SPORTS, B1: STANHOPE ELMORE FACES BIG REGION CHALLENGE
The Wetumpka Herald Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper Est. 1898 | thewetumpkaherald.com WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 | VOL. 123, NO. 39 | $1.00
The Kelly’s new exhibit focuses on state’s Native American heritage By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery invites residents near and far to visit the gallery for an opportunity to discover the art and history of Alabama’s native tribes. The name of The Kelly’s new exhibition is “Pokv-Hvcce,” which is a Creek Indian word meaning “a gathering at the river.” According to legend, The Dixie Art Colony
was called “Poka Hutch.” The Creek Indian linguist in Atmore researched the name and discovered that it may be the English spelling of Pokv-Hvcce. The art colonists may have given the name due to their primitive living conditions while painting at the Dixie Art Colony on Lake Jordan. The new exhibition features art, historic items and native handicrafts from the Alabama’s Native American tribes. The new exhibit consists
of pottery, arrowheads, period paintings, agricultural tools, weapons, beadwork, shoes and clothing artifacts from collections across the state. Some artifacts date back to at least 1,000 years ago, according to The Kelly’s curator, Jennifer Eifert. Eifert worked with the Alabama Council on Indian Affairs to help her obtain art work and artifacts for the exhibition. Some of the artifacts See EXHIBIT, Page A3
BRIANA WILSON | THE HERALD
The Kelly Fitzpatrick memorial Gallery’s new exhibition “PokvHvcce” displays the art and history of Alabama’s native tribes. The exhibit’s name is a Creek Indian word meaning “a gathering at the river.” The exhibit is on display through Nov. 22.
WHS Theatre Guild presents ‘Willy Wonka’
WE DIG COMPANY STREET
STAFF REPORTS TPI Staff
City hosts downtown block party
JAKE ARTHUR | THE HERALD
Hallie Kate Sutter enjoys a popsicle during We Dig Company Street in Wetumpka on Thurday Night Dig Company Street was meant to be a play on words in reference to the ongoing construction on the street. Attendees were asked to wear construction gear to the party, such as hard hats and reflective vests. There was live music from the HeadN’ South Band and guests were invited to bring their own lawn chairs and coolers to the event. Several businesses on Company Street and throughout downtown stayed open
By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief Company Street was overflowing with life once again on Thursday, Sept. 23, as residents filled the street during the city of Wetumpka’s We Dig Company Street event, which took place from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Haley Greene, who promoted the event on behalf of the city, said We
late, giving guests plenty of shopping opportunities. “We were really trying to find a way to support the Company Street businesses affected by the closure of the street,” Greene said. Downtown business owners Jamie Smith, owner of Wetumpka Nutrition, and Charlie Hinkle, who owns Scent See STREET, Page A3
Wharf Casual Seafood opened today on U.S. 231 in Wetumpka. Wharf Casual Seafood offers a variety of seafood baskets and platters, salads, burgers and tacos. Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is also hiring. It was announced in April 1 that the seafood restaurant would open in Wetumpka the former Shoney’s building. Wharf owners, Noah Griggs and Stephen
a k p m Wetu
Duggar, purchased the Shoney’s property. The business owners renovated the interior of the facility with kitchen area being completely redone. The Wetumpka location is the chain’s eighth restaurant, with existing locations in Montgomery and Dothan, as well as Valdosta, Georgia and Marianna and Tallahassee, Florida. Griggs and Duggar are also the owners of 1220 Cafe in Tallassee. The Wharf worked hand-in-hand with Mayor Jerry Willis and the Wetumpka City Council for the past two years to bring the See SEAFOOD, Page A3
State seeks feedback from Alabamians on broadband access STAFF REPORTS TPI Staff
Wharf Casual Seafood opens today By BRIANA WILSON Bureau Chief
Wetumpka High School’s Theatre Guild will soon debut ‘Willy Wonka.’ The production features two separate casts -- the Oompa Cast and the Loompa Cast. Both casts include of all the beloved characters, like Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas. Performances are Thursday, Sept. 30; Saturday, Oct. 2; Thursday, Oct. 7; and Saturday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. There will also be 2 p.m. matinees available both Saturdays. General admission tickets cost $10; tickets for children are $5. Tickets are available only online through the GoFan app or GoFan.co/app/school/ AL11860. For more information, go to Wetumpka High Theatre Guild on Facebook.
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
Want to see further improvements in broadband access in Alabama? There’s a simple way you can help. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is requesting information about broadband internet access and speed from Alabama residents and businesses. Alabamians are encouraged to take the speed survey at Alabama.speedsurvey.org/ to help the state more precisely locate gaps in broadband service areas. The information gathered will be used for more specific mapping of service gaps and planning efforts to help fill those gaps.
Wharf Casual Seafood opens today in Wetumpka.
Flea Market & Antiques 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 • Wetumpka, AL
See BROADBAND, Page A3
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