direction. We want to keep people from moving away by providing convenience, and we want them to shop local.”

~ Beth McKenzie Haynie

TPI Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-4281

61 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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Discover the beauty of Lake Martin. Dadeville, AL ... a small town with big thinkers nestled along the shores of Lake Martin. The future is bright for Dadeville, and the Chamber is committed to powering growth and economic development. JUNE Lake Martin Championship Cornhole Tournament OCTOBER 6, 2018 Fall Festival Downtown Dadeville NOVEMBER 16, 2018 Denim & Diamonds Charity Ball DECEMBER 9, 2018 Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

We’re building on our century-long commitment to

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In 1920, Alabama Power established the New Industries Division, believed to be the first utility-based economic development department in the U.S. Today, we continue to be a partner in helping move Alabama’s economy forward. We work with state and local allies to recruit automotive, aerospace, information technology and other industries to Alabama to bring jobs to our communities, support training for our workforce and champion innovators that will help energize our state. In fact, we’ve been named one of the nation’s top 10 utilities in economic development.* Making our state a great place to work and live is one more way we’re helping elevate Alabama. Learn more at AlabamaPower.com.

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

LOCAL PEOPLE

John Thompson Standard Bearer for a Clean Lake Martin Community STORY BY BETSY ILER

t was 13 tons last year; 20 the year before; more than 74 tons and other programs that teach children to care for the environover the last 10. And standing behind this formidable pile of ment, and the winning drawing is featured on a T-shirt that trash, year after year, with a picker and a Renew Our Rivers Thompson hands out to each cleanup volunteer. trash bag in his hands is Lake Martin’s John Thompson. Convinced that the once-a-year Renew Our Rivers effort was Thompson recruited 2,024 volunteers to help with this effort. not enough, Thompson put together Rapid Response teams – It’s been his specialty. volunteers who clean up reported trash and dump sites between As Lake Martin Resource Association president for the last six the annual events. years, Thompson has channeled a passion for the environment “It’s a thankless job,” he said. “These guys and gals take their into community-wide action. His boats out to places where people spirited love for the environment ran have camped or had parties, or deep long before he took office, but places where people have discovered LMRA provided a platform from a dump site, and they clean it all up which to spearhead an ever-onward and haul away the trash. And they effort. get no recognition for it. They just do “For many years now, I have it because they love the lake, and they concentrated a great deal of time on hate to see it trashed up.” organizing and participating in litter When he learned that Prosperity cleanup events around Lake MarAgain Thru Health was sponsoring tin,” Thompson told Lake magazine occasional walks to promote healthy four years ago. “I am committed exercise, Thompson suggested to finding a better way to keep the combining the PATH outings with shoreline of Lake Martin, along trash cleanups on area roadsides. with the adjacent highways, cleared PATH Trash Walks are now held of unsightly litter. The community ~ John Thompson several times throughout the year and deserves better.” often are sponsored by businesses or In 2008, Thompson started coorindividuals that reward volunteers dinating Alabama Power Company’s annual Renew Our Rivers with breakfast or lunch on trash-walk days. cleanups at Lake Martin. He sent out public service announceIn 2015, when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ments with his own email address as the contact, assembled sup- issued APC’s new Martin Dam project license, which included a plies and defined lake areas in which volunteers were assigned to requirement for an Adopt-a-Treasured-Mile program, the power work. He arranged for dumpsters to be available at drop-off sites company turned to Thompson for help with a plan. and obtained sponsorships to cover costs. Thompson worked with LMRA volunteers and APC repreThompson enlists the help of local art teachers who encoursentatives to identify islands and shoreline areas that were most age elementary school children to enter a T-shirt design contest in need of regular cleanups. The team divided the miles into every year. The artwork coincides with classroom curriculum manageable sections and posted a map on the LMRA website.

“I am committed to finding a better way to keep the shoreline of Lake Martin cleared of unsightly litter ... The community deserves better.”

Through an intensive public relations campaign, LMRA invited lake lovers to commit to keeping adopted sections clean year round. A year and a half later, all 27 of the designated islands and 40 percent of the 78 shoreline areas have been adopted. “That’s just great. Now, these areas will be kept up to make sure they stay clear of trash all the time,” Thompson said. “It’s time now that the big tonnage we have been collecting every year will start to go down,” he explained. “When we started this, we were finding areas that had never been cleaned up – I mean, never, since the dam was built almost a hundred years ago. We have gone into designated areas and done some very necessary deep cleaning, and we’ve almost covered the whole lake now. Cleanup now is just about routine. There are programs in place now that support that.” But that doesn’t mean Thompson will retire his passion. On the contrary, it means he has time to turn his attention to the lake’s outer areas – the roadsides that approach Lake Martin and the streets in communities that surround the lake. “Trash from the area around the lake washes into streams and the river, and it ends up in the lake. It would be better if we could keep it out of the run-off system altogether,” he said. So he’s gathered local leaders to identify areas that need regular attention. This team includes city officials, business leaders, non-profit organizations, media representatives and others who are hatching a plan for year-round cleanups. “This is going to take the whole community to get involved – scouts, church groups, civic clubs, neighborhoods. We’re going to use rewards to encourage participation, and we’re going to educate people – through posters and banners and social media – to just be mindful about how household trash becomes litter Thompson (left) and a Renew our Rivers volunteer show off a cleanup trophy, a pile of tires retrieved from Lake Martin

and how to stop it,” Thompson said. “We’ll be rolling that program out soon.” With such a passionate focus on litter, it would be easy to assume Thompson has no time or energy for other civic pursuits, but that is not the case. As nighttime lake traffic has increased, Thompson heard concerns about the safety of boating after dark from LMRA members and worked with LMRA’s buoy team to raise funds for lighted buoys. To date, the campaign that launched last fall has raised $20,000 and increased the number of lighted buoys from 24 to 66. “That is substantially more than we thought we would have by this time. We’ll begin putting those out this spring,” he said. “Our goal is 200 lighted buoys. These new buoys are not in addition to the existing ones, but they are replacing the regular buoys in some locations with lighted buoys. Those are deployed and maintained by our buoy team, which has been well structured and has done a great job for a long time.” But Thompson is not content with the mere success for today. His next big project is to extend the longevity of LMRA’s cleanup and water safety programs. “I looked around the table one day and saw aging directors who have worked hard and done well, but it’s time to bring in the younger generation,” he said. “We need young folks that love the lake to get involved to keep the organization viable and growing and doing. “If we don’t bring up the next generation, everything that we have done will fade away when we’re gone.” To join Thompson’s efforts, email him at 1942jthompson420@gmail.com.

The new facility opened its doors last year with plenty of rooms (inset) for healthcare needs

Russell Medical Opens Hybrid Healthcare Model STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & CLIFF WILLIAMS

lmost a decade after the seed was planted, Russell Medical last year opened a hybrid model facility that combines primary and urgent healthcare in one building. Part of the 12,000-square-foot facility houses office space for primary care physicians while the remaining space provides non-emergency urgent care treatment. The concept for the Total Healthcare/Urgent Care facility, which sits on a knoll at the back of the Russell Medical campus, began when local hospital officials met a Scottsboro doctor in 2008. “Dr. Bill Coleman had a passion for rural healthcare,” said Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace. “He wanted to bring primary care to this community.” The facility will be staffed with four physicians, doctors Robert Edwards, John Adams, Justin Vines and Tate Hinkle, with Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Tammy Coker heading up the Urgent Care office. The facility is expected to help the community avoid a nationally projected shortage of primary care, Peace explained. Services tie into Russell Medical, and fall within the federal

and state guidelines for the hospital’s medical staff. Office space at the hospital’s adjacent professional building is fully occupied, so the Totalcare/Urgent Care project allows healthcare officials to address both present and future needs in one clinic setting. “We are very excited, but I want you all to know that this isn’t our building. This is your building,” Dr. Robert Edwards said at the facility’s grand opening. “It’s all about being open to you all, so you can have access to the care you need when you need it.” Urgent Care office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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Light Up Lake Martin

Advocacy Action

• Renew Our Rivers • Boater Safety • Lake Cleanups • Lighted Buoy Project • Lakeside Burglary Reward • Environmental Education We are an all volunteer, member-funded organization serving Lake Martin since 1972

LAKE MARTIN RESOURCE ASSOCIATION To join visit www.lmra.info 14

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Financing Available

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

LOCAL PEOPLE

Catherine Bates BRHS grad takes the Alabama Symphony stage STORY BY BETSY ILER

lexander City native Catherine Bates counts herself lucky to be on the Alabama Symphony Orchestra stage, but hard work and a long road also played parts in the success of this BRHS graduate. Bates, who started playing French horn at Alexander City Middle School, joined ASO for six concerts last year and has two more on her calendar this winter. She performed as assistant principal for the Explorer Series, Decatur Run-Off, Symphony 30, Sensory Friendly, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Brahms Symphony No. 1 concerts. She also played with the Black Jacket Symphony during the Led Zeppelin and Beatles concerts. Next month, she will play a Broadway show music concert and a Super Hero, Super Villain concert with ASO. “It actually started with a music scholarship to UAB,” Bates said. “My scholarship required that I take private lessons, and it turned out that my instructor is the principal with ASO. So last year, he needed an assistant for these concerts, and he asked me if I would like to do them.” It was an opportunity Bates had waited a long time to have. She started piano lessons when she was 7 years old. She kept up with her lessons and joined the band in middle school. “I really didn’t mean to pick the French horn,” she said. “I just got frustrated when we were trying out instru-

ments, and that’s what I ended up with. I did honor bands in school, and that was always just fun. It wasn’t until I got to college that it became more serious.” College, she said, prepared her for the strict regimen of playing with the symphony. “When you are playing with the symphony, you have to expect that you will make no mistakes, so you have to practice with that mentality,” she said. “I practiced probably close to four hours a day – at least. And I felt like I should have practiced more, but I was too exhausted. It’s a lot of physical and mental work. Your muscles get tired, and it’s mentally draining.” Bates took on the ASO performances during the last semester of her bachelor’s degree. In addition to finishing school, she was working in the UAB recruitment office and teaching French horn to beginner students in Birmingham schools two afternoons a week. “The Brahms concert was the biggest challenge. The other concerts were geared toward more casual audiences, but Brahms is pure classical music, and it’s for the mature listener. You can’t mess it up. Your job is to make it an experience for someone who probably is familiar with the music. That was a whole ‘nother set of pressure. It was quite stressful,” she said. “The most fun concert was Harry Potter. I grew up around Harry Potter. That was part of my childhood, and 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

getting to play that concert – I nerded out in every aspect. I loved it. I also got to watch the movie while studying the music. That was fun.” Bates had one month to learn the Harry Potter music, but only two weeks for some of the other events. “The Symphony has a music librarian who puts everything together for the musicians, so you start practicing when you get the materials from the librarian,” she explained. Now 22 years old, the daughter of Alexander City’s Denise and Larry Bates, will also play with the Columbus Symphony and hopes to audition for a contracted position in Columbus later this year. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in December and now works full time with UAB’s Department of New Student Programs. Bates plans to attend graduate school at UAB and earn a master’s while she continues to take the ASO stage whenever assistant principal opportunities are presented. “Music is how I express myself,” she said. “It’s my artistic ability. I can’t sing or dance or paint pictures or write beautiful words, but I can get lost in music. It’s relaxing, but it also pushes me to be better. Music I love.” Thanks to a long road, hard work, a little bit of luck and a passion for what she does, Bates looks forward to every one of those future performances and holds dear what she’s done.

Russell

Medical

Expanding Our Footprint...

The physicians at Total Healthcare provide timely, eﬃcient and total care for their patients in a comfortable and friendly environment. The brand new, state-ofthe-art facility is conveniently located on the Russell Medical campus. The medical team at Total Healthcare can take care of all your primary care needs. Call today at 256-329-7887 to schedule an appointment.

Pictured L-R: John Adams, M.D., Robert “Bob” Edwards, M.D., Tate Hinkle, M.D., Justin Vines, M.D

Russell Medical’s newest service, Russell Medical Urgent Care is now open. The Urgent Care is an expansion of treatment options available on the Russell Medical campus. The walk-in clinic treats injuries and illnesses requiring immediate care but not serious enough to require emergency room visits. Russell Medical Urgent Care is open seven days a week to accommodate non-emergency room emergencies. For additional information, call 256-397-7727. Life’s a journey, we’re here for all of it.

russellcares.com

Tammy Coker, CRNP

named to Becker’s 100 Great Community Hospitals, 2017 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Owners Justin and Kira Woodall (facing page) opened Lake Martin Pizza Company in Alexander City

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having a vibrant downtown where people can go shop, eat, entertain visitors and find services is critical to the future of our community.â&#x20AC;? ~ Ed Collari 18

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

New Businesses Open in Town STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE, CLIFF WILLIAMS, AMY PASSARETTI & BETSY ILER

lexander City has transformed since its founding more than a century ago and has developed into a destination where people want to live, work and play. The entrepreneurs in the area are highly credited for this success with their enthusiasm for the town and its potential. With a half dozen new businesses that opened this past year, the available entertainment and services drive residents to spend more time and money locally. From bars and restaurants to boutiques, personal care and financial services, popular amenities are popping up everywhere. Local native John Howell began crafting homemade, custom-built furniture and functional art long before he opened Madwind Craftsman & Co. early last year. As a fine craftsman, Howell moved back to Lake Martin some six years ago with an engineering degree from University of Alabama, and he and his wife Lacey bought a home on Madwind Creek – the inspiration for his company name. With a passion for the lake lifestyle, Howell honed his ironwork skills through Robinson Iron but wanted to branch out to create a client-engaged work atmosphere. This concept allows a customer to be part of the creative process for the one-of-a-kind furnishings and appointments he produces full time. Beth McKenzie Haynie shares her creative passion and flair for style at Alexander City’s Downtown Girl boutique on Main Street. Her downtown boutique is styled with feminine and chic décor with products that match the theme ranging from clothing and shoes to jewelry, accessories and more.

Haynie opened the store last March and already has an enthusiastic following of repeat customers who trust her opinion on items to purchase. Her stock is constantly rotating to keep the inventory fresh and unique. And though her product line may be difficult to find elsewhere, she keeps prices competitively affordable. “I am excited about people coming into Alexander City, and I think we’re headed in a good direction. We want to keep people from moving away by providing convenience, and we want them to shop local,” said Haynie. Down the road from Main Street, three local sisters decided to combine their shared love for all things confection and open a bakery in honor of their mother. Sweet Gaga’s was inspired by the treats Heather Johnson, Brittni McdonaldMoran and Hallie Mcdonald remember from special occasions

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Beth McKenzie Haynie owns Downtown Girl on Main Street

Shay Dean Aesthetics offers a variety of skincare services

when growing up. Cakes at Sweet Gaga’s can be custom ordered for special occasions, while cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, brownies and much more are offered in the shop near Strand Park daily. French Quarter Bistro opened its door on Broad Street with a menu rooted in Cajun and creole-style food items, bringing a little taste of New Orleans to Alexander City. And just last month, Lake Martin Pizza Company opened its second location on Broad Street after months of local anticipation. Kira and Justin Woodall always intended to grow their Dadeville-based business, and Alexander City happened to be the perfect location. Serving handmade pizza and other Italian-based menu items for lunch and dinner in a modern craftsmanstyled atmosphere, the Broad Street location in Alexander City complements the original location at the intersection of highways 34 and 49 on the east side of Lake Martin. Another social addition to the downtown scene in-

cludes the opening of two lounges. Fermenter’s Market on the Green opened last April on Alabama Street with a selection of 35 craft beers on tap, more than 100 options in bottles, wine and liquor. With a handmade bar and plenty of gathering space for friends, the bar complements activities in Alexander City’s recently established designated arts and entertainment district. Native Mark Gilliland opened his cocktail bar, Ocie & Belle’s, on Main Street last summer. The name is a tribute to his grandparents, and Gilliland offers custom cocktails, a wide selection of bourbons and wine and beer. The rustic, yet cozy space is a great place to gather with friends. Ocie & Belle’s also serves three different types of grilled cheese and other simple food items. While customers used to have to drive to Auburn or Birmingham for aesthetic personal services, they can stay local now that Shay Dean opened her medical spa downton. Dean is a master cosmetologist and medical aesthetician who offers a plethora of skin care services in a calming, welcoming atmosphere. Dean’s training allows her to practice procedures with needles, including microneedling and hair restoration, and she is board certified in micropigmentation (cosmetic tattooing). She also showcases spa-type services – such as facials, chemical peels, body wraps, massage therapy – along with waxing, hair extensions, spray tanning, make up and lash application and more. Dean brings years of experience and a wide range of amenities to downtown Alexander City. “I wanted to be a part of downtown Alexander City because I see a lot of new businesses coming in, and I see the potential for this town to flourish. I wanted to be a part of that growth,” said the full-time resident of Lake Martin. In addition to incoming businesses, some local establishments have changed ownership in recent months, including Mistletoe Bough B&B and the renamed Makers Market on Main.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Sandra Mae Mellot said she felt an instant connection to the Mistletoe house on Hillabee Street when she saw an online post that it was for sale. Not being from the area, Mellot never imagined she’d own a bed-and-breakfast in a small Southern town; however, along with her husband Todd, she now lives in the home that was built on a lovely knoll in 1895. After a few renovations to personalize the space, Mellot enjoys renting her rooms for gatherings and events, as well as hosting weekend visitors. The charm and history behind the business draws enthusiastic customers from all over the area. Makers Market on Main, previously known as Alabama Makers Market, is now under the care and ownership of Barbara Thompson, who has worked in local retail for about half of the 12-plus years she’s lived in Alexander City. The boutique features quality handmade toys, clothes, art, food, furniture, pottery and more. Thompson’s Main Street location showcases local artists and craftsmen and features the works of more than 20 vendors. Gilbert Woodcrafts and Home Décor opened on Airport Drive – just off U.S. Highway 280 – in November. Lance and Melinda Gilbert feature handmade heirloom quality furniture and a variety of farmhouse and lake home decoration items in their storefront. Lance creates the furniture pieces, and Melinda

keeps stock of the other crafted items for sale. With so much entrepreneur activity in town, it’s no surprise that financial services also are growing. The business community welcomed a bank, a credit union and an investment house to the area in recent months. River Bank and Trust, a Montgomery area based bank, opened a full-service banking branch in a new building at the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and Elkahatchee Road last spring. And on the opposite corner, Heritage South Credit Union opened in time for Christmas. And new this year in downtown, Alexander City native Lee Williams opened a branch office for Nowlin & Associates, a wealth management and financial advisory firm. President of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Ed Collari said, “Downtown for us is considered the heartbeat of our city, so recruiting new businesses there, especially ones with high-frequency traffic and that are destinational, is very important. “Our over-arching philosophy is to recruit young talent and young families, so having a vibrant downtown where people can go shop, eat, entertain visitors and find necessary services is critical to the future of our community.”

Ocie & Belle’s on Main Street features craft cocktails

More than 20 vendors are on display at Makers Market on Main

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Moore’s Hardware 406 N. Broadnax Street Dadeville, AL 36853

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

LOCAL PEOPLE

Richard Wagoner A Main Stay of Downtown’s Heart STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI

steady, guiding hand for many years in Alexander City, Richard Wagoner’s love for and attention to the historic details of the downtown area have launched Main Street into the next business generation. Wagoner retired from public life at the end of last year, following a legacy of significant impact on the growth and beautification of the downtown area. Wagoner said his passion for civic engagement stems from his parents’ examples of community involvement. When his family moved to Alexander City in the 1940s, Wagoner’s parents were very involved in the community. “I learned by example that that is what you’re supposed to do. I also joined the Lions Club because you’re expected to get involved in a civic organization and represent the face of your company,” said Wagoner, a school principal for years. But it is his contributions to MainStreet and the revitalization of downtown for which Wagoner is most recognized. He was the executive director of MainStreet Alexander City for 12 years, initially became involved as a volunteer. He started the local farmers market and built relationships with local vendors who provide fresh produce to the community. “You see all walks of life at the farmers markets – communicating with no barriers. That’s small-town living,” Wagoner explained. Another tradition Wagoner coordinated is the downtown Christmas decorations.

Every year, he and volunteers test each string of lights before they are installed in the downtown area. Having been part of the school system for so long, Wagoner has a strong belief for involving children in community activities. “Being taught to be a part of the community is important, especially being in a small town. This helps children in life to greet people and make good first impressions. We’ve got to have a town that gives everyone a sense of purpose,” said Wagoner. “We greatly appreciate what the city does, and I’ve enjoyed working with them. I will continue to help where I can,” said Wagoner. It’s that relationship with the people in town that has fostered growth for his project ideas. From his beginning conversations with local townspeople about the role MainStreet should play in downtown to coordinating with the city to make improvements, Wagoner said he has simply been a catalyst for change. “It was a very board-driven organization. MainStreet has made a lot of progress, and it will continue to do so. Property value is increasing, and it’s the best it’s ever been in terms of low building vacancy. It takes people to envision the things we can get done,” said Wagoner. A significant impact from local contributions, including the Adelia McConnell Russell Charitable Foundation, has facilitated the attainment of many projects. The funds provided grants to designate downtown as a 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

historic district and as a result, more than 29 buildings have been renovated, had facade facelifts and fit the code for a uniform look. Having grown up near downtown, worked in a drug store there and delivered newspapers to the area as a child, Wagoner has a strong appreciation for the town’s center. “Downtown shops cater specifically to its people. MainStreet’s greatest focus was to beautify the area and take care of its infrastructure,” said Wagoner. Part of the ongoing project included renovations at Broad Street Plaza, along with the ongoing Revamp the Hamp undertaking. Hamp Lyon Stadium is an important part of Alexander City’s history. In multiple phases and dictated by private contributions, Wagoner and a group of town officials are working to make significant upgrades and renovations to provide a field for middle school teams, recreation teams and a centralized location for outdoor concerts and other town events. “This could be yet another aspect that draws people to the downtown area. That flow of people can be a catalyst for businesses and initiatives we’ve been implementing,” said Wagoner. While Wagoner has a vested interest in MainStreet’s success, he also plans to spend time with his family and four grandchildren, who will look at the town’s vintage charm, repainted store signs and vibrant business life and be able to say, “Our grandfather did that.”

Trip of a Lifetime Dadeville High School students visit New York City

STORY BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM SHELTON

n education, progress often focuses not only on what students did but also on how what they did will inspire and influence what they will do in the future. That’s why Dadeville High School Chorale Director Ashley Gresko arranged for 20-plus chorale, drama and band students to visit Broadway three months ago. The performing arts students got DHS music students, an up-close look directed by Ashley Gresko, at the big time visit New York City through backstage tours, watching Broadway shows and even attending a dance number workshop with a cast member from the Broadway hit, Aladdin. It was the trip of a lifetime, Gresko said. “It will encourage them to aspire for more,” she explained. “It raises the expectation of performance. “When we started the program just a few years ago, students said, ‘we are doing just like Broadway.’ Now, they know a lot more about what goes into producing a show. Hopefully, this trip opened their minds to what they can do.” The eight-day itinerary in the Big Apple included tickets to two Broadway productions, shopping at Saks 5th Av-

enue, tours of historic sites and meals at trendy restaurants – all at an affordable price. In addition to Aladdin, the students saw the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular and toured backstage at the famous venue. “Some of the students have never really travelled,” Gresko said. “Many had not been north of Tennessee. We rolled into New York on a Saturday afternoon to fresh snow. The students enjoyed walking through Central Park throwing snowballs at each other.” Students also had the chance to see the National September 11 Memorial and Times Square, and they saw the skyline from the Hudson River. “I think this will be a reoccurring trip,” Gresko said. “We have some younger students that did not go that might want to when they get a little older. I think we will try to do it once every two to three years.” Designed primarily to enlighten and motivate members of the school’s chorale program, the trip to New York City did – and will do – so much more.

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Community Day of Action LMAUW volunteers clean, paint and improve school buildings throughout the counties STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MARTIN AREA UNITED WAY

monsoon of torrential, nonstop rain did not prevent 200-plus volunteers in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties from taking action to better the community and beautify their schools. The Lake Martin Area United Way joined its fellow worldwide organizations last June in the annual community Day of Action, and despite the weather, the enthusiasm and energy remained high. “We had to make some serious adjustments on the fly based on the tasks we had planned to do because of the rain; however, everyone was so flexible and just went with it. We had a really good time, even covered in mud and soaking wet,” said Courtney Layfield, LMAUW’s director of marketing. On or around June 21 – the first day of summer and longest day of the year – volunteers across the world offer their

time to fill needs within their communities. Last year was LMAUW’s seventh year assisting the counties’ school systems with tasks that help offset finances for necessities, repairs and renovations around school grounds and buildings. “Since schools have such tight budgets and limited funds, this is a great way for us to give back and help the schools, so they can use their money for other things. It helps make the schools more pleasant for the children,” said Layfield, who took part in her first Day of Action last year. United Way board members, general community members, students, teachers and public figures all gathered to paint, clean, landscape and organize four schools throughout the area. Last year’s lucky recipients included Alexander City Middle School, Stephens Elementary, Horseshoe Bend School and Central Middle in Coosa County. “We rotate the schools each year to give each of them an

Volunteers at Horseshoe Bend completed more tasks than required

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

opportunity to receive our assistance, and principals and superintendents are so appreciative of the work we can do,” Layfield added. Many businesses even allowed their employees to take the day off to pitch in, and most of United Way’s agencies offered aid as well, said Layfield. While some of the initial tasks were postponed due to inclement weather, other volunteers ensured these assignments did not get ignored. A group of community members offered their time at a later date to complete the needed landscaping, power washing and outdoor painting. What inspired Layfield the most though, were the students that showed up to give back to their own schools. Aside from a number of general students, the Coosa Middle School softball team joined the effort, along with Horseshoe Bend’s majorettes. “It’s awesome to see that sense of pride and community. It’s so nice to instill this idea of giving back in our youth early on,” said Layfield. Sharon Fuller, executive director of LMAUW, said teachers are realizing that the annual Day of Action is also their opportunity to get work done in their individual classrooms. If a teacher is present on the Day of Action, and there are volunteers looking for something to do, that teacher can request cleaning, organization or painting. “I was amazed at how much we got done and how quickly people worked. It’s a good problem to have when people ask, ‘OK, what can we do now?’” said Layfield. While LMAUW has attempted other forms of outreach for previous Day of Action events, Layfield said, the community responds best to fulfilling the needs at the schools. “It’s all about what the community needs, and we don’t want to duplicate what others already do. We want to work on something that actually makes a difference and benefits the town,” said Layfield. A lot of companies donate supplies to the cause or offer financial support. Many tools can be reused each year, while other items, such as cleaning supplies, must be purchased each time and are typically left with the school as an added bonus. Schools purchase their own paint, as colors are specified, but United Way volunteers supply the brushes and labor. “We are incredibly fortunate to have sponsors and donations to help achieve these tasks,” Layfield said. Planning for the Day of Action typically begins a few months out. Around March, Layfield begins contacting the chosen schools for their wish lists of things they’d like done. United Way members then figure out what’s doable and ask the schools to prioritize items to best suit their most immediate needs, said Layfield. “We begin recruiting volunteers a few months out but are always surprised at the number that still show up on the day of. I am really pleased with last year’s outcome and am looking forward to this year,” Layfield said. The 2018 Day of Action is scheduled for Thursday, June 21. For information about this year’s benefitting schools or how to volunteer, contact Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600.

Volunteers assisted with painting walls of Stephens Elementary

Students participated in Day of Action throughout the four school locations

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Matt Parker, Ashley Benton, Linda Goss, Brenda Robinson, Danny Robinson, Pat Bunn, Len Carter and Stacy DeLoach

LMCH delivers donations STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTO COURTESY OF LMCH

school bus filled with more than 1,000 school supplies and volunteers with Lake Martin Community Hospital unloaded at the Dadeville Elementary School Open House the first week of August. LMCH conducted its inaugural School Supply Drive and, with the help of community donations, provided local children from pre-K to sixth grades the supplies they needed for the school year. In addition, LMCH Director of Marketing Ashley Benton presented DES Principal Chris Dark with a supplemental check for $500 in donations that were collected. “We hoped it would help cover anything else children need or for more families that speak up after the fact and require additional help. The school said they always have multiple students that come to school on the first day with nothing,” explained Benton. Everything from paper to folders, dry erase markers, writing utensils and more was collected within a mere three weeks and delivered to the school. “It was amazing that it came together so fast. Employees and community members really worked together for us to pull this off,” Benton said. Teachers were particularly appreciative of the donations, as they often have to purchase their own supplies throughout the year, said Benton, so this could be a huge help. The hospital’s cleaning supply vendors even agreed to donate boxes of cleaning supplies to the school. Benton said she was grateful for this added contribution and the fact that it could be supplied

in-house. This year, the School Supply Drive benefited DES, but Benton said LMCH plans to make this an annual event and will expand coverage Dadeville-wide or even Tallapoosa County-wide. “I will begin planning a lot earlier this year, and it will be an even more amazing fundraiser. Look at what we raised in just three weeks time; that’s insane,” said Benton. The LMCH employees coordinated with the local school bus company and arranged for Len Carter, transportation supervisor for Tallapoosa County schools, to pick up the supplies from the hospital and drop them off at the school. “We were able to see the families and kids receiving these items, and they actually got to see what we were doing,” said Benton. The supplies were organized by grade in large bins, which the teachers also kept for extra storage. The hallways of the school were lined with all the gear for everyone to see. LMCH also supports local Department of Human Resources children and provides donations of Christmas gifts, as well as annual holiday contributions to local food banks. “This past year was a record-breaking year for us. Lake Martin Community Hospital was able to provide an overwhelming amount of food to those in need. We were thrilled at the response from our employees and others who helped us to collect the items for both local DHR kids and the food bank,” said Benton. In January 2017, LMCH received the Business of the Year award by the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the hospital’s efforts to improve quality of life for local children.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Kids raced two at a time down Columbus Street by Dadeville High School

Old-Fashioned Fun 32

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Children race in handmade vehicles at Dadeville’s inaugural soapbox derby STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & DONALD CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

peeding down the hill at nearly 25 miles per things. I pulled the ideas from my head, my memory, hour in homemade wooden cars, children in from seeing things from years ago,” said Ward. Tallapoosa County experienced a new take Nearly 30 cars were built from any number of medion an old-fashioned version of fun – and it ums imaginable, all different shapes and sizes, and the didn’t involve technology. results were impressive. Ward said the concept is fairly Dadeville’s Marrell Ward created the inaugural Ducky simple, and cars are made mostly from wood, fiberglass, Ward Soap Box Derby late last summer to inspire wheels and metal parts. The only requirements were that children to feel accomplished and to bring families and all vehicles included brakes and hand-steering mechafriends together. nisms, usually using steel braided cable; in addition, each “Parents really enjoyed spending time with their chilrider was required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. dren. Everyone was really enthusiastic about it, and it’s Participants aged 6 to 15 years old raced two at a time a good family-oriented activity to do,” said Ward, who down Columbus Street next to the Dadeville football grew up participating in soapbox derbies in his homestadium. The average car sped down the hill at around town of Ocala, Florida. The event was named in memory of Ward’s Vehicles required brakes late son and welcomed all families. Those who and hand-steering, and wanted to participate but couldn’t afford the time riders must wear helmets or money to build their own cars had help. Ward built nine soapbox derby vehicles on his own, which were available for children to use. With his background in construction work and maintenance, Ward said, he was able to build one in about two or three days if he worked steadily. Russell Do it Center donated most of the materials for the construction of Ward’s vehicles, and he said some children have already signed up to use the same cars next time. “I enjoy piddling with stuff and working on

Organizer Marrel Ward ensured each participant received a ribbon

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Cars raced in a variety of shapes and sizes

Chariot Ward won first place in her soapbox built to look like a kayak

19 to 24 miles per hour, with the speed recorded by radar for kids to observe as they crossed the finish line. “A lot of people don’t realize when you’re sitting that close to the ground you’re moving pretty fast. It might not seem that fast, but a small object that low – it’s moving,” said Ward. Ward is hoping the soapbox derby trend will spread. “Hopefully, surrounding cities will pick it up and get involved, and that way you’ll have something going that kids can do pretty regular,” Ward said. This event took place in conjunction with a nonprofit festival that included family-friendly activities, a variety of food, inflatables, music and other vendors, with a turnout of close to 2,000 people. Local businesses pitched in with sponsorships and donations for the event, which helped to keep pricing free or low, so everyone could be involved. “I want to try to keep it as cheap as possible for families. I want to not have a bunch of expenses tied to these things for parents who can’t afford to spend a lot

of money on weekends and on these events. This way all children can still participate,” Ward added. Now that children have their cars built and their enthusiasm high, Ward said, he wants to coordinate more races throughout the year and maybe charge an entry fee to help fund the bigger annual festival. “I was just extremely impressed with the people that got involved and still impressed with the way it’s going. The next one sure could be a large event. I really appreciate everyone’s participation and support,” Ward said.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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MainStreet Revives Vintage Signage STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI, MITCH SNEED & DONALD CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY MITCH SNEED

oday, visitors to Alexander City and residents alike stroll the downtown area and marvel at the restoration of five vintage ads on the brick facades of Main Street shops. The original artwork is more than 100 years old and once advertised the names and wares of leading businesses during Alexander City’s early years. Established as Youngsville in the 1800s, Alexander City and its downtown grew into a flourishing market hub when the railroad came to town. After a devastating fire burned all of downtown in 1902, the town was rebuilt, and thriving local businesses beckoned customers with billboard-sized signs on their exterior brick walls. Years later, when customers began to shun the old-fashioned city center shops in favor of strip-mall convenience on the outlying highway, many merchants installed new storefront facades to compete with the sleek new look of the competition. Vintage charm came back into style in recent years, and the aluminum false fronts – many of which were in disrepair – came down with the assistance of individual donations and a matching fund grant program from the Adelia McConnell Russell Foundation. Beneath those facades, barely visible and almost lost to time, weather damage and natural deterioration, was the original artwork. As one of its 2017 goals in the plan to revitalize downtown, MainStreet Alexander City commissioned the restoration of these ghost murals – including the Chero-Cola, Coca-Cola, Radney Brothers Furniture and Barton’s Wholesale and Retail signage. The vintage signage adds character and the charm of authentic history to the town. In addition to these ads displayed in the downtown historic district, other mural work was started in 2015

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

when the owner of the City Pawn Shop commissioned a mural to celebrate Alexander City’s JazzFest. Local artist Charles Forbus of Sign Source in Dadeville, along with some of his employees, was contracted to do the mural painting and the refurbishing of the painted signs. Forbus said he used old photographs and online resources as guides and was careful to use the exact original paint colors for historical accuracy. “Somebody asked me do I mind doing it,” Forbus said. “Mind? I love it. I’d rather be doing this any day than being stuck inside an office. It’s been fun bringing this thing back to life.”

The first completed mural was the Chero-Cola image on the alleyway behind City Hall, followed by Ross Barton’s Wholesale and Retail on the back of the Carlisle Drugs building. The Radney Brothers Furniture sign on the United Way building was then completed, and work wrapped up with the Coca-Cola murals on Wheeler Street and the United Way building. As MainStreet today guides the downtown area in an expansion of shops and services, the organization also highlights the town’s historic roots and vintage charm through this architectural design project.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

The Chero-Cola Bottling Company began in 1924 with a single employee and a Model-T delivery truck. Originally located between the Alexander City Bank and the Russell Hotel on Jefferson Street, the business later moved to Alabama Street and changed its name to Nehi Bottling Company. This sign faces Alexander City Hall in an alley off Main Street on the building that was once Ross Barton’s Wholesale and Retail. In the mid 1920s, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company established a plant on Calhoun Street in Alexander City. As the operation flourished, it moved to its present location at the corner of Ridge Street and Cherokee Road. The first sign was recovered from the top side of what is now the United Way office building on Main Street. The other sign can be found on Wheeler Street. The old painted ad for Ross Barton’s Wholesale and Retail was given new life by Tim Rape and Ernie Luster of Sign Source. The wholesale store was a business that once occupied a space in downtown Alexander City. The sign can be spotted on the century-old Carlisle’s drugstore. Radney Brothers Furniture store was one of the tallest buildings in old Alexander City. Shelves were stocked with spinning wheels, crank telephones, pump organs, photograph templates and porcelain pitchers. The Radney Furniture sign can be seen on the United Way building.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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ake Martin’s own Alex Graydon received an X Games Gold Medal last year for his daring, innovative wakeboard tricks, resourcefulness of naturally occurring obstacles and handmade hurdles. His inspiring new wakeboard moves were featured in ESPN’s X Games Real Wake all-video contest. Competing against a selection of six professionals from around the world, Graydon won first place as Fan Favorite with 42 percent of the public vote. His 90-second video won over the audience, confirming his talent and style, and highlighting the beauty and recreational opportunities on Lake Martin. “I first picked up a wakeboard when I was 11, and immediately, I was hooked. My father, Rick Graydon, was more than happy to keep me on the water, and after a decade of riding on this lake, I became a professional wakeboarder,” said Graydon, who is originally from Montgomery but spent every summer on Lake Martin as a child. About 90 percent of the submitted video was shot on Lake Martin, with some scenes near Senoia, Georgia, and one at Gulf

Graydon grew up wakeboarding on Lake Martin and knows its intricacies well

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

GRAYDON FOR THE GOLD Lake Martin native conquers ESPN’s X Game all-video wakeboard contest STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

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Shores near Fort Morgan. “It was important to me that we film everything at or near my home. Being that this is where it all started for me, I wanted to shed some light on the beauty of this place and show how perfect it is for riding,” said Graydon. After spending so much time on the lake, Graydon said, he knows it like the back of his hand, and the lake is full of natural areas that were perfect for his unique moves. “When I got the call to be a part of the X Games, I already had mapped out spots on the lake and assessed the risks and logistics of making them possible. Some of the spots I was able to get the shot right away, but others took days on end,” Graydon said. The majority of the video was filmed near Kowaliga or within five minutes of that area. Graydon built kickers into trees and even used Kowaliga Bridge in his closing clip. The move included a flip under the bridge and a slide along one of the caps that connects the concrete piers, which he said had never been done before. “That definitely got the most attention from viewers,” said Graydon. There were no Graydon filmed almost his specific guidelines for entire video within a fivethe 90-second video, minute boat ride of Kowaliga but Graydon knew he wanted to integrate a variety of moves for diversity. His film contained scenes of wakeboarding behind a boat, behind a winch and cable riding through a cable system that he built on local enthusiast Ted Watt’s property last year. Graydon also skateboards, snowboards, surfs and wakeskates, and he said the inspiration for many of his tricks came from what’s been done in other sports. “We really wanted to think outside the box of what’s been done on a wakeboard. Wakeboarding has really been a later board sport, so I wanted to take ideas from other sports that have been around a little longer,” Graydon said.

He called in a lot of favors from a lot of friends to participate as well, from driving the wakeboarding boat or the chase boat to help with building obstacles and courses. Graydon added that Singleton Marine contributed the boats they used to film the whole video and have always been supportive of his projects. With only two months to shoot the video, Graydon and his videographer, Joey Arcisz, worked quickly and collaborated to finish the editing with just two days to spare before deadline. “It was a battle. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Graydon. Arcisz lives in Texas, which is where the two met on a project a couple years back, and he basically moved into Graydon’s Lake Martin home during this two-month period for the project. The pair filmed for a week at a time, taking breaks only when Graydon was too banged up to go on, or Arcisz required a much-needed break to go home to see his family. “We knew we could work together and not kill each other. He’s a great cinematographer, and I wanted to work with someone that had all the right gear and knew how to get the shot we wanted. We used a lot of different cameras,” said Graydon. Graydon typically spends six months of the year working and riding in Alabama, along with teaching lessons. He then takes six months to travel, surf, skate and shoot photos in other countries. The Fan Favorite contest was a winner-take-all battle in which fans watched each of the videos from the six contestants and their videographers and voted on their personal choices. “To even have been chosen for the X Games contest is unreal, but to get a gold medal? That’s something everyone whose ever done an action sport dreams of – to be in the X Games. I’ve won some local contests but nothing that compared to this,” said Graydon.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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Alexander City is home to the Sabal pipeline’s compressor station

n July 2017, natural gas started flowing through the 515-mile Sabal Trail Pipeline from Alexander City to Orlando, Florida. The pipeline delivers 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily and during its construction added some $33 million to the state’s economy, much of it spent right here where the local construction was based. During its construction phase, the pipeline brought jobs to Alexander City and supported retail as contractors shopped and dined here while living in the area from Labor Day 2016 until June 2017. “Sabal Trail’s team was committed to using local vendors and supplies where possible. Some companies benefiting from the work included large and small equipment sales and rentals, fuel, concrete, grading, steel welding, safety, office supplies, restaurants, hotels and other lodgings,” said Andrea Grover, spokesperson for the Sabal Trail Transmission. Other local contributions came in the form of community giving and grant programs, which were established to support the growth and vigor of the communities in which Sabal Trail operates. Scholarship programs were established at $50,000 each for Central Alabama Community College, Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Southern Union State Community College to promote jobs in energy, construction, engineering or other fields supporting energy infrastructure. “Pipelines create immediate jobs, but more importantly, they are the basic infrastructure communities need to recruit large manufacturers and the jobs they bring,” said Grover. The company also donated to many other community establishments in need, including startup funds for the Lake Martin Innovation Center and renovations at the Horseshoe Bend Library, as well as projects at Huguley Elementary, Storybook Farms and others. Food drives, holiday toy drives and sweat equity projects were annual efforts in conjunction with first responder collections, said Grover. Results from an economic impact study performed by Sabal Trail based on construction and operations concluded that 94 jobs were created in Alabama to maintain the work done by Sabal Trail after the pipeline construction was completed. “These are not necessarily 94 full-time Sabal Trails jobs, but they were jobs that were created in any industry needed to support Sabal Trail’s operations,” Grover explained. Five permanent full-time positions were created in Alexander City to maintain the compressor station and

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO COURTESY OF SABAL TRAIL TRANSMISSION

the pipeline operations throughout Alabama’s other three impacted counties. This fundamental infrastructure will absorb $1.1 million in property taxes for Tallapoosa County annually, based on a 12-month period, aiding Alexander City’s 8 percent growth in tax collections last year, Grover said.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Sabal Trail Pipeline Generates Value

The city also received $52,000 from Sabal Trail for the reconstruction and paving of roads that were damaged by large equipment needed for pipeline construction. Planning for the large-scale pipeline venture began more than three years ago. From the clearing and grading phase to the pipe place-

ment and clean up, Sabal Trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extended visit brought exposure, awareness and financial benefits not only to Tallapoosa County, but also Alabama and the Southeast as a whole.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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ALEXANDER CITY 4643 Highway 280 Alexander City, Alabama 35010 Tel: 256-329-7400 DADEVILLE 391 North Broadnax Street Dadeville, Alabama 36853 Tel: 256-215-7300 MILL SQUARE 1154 Lee Street Alexander City, Alabama 35010 Tel: 256-329-7510

Lake Martin hosts Bassmaster Elite Series 2018 opener Community wins high marks for hospitality

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Bass boats line up for the Elite Series launch

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY BETSY ILER, MITCH SNEED, CLIFF WILLIAMS & LIZI ARBOGAST PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & MITCH SNEED

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

rofessional angler Takahiro Omori may think he got the big win at the Bassmaster Elite Series kickoff event at Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin this winter, but it was the area’s welcoming efforts that truly won the day. Omori caught 59 pounds 8 ounces of bass to win $100,000 at the BES season opener here in February. With bright smiles and helpful hands, lake area residents welcomed several thousand visitors for the four-day tournament to contribute to a local payoff that is estimated at more than $1 million, said Ed Collari, president of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event. In addition to the 110 anglers who registered to fish in the tournament, the area hosted 100 staffers from B.A.S.S., the tournament organizer, and a host of crews from ESPN, as well as families and fans of the professionals. “Just Bassmaster and ESPN had 180 room nights at Hampton Inn,” Collari said. “These guys spend about $40 a day eating out or getting food. Then there is the fuel. Their boats hold 60-68 gallons of gas, and they are filling up every day. They use a lot of gas. They are here for five to seven days around the tournament. Then most of these guys were here for about a week in December for practice.” Studies have indicated that the hosting areas for the BES tournaments usually realize more than $1 million in local revenues. “We loved seeing them here,” Good Ole Boys BBQ’s Alesha Hughley said. “We loved seeing the boats.” Hughley said the fishermen were friendly and talkative, sharing information about where they were from and things they did. “One guy said he had his own T.V. show,” Hughley said. But chatting was not the only thing the fishermen and those in

town were doing in town. “We were busy the whole week,” Hughley said. “It was a high volume week. We sold a lot of food.” Another local business that benefited was North Lake Crafted where sisters Stephan Tomlin and Robin Simms created handpressed water-inspired T-shirts, hats and other screen-printed items. The sisters set up at the expo held in conjunction with the tournament weigh-ins on Saturday and Sunday. “It was really good for us,” Tomlin said. “For a small vendor like us, it was great. We need more things like this.” Tomlin said they almost missed out on the expo. “We didn’t realize how big a deal it was,” Tomlin said. “Ed at the chamber helped us out, and we got started a little late with designs. We normally do lake designs, but we came up with some bass designs on shirts and hats and did well.” Shelia Browning manages the MAPCO Store on Highway 280, and she said the tournament traffic produced a spike in sales at the store. “They have been in here all week,” Browning said during the tournament. “They start early, some as early as 3 a.m. They fuel up and pick up things so they can hit the water at daybreak. They are great folks, and we’ve enjoyed having them shop with us.” Collari said some 10,000 spectators in total visited the park over the four-day tournament that featured 110 of the world’s best anglers. The competitors said that kind of turnout only added to the positive vibes they got from being at Lake Martin, Wind Creek and Alexander City. Professional angler Brett Hite of Phoenix, Arizona, arrived in town several days before the tournament and camped at Wind

Alexander City native John Howell (right) marshalled the tournament

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Spectators cheer on their favorite anglers

Creek State Park. “The people here have just been incredible,” Hite said. “We are staying here at Wind Creek in the campground, and the staff and everyone has really gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed. You all are blessed to have a facility like this on such an incredible lake. “I mean, it’s so large, that you can do a lot of different things on the lake and fish a lot of different styles without everyone being on top of each other. It is just beautiful, and we have enjoyed being here. What an incredible place.” Grant, Alabama, competitor JorBig fish weigh-ins dan Lee talked up his Lake Martin were experience as well. recorded “It’s always great coming here,” by ESPN2 Lee said. “It’s just a beautiful place, and the people have been very good to us. I hope to be back here soon.” In addition to working the expo booths and keeping anglers, television crews and B.A.S.S. staff supplied with gasoline, places to sleep and food to eat, locals helped to monitor the tournament rules by acting as marshals for the anglers. Chosen by lottery, marshals were paired with tournament entrants and rode along as witnesses to ensure that the rules were observed.

“There’s a very good reason to do so because you’re out in the middle of a 44,000-acre lake,” said John Howell, of Jacksons Gap, who was a marshal both Thursday and Friday. “There’s a lot you can do to give yourself a competitive advantage, so we were there to make sure the fishermen are abiding by the rules essentially.” Another duty of the marshal is to keep the Basstrakk up to date. The Basstrakk is an app on Bassmaster. com where an unofficial leaderboard is kept. Every time the angler catches a fish, he either estimates or weighs the fish, and the marshal logs it into an app. “That’s really transformed the sport that you just don’t know what’s going on until they come in to a sport from you can actually watch on the computer or on the TV,” Howell said. “(The marshals) are multi-purpose. We make sure the sport is accurately played and make the interaction between the viewers and the anglers more personable.” And for most of the marshals, who are typically novice fishermen, it’s a great way to learn not only about how the pros are doing it, but also about Lake Martin.

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Takahiro Omori caught the winning limit in Lake Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upriver section

The pros mingled while waiting in line backstage for weigh-in

Some 8,000-10,000 visitors joined the fun at the BES Expo

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Alexander City Chamber’s Ed Collari (right) dressed warmly to marshal angler Caleb Sumrall

“I learned a lot about patience,” said K.D. Sizemore, an angler for Auburn University who marshaled the first two days. Howell added, “To me, the biggest benefit was learning techniques and a geographical understanding of what the fish are doing, particularly this time of year, on my lake, somewhere that I can go and I’m readily on all the time.” Collari also got the chance to be a marshal. “It was an experience,” Collari said. “It was my first time going across the lake at about 73 miles per hour with no seatbelt on in 35-degree weather. It was a great way to start the day. I was with Caleb Sumrall (Thursday), and it was his first time on the Elite Series too. He was just as nice as could be.” Wind Creek State Park put on its best for the event, as park personnel spent two months painting buildings, cleaning up brush and manicuring the grounds to get ready for the tournament. New signage was installed, and the park rolled out decorations at its entrance. Some 30 of the competitors stayed at Wind Creek’s campground, and park personnel estimated that 10,000 people passed through the park over the weekend. “Things went well,” Wind Creek’s Alex Mason said. “We had double the number of campers we normally have.” “We were worried about the weather, but it was a good turnout,” Tomlin said. “We thanked everyone we saw for coming here.” Collari said the positive comments were great news. Lake Martin and Alexander City were mentioned in stories and other media 3,261 times, according to a Google search, and more exposure is expected to follow. While actual dollars spent can’t be figured for the week of the tournament, it would be even harder to determine what effect the tournament could have down the road, but Collari said it can only be good. “We are lucky that it is the first stop for the tour this year,” Collari said. “We will be the first on ESPN, and with all the push B.A.S.S. had on social media, I see more people coming to visit the area. It all speaks well of our community. “The Central Alabama Community College fishing team, under 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Some anglers brought their families, who watched the weigh-in with rapt attention

the direction of Brett Pritchard, turned out to help every day. You know, they are really familiar with what the anglers might need and could anticipate ways to help. And of course, the Bassmasters group does a really good job. They are phenomenal to work with.” Collari offered special praise to WCSP superintendent Bruce Adams and the staff at the state park. “Bruce Adams and his staff were probably the most instrumental in the local success of the tournament. Every time we have worked with them – and we do frequently – they are so accommodating, so helpful and so quick to respond to every question. The most common remark we heard from anglers was how wonderful the staff at Wind Creek was, how clean the park was and how accommodating they were. They go out of their way to help, and I’m not sure the community knows how much they do or really appreciates them. They get 242,000 visitors through their gates every year, and they are the face of our community to those visitors. I am very appreciative to have them in our backyard,” he said. “I have to give the mayor and city council a lot of credit. The fee to host the tournament was $85,000. That’s a substantial amount, and I am grateful they had the foresight to recognize what the tournament could bring to Alexander City,” he added. Collari said it was about a year ago that he received a request for proposal to host the tournament, and he was ecstatic for the opportunity. “I think the Elite Series folks had seen what was happening in other tournaments here, how they were increasing over the years. They caught wind of that and gave us the opportunity. Numerous communities bid on hosting this event, and for us to get it was big. It was a big win for the community as a whole.”

Lots of big fish were seen when anglers returned to the park each afternoon

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Senior Hunter Chappell pulls the low-winged Piper Warrior out of the hangar

Lyman Ward Soars to New Heights

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & AMY PASSARETTI

onprofit Lyman Ward Military Academy has taken a new approach to education through the creation of an aviation studies program. This 100-student military prep school in Camp Hill prides itself on teaching young men not just education, but also life skills, leadership and how to create a path for the future. With help from Commandant of Cadets Lt. Col. Joel Burdette; Sgt. Jake Norotsky (aka Sgt. Sky); and LWMA President Lt. Col. Jared Norrell, the creation of a unique career path opens new doors for students at the academy. “What we’re starting here and doing today is setting the tone for these students to live at a higher level of maturity. In a plane, you’re required to become a problem solver, and it gets your mind out of where you were and where you came from and pushes students to look toward the future,” said Norotsky, director of aviation studies. The 2017 fall semester was the pilot program for this curriculum, and enthusiasm for participation is growing throughout campus. The program is broken into two categories of study: manned and unmanned flight. The unmanned classes focus on drone flight, and a student’s ultimate goal is to obtain a Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration to legally operate the technology commercially. Currently, 10 students have enrolled in the program and are learning to fly drones at an amateur level. “It’s more than just flying drones. Students will learn aerodynamics, economics and the uses of this technology, including photography, bridge building, observation and more,” said Norotsky.

The manned aviation course educates students on technique, terminology, method and theory of physically flying an aircraft. Each student on this path will graduate with a private pilot license after passing the required exams. Due to the expense associated with aviation – nearly $10,000 per student – and the trial setting of the program, there are only three students enrolled in the manned portion for now, but they will be the pacesetters for future scholars. “It’s amazing for a 17-year-old to be on that path and have the ability to fly solo with a potential career of this in their future. This program can really open students up to different aviation possibilities. We attract people looking to attain that next level in life,” said Norotsky, who is currently enrolled at Auburn University as a full-time aviation student. While there is technically no age limit to enroll in the course, requirements for acceptance are based on grade level, discipline and a student’s background from the school. Also, Norotsky said he encourages students to wait until they are 16 to apply, so there is not a wide gap of time between learning ground course studies and taking a test flight to achieve the license. A student must be 17 years old to obtain a private pilot’s license. “This additional experience teaches these boys to balance the beginning of a career field with their normal academics and other daily tasks. It’s the ultimate teaching aid,” Norotsky explained. Lyman Ward works closely with the Alexander City airport for in-flight lessons with Commander Regina Brown at Brown Aero Technologies or Instructor Eddie Daly two days a week for two hours at a time. The students practice flying with low-winged Piper Warriors, which tend to be slightly less stable and contain different characteristics than high-winged aircraft. Cadets Hunter Chappell, Jack Graham and Sam Roberto –

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Jack Graham and Hunter Chappell were the first cadets to fly in the program

also known as Ranger 01, Ranger 02 and Ranger 03 – have embraced the opportunity of hands-on airtime and are beyond excited at this new opportunity. “I like the mental and physical challenge that this program brings. The first time you fly, you start out thinking, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’ and when you start the engine it all just kind of comes to you. I was a little nervous, but mostly enthusiastic,” said Graham, who is enrolled in both manned and unmanned courses. Future pilots first embark on a discovery flight with an instructor to gauge interest in the program. “They get to listen with the headsets on and participate in the flight. It’s all sensory-oriented. The eyes, ears, hands and feet are involved, and it really whets their appetite to see if this is something they want to do. And as you can see – these guys are hooked,” said Burdette. Roberto is the newest member to be accepted to the program and said his interest for aviation has been lifelong, as his father is a pilot and travels often, which appeals to Roberto. Chappell is a senior cadet who will graduate in May and plans to use the Certified instructor Eddie Daly (right) walks through the inspection process with Roberto before flying

Sam Roberto prepares to take his very first flight as the newest student in the aviation program

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program as a second career opportunity upon his retirement from Ground instructors are experienced aviation professionals that the military. spread their knowledge and provide an example of where students “This school really helps you find yourself if you don’t know could be down the road. what you want. I know I have teachers that care for me and where With the shortage of pilots across the nation, the likelihood of I go, and my GPA students to follow has gone way up. this training into We are truly leada career path and ing by example move into comand putting in mercial flying is inthe hard work,” creased. Norotsky said Chappell, said six students who only joined are currently LWMA for his enrolled for next senior year of high year’s curriculum school. at LWMA. The The aviahope is to keep ention classroom rollment to about is equipped with 10-15 for cussuitable décor; tomization of the Jake Norotsky, Sam Roberto, Hunter Chappell, Jack Graham and Joel Burdette with the snacks to keep learning experimemorial flag in the aviation classroom students’ energy ence through small up based on the classroom sizes, late-in-the-day said Norotsky. start time; and a memorial flag from a late helicopter mechanic “Programs like this help shatter the misconception of military that served in the military with Norotsky. academies. These are young men of character, and we’re building “This very flag has been to Iraq, Korea, Germany – anywhere spheres of influence. We hope to catapult these cadets into sucBlack Hawks have flown – so it’s fitting to bring it here. It helps cessful careers. They already know who they are, but we’re helping to understand the gravity of what we’re doing and encourages us them figure out what they want to be,” said Burdette. to move ahead by looking back,” Norotsky said. After an hour-long ground preparation, Roberto takes flight at the Alexander City Airport

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

A Step Toward Blue Zones Nationwide organization assesses Alexander City as potential project community STORY BY BETSY ILER

hen PATH President Ella MacFiggen learned that Blue Zones Project was making a substantial difference in health and longevity for communities across the country, she took a dream to the Prosperity Again Thru Health board. Last year, that dream moved closer to reality when Blue Zones Project visited Alexander City to assess area practices and priorities. Nationally headlined as the science of living longer, Blue Zones Project prescribes strategic planning for healthful living initiatives that have helped townspeople in Project communities quit smoking, lose weight, develop regular exercise plans, reduce healthcare costs and increase worker productivity. Such communities attract residents who want to live longer, healthier lives; they also attract the businesses that support those healthful initiatives, MacFiggen said. “This can be a really great thing for Alexander City,” she said. “We would be the first Blue Zones Project community in

Alabama.” Last year, PATH raised $25,000 to bring Blue Zones Project to the area for a site visit. From Nov. 13 to 15, Project researchers met with government officials, business and civic leaders and area residents to evaluate the community’s commitment, motivation and readiness to implement a Blue Zones Project plan in Alexander City and the Lake Martin area. During its visit, the Project team established goals for the pending partnership, including a 5 percent decrease in Medicaid claims; a 10 percent increase in exercise programs; a 5 percent increase in fresh food consumption; and a 20 percent increase in volunteerism. The site visit report pointed out the area’s strengths, including a growing interest in healthy living options among the local population, and identified challenges and opportunities, such as a shortage of walkability options and involvement of faith-based communities. The published report also outlined steps that would need to be taken to demonstrate community readiness for designation as a Blue Zones Project community. To view the full report, visit www.pathlakemartin.com.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Sidewalks and signage enhance Sportplex

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY AMY PASSARETTI , MITCH SNEED & DONALD CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER & CLIFF WILLIAMS

New sidewalks at the Sportplex provide safety for its many visitors

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

early a mile of brand new sidewalks, upgrades to the ball fields and the designation of a birding trail site now welcome visitors to the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, which wears multiple hats in the local community and welcomes thousands of guests, from walkers and joggers to sports spectators, picnickers, music lovers and more. Alexander City Parks and Rec Director Sonny Wilson said the most common complaint he used to hear from area residents was that there were no sidewalks. As a safety concern, the walkways had been on Wilson’s wish list for years, but funding wasn’t available for the project. Through collaboration with Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors, his wish finally came true in the form of 5,700 feet of concrete sidewalks that meander along Sportplex Boulevard and up to playing fields that now sport new grass, as well as upgraded fencing and restrooms. “We are so blessed to have a facility like the Sportplex, but it really was a safety issue,” said Wilson. “We not only have all the walkers, but with the games and festivals, we had no choice but to have people walking in the streets. In talking with Mayor Nabors, he said he had heard it too. People are now coming up and thanking me, and that really means a lot.” The city council agreed Bird trail signage provides to finance the project and park visitors details about Alexander City’s Henderson species found in the area and Coker was contracted for the job. The sidewalks are 5 feet wide with ample room for two walkers to pass one another, or for a wheelchair to come through. It’s also wide enough for maintenance vehicles, such as golf carts and ATVs. The paths don’t just follow the roadside; they take a path through the wooded areas where walkers can enjoy a mix of sun and shade, said Wilson. The lanes are almost a mile long from the entrance of the park at

Highway 22 to the entrance on Elkahatchee Road. “Sidewalks make a good park better, are an asset to residents and help make it more attractive to bring tournaments to the area,” said Nabors. Nearly two months before the sidewalks were completed, new bird trail signage was installed next to the parking lot between the gymnasium and the Imagination Station playground. “This signage gives visitors more information about the birds they might see while they’re walking. Having this sign includes Alexander City and the Sportplex in the birding trail system,” said Joanne Ninesling, project manager for the Alabama Birding Trails’ Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail division. Twenty different kinds of birds are listed on the new sign, showcasing the species that occupy this area, whether year-round or seasonally. The sign was funded by the Tallapoosa County Commissioners and adds Alexander City to the list of 34 locations in the Piedmont Plateau region. In addition to sporting events, the Sportplex hosts city-wide festivals and music events, including last year’s inaugural Blues in the Park concert, which was attended by more than 1,000 people who set up tents with food and coolers at the free concert in the park. This new event joins a long list of community events at the Sportplex – Oktoberfest, Christmas in the Park and the Kiwanis Club Fair. All of these events now will be safer for attendants with the addition of the sidewalks, Wilson said. And on the horizon, he added, there is an effort to construct a miracle field that would provide handicap athletic opportunities for those with special needs. “Many drive to Oxford or Sylacauga for these opportunities, but this would add Alexander City as a challenger league for area residents.”

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

A Candid Approach Jeffrey Harte informs residents of changes during construction on Lee and Washington streets

All four lanes of Lee Street were repaired and repaved last year

uring the reconstruction of Alexander City’s Lee and Washington streets last year, Jeffrey Harte took a novel approach to lighten the mood of local travelers. Gary Ingram Paving and Grading was contracted to rebuild Lee Street from U.S. Highway 280 to 5th Way and resurface Washington Street from 5th Way through town. As safety director, Harte was responsible for keeping drivers aware of the upcoming changes, and he did so with candid messages on electronic billboards. “Hello Alex City. Roadwork Begins Soon; on Lee St

& Wash St,” was the first attention-grabbing message in place before the work began. “We wanted to let people know we were getting ready to start the construction and give them the opportunity to think about alternate routes and being prepared for some changes in the area,” Harte said. “The idea was to get their attention, and I just thought, before the job got started, we could have a little fun.” Every few days, Harte changed up the message and added a little ~Jeffrey Harte humor to drivers’ commutes with rhymes and light-hearted cautions. “I just wanted people to look, and they don’t look if it’s the same old thing. People ignore signs all the time,”

“The idea was to get their attention ... and I just thought, we could have a little fun.”

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Jeffrey Harte posted encouraging messages before construction began

Safety Director Jeffrey Harte used electronic billboards to capture drivers’ attentions

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI, BETSY ILER & MITCH SNEED PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER & KENNETH BOONE

Harte said. “Any time you make that big of a change to the traffic patterns, you have to do it in stages to help people get used to it.” Construction began by removing striping and rerouting traffic on Lee Street. Ingram Paving demolished and reconstructed four lanes of the street, closing two at a time, so traffic continued to flow. Some pavement was not in bad shape and only had to be filled with a shallow base, while other places needed close to an 18-inch dig to properly repair the road. Washington Street was paved from city limits to the rail crossing near the Russell Corporation headquarters building. It also was painted in a new configuration with a dedicated turn lane, and both streets were finished with high-density thermoplastic road markings once paving was complete. The work was funded through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program. 2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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Greener Pastures Cleanup at Fruit of the Loom complex clears the way for progress

A grassy field awaits future development after (insets) demolition, debris removal and clearing of a 17-acre industrial site at Lee Street and Central Boulevard

STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;BY BETSY ILER & MITCH SNEED PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER, MITCH SNEED & CLIFF WILLIAMS

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

green meadow at the corner of Lee Street and Central Boulevard could be the most prominent example of recent progress made in Alexander City. Due to landfill, permitting and Alabama Department of Environmental Management hiccups – as well as price and demand fluctuations for salvageable materials – the demolition and cleanup on the 17-acre plot that once housed a large portion of the former Russell Brands industrial complex stalled out. This time last year, the lot on one of the city’s most travelled thoroughfares was often likened to a war zone with characteristic bombed-out buildings and weedy overgrowth. Half demolished buildings stood with interiors exposed to the elements, and nearby residents complained of coyotes, rats and other vermin. Workers had all but abandoned the site, as a bureaucratic gridlock seemed to hold the area hostage. The eyesore left visitors with a sad impression of this fine city, and it proved a formidable obstacle to attracting new business and industry to the area. City Councilman Scott Hardy said the stalled-out cleanup had lingered for so long that some had almost given up hope. “We all agree that if we

want to put our best foot forward and attract people and recruit business, the state of that property has to be addressed,” Hardy said when he took office in the precinct last year. “But it’s almost like it has been like that for so long, that people who live here are used to it. But for a newcomer, imagine what they think. That’s why it is so important.” When Alexander City’s Mayor Jim Nabors and the new city council were installed last winter, cleanup at the site was priority one. They took action to overcome the slow-down and put in place incentives that moved the project along. The measures included ordinal amendments that gave the city power to levy consequences; and then, the city made a purchase offer for the property – one that tied time and condition limits to the exchange. The city agreed to purchase 17 acres for $250,000, including in the offer the stipulation that the property must be completely cleared and all debris removed prior to closing. “We gave them 250,000 reasons to get it done quickly,” Nabors said. Mayor Nabors said the plan offered a way to clear the lot quickly in spite of the intermediate issues. “I can’t tell you how many meetings and calls we’ve had on that property, from cleanup to the possible purchase. There is no immediate plan, but we would feel better if the city controlled that property so we could have a say about what happens there,” Mayor Nabors explained last August. Suddenly, equipment showed up on the site, and workmen daily made noticeable progress. The debris was moved into a basin inside the complex, where it will not hinder sightlines and visitors’ impressions while its complete disposable continues. By October, the lot that had stood as a barricade to progress had been cleared. With the demolition and cleanup finished on time, the sale was completed, and the property passed into the hands of the city. Most recently, utility lines at the site have been cleared, and the property has been declared ready for development. The former war zone is an open field that whispers – no, shouts in celebration – of good things to come.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Clean Water Awareness STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & CLIFF WILLIAMS PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

iddle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership teamed up with local officials and organizations this year to launch two new programs aimed at keeping local water sources safer. The medication disposal and storm drain decoration programs offer visual cues as reminders to help protect water supplies. In 2013, the first drug take-back event was coordinated between the MTCWP, the Tallapoosa CounCACC students paint wildlife ty’s Sheriff’s office, on storm drains to educate Tallapoosa County those who see them Narcotics Force and the Alexander City Police Department. A great success that received positive feedback from residents, Drug Take-Back Days became a regular occurrence. “We’ve been doing this for a number of years, and the response is always good,” said Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett. “It’s been a great tool to get these drugs disposed of properly.” Last year, permanent receptacles were installed at three locations in Alexander City for readily available proper disposal of expired, unwanted prescription medications. The program not only helps to prevent theft, said Abbett, but also it helps protect the water supply from contamination. The disposable boxes are located at Hometown Pharmacy in Alexander City, the Tallapoosa County Courthouse Annex and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office location is open 24 hours, seven days a week. “We’ve had great success with this program. To continue seeing how many pounds of medication are dropped off at events proves the need is there,” said Sabrina Wood, MTCWP coordinator. When the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study in 1999, they found that wastewater treatment plants were not always able to filter out flushed medications, as many of these are not water soluble and do not breakdown in the water treatment

process. So drugs ended up in natural water supplies and caused adverse effects in wildlife. “There’s no way to measure exact impact those medicines would have had and exactly how much this helps, but I hope this means awareness will continue to grow. Every pound we collect matters; really, every pill matters,” said Wood. Raising awareness about contamination of local water supplies was brought to the community’s attention in another form, as well. The MTCWP partnered with MainStreet Alexander City to install storm drain decal markers throughout downtown Alexander City as a reminder that only storm water should go through them. Other products, such as grease, oil and trash, could create environmental problems. “Only rain should be in the drain,” said Wood. “This project is designed to bring awareness to our storm drains and the fact that this water going through those drains flows untreated to creeks that eventually flow into Lake Martin.” Wood also implemented a drain-marking project at Central Alabama Community College with the hopes of reaching young adults with the message. CACC ambassadors decorated drains throughout campus, which Wood hoped would educate the students on how to help storm drains work more effectively. The first phase had students painting three drains with ducks, turtles and bass – all wildlife near the pond on the CACC campus. “Our hope is that as students and visitors walk around campus, they will notice the beautiful paintings and the important messages, such as ‘only rain in the drain,’ ‘keep it clean’ and ‘a clean pond starts here.’ Many people don’t realize that rainwater washes everything into these storm drains, including unwanted litter from parking lots,” said Wood. “We plan on painting other storm drains throughout the year. The more we complete, the more likely people are to realize its importance.”

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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Wellborn Industries Scores Big Custom letters crafted for new Atlanta Falcons stadium STORY BY MITCH SNEED & BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY MITCH SNEED & COURTESY OF DAVID BELL

he television crew panned across it several times during the recent College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons. And each time they showed it, they made Tallapoosa County proud because that ‘FALCONS’ sign – constructed of 6-foot tall letters – was made right here. Wellborn Industries in Jackson’s Gap fashioned the precision-cut flight style letters in its local workshop after Staging and Sroduction Executive David Bell approached Curtis Wellborn with the project. “It was really fun to see it all come together,” Wellborn said. “We always feel like we do some pretty interesting stuff, but on this, you could just see the excitement in everyone when it came time to work on them. They really

took a lot of pride in them, and I think it shows in how they turned out.” “We’ve done a lot of work with the Falcons and Atlanta United in the past, and with the opening of the new stadium, the team really wanted to go all out,” said Bell, who works with Atlanta-based Orchestrate Build. “Orchestrate is in Atlanta, but I have a place on Lake Martin. So I was aware of Wellborn already, and through a friend, I was able to get with them and tell them a little about what we were wanting to do. “They were excited about the opportunity, and being familiar with their work, I had no doubt that we would get incredible, quality work. They really turned out great and look good at the stadium.” When Curtis, Stacy and Jarod Wellborn were approached about the project, it didn’t take them long to

The Falcons letters at MercedesBenz Stadium in Atlanta were fashioned in Jacksons Gap

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

jump at the opportunity. were going to be seen by so many people in a new stadium, “I was like, ‘heck yeah,’” Jarod said. “You can look that is really something they got excited about,” she said. around here and see that we like doing the unusual and the Jarod said while the straight-line edge design of the Falcustom stuff. But to get a chance to cons lettering was fairly simple, the combine football, which is another massive GT logo for Georgia Tech, one of our loves, and our love of another part of the project, was a creating interesting things with challenge. The interlocking letwood, that was just a perfect opporters featured a ‘G’ that is oval with tunity for us.” sharp curves. It took quite some The work started with a statetime to figure out how to make that of-the art computer design that happen without leaving seams. was projected to make a pattern “That one was a real booger,” for each one of the super-sized Jarod said. “But we worked and letters. Then, the materials were worked with it using several differcarefully selected to make sure the ent layers and pieces and basically letters would be of the best qualbeat the wood into submission. It ity and would be durable, yet not really turned out well. I’m pretty too heavy, as they would need to proud of that one.” be moved for various occasions While there is no plan to abanaround the stadium. don traditional products for wooden The wood for the frames was logos, Jarod said he would love to precision cut, sanded and assemdo more creating of designs for colbled. Special high-density waferleges and professional teams. thin plywood was used to create “I’d love to do some stuff for the outside of the letters. A team of Auburn or Alabama or any of the Several coats of Falcons finishers then applied sealers and SEC or ACC teams,” Jarod said. “It red paint were applied to multiple coats of Falcons red paint was really a lot of fun. We’re even the custom letters and mounted the letters on bases to looking at different ways to do it make sure they would hold up in a and other materials we could use variety of conditions. to make them pop even more. I’m kind of looking forward Nearly everyone in the plant played a part in building to seeing them on display myself. It will be kind of nice to and finishing the letters, Stacy said. look at them and say, ‘we did that.’” “When it came time for them to go to a different department, you could almost see a gleam in their eyes. It’s something different and fun for sure, but knowing that they

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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LOCAL PEOPLE

John Kendrick Local cotton farmer returns to his roots one last time STORY BY MITCH SNEED & AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY MITCH SNEED

armer John Kendrick is traditional in nature, and get to it. So I told my wife Judy, and she said ‘well, lifestyle and work methods. Handpicking cotton go right ahead.’” on his 1.4-acre farm between Alexander City and Current cotton farming methods include automated Hackneyville, Kendrick enjoys the art of cotton farming tractors that break up the ground and plant the seeds, and the resulting product more than the moneymaking while mechanical cotton pickers do the harvesting. aspect of the industry. Kendrick decided to employ his old-school methods, While it had been more than three decades since which include a mule named Joe pulling a plow and his Kendrick last planted cotton, his pride and nostalgia own weathered hands hoeing the land and picking the motivated him last year to produce one last batch. After thick, white bolls from the plants. weeks of harvesting by hand, Kendrick brought his final “I know there ain’t many people who do it that way, crop collection to the gin at the end of the season. but I have been a doing it all my life,” Kendrick said. “To me, cotton is the most beautiful plant there is “I love to plow a mule. To lay the rows off and cultivate growing, and I never did get it out of my system. So it – that was all just me and Joe. I know there are faster I went on and done it, and I went to the gin one last ways, but I don’t think any other way would make cottime,” said Kendrick. ton any prettier than what you see right here.” For more than 50 years, Kendrick has been farming on hilly land off Highway 63 where his hand-built farmhouse sits as a reproduction of the one in which he grew up. Kendrick was raised in Chambers County, and his current house includes a wood cook stove, rock fireplace, cardboard insulation and a cane-backed rocker on the front porch – all replicated from his childhood memories. “I was raised up on a cotton farm, and I just turned 76 years old. So I said I want to plant cotton one more time,” KendKendrick hand-picked rick said. “My health probably nearly 1,200 pounds of won’t let me do it again, so I cotton from his farm figured why not just go ahead

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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With a few occasional helping hands, Kendrick picked the majority of the cotton by himself and ended up with nearly 1,200 pounds. The resulting product is a better grade and less torn up than machine work, said Kendrick, but it takes a whole lot more time. “It’s a slow-go process,” he added. When he first transported some handpicked cotton to the gin in 1985, the workers were impressed by his ambition. Kendrick said they hadn’t seen handpicked cotton in almost 10 years. “That was 32 years ago, so I don’t know what they’ll say when I bring this one in. I just remember at that time, him taking cotton in to the office there at the gin and telling the folks in there, ‘Now, this is what cotton is supposed to look like.’” A bale of cotton is worth a little more than 70 cents a pound, and Kendrick’s 1,200 pounds could potentially produce any number of items, including 450 pairs of jeans; 510 bed sheets; 628,000 $100 bills; 1,400 bath towels; or 2,510 T-shirts, according to information from the Alabama Cotton Producers. “Oh no, I didn’t do this for the money,” Kendrick said. “I just wanted to see it grow one last time. Nobody who does this is going to get rich, especially this little dab I do. It’s just something that’s inside you that you can never get out.”

Tallapoosa County

Board of Education

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Residents are signaled if there are any incoming devastating storms

County activates new warning system

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CLIFF WILLIAMS

he new alert system pushed out six tornado warnings and 17 severe thunderstorm warnings since it went online last April, said Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran. “People who were directly in the path of whatever was coming got these warnings on their cell phones if they had registered on our website or called us to sign up,” Moran said, “and it didn’t cost them anything.” The county EMA office introduced the mass notification system to help keep residents safe and informed with reliable notifications during emergencies and other events. By signing up online at www.tallaco. com, residents can receive the alerts via text message or call to a mobile phone, a landline telephone or an email address. “The warnings go out without human hands, and that saves time,” Moran explained. “We have no equipment in our office. The National Weather Service sends out the warning through the phone system, so as long as the phone system is working, the alert system will work every time.

There is no equipment to get hit by lightning; nobody has to come to the office and push a button. It is one of the most dependable ways for us to notify people.” Some 1,375 people have already signed up on the internet, and others have called the EMA office to register mobile devices to receive the notifications, he said. The county’s 12,000 landline telephone numbers were programmed into the system when it was implemented. “We had some adjustments to make when it first came in, but the feedback has been positive,” Moran said. Implementation of the warning system took a little over a year, but now that it is up and running, it’s working well and is a reliable option for receiving weather warnings. Users can set up their own accounts online and manage the alerts they get and how they get them. To sign up, go to www.tallaco.com, click the ‘Departments’ tab and select ‘EMA.’ Then, click on ‘Tallapoosa Alert.’ EMA Director Jason Moran

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

A Leap Toward Success Kelly Adams pitches her business proposal to four industry judges

Innovation Center entrepreneurs present at local start-up competition

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

he Lake Martin Innovation Center opened its doors last year founded on persistent dedication and a strong belief in our community. The chamber’s new home doubles as a business incubator and houses new companies and start-ups, as well as provides space for startup businesses. Two of those entrepreneurial establishments that call this new building home competed in the Alabama Launchpad Auburn Regional Startup Competition. Beyond Home Care and JC Golf Info were among nearly a dozen companies that pitched for the opportunity to win $100,000 in funds for their businesses. Beyond Home Care, an in-home care service founded by Kelly Adams, was one of six teams to advance to the semifinal round. The next step will cut the field to four businesses before the final winner is named on April 4. Teams consisted of companies based in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties, and each had 10 minutes to pitch a proposal to four industry-professional judges. “It’s very validating,” Adams said. “It’s one thing for you to believe in your business and see the vision, but it’s entirely different for someone else to see it, especially with the caliber of judges at this event. The competitors were all so well prepared, and their concepts were so innovative and unique. Just to be among the finalists for the next round is an honor.” The first round included submission of an application, a three-minute video, financial projections, a résume and cus-

tomer testimonials. The second phase required a live 10-minute pitch followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer period from the judges. JC Golf Info is a joint venture between Innovation Centerbased WisePoint LLC and Dave Jennings, the men’s head golf coach at Central Alabama Community College. This soon-tobe-released social networking tool is designed to connect and educate those involved in junior college golf. Though JC Golf Info did not advance in the competition, WisePoint’s Jeff Kirk and his partners plan to learn from the opportunity and continue forward. “The LaunchPad competition was a great experience. We had just started the concept phase of JC Golf Info, so when we learned about the competition, this kicked up our planning. It forced us to solidify concepts quickly and verify all of our research. After hearing the judges’ feedback, we felt even more confident,” said Kirk, who added that the team intends to go live with the product at the end of the year. The Lake Martin Innovation Center is a partnership between the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and USAmeriBank. The 17,000-square-foot facility, located at 175 Aliant Pkwy. just off U.S. Highway 280, is home to the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce and features office suites for new and/or growing small businesses, in addition to co-working memberships. To learn more, visit www.lakemartininnovationcenter.com or call 256-234-3461 to schedule a visit.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Dadeville resident initiates beautification of Keebler Park STORYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;& PHOTO BY BETSY ILER

A bed of daffodils was placed near the hillside to hold back soil and filter rainwater run-off

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

he subtle changes are adding up, and with spring just around the corner, visitors to Dadeville’s Keebler Park will find it lovelier than it has been in several years. The effort to create a hands-on outdoor classroom on the acreage below the Creation Plantation playground includes city government, local schools, Lake Martin Resource Association volunteers, Master Gardeners and local businesses. The property was designated as a park 20 years ago but in recent years has been neglected. The redesign project was inspired by Dadeville resident Dianna Porter. A Master Gardener with a passion for the environment, Porter garnered support from local school officials and the Dadeville City Council before launching a revamp project that will take five to 10 years to complete. When it is finished, the upgrades will include a thriving rain garden, a fern glen, interpretive signage along the existing paved 1/2-mile walking loop, a designated classroom area, upgrades to the parking area and maybe even a fairy garden, just for fun, Porter said. While work began on the upgrades last fall, the park is drawing interest as warm temperatures, blue skies and early spring blooms attract visitors. New plantings at the rain garden are among the most noticeable changes. “We wanted to stop the drainage on the hillside at the park entrance,” Porter said. “A rain garden there was a great solution.” Some 30 local students attended a rain garden workshop in Auburn and returned with ideas about how to structure the garden and what to plant. A berm was built about halfway down the hillside to slow the flow of run-off, and plants were added. “We put in some rose companion, which looks a lot like lamb’s ear, but this is an heirloom variety. It came from a plant that an 82-yearold woman was given by her grandmother, so this plant has been growing in this area for almost a hundred years. We also put in two lantanas from this same woman’s garden. Those are about 50 years old,” she said. “We will be adding more plants to the rain garden, so if anyone has any ideas of native plants that they would like to see there, they can call me.” The garden area also includes black-eyed Susans, which were left to seed after blooming last summer and fall. “It’s always nice to leave the seed heads over the winter. The birds eat them, and the wind scatters the seeds around the garden, so you never know where they are going to come up again the next year. They float around the garden that way,” Porter explained. In addition, a bed of daffodils was put in near the bottom of the hillside to hold back the soil and filter rainwater run-off before it reaches the forest floor where plans are to install a fern glen. “We’ll add more daffodils next year in the same area, and the fern glen will be going in soon,” Porter said. “We’re also planning to overseed the rain garden area with wildflowers.” Students at Edward Bell Technology Center built posts for the new signage, and Porter said identification signs for the interpretive trail would be installed by the end of April. And along the 1/2-mile walking trail, trees have been limbed to open the canopy and allow better visibility. To call attention to the park’s on-going facelift and new purpose as an outdoor classroom, the city will host a celebration this spring. To speak with Porter about the garden, call her at 256-750-0075.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Sharing Christmas Spirit STORY BY CLIFF WILLIAMS & AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

olidays are a time for giving back and spreading joy. One local family in particular embraced this philosophy whole-heartedly and ensured that all children who entered Koons III Convenience store were given a gift during the Christmas season. Harsh Shah’s extended family has a long tradition of charity work in India, and Shah wanted to incorporate those ideals into his own hometown here. “My family manages senior housing and handicap schools, so they are always doing something to give back. We wanted to start doing it here,” said Shah, who began this ritual when his family opened the store on Jefferson Street three years ago. Shah’s wife, Alicia, is equally as personally affected by this heartfelt gesture, as she recalls living off Salvation Army items when she was younger. “People were always giving us toys when we were younger, so this is my way of giving back,” said Alicia.

3-year-old Landon-Nihal (right) gave a Christmas present to every child that came in Koons III

Even their 3-year-old son is learning the importance of community work at a young age. Every child under the age of 15 that entered Koons was given a wrapped present by Landon-Nihal. “He already knows how to share. When he gets something, he starts to let others use it. When he gets candy, he eats some and shares the rest,” said Shah, explaining the ideals he has instilled in his son. The process of planning a list, purchasing gifts and wrapping each one individually takes weeks for the family, but the time is well spent. Last year, the family gifted 150 toys to children at a local church that did not have enough. “I can’t have a kid not get a present. We made sure to pick up more this year,” said Alicia. The Shahs also participate in a back-to-school project, distributing 50 to 60 backpacks filled with school supplies and donating bicycles for a community bike giveaway. “Anything we can do for the community is great,” said Shah.

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI & CLIFF WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

ind Creek State Park rolled out two new adventures last year to draw recreational visitors and offer a more exciting experience to the lake area. The largest stateowned campground in Alabama, WCSP already hosts thousands of visitors and hosts fishing tournaments all year long, but with the installation of a youth-focused archery range and a set of canopy zip line tours, park officials hope to increase day use at the park as well. The 50-target archery park was built with donations, funding from the Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and a collaborative effort between the Tallapoosa County Extension office and WCSP. It makes Wind Creek the 13th facility in the Alabama State Parks system to offer the amenity. “What a pleasure it is to be a part of something like this. It really shows what we are all about. Whenever we can partner to bring a new recreational feature to a park it’s really an exciting thing, and this is one of the most impressive of all we have here in the state,” said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks director. Shane Harris, TCE coordinator, saw the opportunity to expand services offered at the 4-H level, which educates children ages 9-18 about subjects ranging from traditional agriculture to robotics, natural resources and the arts. “We decided the need was there to put in an archery park and offer some of these programs. Wind Creek Superintendent Bruce Adams and others at the state level were open to the idea, so we got the ball rolling. We saw the opportunity to expand attractions at Wind Creek, and we didn’t have anything like this in our vicinity,” said Harris. Harris and other volunteers were trained in an archery program to offer instruction to children; although, the range is also open to adults. The course is set up with targets at 5-yard increments. “We’ve gotten some great feedback. A lot of people are really excited to see this happen. It’s something for the whole community to utilize, especially for those either working on their current skills or for future bow hunters to start practicing,” said Harris. The goal for the extension office is to offer archery clubs, programs and

maybe a team in the coming year. For those under 16 years old or over age 65, the archery facility is free to use. Any visitor between the ages of 16 and 64 must obtain a hunting license, Wildlife Management license or Wildlife Heritage license to use the range. Wind Creek has found another way to take advantage of its beautiful scenery and expansive lake views by offering canopy zip line tours. The one- to twohour Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Park features 10 zip lines and five skywalks, with heights ranging from 20 to 70 feet off the ground and spanning a distance of 250 to 600 feet. There was a soft opening in the fall to increase enthusiasm about this new attraction, and it will be open full-time starting this month. The cost for one person is $59, and reservations may be made online. One or two trained staff members will accompany each of the scheduled tours. As a subsidiary of Historic Banning Mills (a 501(c) (3) conservation center), the zip line feature is a combined effort with Alabama State Parks and American Adventure Park Systems. For a full list of rules, requirements and for more information, visit windcreekzipline.com. With these new features, WCSP has enhanced the recreational and entertainment value at the lake, making the area more attractive as a vacation spot, as well as a fun place to live, work and play.

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

Opportunities for 4-H ers expand now that the new archery park opened

Local company impacts treasured landmarks Robinson Iron restores the nation’s history STORY BY MITCH SNEED & AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBINSON IRON

The new Themis statue replicated by Robinson Iron is lowered into its rightful place in Texas

obinson Iron in Alexander City has been beautifying buildings and gardens since 1946 with its artistry in cast metal. The company does custom work all across the country and recently completed projects on three historic landmarks. Responsible for handling the metal work atop the Tennessee State Capitol cupola in Nashville, Robinson Iron employees revived metal accents on-site a hundred feet in the air. The Greek building was built in 1859 and is one of the oldest working capitol buildings in the country. The renovation cost $2.2 million dollars. Fountain Square Park is the focal point of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and its centerpiece is a large fountain called Hebe, the goddess of youth. The massive fountain was originally installed at the park in May 1881. Robinson Iron disassembled the fountain into four pieces that were loaded on a trailer and transported back to its home office in Alexander City to repair leakage problems and provide a general facelift to the piece. Most currently, a 117-year old Waco, Texas, landmark was reinstalled on its 168-foot perch. Robinson Iron recreated the 3-ton zinc statue of Themis, the Greek goddess of divine law, after it was badly damaged by high winds a few years ago. The statue was taken down last July and made the 13-hour trip to Alexander City, where an exact replica of the 20-foot statue was built – hail dents and all. In January, the completed project was transported back to the McLennan County Courthouse where a large crowd and a police escort met it, and the statue was raised to its rightful place at the top of the building. The original statue was only about 1/16th of an inch thick and was made up of aluminum pieces hammered to shape and soldered together. Robinson Iron crafted a stronger version built of cast aluminum and reinforced with stainless steel. This Alexander City business transforms bronze, iron, aluminum, copper and stainless steel into virtually any design and restores, replicates and does custom casting for any number of structures, many of which can be seen in homes and parks throughout the city it calls home.

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AD INDEX A1 Lock & Key.............................................94

Cherokee Qwik Stop..................................25

Koon’s Korner/Koon’s Catering..................75

Russell Lands on Lake Martin...................2-3

A&M Plumbing..........................................14

Children’s Harbor.......................................98

Kowaliga Whole Health.............................36

Russell Marine...........................................79

AAA General Contractors............................88

Chuck’s Marina..........................................22

Lake Martin Banquet Hall..........................94

Russell Medical..........................................17

Advanced Auto Parts..................................96

Dadeville Animal Clinic.............................70

Lake Martin EDA.........................................43

Sakura Bistro..............................................84

Advanced Heat & Air..................................84

Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce..............8

Lake Martin Mini Mall...............................42

Satterfield, Inc...........................................27

Ahluring Angler.........................................75

Dadeville Insurance......................................... 94

Lake Martin Realty...................................100

Scotty Gordon, Farmers Insurance................88

Alabama Power............................................ 9

Fairytale Journeys......................................36

Lake Martin Resource Association.............14

Service Printing.............................................65

Alexander City Board of Education............79

Farmer’s & Merchants Bank......................... 8

Lakewinds Golf Course..............................96

Sherry Willis, RE/MAX Around the Lake..................94

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.............. 71

Fifty Plus.....................................................64

Langley Funeral Home..............................37

Singleton Marine..........................................94

Alexander City Methodist Church.............22

First Baptist Church, Dadeville..................75

Luck of the Draw........................................14

SL Alabama.................................................89

Alexander City Fire Department................13

George Hardy, DMD...................................47

Lynch’s Lawn Care......................................65

Southern Star Farm....................................70

Alexander City Police Department............13

Gilbert Woodworks....................................95

Lynn’s Qwik Stop........................................25

StillWaters R.A............................................27

Alex City Guide Service..............................94

Gold Ole Boys BBQ...................................... 9

Madix.........................................................83

Super 8.......................................................95

Alex City Internal Medicine.......................84

Grace’s Flowers..........................................47

Mark King’s Furniture................................60

Tallapoosa County Board of Education............... 81

Alex City Marine.........................................43

Grave’s Fabricator.......................................95

Marsha Mason...........................................70

Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative............... 78

Alex City Vet...............................................47

Harold Cochran, State Farm.......................94

Moore’s Hardware......................................22

Tapley Appliance............................................... 95

American Inn.............................................94

Heritage South Credit Union.....................99

Movie Rack.................................................25

Temple Medical Center................................ 8

Arctic Air.....................................................59

Hillabee Towers..........................................94

Noel Boone................................................94

The Blue Hydrangea..................................95

Audrey Colvin.............................................94

Hill Petroleum............................................84

Ocie & Belle’s.............................................27

Thomas Auto Parts....................................... 8

Barbara’s Studio of Dance..........................94

Hillview Memorial.....................................75

PAAC...........................................................64

Town of New Site.......................................43

Beyond Home Care....................................36

Holley’s Home Furnishings.......................78

Papa John’s Pizza.......................................25

USAmeribank........................................50-51

Bice Motors................................................22

Holman Floor Company............................47

Patterson Truck Parts..................................43

Virginia Pettus, Aronov..............................27

Bill’s Electric...............................................13

Howlin Moon Pet Resort............................94

Playhouse Cinemas...................................25

Whisker’s Catfish........................................75

Bill Nichols State Veterans Home..............70

Huddle House............................................25

Radney Funeral Home...............................37

Who’s Diner...............................................25

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation...............22

Hyde’s Kitchen...........................................94

Red Ridge United Methodist Church.............. 68

Wind Creek State Park...............................78

Buck’s Dairy Quick.....................................25

J&M Tank Lines..........................................31

Renaissance Electronics............................... 9

Wind Creek Zipline....................................93

C&T Electric.................................................47

Karen Channell, State Farm.......................36

Rhodes Brothers/Key Builders...................64

Central Alabama Community College..................5

Kelly Heating & Air.....................................13

River Bank & Trust......................................26

CertaPro Painters............................................... 27

Kent Norris D.M.D......................................64

Robinson Iron............................................96

City of Alexander City.................................15

Kona Ice......................................................25

Russell Do it Center...................................95

2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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2018 LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

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