FYINewcomer's Guide to Elmore County
Welcome to Elmore County
IIt’s no secret Elmore County is growing. With exciting adventures around every corner, there’s something for everyone in and around the area, and this year’s edition of the newcomers’ guide brings that to life.
It’s been five years since HGTV visited Wetumpka, renovating it to its original charm and bringing new and innovative ideas onto the scene. So much has changed since that fateful selection of “Hometown Takeover,” and in this issue we catch you up on the latest upgrades and improvements since our infamous visit.
Looking ahead, there’s so much on the horizon for Elmore County. In small but mighty Eclectic, there are areas of growth and innovation. With a current population of just over 1,200, learn more about potential annexations to bring that citizenry to an even higher level.
TPI Sports Reporter, Ana Sofia Meyer is new to the area and has immersed herself in the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals group. If you’re looking for a way to get introduced to the area, this group is for you. Millbrook also offers things like 17 Springs, a true athletic gem, and farmers’ markets, which are wildly popular around the area.
17 Springs isn’t the only recent upgrade in the sports world for Elmore County, either. Read on to find out how much this area pours into its young athletes and exciting turf upgrades across the county’s athletic facilities.
Education and the arts are also on display around Elmore County as Holtville celebrated its 100th year and the Mount Vernon Theater in Tallassee recently reopened.
This year’s guide also includes essential information to help you settle into the community, from local schools to setting up utilities and internet connections. You’ll find a list of great places to eat, churches and healthcare facilities. To help you get involved in your new community, we’ve added a list of nonprofit and volunteer organizations that need your support. Whether you need to contact local government leaders, first responders, chamber of commerce members or local libraries, you’ll find the information quickly and easily in this year’s FYI
There’s so much more in these pages to help find your favorite places to go and things to do as you become more acquainted with your new home. You’re in for a great adventure here in Elmore County, and we’re excited to meet you!
On the cover
FYI: This Newcomer's Guide to Elmore County is an annual publication of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. It is designed to acquaint newcomers with the towns that comprise Elmore County.
STAFF
Chairman
Kenneth Boone
General manaGer
Tippy Hunter
editor-in-Chief
Lizi Arbogast Gwin
Creative ServiCeS
Audra Spears
ContributorS
Kenneth Boone
Lizi Arbogast Gwin
Cliff Williams
Samuel Higgs
Ana Sofia Meyer
Emma Tapley
marketinG/advertiSinG
Renee Trice
Samantha Himes
Erin Vickers
Lillian Harris
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010
(256) 234-4281
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Tallassee's Historic Mt. Vernon Theatre has been given new life thanks to new owners Bill Patterson and Joey Wiginton.
Photo by Cliff Williams
Eclectic is Growing
This unique small town is investing in the future with new homes, businesses and infrastructure
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
TThere is an appeal of knowing almost everyone in town by name. Eclectic is that way. If residents don’t know your name, they likely know someone who does.
Its proximity to Lake Martin and ease of getting to larger towns is drawing attention from possible residents and future businesses.
Current Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said a small town atmosphere and appeal makes the town unique.
“It is a family oriented community where the majority of the residents know each other,” Davenport said. “They know their family history and its roots in the area. They watch out and care for each other.”
Davenport said the community and just beyond has many things residents enjoy.
“The school for the area is here in town,”
Davenport said. “We have easy access to recreation such as the lake for boating and fishing. We have city parks, a library and several small businesses that provide for many of the needs of residents.”
It is the same things that attract visitors and future residents. Davenport said growth for the next decade is expected to be manageable. Current U.S. Census data has Eclectic’s population at 1,201.
“We have a low population, but are growing slowly,” Davenport said. “In 10 years we are estimating the population in the town limits to be between 2,000 and 2,500. That still keeps us as a small town.”
A few different subdivisions in the town limits are currently in various stages of development. As many as 75 homes are expected in one subdivision, another 15 homes are planned in a second, according to Davenport.
The town is working to improve its infrastructure. It recently received a $400,000 Community Block Development Grant to expand wastewater treatment. In Eclectic, the funding will allow the town to double the wastewater treatment center’s capacity just six years after a new package plant for sewage was made operational.
“With the housing developments coming in we are getting ahead of the game,” Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “With the schools, homes and businesses we currently have, we are operating at about 75% capacity.”
Main Street goals include creating projects such as murals to generate interest in the area
The green areas outiside the dark line were annexed into the Town of Eclectic
When the new package plant was installed, it was done in such a way to be easily added onto.
“The reason we did that at that plant is we are good for the next 100 years,” Davenport said. “We can expand there to continue to serve the community.”
The older sewage lagoons were left usable to have a suitable backup in case of an emergency. They are still in place and will remain after the capacity of the treatment facility has been increased as a backup to any additions to the system. The six year old facility will still be operational.
“We are not replacing the current plant,” Davenport said. “We are just wanting to put in another tank so that when flow comes in over our current maximum, it doubles our capacity without us having to file with the government.”
In the last couple of years, new businesses have come to town such as Little Rippy’s in downtown and Jack’s in the north. A new pizza place with indoor and outdoor dining is under construction. There are also boutiques and hair salons.
It all means area residents do not have to travel to other towns for amenities and shopping.
The town has also annexed the remainder of approximately 180 parcels across the town.
“For example there is one three-acre parcel where only 0.6 acres are in the town limits,” Davenport said. “This brings all three acres into the town limits.”
The remaining 179 parcels are similar with portions in the town limits. There are three parcels that were annexed that were outside the town limits but fully surrounded parcels within the town limits.
Davenport said the annexation eases future development and provides the council a way to provide for controlled growth.
The Eclectic Fire Department with its ambulance service means area residents have quick access to medical help. The fire department also acquired a new truck with an aerial device to make fighting fires easier.
Residents are trying to protect the small town feel of Eclectic. Many of the businesses and residents have come together to begin efforts to become a Main Street Alabama community through Networking Eclectic. The name is a bridge to Main Street Eclectic in a couple of years.
According to Jessica Hoagland the Main Street program will help the town maintain its small town charm.
“Main Street has given us a few tricks and tips along the way,” Hoagland said. “It’s all for the growth of new businesses, existing businesses and a sense of community and camaraderie in town.”
The town recently received a $400,000 grant to expand the current waste water treatment plant
Eclectic has an elementary, middle and high school and are part of the Elmore County Public Schools system
Eclectic business owners and town officials have come together to become a Main Street organization
Fresh Flavor & Local Vibes
Inside Your Neighborhood Farmers Markets
FFresh vegetables and fruits and baking are Southern staples.
Farmers markets in Millbrook and Wetumpka offer options for the many who struggle to find the time to garden or sift flour for cakes and cookies in today’s 24/7 world.
The Wetumpka Farmers Market came to life following the 2019 tornado. HGTV arrived and featured Wetumpka on the hit show Hometown Takeover. A pavilion was created in the rubble left by the tornado on the banks of the Coosa River.
Millbrook’s Farmers Market is at the center of town at Village Green.
They both feature tomatoes, squash, beans, peas, watermelon, beef, pork, baked goods, honey and jellies to go along with a few crafts.
“Everyone wants fresh fruit and vegetables and home processed items such as jellies,” Wetumpka Farmers Market manager Dakota Steed said.
Vendors travel up to two hours to get to Millbrook and Wetumpka for the weekly markets.
Millbrook is on Tuesdays through Aug. 12 from
Millbrook’s Village Green Park hosts a weekly Farmer’s Market every Tuesday morning from 7 a.m. to noon
7 a.m. to noon at The Village Green in downtown. The Wetumpka Farmers Market is on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 14.
Wetumpka will feature some Saturday markets as well. Cost of fresh produce shouldn’t be an issue even for those on tight budgets.
“During the regular Wetumpka Farmers Market season, we are sanctioned through the Department of Agriculture,” Steed said.
Such sanctioning allows vendors to take part in providing produce, vegetables and more at a lower cost through programs such as SNAP and the senior nutrition program.
Both markets feature family farms such as Penton Farms and Evans Farms. In Wetumpka Wildly Blessed’s Alyson Andrews brings her honey and assorted products from Eclectic.
The farmers markets also allow those with a green thumb or knack for baking get their feet wet.
Melissa Palmer brings her homemade jellies and jams to the Wetumpka market and is a hit with the tourists. The timing of the Wetumpka market allows
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
tour buses to stop by the market to eat lunch and shop, often as they start to leave town.
I have to be careful. If you look away, even just a blink of an eye, it burns.”
The markets also give retirees a chance to grow hobbies into businesses. Loretta Hatchett retired from the state but has baked all her life for family and friends. She creates baked goods from recipes far removed from cookbooks and online discussions. They are family recipes.
“Everything is made from scratch,” Hatchett said. “None of this from a mix.”
Hatchett created Lo Lo’s Bakery in her home in Millbrook following retirement from the state.
Wetumpka is the only steady market on her schedule but Hatchett hopes to grow to others.
As customers come to visit her, Hatchett shares a story and almost always a sample.
“These butter pecan cookies, I have been making since I was 10,” Hatchett said. “That’s 55 years.”
Not just anyone has the skill or patience to make them.
“They are made with brown butter,” Hatchett said. “You have to cook the butter down for them.
Hatchett has strawberry cake, Alabama sweet bread made with brown sugar, specialty pound cakes, crackers, cookies and more in her repertoire.
“It’s all family recipes,” Hatchett said. “I watched my mother and grandmother make them.”
Hatchett has experience baking them. For years she baked them for family and friends.
“Children came by the house to see my son,” Hatchett said. “Nobody went hungry and nobody went home empty handed. God blessed us, so we blessed others.”
The pole barn provides shelter from the elements for the Wetumpka Farmers Market
Cucumbers, squash and purple onions are just a few things found at the Wetumpka Farmers Market
Big ripe tomatoes are a favorite at the Millbrook Farmers Market
Cut flowers and arrangements are available at the Millbrook Farmers Market
Wetumpka Adding to HGTV Boom
STORY &
BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
PHOTOS
IIt’s been more than five years since Ben and Erin filmed and highlighted Wetumpka to the world through HGTV’s Hometown Takeover.
In the months following the show’s airing, tourists flocked to town to see the small, quaint town the show highlighted. It brought a boon of revenue for the town through sales tax and a few new residents. But the city leaders and others planned for when the stream of tourists and their charter buses slowed.
They looked to capitalize on the Coosa River and the area’s outdoor amenities. They looked to grow the arts scene through the new location of the Kelly Fitzgerald Center for the Arts with self-taught Southern Art. It’s an effort to bring people to Wetumpka who will visit and spend time in shops and restaurants.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis sees many other things fitting into the puzzle being assembled for tourism in the area. He believes the city should play a significant role in tourism. In fact the city created a tourism manager position to aid in promoting what Wetumpka and the area has to offer.
“Really tourism is not the chamber of commerce’s job. It’s not Main Street’s job,” Willis said. “We are just trying to figure out what we have, what needs to be promoted, how to tell that story and when to tell that story.” Willis believes the story of Wetumpka is compelling to all types of tourists from those who like art to those interested
The Fall Line Overlook park is one of the many projects the City of Wetumpka has developed to enhance the area and bring in more tourism
in food, the outdoors and history. Part of the story is the uncompleted lock in the Coosa River. It was built as Wetumpka was a shipping hub for riverboats taking cotton to far away markets. There is the Riverboat Captain’s House the city owns. The city has also invested staffing and the building of the Elmore County Black History Museum to help provide more consistent hours.
The city also partnered with the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission (WICC) and Elmore County to create the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center. It serves as a hub for tourism information, a welcome center and to provide a prominent space to highlight one of the best preserved impact craters.
“The unique thing about this location is the ability to educate the general public about the natural disaster that happened in our little city that few people know about,” WICC chairman Kevin Reuter. “They hear about Wetumpka impact crater but they don’t know what that means.”
The center itself is the old building of The Kelly. It creates a stop for those interested in the area and the crater but also creates another stop for art enthusiasts.
“The artwork that is displayed here was done by a lot
of famous artists,” Reuter said. “Some of the artists hee are displayed in Chicago and the United Arab Emirates to name a few. It helps bring to life to something words cannot describe.”
Reuter believes even those not highly interested in the crater can appreciate the art hanging in the crater center and in the panels in The Alleyway, giving children an idea of how the crater was formed.
Downtown Wetumpka is also home to several artists and galleries adding more reason for art lovers to visit. It all adds up to a plan beyond HGTV to add to Wetumpka’s intrigue on a regional and national level. And it has worked.
The National League of Cities (NLC) brought its Centennial Roadshow 100 Years, 100 Cities to Wetumpka last summer. It’s the most recent national attention the City of Wetumpka has received since HGTV visited in 2023 revisiting Hometown Takeover.
“We got a call that said we were selected as one of their stops,” Wetumpka tourism manager Andrew Stieb said. “We were very excited.”
Wetumpka was one of three Alabama cities NLC is visiting as part of its Centennial Roadshow. NLC is celebrating its 100 years of serving municipalities by visiting 100 cities. It started at the University of Kansas where NLC was founded 100 years ago. The roadshow was filmed and documented the organization’s 100 year history of helping towns and cities across the country.
“This initiative was part of NLC’s year-long celebration, marking a century of commitment to advancing local government and advocating for the interests of cities, towns, and villages nationwide,” Stieb said.
NLC helped cut the ribbon for the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the NLC Centennial Roadshow,” Willis said. “This was an incredible opportunity to highlight Wetumpka’s progress and partnerships.”
The Wetumpka Impact Discovery and Visitor Center features paintings, videos and volunteers with information about the marine impact crater
Wetumpka is growing their art scene with the new location of the The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts located directly on the Coosa River
Recreation and shopping abound at 17 Springs
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
NNewcomers in western Elmore County do not have to go far to find recreational activities and shopping, especially with 17 Springs coming to life.
The sprawling complex across more than 100 acres features six diamond fields, a stadium, a fieldhouse filled with basketball courts, 12 tennis courts, four full soccer fields and 12 pickle ball courts. It is fronted by The Marketplace at 17 Springs that is now coming to life with restaurants such as Baumhower’s Victory Grille. More restaurants, retail and two hotels are soon to be named.
17 Springs involves five main partners – City of Millbrook, Grandview YMCA, Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Economic Development
Authority and Elmore County Board of Education. It’s a partnership unlike any other in the state according to Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer.
“What we have accomplished is not only a Class A facility but it is how we have done it that has gotten the attention,” Mercer said.
Everyone brings something to the table to make the projects come together in each community.
At 17 Springs, the YMCA had a donation of property with an idea to create athletic opportunities for area children.
“The property was a catalyst for a lot of this back in 2013,” Grandview YMCA director Bill Meyers said. “We had a very generous family to donate the property, and it allowed us to dream big.”
The goal of 17 Springs is to serve the entirety of Elmore County. While residents in the western part of the county will be able to use it for walking and playing games during the week, others will use it as they compete against teams from western Elmore County.
Walking trails and sidewalks add to the opportunities for everyone to use 17 Springs for recreational activities.
The complex also attracts softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, football and tennis tournaments garnering visitors from across the Southeast.
The Marketplace at 17 Springs is nearing capacity
Representatives of the five partners in 17 Springs recently cut the ribbon for Phase 2 of the project
“It’s an economic boon for all of us,” Elmore County Economic Development Authority director Lisa Van Wagner said. “There is nothing else in this state that can compete with this. This will draw visitors from all over. Once the market place is developed, it will be a gold mine of continuous revenue for the county and our municipalities.”
Tax funds generated from the complex are shared across the county. So far the funds have installed artificial turf fields on many of the football, softball and baseball fields of Elmore County and Tallassee City schools. A new recreation center is on the drawing board thanks to the funding.
All of the work is creating attention across the state.
“We don’t bring it up but everybody asks about it,” Mercer said. “They ask, ‘Hey what is it that y’all are building in Elmore County?’ Of course we love to tell everyone about it.”
Mercer and other officials across Elmore County are quick to note not one entity could pull all of these projects together by themselves.
The sun sets as the first ever soccer game is played at The Fieldhosue at 17 Springs
“I have told multiple people this is an example of what you can do when you extract personal agendas and egos and operate as governmental entities,” Mercer said. “If you truly want to serve the people you represent, this is what it looks like. What we have accomplished is not only Class A facility but it is how we have done that has gotten the attention.”
Wetumpka
Elmore County First Responders
Management Agency
8917 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka
Director: Keith Barnett Elmorecoema.com 334-567-6451
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Elmore County Sheriff’s Office
8955 U.S. Route 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5546
Elmoreso.com
Sheriff: Bill Franklin
Coosada Police Department
5800 Coosada Rd., Coosada 334-285-3700
Chief: Leon Smith Jr.
Eclectic Police Department
145 Main St., Eclectic 334-541-2148
Chief: Robert Head
Millbrook Police Department 3950 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-285-5603
Chief: P.K. Johnson
Prattville Police Department
201 Gin Shop Hill Rd., Prattville 334-595-0208
Chief: Mark Thompson
Tallassee Police Department 214 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-283-6586
Chief: Todd Buce
Wetumpka Police Department
4950 U.S. Route 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5321
Chief: Ed Reeves
Elmore County Firefighter’s Association: Made up of 20 volunteer and combination fire departments; coverage of seven municipalities with a total population of more than 88,000 from about 450 firefighters. Elmorecofire.org 334-514-9242
Buyck Volunteer Fire Department 125 Laurel Creek Rd., Titus 334-514-0410
Coosada Volunteer Fire Department 5830 Coosada Rd, Coosada 334-285-6200
Deatsville Volunteer Fire Department 6930 State Route 143, Deatsville 334-285-1821
Eclectic Volunteer Fire Department 140 1st Ave., Eclectic 334-541-4425
Elmore Volunteer Fire Department 1275 State Route 143, Elmore 334-567-3480
Emerald Mountain Volunteer Fire Department 1785 Old Ware Rd., Wetumpka 334-514-4357
Friendship Volunteer Fire Department 4544 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6463
Holtville/Slapout Volunteer Fire Department 5615 Ceasarville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-2461 Hsfd-r.com
Kowaliga Volunteer Fire Department 1240 Prospect Rd., Eclectic 334-857-3648
Lightwood Volunteer Fire Department 6250 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 334-569-1818
Millbrook (combination) 3820 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-285-6707
Redland Volunteer Fire Department 6941 Redland Road, Wetumpka 334-514-6787
Real Island Volunteer Fire Department 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality 334-857-3233
Santuck Volunteer Fire Department 7211 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-5144
Seman Volunteer Fire Department 15915 Central Plank Rd., Eclectic 334-541-4600
Tallassee (combination) 123 North Ann St., Tallassee 334-283-5660
Titus Volunteer Fire Department 5879 Titus Rd., Titus 334-514-1070
Wetumpka (combination) 411 South Main St., Wetumpka 334-567-1333
Windermere Volunteer Fire Department
3050 Crosswinds, Alexander City 256-329-0906
A Beacon of the Past, a Stage for the Future: Tallassee’s Mt. Vernon Theatre Shines Again
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
DDriving into downtown Tallassee the first thing most see is the Fitzpatrick Bridge or the water tower. But the fun begins under the old marquee of the Mt. Vernon Performing Arts Center.
Its red and green lights of the old school marquee are an instant draw. It brings a visitor into the past, a time well before cellphones and 24/7 news.
The theatre first opened in 1935 and closed for 50 years in 1968. It has seen the likes of Hank Williams grace the stage inside.
It’s reopened and new owners Bill Patterson and Joey Wiginton have brought a slightly modern vibe with new seating, stage lighting and sound.
“We want to see people come and enjoy downtown,” Wiginton said. “We have so much potential here.”
Patterson is native to Tallassee and can recall seeing shows at the Mt. Vernon, some for a nickel. It was the only place to see movies, listen to a band and escape life for a few hours.
“I would spend Saturday afternoons downtown on occasion,” Patterson said. “I would get a drink and popcorn and see a show.”
The partnership is doing similar things again. Mt. Vernon is hosting films and bands.
“We have popcorn and drinks again,” Wiginton said.
Last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas classic Christmas movies were on the screen. For Valentine’s Day the Sweet Young’uns brought the sounds of the past to the stage and a meal was catered for guests.
Even classic films are being shown.
“We had a lady ask about ‘Gone With the Wind’,” Wiginton said. “She even brought memorabilia to create a special atmosphere for the classic film.”
Summer theatre camps are scheduled for theatre.
They are designed to introduce children of all skill levels to the performing arts. They will finish each session with a show.
Wiginton and Patterson want Mt. Vernon to become the anchor of downtown helping draw in customers, guests and more businesses.
“We want to showcase downtown Tallassee and the other businesses in town,” Wiginton said. “We have so much potential here. We want it so people can come downtown for the afternoon or evening. They can visit us, the shops and even eat all right here in downtown.”
Mt. Vernon was brought back to life eight years ago by a group of volunteers after five decades of various attempts to reopen the classic theatre. Multiple
The reopened theatre has new seating, stage lighting and sound
fundraisers were held but the costs were high. The Mt. Vernon Theatre Group tried to raise nearly $1 million to make necessary repairs and renovations to the theatre that closed in 1968.
But the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the lights were turned off. A few years later the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Dr. Steve Burak approached CB&S and First Community Bank of Central Alabama to gain permission to turn the marquee back on.
“We wanted to let everyone know there was life downtown,” Burak said.
The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Power, the City of Tallassee and University Electric
turned the lights back on.
“It’s an indication that things are happening in downtown Tallassee,” Burak said.
At the same time Patterson and Wiginton had been looking at ways to help downtown Tallassee and the city overall. They soon purchased the building and started to bring the vacant building to life. They knew it was special, but not only to them.
“It’s about creating memories and bringing families together,” Wiginton said. “We’ve had people tell us how much this place means to them, and that’s what it’s all about – building a legacy for the future.”
Guests look over some of the
F Education has deep roots in Holtville
For two centuries the Holtville community has had a school.
Cain’s Chapel, Lightwood, Pine Flat, Deatsville, Cold Springs, Robinson Springs and Riverside were all churches or one- and two-room schools.
“There were lots of little schools because people lived far apart and they didn’t have a bus system,” Holtville historian Jackie Earnest said.
The Holtville School all started with the Cain family in 1820. They built a home then a chapel that housed a small school.
“The family gave the property for the school in 1885,” Earnest said. “There has been a school on that site since.”
Most of the schools sent their students to a centralized building in the early 1920s.
“Hence the name Holtville Consolidated School, it’s on the building” Earnest said. “A lot of people associate the 100 years with the building itself. It became accredited in 1925.”
It was the first high school in western Elmore County to be accredited.
Prior to 1925, students could not graduate from Holtville. Their diplomas did not say Holtville High School or Holtville Consolidated School.
“They could go through the 11th grade,” Earnest said. “They would have to go to Wetumpka or the Millbrook students would go to Montgomery. Some went off to boarding school.”
When the school became accredited and issuing diplomas, it started recording graduates in a ledger, even
before the current school was constructed.
Susie Nell Yarbrough Johnson was the first graduate of Holtville High School in 1925, though the history of the school goes back for a century more. Yarborough and her other classmates celebrated graduation at Cain’s Chapel.
The Class of 2025 graduated on the new turf field at Boyd-Chapman Field. It is Holtville High School’s 100th graduating class and is the last class to be recorded in the original ledger.
Earnest spoke at graduation about the ledger and closing it out. The next class will be the first in a new ledger.
The school color of green is in reference to words from former principal James Chrietzburg referencing the nearby green fields of corn and white cotton.
Football was eventually introduced to the school.
“They had no jerseys, no pads, no helmets, nothing, and they played football in a cornfield across the road from where the school is today,” Earnest said. “It evolved in the 1940s to the Turkey Day Classic. It was a huge game between Wetumpka and Holtville. You didn’t have Thanksgiving dinner until after the Classic.”
In addition to football, the auditorium hosted game nights Wednesdays and movies on Saturdays. There was even a bowling alley.
Chrietzberg helped change agriculture in the area. He helped develop a program using the students at the school. It allowed parents to learn about fertilizer and more current farming methods.
The school had a cannery where garden vegetables could be preserved. The quick freeze at the school taught
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
history of Holtville High School curated by Jackie Earnest, center, in the school's auditorium during the annual alumni tea
students how to butcher animals and served as a way to store meat for months for families.
“The school has always been the hub of the community,” Earnest said.
Classes at the time were taught in three two-hour blocks per day on a rotating schedule. Every student had math, science and English. They also had options in bookkeeping, soil conservation, debate, journalism, mechanics, photography, woodworking and health.
“The school was recognized for having the lowest percentage of freshman failures in the United States,” Earnest said. “It was determined by all the state superintendents.”
In 1938 Holtville was selected as a Southern Association Study School.
“It was a five-year program to help develop a school that helps the community,” Earnest said.
It led to the Holtville movie being created by the association to showcase the school and its success to the world. It was shown in every state and translated into 22 languages.
The history of the school goes beyond the building. Many Holtville graduates have gone on to be state legislators, lawyers and teachers.
Graduates include students who returned to the school to be the principal such as current Elmore County Public School superintendent Richard Dennis and current principal Sean Kreauter.
Traditions are rooted deep in the community and many surround school history. New ones have been created as well including a senior breakfast and parade to the school on the first day. Seniors also greet kindergarteners on the football field to encourage the young students to stick around. The Class of 2025 features dozens of students who spent 13 years in Holtville schools.
The graduating class has tried to do something fun at graduation. In Kreauter’s first year, graduates passed off plastic golf balls during the hand shake with the principal.
The Class of 2025 passed $100 bills to him in reference to being Holtville’s 100th official class. But the bills would only be good in the movies as it was prop money.
Traditions such as an alumni tea at homecoming highlight family connections and more.
There are at least nine families with five generations involved in Holtville schools – one family has five generations of graduates. Another family has 71 years of continuous student attendance at Holtville schools.
The school is growing thanks to new residents. Students fill the old school, its additions and even portable classrooms. There is a new school in the development stages but its location is unknown.
While it’s not a guarantee the old building will always remain a high school due to growth in the area, the future of the school is protected. Though it might not have the field of view of cotton and corn fields.
“They are putting in numerous homes,” Earnest said. “It will change the community. How remains to be seen.”
Guests look through the La KUSA, Holtville High School’s yearbook, during the annual alumni tea
The Holtville High School ledger of graduates was closed out with the Class of 2025
Holtville High School Class of 2025 co-valedictorians and twin sisters Sydney, left, and Michelle Burleson, right
ELMORE COUNTY SCHOOLS
➤ ELMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
100 H. H. Robison Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1200
Superintendent: Richard E. Dennis Board Members:
District 1 – Millbrook: Bill Myers
District 2 – Millbrook and Wetumpka: Wendell Saxon
District 3 – Holtville and Millbrook: David Jones (Chairman)
District 4 – Holtville and Wetumpka: Michael Morgan (Vice Chairman)
District 5 – Wetumpka and Redland: Leisa Finley
District 6 – Eclectic, Redland and Wetumpka: Brian Ward
District 7 – Eclectic: Jason Lett
ECLECTIC
Eclectic Child Development Program
35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-4532
Director: Starla Riddle
Eclectic Elementary School
35 Harden St., Eclectic 334-541-2291
Principal: Timothy Turley
Eclectic Middle School
170 South Ann St., Eclectic 334-541-2131
Principal: LaTresia Robinson
Elmore County High School
155 North College Ave., Eclectic 334-541-3662
Principal: Jason Eason
HOLTVILLE
Holtville Child Development Program
287 Whatley Dr., Deatsville 334-514-5858
Director: Aimee Mehearg
Holtville Elementary School
287 Whatley Rd., Deatsville 334-569-2925
Principal: Chris Holley
Holtville Middle School
655 Bulldog Ln., Deatsville 334-569-1596
Principal: Lee Jackson
Holtville High School 10425 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 334-569-3034
Principal: Sean Kreauter
MILLBROOK
Coosada Elementary School 5260 Airport Rd., Millbrook 334-285-0273
Principal: Janice McKenzie
Airport Road Intermediate School
384 Blackmon Farm Ln., Coosada 334-285-2115
Principal: Marcia Stephens
Millbrook Middle School
4228 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-2100
Principal: Tarica Lamar
Stanhope Elmore High School
4300 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-4263
Principal: Wes Dunsieth
WETUMPKA
Redland Child Development Program 495 Scholars Drive, Wetumpka 334-512-9646
Director: O’Sheama Felix
Redland Elementary School
495 Scholars Drive, Wetumpka 334-567-1248
Principal: Cory Eckstein
Redland Middle School
184 Rodney Lane, Wetumpka 334-514-3940
Principal: Chad Walls
Wetumpka Child Development Program
499 Alabama St., Wetumpka 334-514-3925
Director: Taylor Richards
Wetumpka Elementary School
510 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-4323
Principal: Myeshia Brooks
Wetumpka Middle School
1000 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-567-1413
Principal: Brad Mann
Wetumpka High School
1251 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka 334-567-5158
Principal: Kyle Futral
Elmore County Technical Center
800 Kelly Fitzpatrick Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1218
Director: Emilie Johnson
➤ TALLASSEE CITY SCHOOLS
308 King St., Tallassee
334-283-4338
Superintendent: Dr. Brock Nolin
Board Members:
District 1 – April Warren
District 2 – Don Bryant
District 3 – Sonja Moore
District 4 – Ruthanne McCaig
District 5 – Melanie Goodman
District 6 – Heather Hawkins
District 7 – Dr. Steve Burak
Tallassee Elementary School
850 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-5001
Principal: Shanikka Beacher
Southside Middle School
901 E.B. Payne Sr. Dr., Tallassee 334-283-2151
Principal: Brittany Spencer
Tallassee High School
502 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 334-283-2187
Principal: Dr. Crystal Adams
➤ PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Adullam House Christian Academy 7469 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 334-478-3888
Headmaster: Rachel Harborth
Chapman Christian Academy 4711 Chapman Rd., Millbrook 334-285-5354
Headmaster: Jon Chapman
Edgewood Academy 5475 Elmore Rd., Elmore 334-567-5102
Headmaster: Susan Barner
Victory Christian Academy
3151 State Route 14, Millbrook 334-285-0211
Administrator: Jill Pastorelli
➤ OTHER
Elmore County Alternative Program 124 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-1298
Director: Dr. Blair J. Andress
The Edge: Elmore County Virtual Program
707 Micanopy St., Wetumpka 334-514-3931
Principal: Cindy Hines
Ingram State Technical College
5375 Ingram Rd., Deatsville 334-285-5177
President: Annette Funderburk
Food, Glorious Food
WOW Catering
WETUMPKA
Champs Barbecue
10486 U.S. Route 231 334-514-4742
China Garden 621 South Main St. 334-514-8862 wetumpkachinagarden.com
Coaches Corner Bar & Grill 203 Orline St. 334-514-3410
Coachescornersportsbarandgrill.com
Copper House Deli 100 East Bridge St. 334-452-3354
The Coosa Cleaver 106 Company St. 334-731-1190 Coosacleaver.com
Coosa River Craft House 191 Spring St. 334-569-9779
FIRE Steakhouse
100 River Oaks Dr. 866-946-3360
Frios Gourmet Pops 118 Company St. 334-478-4400 Friospops.com
Georges’ River Market & Butchery 201 Spring St.* 334-478-7771
Grumpy Dog 200 East Bridge St. 334-478-5005
Hog Rock Bar-B-Q
7585 U.S. Route 231 334-567-4545
Los Mayas 4666 U.S. Route 231 334-567-2663
Must Stop Café 60 Village Loop 334-567-9955 Muststopcafe.com
Nancy’s Thai Market 409 South Main St.* 334-567-2299
Nick of Thyme 105 East Bridge St.*
Our Place Café 809 Company St. 334-567-8778 ourplaceal.com
El Rancho Grande 915 U.S. Route 231 334-567-5956
River Perk 109 Company St. 334-478-4970
Hacienda San Marcos Mexican Restaurant 5311 U.S. Route 231 334-514-7071
Smokin’ “S” Bar-B-Que 5826 U.S. Route 231 334-567-0605 Bbqfordinner.com
Taste at The Fain
101 East Bridge St.* 334-478-4393 Tastemgm.com
Woodcraft Café
10806 U.S. Route 231 334-478-3704 Woodcraftcafe231.com
WOW Catering
121 East Bridge Street 334-639-0010
Yummy Thai 4053 U.S. Route 231 334-514-5686
ECLECTIC
Cotton’s Alabama Barbecue 4485 Kowaliga Rd. 334-541-2217
Our Place Café
Cozumel Mexican Grill
62 Claud Rd.
334-541-2231
Thecozumelmexicangrill.com
El Gran Rodeo
58 Kowaliga Rd.
334-541-2230
Kowaliga Restaurant
295 Kowaliga Marina Rd.
256-215-7035
Kowaligarestaurant.com
Little Rippys
35 Claud Rd.
334-639-0042
The Social at Lake Martin
2001 Castaway Island Rd. 334-458-0260
Lakemartinsocial.com
TALLASSEE
1220 Café
1220 Gilmer Ave.
334-252-1220 1220cafe.com
Acapulco Mexican Grill
2867 Gilmer Ave.
334-283-2725
Blue Ribbon Dairy
5290 Chana Creek Rd.* 334-207-5979
Blueribbondairyal.com
Buck’s Café
4570 Chana Creek Rd. 334-639-0635
Cozumel Mexican Grill
405 Gilmer Ave.
334-252-0099
Thecozumelmexicangrill.com
Great Wall 468 Gilmer Ave.
334-283-1168
Louie’s Chicken Fingers
1410 Gilmer Ave.
334-991-4367
Mae Pop’s Barbecue 3010 Notasulga Rd. 334-991-4686
Restoration 49* 101 N Ann Ave. 334-812-5553
Taste of Talisi 2340 Notasulga Rd. 334-252-0799
MILLBROOK
American Deli 127 Kelley Blvd. 334-285-7221
Ban Thai-Sushi
173 Ashton Plaza St. 334-285-1750
Thainaka.us
Catfish House 3011 Cobbs Ford Rd. 334-285-7225
Catfishhousemenu.org
China King 3861 State Route 14 334-290-0008
Chinatown Restaurant 129 Kelley Blvd. 334-285-5335
Chinatownmillbrook.com
Donuts D-Lite 3371 State Route 14 334-285-1001
El Cerrito Mexican Grill 2330 Cobbs Ford Service Rd. 334-517-6145
Epicure & Jack’s Tavern 2060 Downing St. 334-285-7255
Epicureandjackstavern.com
Front Porch Grill 3553 AL-14 334-285-7888 Thefrontporchgrill.com
Grits Café 200E Deatsville Hwy. 334-517-4799
Habanero’s 3811 State Route 14 334-285-2085
Joe Mama’s 63 Wisteria Place 334-285-1881
Kingdom Dough 2880 Main St. 334-290-5031
Millbrook Hibachi Express 5951 Main St. 334-440-4131
Plantation House Restaurant & Catering 3240 Grandview Rd. 334-285-1466 Plantationhouserc.com
San Marcos Mexican Restaurant 3599 State Route 14 334-285-7022
Smokehouse Pit BBQ 2461 Main St. 334-517-4949 Smokehousepitbbq.com
The Rex 3630 Edgewood Rd. 334-517-6022
DEATSVILLE
Sheila’s Pizza 119 Lightwood Rd. 334-569-1116
MaePop's Barbecue
Millbrook Movers & Shakers:
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS MAKING AN IMPACT
STORY BY ANA SOFIA MEYER
PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
MMoving to a new place, starting a business and striking out on your own is never an easy thing. It is intimidating, daunting, stressful if not seemingly impossible. Thankfully, for residents of Elmore County there are plenty of resources to assist newcomers in these endeavors. The Chamber of Commerce is always the best place to start.
According to Brenda Robertson Dennis, President of the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, the mission of a chamber of commerce is to promote community prosperity and serve member businesses by giving them access to leaders, community connections, as well as business education and development.
The outcome is a community-based organization made up of local professionals with a deep-seated desire to create business opportunities, enhance the community’s brand and image, in turn elevating tourist, visitor and resident experiences by facilitating connections to the proper resources.
“(Millbrook) is a bedroom community of Montgomery,” Dennis said. “Which means we don’t have an industry here. We know that the population mostly travels to Montgomery for work, but, recently, Millbrook has grown. Millbrook is growing for a number of reasons, really, really growing, and that’s put some eyes on the city that have made people want to come here and start businesses.”
One of the primary branches of the chamber are
the ambassadors who manage and organize events to promote businesses. The chamber ambassadors are responsible for connecting with new member businesses, inviting them to their monthly networking event, Morning Brew. The ambassadors also coordinate events for young professionals from all over Elmore County.
The chamber and its ambassadors host an annual event, gathering around 60 young professionals from communities all around Elmore County.
“Our big one is our annual event that we do at the Montgomery Biscuits,” said Jordan Halloran, wealth manager at MAX Credit Union and chair of the ambassadors. “It is scheduled for next Saturday, (July) the 19th. It’s at the locomotive loft at the Riverwalk Stadium there in Montgomery.”
According to Halloran, the purpose of these events is to bring together young professionals and business owners, anywhere from ages 21 to 40 or older, and facilitate connections.
“It’s a great opportunity for like-minded young professionals to get together, to network, meet new people, make new friends,” said Halloran. “Whether it’s (handling shared) problems or something new that they’re seeing in the industry that they’re working within, but also to just make new connections that they can partner with over time.”
The chamber ambassadors hope to host events for young professionals at least once a quarter, most of them being free and open to any and all.
“We’ve done various (networking events) at various businesses in town such as the recreation centers and Epicure & Jack’s Tavern,” Halloran said. “The ambassadors have also come together to do a big fundraiser for ABA Bridgeway which supports autism in the community.”
The chamber and its ambassadors play a substantial role in the community, facilitating business opportunities between local professionals, creating intercommunity relationships and also supporting local causes.
Newcomers to Elmore County should familiarize themselves with their local chamber of commerce and the resources they offer, as they hope to serve anyone and everyone in the community.
Millbrook Chamber of Commerce director Brenda Dennis speaks at the ribbon cutting for AlabamaOne Credit Union
Find Your Library, Find Your Community
WETUMPKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
212 S. Main St., Wetumpka 334-567-1308 | wetumpkalibrary.com
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Director: Susan Hayes
Library Board of Directors meet the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October at 4 p.m.
Library memberships are free to anyone who lives or works in Elmore County; $15 per individual outside the county and $25 per family (good for three years).
Services: Alabama Virtual Library, digital library, genealogy and reference, Homework Alabama, Interlibrary loan, internet access, Learning Express Library, free public notary, photo copying, scanning and faxing, test proctoring, youth department and various programs, book clubs.
MILLBROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY
3650 Grandview Rd., Millbrook 334-285-6688
Hours: Mon. to Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. stays open until 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Librarian: Linda Moore
Library memberships are free Millbrook residents; $5 per individual per year outside Millbrook city limits but within county; $15 per year for out-of-county residents Regional library memberships available. Services: public computers, free Wi-Fi, interlibrary loans, Alabama Virtual Library, Homework
Alabama, Ancestry Library Edition, Chilton Auto Repair Guides online, digital library, children’s preschool story hour, summer reading program, online card catalog, photo copying, voter registration forms, test proctoring.
ECLECTIC PUBLIC LIBRARY
50 Main St., Eclectic
334-639-4727
Hours: Mon., Tues., and Thurs. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Librarian: Betty Butler Coker Services: six computers with internet, free Wi-Fi, a children’s room and story time, book sale area, Alabama Room, summer reading program, a kitchen housed in the old jail cell and an annex that serves as a bookstore complete with a screen for movie screening.
TALLASSEE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
99 Freeman Ave., Tallassee 334-283-2732 | tallasseecitylibrary.com
Hours: Mon. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. through Thurs. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Librarian: Margaret Lumpkin Services: 11 public computers, online catalog, summer children’s programs, Alabama Virtual Library, Homework Alabama, Learning Express Library, Ancestry Library Edition, DVDs, children’s room, basement collection of books for sale, reading/reference room (doubles as a meeting room).
Medical Services
Where Quality Care Meets Community Convenience
Ivy Creek Healthcare
Ivycreekhealth.com
HOSPITALS
Elmore Community Hospital
500 Hospital Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-4311
Services:
Detox Program Radiology
Inpatient Unit
Respite Care Laboratory
Surgical specialties: general surgery, ENT, ophthalmology, podiatry, endoscopy, and pain management
Pharmacy Department
24-hour physician-staffed emergency department
Hospice Home Health
Tallassee Community Hospital
805 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6541
Chal.org
Services: Cardiopulmonary
Community Home Care
Community Hospice Care
Community Skilled Care &
Rehab
Emergency Room
GI Laboratory
Intensive Care Unit
Laboratory
Medical/Surgical
New Day Senior Care
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy Radiology Speech Therapy
The Jackson Clinic MultiSpecialty Clinic
277 Huntress St., Wetumpka 334-293-8888
Referral required Jacksonclinic.org
PRIMARY CARE
Ivy Creek Family Care of Tallassee 2256 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 334-283-2542
Ivy Creek Family Care of Holtville
4412 Hogan Rd., Deatsville 334-543-4851
Ivy Creek Family Care of Millbrook 4081 Highway 14, Millbrook 334-285-6555
Ivy Creek Family Care of Wetumpka
525 Hospital Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-5626
River Oak Family Medicine 277 Huntress St., Wetumpka 334-567-3309
URGENT CARES
Wetumpka Urgent Care 11 Cambridge Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-8633
American Family Care
4452 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka 334-472-3150
MainStreet Family Care 1401 Highway 14, Millbrook 334-310-6059
Convenient Care Millbrook 101 Kelley Blvd., Suite D, Millbrook 334-440-3432
Physical Express Urgent Care 3769 Highway 14, Millbrook 334-285-3222
Elmore County Health Department
6501 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka 334-567-1171
PEDIATRICS
Wetumpka Pediatrics 815 Jackson Trace, Wetumpka 334-567-2882
Carlile Pediatrics
78 Cambridge Court, Wetumpka 334-576-6915
Elmore County Church Directory: Your Guide to Local Worship
TALLASSEE
BAPTIST
Bethlehem East Baptist Church
7561 Upper River Rd. 334-541-2426
Calvary Baptist Church 293 North Wesson St. 334-558-8104
Carrville Baptist Church 2436 Notasulga Rd. 334-283-2221
East Tallassee Baptist Church
314 Central Blvd. 334-283-5808
Elam Baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Rd. 334-283-2800
First Baptist Church 1279 Friendship Rd. 334-283-2287
Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church
1024 Flat Rock Rd. 334-283-6388
Liberty Baptist Church 574 Liberty Rd. 334-283-6338
Providence Primitive Baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Rd. 334-799-3625
Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Rd. 334-857-2638
Rehoboth Baptist Church 8110 Rifle Range Rd. 334-657-1302
Riverside Heights Baptist Church
495 Little Rd. 334-283-2660
Rock Springs Baptist Church
375 Rigsby Rd.
Tallaweka Baptist Church
1419 Gilmer Ave. 334-283-2279
Westside Independent Missionary Baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Ave. 334-398-0891
CATHOLIC
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 620 Gilmer Ave. 334-283-2169
CHRISTIAN/OTHER
East Tallassee Church of Christ
501 Central Blvd. 334-283-2533
Macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Rd. 334-283-4774
Mount Olive Community Church
492 Kent Rd.
Tallassee Church of Christ 209 Gilmer Ave. 334-283-5437
EPISCOPAL
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave. 334-252-8618
METHODIST
First Methodist Church (global) 1 Jordan Ave. 334-283-2195
New Zion A.M.E. Zion Church 3523 Ashurst Bar Rd.
St. Paul United Methodist Church
82 Log Cir. 334-306-3175
Oak Valley Station United Methodist Church 162 Parsonage Rd. 334-252-0102
INDEPENDENT
Abundant Life Church 2634 Lower Tuskegee Rd. 334-399-4790
All Nations Pentecostal Foundation Churches, Inc.
30 Stewart St.
Tallassee First Assembly of God 185 Friendship Rd. 334-283-6818
Tallassee Holiness Church 94 Honeysuckle Lane
God’s Congregation Holiness Church
508 Jordan Ave. 334-283-8116
WETUMPKA
A.M.E. ZION
Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2492 Crenshaw Rd. 334-659-7938
Rogers Chapel AME Zion 609 West Bridge St. 334-314-8095
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Route 231 334-567-5754
Crossroads Church 504 Autauga St. 334-391-1118
New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd. 334-569-2825
BAPTIST
Atkins Hill Missionary Baptist Church 1650 Atkin Hill Rd. 334-569-1141
Beulah Baptist Church 2320 Grier Rd. 334-313-5043
Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd. 334-567-4325
Calvary Baptist Church 504 West Osceola St. 334-567-4729
Cathmagby Baptist Church
3074 Mitchell Creek Rd. 334-567-4787
Central Baptist Church 3545 Central Rd. 334-541-2556
Faith Baptist Church of Wetumpka 64 Chapel Rd.
First Baptist Church 205 West Bridge St. 334-567-5191
Galilee Baptist Church 95 Old Georgia Plank Rd. 334-567-4178
Good Hope Mission Baptist Church
1389 Willow Springs Rd. 334-567-7133
Grace Baptist Church
304 Old Montgomery Hwy. 334-567-3255
Hillside Baptist Church 405 Old Montgomery Hwy. 334-567-9695
Holtville Riverside Baptist Church 7121 Holtville Rd. 334-514-5922
Liberty Hill Baptist Church 961 Crenshaw Rd. 334-567-8750
Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 1125 Weoka Rd. 334-567-2141
Mountain View Baptist Church
1025 Rifle Range Rd. 334-567-4458
New Home Baptist Church
5130 Elmore Rd. 334-567-8750
Redland Baptist Church 1266 Dozier Rd. 334-567-8649
Saint James Baptist Church
1005 Nobles Rd. 334-567-6209
Santuck Baptist Church
6868 Central Plank Rd. 334-567-2364
Second Missionary Baptist Church
760 North Bridge St. 334-567-8601
Spring Chapel Baptist Church
400 Jasmine Hill Rd.
Tabernacle Baptist Church
1020 West Tallassee St. 334-567-0620
Thelma Baptist Church 810 Weoka Rd. 334-567-3665
Tunnel Chapel Baptist Church
2845 Central Plank Rd. 334-567-2589
CATHOLIC
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 545 White Rd. 334-567-0047
CHURCH OF CHRIST Elmore Church of Christ 470 Ceasarville Rd. 334-567-6670
Church of Christ at Georgia Road 4013 Georgia Rd. 334-567-2804
Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd. 334-514-3656
Wetumpka Church of Christ 408 West Bridge St. 334-567-6561
CHURCH OF GOD Gethsemane Church of God in Christ 705 Cotton St. 334-567-9886
CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Community Church 10286 U.S. Route 231 N 334-567-2457
Union Congregational Christian Church 8188 Lightwood Rd. 334-569-2122
EPISCOPAL
Trinity Episcopal Church 5375 U.S. Route 231 334-567-7534
HOLINESS
New Beginnings Holiness Church 865 Crenshaw Rd. 334-567-9211
Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St. 334-514-3114
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Route 231 334-567-8100
LATTER DAY SAINTS
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd. 334-245-9739
PRESBYTERIAN
First Presbyterian Wetumpka 100 West Bridge St. 334-567-8135
UNITED METHODIST
First Methodist Church
Wetumpka (global) 306 West Tuskeena St. 334-567-7865
Mulder Global Methodist Church
3454 Firetower Rd. 334-567-4225
New Style United Methodist Church 76729 Tallassee Hwy.
Wallsboro United Methodist Church
11066 U.S. Route 231 334-567-0121
PENTECOSTAL
Victory Church 1173 Old Montgomery Hwy. 334-567-7779
OTHER Grace Point Community Church 78223 Tallassee Hwy. 334-398-3113
Centerpoint Fellowship Church
9301 U.S. Route 231 334-478-7826
Words of Life
105 Cousins Rd. 334-514-2730
ECLECTIC
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Agape Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd. 334-541-2006
BAPTIST
Vessel Church
205 Ellis Lazenby Rd. 334-640-5056
First Baptist Church
290 1st Ave.
334-541-4444
Good Hope Baptist Church 1766 South Fleahop Rd. 334-541-3837
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
1327 Pleasant Hill Rd. 334-541-5018
Prospect Baptist Church 1364 Prospect Rd. 334-315-5581
Rushenville Baptist Church
10098 Georgia Rd. 334-541-2418
Mt. Zion III Missionary Baptist Church 1813 Luke Paschal Rd.
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Mt. Hebron Church of Christ
4530 Mt. Hebron Rd. 334-541-2025
CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN
Seman Congregational Christian Church 15970 Central Plank Rd. 334-541-3305
METHODIST
Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy. 334-541-2552
Eclectic Methodist Church
1035 Main St. 334-541-3681
MILLBROOK
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln. 334-285-5403
BAPTIST
Abraham Baptist Church 3520 Boxwood Dr. 334-285-5213
Brookwood Baptist Church
3011 Grandview Rd. 334-285-6792
Goodship Baptist Church 1554 State Route 143 334-285-0094
Grandview Pines Baptist Church 346 Deatsville Hwy. 334-285-5125
Harvest Baptist Church
2990 Main St. 334-285-6700
Lake Elam Missionary
Baptist Church
4060 Gober Rd. 334-285-5714
Lighthouse Baptist Church
2281 Main St. 334-285-6008
Springfield Baptist Church 91 Deatsville Hwy. 334-782-6765
Victory Baptist Church 5481 Main St. 334-285-5082
CHURCH OF CHRIST Grandview Pines Church of Christ
165 Deatsville Hwy. 334-285-6327
Gvp.church
CHURCH OF GOD Church at the Brook 2890 State Route 14 334-285-5783
Victory Tabernacle AOH 2080 Main St.
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
River Region Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd. 334-285-7509
EPISCOPAL
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 5941 Main St. 334-285-3905
HOLINESS
Summit Holiness Church 1801 State Route 14 706-215-1544
METHODIST
Millbrook First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood Rd. 334-285-4114
Robinson Springs United Methodist Church 5980 Main St. 334-285-2488
East Chapel Methodist Church
4291 Airport Rd. 334-285-3008
PRESBYTERIAN
Millbrook Presbyterian Church 3480 Main St. 334-285-4031
OTHER
Central Bible Chapel 3270 Main St. 334-285-6524
Grace Bible Church 3515 State Route 14
New Life Church 4230 State Route 14
COOSADA
AME ZION
Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd. 334-285-1412
BAPTIST
Coosada Baptist Church 5687 Coosada Rd. 334-285-4225
ELMORE
A.M.E. ZION
Jones Chapel A.M.E. Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. 334-285-0511
BAPTIST
Mt. Zion Missionary
Baptist Church 371 State Route 14 334-567-4408
METHODIST
Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St. 334-569-1308
SEVENTH DAY
ADVENTIST
First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist Church 210 Lucky Town Rd.
TITUS
BAPTIST
Antioch Baptist Church Church 1115 Antioch Rd.
Living Water Baptist Church 1745 Grass Farm Rd. 334-514-7304
New Home Baptist Church 1605 New Home Rd. 334-567-0923
Lebanon Missionary
Baptist Church 17877 U.S. Route 231 334-567-9818
Mount Pisgah Missionary
Baptist Church 16621 U.S. Route 231 334-567-3668
METHODIST
Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd.
Providence Methodist Church
1540 Providence Rd. 334-567-8420
DEATSVILLE
BAPTIST
Deatsville Baptist Church 184 Church St. 334-285-4874
Mitts Chapel Baptist Church
935 Cold Springs Rd. 334-430-7390
New Hope Baptist Church
6191 Lightwood Rd. 334-569-1267
New Lily Green Baptist Church
6504 Deatsville Hwy. 334-290-5182
New Nazareth Baptist Church
7497 State Route 143 334-285-1500
Saint James Baptist Church
101 Gantt Rd. 334-567-3006
Shoal Creek Baptist Church
2961 Coosa River Rd. 334-567-2482
Wadsworth Baptist Church
2780 State Route 143 334-300-0016
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Cold Springs Church of Christ
5920 State Route 143 334-365-6101
Lightwood Church of Christ
7717 Lightwood Rd. 334-569-1510
UNITED METHODIST
Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church 96 Lightwood Rd. 334-569-2375
River Town Center
The 35-acre development brings long-awaited retail shopping to Wetumpka’s west side
STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, right, speaks about the city’s development of River Town Center
Tractor Supply is starting to come out of the ground at River Town Center
TTwo years ago, the field across from the Wetumpka Sports Complex was covered in green hay, ready to be cut and bailed. Today, it promises to be retail development for the next generation.
Just a year after, the City of Wetumpka broke ground on the complex to install utilities and roads. In May the city announced Tractor Supply was coming.
“River Town Center represents our shared vision for Wetumpka’s future,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “We are thrilled to welcome Tractor Supply as the first anchor in this development and look forward to continued progress in the months ahead.”
Since then announcements for The GOAT Bar and Grill, Guthrie’s and NexGen Fun Park, an indoor children’s entertainment center, have come.
River Town Center is on the Coosa River Parkway and its entrance is directly across from the Wetumpka Sports Complex. City leaders hope to work with the Alabama Department of Transportation to install a traffic signal at the intersection. The entrance is being constructed in a way to allow truck traffic to enter the development to make deliveries to future businesses.
The new 35-acre River Town Center development fills a void for retail shopping options on the west side of the Coosa River in Wetumpka.
“(U.S. Highway) 231 is where our development has mostly been over the years,” Willis said. “This opens up a totally different area for us.”
The development is a City of Wetumpka project. It is funded primarily through a $5 million line of credit the Wetumpka City Council approved in November 2023.
The monies will be repaid as businesses purchase lots.
“As lots are sold, the monies go towards the debt,” Wetumpka public works director Justin Barrett said. “Even the sales tax revenue from the development goes to the debt until it is paid off.”
As the city broke ground, retailers were interested in the project. City leaders had multiple letters of interest in the project. The letter of intent isn’t yet binding but city leaders said it’s a good sign of a commitment to the project.
City of Wetumpka economic development director Lynn Weldon said the River Town Center is great for everyone in the west part of Wetumpka.
“A development on this side of the river will improve the quality of life,” Weldon said. “It’s a big deal.”
The site will also help serve tournaments at the sports complex as parents and athletes look for meals and supplies. The travel time to retail on U.S. Highway 231 in southern Wetumpka wouldn’t be as common for those on the west side of the river.
“It gives another option for potential businesses,” Weldon said. “They can’t all be on 231. This is the next part that needs to be developed.”
The development will also serve events at the new permanent rodeo arena installed in May at the sports complex thanks to funding from the Elmore County Commission’s Quality of Life projects.
The Wetumpka Sports Complex was developed more than 20 years ago. As a councilmember, Willis suggested the city purchase the 175 acres the Wetumpka Sports Complex is located on. It was about the time the Highway 14 bypass was installed. The complex has grown over the years. The city’s River Walk connects the complex to the Farmers Market. From there it’s an easy walk into downtown Wetumpka.
Willis has his eyes on the property for the River Town Center development too.
“A group of people elevated this portion of property and brought it out of the flood area,” Willis said. “It is a major development for us having this property here on the bypass across from the sports complex. There will be businesses here that will compliment that sports complex.”
It’s the next step for Wetumpka as retail on U.S. Highway 231 is going strong and redevelopment of downtown is going well.
Tractor Supply will be opening in late 2025 to early 2026. City leaders hope other retailers will have construction of facilities started soon.
“I remember when we used to just dream about all this,” Willis said. “We dreamed about downtown Wetumpka and it’s happening now. We think this will be a first class development.”
On the left will be The GOAT and Tractor Supply and on the right will be Guthrie’s and an indoor children’s entertainment center
Whatever your philanthropic passion is for making a difference, you can find many opportunities to engage in community-related activities in Elmore County. From hobby-based groups to nationally affiliated organizations and nonprofits, Elmore County offers something for everyone.
SERVICE/NONPROFIT AGENCIES
Eclectic Network
334-580-0217
Elmore County Pregnancy Center
334-567-1955
Hopewetumpka.org
Elmore County Community Foundation
334-567-4321
Cacinfo.org
People That Care Wetumpka 334-567-8135
Elmore County Farmers Co-Op 334-567-4321 Alafarm.com
Humane Society of Elmore County
334-202-1381 Elmorehumane.org
Elmore County Food Pantry 334-567-3232
Main Street Wetumpka info@mainstreetwetumpka Mainstreetwetumpka.org
HandsOn River Region
334-264-3335
Handsonriverregion.org
River Region United Way 334-264-7318 Riverregionunitedway.org
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Alabama River Region Arts Center 334-578-9485 www.arrac.org
Alabama River Region Quilters Guild 334-451-2493
American Legion Post No. 7 334-514-4367
American Legion Post No. 133 334-285-3730
Central Alabama Master Gardeners 334-567-6301 Aces.edu
Coosa River Paddling Club Coosariverpaddlingclub.com
Elmore County Historical Society 334-567-5097
Friends of the Forts 334-567-3002 Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama GirlScoutsSA.org
Lake Jordan Home Owners & Boat Owners 334-301-0730 Lakejordanhobo.org
Leadership Elmore County Leadershipelmorecounty.org
Millbrook Kiwanis Club Millbrookkiwanis.org
Millbrook and Prattville Rotary Prattvillemillbrooksunriserotary. com
Operation Combat Bikesaver 334-541-2101
Outdoor Women Unlimited 334-398-2335 bawhunt@aol.com outdoorwomenunlimited.org
Red Hill Historical Preservation Association 334-541-2474
Retired Senior Volunteer Program 334-285-411 sastewart@macoa.org
Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1921 Tallassee Armory Guard
Commander Randall Hughey 334-283-6888
SCV Camp 2260 7th Alabama Calvary
Commander Billy Thompson 334-478-3416
Talisi Historical Preservation Society 334-415-3154
Trail of Legends Association 334-567-9090
info@trailoflegends.org
Wetumpka Lions Club 334-300-9771 or 334-799-7174
Wetumpka Rotary Club 334-399-8014
VFW Post 4572 334-567-9293
West Elmore Historical Society 334-285-4430
Field of Dreams
Elmore County Schools get turf makeover and more
STORY BY SAMUEL HIGGS
FFriday nights, and the foreseeable future are going to be looking a little bit different for three high schools in Elmore County thanks to the Quality of Life Project. After a multimillion-dollar pledge made by the Elmore County Commission, Tallassee, Holtville and Elmore County High School will now be equipped with turf fields.
Two of the fields have already made their debut with Elmore County and Holtville hosting the Class of 2025 graduation, while Tallassee’s is set to be finished before the football team’s home opener. Even so, turf actually made its first appearance this spring.
During the baseball and softball season, Elmore County and Holtville got a taste of what was to come. And, in the eyes of Holtville head football coach and athletic director Cory Lee, that made a world of a difference for each program.
“We missed zero games, zero home games this year in softball or baseball,” Lee said. “Which never happens. When you have a regular field with all the rain that’s in the rainy part of the season, you’re gonna typically going to have to reschedule games. We didn’t have to do that.”
However, one of the biggest benefits for these schools is the maintenance required. Like any playing field, upkeep is vital to get the best out of the playing surface. But, with a turf field, less work is required, which in turn gives the coaching staff more time to focus on getting the best out of their student-athletes.
“Definitely just the extra time the coaches get to spend in practice,” Elmore County head football coach and athletic director Kyle Caldwell said. “Pre-practice and post-practice, just working with the kids and never having to worry about a rain out, rescheduling home games and any of that nonsense you have to deal with all the weather. With spring weather as crazy as it is,
they’ll not have to worry about any of that.”
Lee mentioned that the less required field maintenance will give him and his coaching staff more opportunities to spend time with family during the football season.
The investments made to stadiums across Elmore County not only benefit each of the high schools but the community as a whole. The fields themselves are going to be multipurposed, which opens the door for youth sports and other activities to be hosted – something these schools have not had the opportunity to do in the past.
“Even using the football field this summer, just say somebody wanted to host a travel baseball tournament, Little League,” Caldwell said. “You could chalk off the lines and put up a temporary fence on the football field. And so being able to just use all the fields for really, anything and everything, as long as it’s maintained and they clean up after themselves, then there’s endless possibilities.”
It does not just end at the turf for these schools, either. All will welcome the addition of jumbotrons as a part of the process, which opens the door for different avenues with content creation and advertising. Lee discussed the impact it could make for all the athletes in general, but commended the opportunity it could give students.
“Even on the flip side of it, with getting kids involved into the media portion of it,” Lee said. “To create content that will be used on Friday nights. I mean, that’s a whole other avenue for them to build their resume for college or find interesting things here, and gives them an opportunity to grow in that aspect too.”
Although there is still a wait before these schools can take to the field, the excitement is brewing for great things to come.
PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
The new artificial surface at J.E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium is almost complete
POWER AND GAS
Alabama Power Company
800-245-2244 alabamapower.com
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative 637 Coosa River Pkwy., Wetumpka 334-567-8855
Caec.coop
Spire (previously Alagasco) 800-292-4008
Spireenergy.com
GARBAGE
Meridian Waste (Deatsville, Eclectic, Elmore, Wetumpka, Unincorporated Elmore County) 866-440-3983
meridianwaste.com
Waste Management (Millbrook, Coosada, Tallassee)
1303 Washington Blvd., Tallassee 866-252-0458
Wm.com
WATER AND SEWER
Central Elmore Water & Sewer Authority
716 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka 334-567-6814
Cewsa.com
Eclectic Water Works & Sewer Board 334-541-2840
Elmore Water & Sewer Authority 1633 AL HWY 14, Elmore 334-285-6109
Elmorewatersewerauthority.com
Five Star Water Supply District 251 Lakeview Dr., Wetumpka 334-567-1366
Friendship Water Works 4540 Friendship Rd., Tallassee 334-283-6463
Holtville Water Authority
334-569-2105
Tri-Community Water System
2630 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-4267
Wetumpka Water Works & Sewer
2909 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 334-567-8404
Wetumpkawater.com
CABLE AND TELEPHONE
SERVICES
AT&T Att.com
Bright House Networks/ Spectrum
855-860-9068
Spectrum.com/contact-us
Central Access
888-706-4754
Caec.coop/broadband-project/
Com-Link Cable TV/Troy Cablevision 800-722-2805
PROPANE/GAS
Apex Gas & Appliances
9945 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-3325
89037 Tallassee Hwy., Tallassee 334-283-2795
7616 U.S. Route 231, Wetumpka 334-567-8833
1603 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 334-283-2795
Thompson Gas 8768 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 334-569-4277 Thompsongas.com
Superior Gas Inc.
8561 U.S. Route 231, Wetumpka 334-567-5421 Superiorgas.biz
PROBATE JUDGE
100 E. Commerce St., Wetumpka 334-567-1140
probatejudge@elmorecounty.org
Judge Jason Britt
Divisions: Probate Court, Recording (including deeds, marriage certificates) Elections
Driver’s License
Alabamadl.alea.gov – make an appointment, renewals, CDL, suspended license help, driver records
100 E. Commerce St., Wetumpka Renewals: 334-567-1184 ext. 5047
Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tag Department
100 E. Commerce St., Room 101, Wetumpka 334-567-1166
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Services: tags, titles, boats, business licenses
DMV
303 Hill St., Wetumpka 334-567-8871
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Millbrook Satellite Office 4864 Main St., Millbrook 334-285-3054
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Services: driver’s license renewals, tags, titles, boats
Tallassee Satellite Office
3 Freeman Ave., Tallassee 334-252-1804
Driver’s License may be obtained Mondays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
*Elmore County residents will need to go to the Wetumpka Court House for other services
ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF REGISTRARS
100 E. Commerce St. Suite 100, Wetumpka 334-567-1150
Elmoreco.org/board-of-registrars Chairman: Angie Gardner
Voter registration forms found at Millbrook Satellite Office at 4864 Main St. To find polling location: sos.alabama.gov/Alabama-votes
Property Taxes
Revenue Commissioner: Thomas “Lee” Macon IV
100 E. Commerce St., Wetumpka 334-567-1184
Elmorerevenuecommissioner.net
Elected Officials
Elmore County Commission: The Elmore County Commission conducts work sessions at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 E. Commerce St., Wetumpka. Business meetings begin immediately following work sessions, typically around 6 p.m.
Office: 334-514-5841 Elmoreco.org
District 1 – Henry Hines
205-533-4496
Henryrh41@aol.com
District 2 – Brad Davis 334-850-2267
bdavis@elmoreco.org
District 3 – Dennis Hill 334-850-2431
Dhill6@aol.com
District 4 – Bart Mercer 334-399-8156
bart@merceremail.com
District 5 – Desirae Lewis Jackson 334-245-5655
des@des4D5.com
WETUMPKA
The City of Wetumpka Administrative Building is located at 408 S. Main St. and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office number is 334-567-5147. The Wetumpka City Council meets the first and third Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. at Wetumpka City Hall, 212 S. Main St. Learn more at wetumpkaal.gov/government_ wetumpka/contact-thecouncil.
Mayor: Jerry Willis
334-567-1314
mayor@cityofwetumpka.com
District 1 – Kevin Robbins 334-462-9696
Judge Dee Dee Calhoun hugs fellow judges after she was sworn in as 19th Judical Circuit Court Judge Place 4
District 2 – Cheryl Tucker 334-296-1202
District 3 – Lynnes S. Justiss 334-467-9940
District 4 – Steve Gantt 334-467-0385
District 5 – Joe Brown 334-322-3915
TALLASSEE
The Tallassee City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with a work session at 5 p.m. and a business meeting to follow. The City of Tallassee City Hall is located at 3 Freeman Ave., and the office number is 334-283-6571. Learn more at tallasseeal.gov/councilcommittees
Mayor: Sarah Hill
334-283-6571
mayor@tallassee-al.gov
Ward 1 – Jeremy Taunton
334-415-3901
Jtaunton12@gmail.com
Ward 2 – Linda McNeal Mosher 334-201-7027
lindaintalisi@yahoo.com
Ward 3 – Damain Carr 334-415-8584
Damaincarr72@yahoo.com
Ward 4 – Bill Hall 334-312-6971
mhallb@yahoo.com
Ward 5 – Terrel Brown 334-415-8922
terrellove@yahoo.com
Ward 6 – Bill Godwin 334-300-3566
Godwinhill31@gmail.com
Ward 7 – Fred Randall Hughey 334-201-4756 wacq@wacqradio.com
ECLECTIC
The Eclectic Town Council meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Dr. M.L. Fielder Municipal Building at 145 Main St. Work sessions are held at 6 p.m. prior to the regular council meetings. The Town of Eclectic can be reached at 334-541-4429.
Mayor: Gary Davenport
334-541-2180
mayor@townofeclectic.com
Council Place 1 – Jackie Stearns 407-619-2117
Council Place 2 – Stephanie Stepney 334-541-4429
Council Place 3 – Lindsay Mothershed 334-399-3162
Council Place 4 - Linda Thornton Reed 334-303-2094
Council Place 5 – David Goodwin 334-220-3339
davidgoodwin@gmail.com
COOSADA
The Coosada Town Council meets every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 5800 Coosada Rd. The office can be
reached at 334-285-3700.
Town Clerk: Breyona McCallRichardson
Mayor – James “Jim” Houston 334-850-0003
Mayorcoosada@elmore.rr.com
Place 1: Councilman Anthony Powell
Place 2: Councilwoman
Lucille Parker-Landrum Landrumcouncil2@gmail.com
Place 3: Councilman Brent Post
Postcouncil3@gmail.com
Place 4: Councilman Howard Goza
Gozacouncil4@gmail.com
Place 5: Councilman
Roosevelt Watkins
Watkinscouncil5@gmail.com
DEATSVILLE
The Deatsville Council meets every first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 6930 State Route 143. The office can be reached at 334-285-9881.
Mayor – Clayton Edgar 334-285-9881
Council Members
Joey Acre
Bill Gunter
George Porter
Brian Smith
Laura Shell McGlamry
ELMORE
The Elmore Town Council meets every second Monday at 7 p.m. in the CarmichaelMercer Community Center at Elmore Town Hall, 485
Jackson St. Contact town hall at 334-514-5988.
Mayor – Margaret White
Place 1 – Harold Wilson 334-285-6685
Place 2 – Jamie Snider 334-322-9652
Place 3 – David Foster 334-567-6861
Place 4 – Debra German
Place 5 – John Glasscock
MILLBROOK
Millbrook City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Millbrook Police and Municipal Court Building at 3900 Grandview Rd. Millbrook City Hall is located at 3160 Main St., and the office can be reached at 334285-6428.
Mayor – Al Kelley
334-285-6428
mayoralkelley@yahoo.com
Ward 1 – Jacquelyn Thomas 334-467-0724
millbrookward1@gmail.com
Ward 2 – Michael Gay 334-285-0258
millbrookward2@gmail.com
Ward 3 – Jimmy Harris 334-301-6625
jgharris1@gmail.com
Ward 4 – Justin Jones 334-303-3969
millbrookward4@gmail.com
Ward 5 – Chris Bath 334-290-2904
ward5bath@gmail.com
Wetumpka City Council
Fort Toulouse-Jackson
STORY BY ANA SOFIA MEYER PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
WWhen 21st century life gets too hectic, walking through the nature paths at Fort Toulouse-Jackson might help you reconnect with the past.
Fort Toulouse-Jackson is a historical gem located in the heart of Elmore County. Its history dates back to the arrival of European explorers in the mid-16th century to the establishment of a French fort in the early 19th century, until Andrew Jackson and his army arrived after their victory over the Red Stick Creeks at Horseshoe Bend.
Today, hundreds of years after its establishment and period of use for military purposes, Fort ToulouseJackson now serves as a campground, tourist attraction and reminder of Elmore County’s long history.
The largest event held at the fort every year is Alabama Frontier Days in November, in which thousands of Alabama schoolchildren between third and fifth grades come out to visit and explore the area. With the kids, staff at the fort focus on showing the frontier lifestyle as the kids learn about Alabama state history in their classrooms.
“It has shifted towards showing how people lived,” said John Green, site director at Fort Toulouse-Jackson. “What I call daily life skills, sort of teaching kids about how you lived in those days before you had electricity and push button appliances and all that sort of stuff. It
was a much harder life, so trying to emphasize those sorts of things.”
The kids are also shown the basics of loading and firing the weapons, primarily muskets, that the French soldiers used when they inhabited the area. The demonstrations at Frontier Days also illustrate the cultural exchange between the French settlers and native Indian tribes, how they interacted and traded with each other.
Fort Toulouse was established under French Governor Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and named for Admiral Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon, the Count of Toulouse, with the intended purpose of protecting the Louisiana colony from their British rivals and maintain good relations with the local tribes, the Creek Indians. Although it bore his name, the Count of Toulouse never visited the fort. Throughout its use by the French, the fort was typically called “Fort des Alibamons” in French or “Alabama Fort” in English.
According to archaeological discoveries in the area, the original French fort had a similar appearance to most forts of that time period. Fenced in with thick logs, the original structure had an armory, a moat as well as quarters for officers and enlisted men.
“Soldiers out here had a very different life because they came from a vastly different world,” said Green. “Even those who maybe had lived on farms, as most
The French and Indian War Encampment at Fort ToulouseJackson features period reactors during Alabama Frontier Days
soldiers would have been, as the commoner class, they’re coming out to this frontier and it was probably just blowing their mind because it was so different.”
During its use by the French starting in 1717, Fort Toulouse was a commercial, diplomatic and religious center. Fort Toulouse was eventually ceded to the British by the French after the French and Indian war, outlined in the 1763 Treaty of Paris. The area then became part of the British colony of Georgia, although the fort was summarily abandoned once it came under British control. The British decided it was unnecessary to house troops at the fort, so it fell into disrepair.
After the French retreated, the territory that is now the state of Alabama was home to the Creek, Cherokee and Choctaw nations. As new settlers trickled into the territory in the early 1800s, conflicts among native tribes increased, eventually leading to the Creek War of 1813-14. At the time, the War of 1812 was raging in the Gulf. President James Madison sent the Tennessee Militia and its Major General Andrew Jackson to defend New Orleans from British attack.
In October 1813, Jackson received orders to put down the Creek uprising in present-day Alabama. With new troops arriving in January 1814, Jackson’s army outnumbered the Creek warriors, surrounding them at the largest-remaining settlement: Tohopeka at the
Alabama Frontier Days includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers
Horseshoe Bend of the Tallapoosa River. Jackson and his men massacred the 800 remaining Indians, traveling south to the junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers, where he built Fort Jackson where Fort Toulouse was originally built.
“When people come out here, the first thing they should notice is the reconstruction of the French fort,” said Green. “That’s important because that encapsulates part of this colonial history that the state has. It’s often forgotten about or not known, so most people just don’t have a chance to know about it.”
The area that is called Fort Toulouse-Jackson today serves as a representation of this oft-forgotten history of Alabama. The land that is Elmore County is home to a major piece of the history between Native Americans, Europeans and eventually Americans. Sometimes, it’s nice to step out of the 21st century and into an older time.
“The fort is a representation of how every culture finds a way to shape the environment to their own purposes,” said Green. “That’s just a typical human story, part of our ingenuity. (At Fort Toulouse-Jackson), you get away from society for a moment, thinking about a world that doesn’t exist anymore.”
Women making baskets is just one of many activities one might find in the area during the late 1700's
Rare artifacts have been discovered at the site
Calendar of EventsANNUAL
JANUARY
➤ Taste of Elmore County: This annual event hosted at the Wetumpka Civic Center showcases local restaurants and caterers. Proceeds benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry.
FEBRUARY
➤ Mardi Gras celebrations: The Millbrook Krewe of Revelers host an annual Mardi Gras Parade and Festival the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. This mustattend event is the largest Mardi Gras celebration north of Mobile. With a mile-long parade along Main Street and over 60 vendors selling Mardi Gras-themed food and items, thousands turn out for this event. The Order of Cimarron in Wetumpka also hosts a Mardi Gras Parade that includes entertainment, vendors and children’s activities, as well as the parade in downtown Wetumpka.
➤ Murder on the Menu: Friends of the Wetumpka Library host an annual fundraiser featuring popular mystery authors in a roundtable format.
➤ Paint the Park for Jody 5K Color Fun Run: In memory of Wetumpka high school student and crosscountry athlete Jody Marie Sanford, this fun run raises money for a memorial scholarship in her honor.
➤ ECAG Winter Show: Elmore County Art Guild hosts its annual winter art show with an awards ceremony and a reception.
MARCH
➤ Easter Egg Hunts: The Alabama Wildlife Federations presents an annual Nature Eggstravangza at the Alabama Nature Center with activities for children. Included in the event are egg hunts, games, crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Various Easter egg hunts are also held throughout the area in Eclectic, Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee. They are sponsored by the towns’ local organizations and churches.
APRIL
➤ Big Fish Bass Tournament: The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual fishing tournament at Bonner’s Landing on Lake Jordan the Saturday before Easter, with hourly weigh-ins for biggest fish.
➤ AWF Wild Game Cook-off: Hosted by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, this event invites participants around the county to compete with their best dishes. Attendees have the chance to taste the food and enjoy the entertainment, which draws hundreds of visitors.
➤ Coosapalooza Brewfest: Nearly 40 breweries gather in Merchants Alley offering samples of their unique brews. The event, taking place along the Coosa River, is for ages 21 and older. Proceeds benefit Main Street Wetumpka’s downtown revitalization.
➤ Tallassee Annual Golf Tournament: The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual golf tournament at Wynlakes Country Club.
MAY
➤ Wetumpka FFA Alumni Rodeo: Hosted at the Wetumpka Sports Complex, this annual rodeo features bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, break-away and more. Proceeds benefit the Wetumpka FFA.
➤ Millbrook Farmers Market: The season kicks off in May with the weekly farmers markets on Main Street every Tuesday morning through August.
➤ Millbrook Mayfest: Sponsored by the City of Millbrook Cultural Arts & Special Events committee, this new event brings residents in contact with talented, local vendors and their wares. The event includes music, activities for the kiddos, food and more.
JUNE
➤ Tallassee SummerFest: This summer event
Millbrook Mardi Gras
Lake Jordan Boat Parade
features vendors, kids’ activities, pancake breakfast, dog costume contest, a baking contest and more.
JULY
➤ River and Blues Festival: The River and Blues Fest is a day full of music, entertainment and vendors. This popular event is held in downtown Wetumpka along the Coosa River.
➤ Fourth of July events: Lake Jordan HOBOs hosts a firework show on Lake Jordan every year, which can best be seen by boat. It also hosts an annual boat parade on Lake Jordan. The City of Wetumpka usually displays fireworks over the Coosa River, which residents can enjoy from Gold Star Park. Russell Lands on Lake Martin hosts fireworks and a concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater in Eclectic each year, along with Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade, starting at Kowaliga Marina and parading passed Children’s Harbor. Grandview YMCA hosts a firework display and cookout on its grounds during the week of July 4.
AUGUST
➤ AWF Youth Fishing Rodeo: Designed to give youth the chance to experience the outdoors and learn about fishing, this annual occurrence is held on Lanark’s grounds in Millbrook. The rodeo is open to anyone 15 and under, and admission is free.
SEPTEMBER
➤ Reimagine Women’s Summit: A convention for women hosts a line-up of inspirational speakers who encourage attendees to reimagine their lives. The event includes a business expo, networking opportunities, gourmet lunch, fashion show and more. The event is hosted by the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce.
➤ Titus Bluegrass Festival: For more than two decades, the Titus Community Center has presented live music throughout the day in its shady grove with multiple artists performing, along with food vendors and booths filled with crafts, cookbooks and peanuts.
OCTOBER
➤ MAX4Kids 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament: Played at RTJ Capitol Hill in Prattville, Max Credit Union hosts this annual fundraiser benefiting children’s charities and high school scholarships in the region.
➤ Alabama Cotton Festival: For nearly three decades, the Town of Eclectic brings in thousands of visitors, vendors and loads of entertainment for all ages.
➤ Coosa River Whitewater Festival: This twoday annual event, sponsored by the Coosa River Paddling Club, includes kayaking competitions, activities for amateur boaters, live entertainment and more. Proceeds benefit nonprofits dedicated to environmental protection.
➤ Coosa River Challenge: This team-adventure race is a course that combines trail running, mountain biking, paddling, repelling and surprise obstacles along the way. Individuals may participate as well. The route incorpo-
Alabama Cotton Festival
Fourth of July fireworks over the Coosa River
Tallassee SummerFest
rates the Coosa River and its shorelines and concludes in downtown Wetumpka.
➤ Halloween events: Each town holds a candy walk or festival and churches host various trunk-or-treat activities.
➤ Boo Festival: Sponsored by the City of Millbrook, this festival includes a costume contest, pumpkin patch, hay mountain, food trucks, games and more.
➤ Alabama Frontier Days: Visit Fort ToulouseFort Jackson Historic Site in Wetumpka for a reenactment of Alabama’s frontier days from French Colonial times to the Early American period. It includes Native American reenactors, period traders, merchants and entertainers.
NOVEMBER
➤ Great Balls of Fire Golf Tournament: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual tournament to raise funds for year-round programs and events.
DECEMBER
➤ A Downtown Dickens Christmas: This joint event, hosted by the chamber, city and Main Street Wetumpka, celebrates Christmas over two nights with a tree lighting set back in time. Participants adorn period costumes from A Christmas Carol, and there are photo
opportunities with Father Christmas, authentic vendors and decorated downtown businesses.
➤ Christmas Parades: Tallassee, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Eclectic all have Christmas parades throughout the holiday season that feature organizations in the community, along with festive decorations. The parades typically coincide with other events, such as open houses, tree lightings and festivals.
➤ An Eclectic Christmas: Hosted by volunteers from An Eclectic Ministry, this annual live showing of the Christmas, this annual live showing of the Christmas story draws crowds from all over the country. Experience the story in an outdoor walking trail and be part of the live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. Usually taking place the first week of December, guests must make reservations.
➤ Christmas on the Coosa: The City of Wetumpka hosts this annual event on the second Saturday of December. The full-day event features activities throughout Gold Star Park and along the Coosa River, including arts-and-crafts vendors, kids’ activities, live music, a street parade, fireworks and the highly anticipated wakeboarding Santa.
A Downtown Dickens Christmas
IF YOU DON’T KNOW, SUBSCRIBE
CHAMBER DIRECTORY
The following individuals and businesses are members of the Tallassee, Millbrook and/or Wetumpka chambers of commerce
Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce
Adullam House Thrift Store
ASE Credit Union
Elmore Community Hospital, Ivy Creek Healthcare
Hampton Inn Wetumpka by Hilton
Jim L. DeBardelaben Attorney At Law
Main Street Wetumpka
Wharf Casual Seafood - Wetumpka
1Social Buzz Marketing Firm
A Beautiful Creation
A Touch of Class
A&M Tile and Remodeling LLC.
Absolute Termite and Pest Control LLC
Adams Drugs
Adobe AFC Primed
Aida with love
Air Conditioning by Luquire
Alabama Association of Nonprofits
Alabama Bass Trail
Alabama Cooperative Extension
System Elmore Co Office
Alabama Legal & Investigative Services, Inc.
Alabama News Network
Alabama Power Company
Alabama River Region Arts Center
Alabama’s Little Bit of Texas
Aldridge, Borden & Co. Certified Public Accountants
Alexander City / Chamber of Commerce
Alfa Insurance
All About Repairs, LLC
All Occasion Creations
Allen’s Heating & Cooling, LLC
ARC Realty
Arrow Pest Control, Inc.
Ashley Cousins Environmental Strategies & Solutions, LLC (dba AC ESS, LLC)
Ashley Raye Photography
Autauga Elmore Developmental Services
Ayers, Todd
Barganier Davis Williams Architects
Associated
Barrett, Brian E, DMD, PC
Baseline Forest Services, Inc.
Bass Lumber Company, Inc.
Bennett’s Archery Indoor/Outdoor Range
Bern, Butler, Capilouto & Massey, CPAs, P.C.
Beth’s Heirloom Sewing
Better Business Bureau Serving
Central & South Alabama
BHB Groundworks LLC
Big Block Designs, LLC
Blue Ridge Mountain Water
Bolin, Art
Bottom 2 Top Cleaning Services, LLC
Bridge and Hill Holdings LLC
Bryson Veterinary Clinic
Buck Realty LLC
Buffalo Rock
Business Council of Alabama
Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
Cafely
Camp Chandler - YMCA
Carla D’Andrea
CASA of the River Region
CB&S Bank
Centerpoint Fellowship Wetumpka
Central Alabama Community College
Central Alabama Community Foundation
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative
Central Alabama Regional Planning & Development Comm.
Central Elmore Water Authority
Chamber of Commerce Assoc of Alabama
Chambliss, Clyde Senator
Chapel Lakes Apartments
Chrietzberg Photography
Circuit Clerk’s Office
City of Wetumpka
Coaches’ Corner
Coleman, Spencer J., M.D.
Collier Ford, Inc.
Combined Insurance
Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama
Company St Mercantile
Connor Hogan Insurance Agency
Cook’s Pest Control
Coosa River Adventures
Cornus Kennels
Courtyard by Marriott - Prattville
Cousins Insurance Agency, Inc
Creed Gym
Cumulus Broadcasting
Darden Communications Consultants
Inc
Dentistry for Children, P.C.
Destinations Travel, LLC
Dinkey Dots LLC
Diversified Alarm Services, Inc.
Dixie Art Colony Foundation
Domino’s Pizza Store # 5363/Pizza
G’s Enterprises LLC
Dozier, Larry
Drinkard Group, LLC
Dunn & Schreiber Orthodontics, PC
E&S Suit Warehouse
Edge Home Finance Corporation
Edgewood Academy, Inc.
Edward Jones Investments
Edwards and Edwards Law Firm
Elevation Strategies, LLC
Elmore Community Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Elmore County 9-1-1
Elmore County Black Heritage Museum
Elmore County Board of Education
Elmore County Commission
Elmore County Economic Development Authority
Elmore County Family Resource Center
Elmore County Finance
Elmore County Food Pantry
Elmore County Historical Society
Elmore County Museum
Elmore County Revenue Commissioner
Elmore County Sherriff’s Office/Jail
Elmore County Tag Department
Elmore County Technical Center
Emerald Mountain Golf Club
Emerald Mountain Homeowner’s Association, Inc.
Eternal Networks LLC
EXIT Realty Pike Road
exploreMedia
F & E Sportswear
Fain, Dennis and Lynda
Family Sunshine Center Montgomery
Area Family Violence Program
Family Support Center
Fire Steakhouse at Wind Creek
Wetumpka
First Baptist Church
First Choice Women’s Medical Center
- Elmore County
First Community Bank of Central Alabama
First Methodist Church of Wetumpka
Friends of the Forts - Fort Toulouse Foundation
Ft Toulouse/Ft. Jackson
Fur Baby University, LLC
Gantt, Steve
Gardens of Wetumpka Assisted Living
Gassett Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC
Girl Scouts of South Central Alabama, Inc.
Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC
Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce
Grumpy Dog
Guardian Credit Union
Heart of Alabama Food Bank
Holmes, Patsy
Homesouth Roofing, LLC
Hope Grows Therapy
Houston, Randall
Humane Society of Elmore Co.
Impact Home Solutions LLC
IndusTREE Timber, Inc.
Information Transport Solutions, Inc.
Ingram State Technical College
It’s Personal Boutique
Ivy Creek Cafe’
Ivy Creek Hospice
J P Millwork, Inc.
Jackson Thornton
Jenilyn’s Creations, Inc.
Jennifer L. Berry LLC
John Thornton
Just Bouncin Around LLC
Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery
Kennedy, Phyllis Kelly
Kmarks Web & Computer Solutions
KOA FOAM SOLUTIONS LLC
Kona Ice of Lake Martin
Kreative Moments
Land Bank
Lani Hudgins, Insurance Agent | MAX
Insurance Services
Larry Ray Insurance Agency
Leadership Elmore County
LENNY’S TAX SERVICE, LLC
Lewis Advertising
Lewis, Circuit Judge Bill
Lightspeed Web Design
Little Mountain Growers
Liveoak Agency Inc
Local Realty of Montgomery
Low Country Floating Classroom
MADIX
Marcia Weber Art Objects, Inc.
Mark’s Service Ctr. & Body Shop
MAX Credit Union
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base
McCulloch, Stephen P. DMD, P.C
McQuick Printing Company
Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce
Montgomery Area Assoc/Realtors
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Moon & Melvin, LLC
Moore Company Realty, Inc.
Mystical Heights Aerial Yoga
Nancy Oates- ReMax Cornerstone
Plus
Our Place Café
Panther Playroom LLC
Pemberton Inc
Pest Pro Services, LLC
PH&J Architects
Phoenix Physical Therapy Wetumpka
Pine View Memorial Gardens
Pops BBQ Pit, LLC
Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce
Ranger’s Ridge LLC
Rawls, Michelle
RE/MAX Cornerstone Realty Group, LLC
Realty Connection
Restoration Coffee House LLC
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
Rick Beauchamp
River Bank & Trust
River Region Lactation
River Region United Way
Riverside Chevrolet
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill
Russell Construction of Alabama, Inc.
Russell Do-it Center
Russell Mosquito Control, LLC
SCORE/Earl Heath
SECURE-A-WILL
Security Finance Loan and Tax Service
Servpro
Sharon Wilson
Sievers & Company, PC
Smirnoff Heating and Cooling, LLC
SNC Real Estate LLC
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, LLC
SouthernLinc Wireless
Speaks, Larry E. & Associates, Inc.
Spire Energy
Square Foot Consulting. LLC/Minority
Vendor Prog
Stacked Intent
State Farm Insurance/Jackson Hagan Agency
State Farm Insurance Company Ken
Owen
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company
Stiff Contractors, Inc.
Stone Martin Builders
Studio 231/Elmore County TV
Suncho School of Music
Sunshine and Pixie Dust
Sunshine Travel Planner
Tallassee Community Library
Taste at the Fain
Taylor Athletic Wear, Inc.
The Gab Salon
The Lil’ Farmhouse Market, LLC
The Montgomery Independent
The Party Palace LLC
The Shoppes Downtown
The Tallassee Tribune
The Wetumpka Herald
The Worx Auto Detail, LLC
Tiers of Sweetness
Top Storage
Trinity Episcopal Church
Tru-Turn, Inc./TTI Companies
Turner, Carson
Turner, Gwen
Valley National Bank
Village Church Wetumpka
Vision Center South
VIVA Medicare Plus
Vogel Law Firm
WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC
Webb Law Inc.
Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce
Wetumpka Crater Commission
Wetumpka Depot Players, Inc.
Wetumpka FFA Alumni Chapter
Wetumpka Health and Rehabilitation, LLC
Wetumpka High School
Wetumpka Lions Club
Wetumpka Public Library
Wetumpka Raceway
Wetumpka Village LTD
Wetumpka Villas
Wetumpka Water Works
Wetumpka YMCA
White Wings Catering
Whorton, Janice
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel
Wetumpka
Wood, Jan
Woodcraft Cafe
Wynn’s Grain and Spice, LLC
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Zap Pest Control, Inc.
Millbrook Chamber of Commerce
3Bs Construction & Roofing
7 Healing Waters
ABS Technology, LLC
Absolute Termite and Pest Control LLC
Abundant Grace Ministries, Inc.
Adobe
Advanced Appraisal Services,LLC
Air Conditioning by Luquire
AirNow Home Services
Alabama Army National Guard
Alabama Dance Theatre
Alabama Education Association
Alabama One Credit Union
Alabama Performance Pilates LLC
Alabama Power Co.
Alabama Small Business Development
Center
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Alfa Insurance-Judson Vaughan
American Legion, Post 133
AMS Studios LLC
Ann Cooper
Ark Animal Hospital
Arrow Pest
ASE Credit Union
Ashlyn’s Cake Cottage
Autauga Elmore Developmental Services
Azalea Training Center
Bajaj ConEagle
Barganier Davis Williams Architects
Associated, P.A.
Barnes Family Farm
Blake’s Towing LLC
Bloom Salon and Boutique, LLC
Bo and Ashley Evans Family
BRANDify Creative Co.
Brantley Heating & Air
Brenda Kelley
Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe
Bridgeway ABA Therapy, LLC
BSKC Soil and Septic Services LLC
Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
Byard Associates, LLC
Cask & Vine
Catfish House, DBA
Central Access
Central Alabama Community College
Central Alabama Electric Coop
Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
Central Alabama Works!
Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama
Charlton Place
Chicken Salad Chick Prattville
Choyce CPR
Chris Alderton Alfa Insurance
Chris Boykin Alfa Insurance
Church at the Brook
CJ Rentals
Clickcraft
Cloverdale Jewelers, LLC
Coosada Baptist Church
Courtyard By Marriott Prattville
Cumulus Media
Curbing Innovations
Dale Bain
Davis Electrical Contracting LLC
Days Inn & Suites Prattville
Don Duncan’s All American Auto and Tire
Dunn & Schreiber Orthodontics
Ebert Design Company
Ector Accounting & Tax Service LLC
Edward Jones - Robert Fell, Advisor
El Cerrito Mexican Grill
Elite Realty, LLC.
Elmore / Autauga News
Elmore County Board of Education
Elmore County Commission
Elmore County District Judge - Ben
Baxley
Elmore County Economic
Development Authority (ECEDA)
Elmore County Extension Office
Elmore County Family Resource Center
Elmore County Technical Center
Emily Claire Myers, Realtor with EXIT
River Rock Realty
Epicure & Jack’s Tavern
Express Oil Tire Engineers
F & E Sportswear
Family Home Furniture
Family Sunshine Center
Fast Forward LLC, dba explore Media
First Assembly of God
First Community Bank of Central Alabama
Floor & Decor
Food Outlet
Front Porch Grill Restaurant
Gable Peaks Home Design, LLC
Garner Electric, Inc
Garry S. McAnnally, LLC
Gateway Exterior Cleaning
Gene Jones Insurance Agency
Gillespie’s Events and Entertainment
Grandview Family YMCA
GTI
Guardian Credit Union
Hamilton Signs & Graphix
HandsOn River Region
Harrison & Associates Service LLC
Heart of Alabama Food Bank
Home Helpers Home Care
Homesouth Roofing
Honey Dew, LLC
Humane Society of Elmore County
iDry Restoration
Impact Professionals
Imperial Manufacturing, Inc
Ingram State Technical College
Ingrams Farmers Market & Garden Center
Innovative Roofing Pros
Ivy Creek Family Care of Millbrook
Jackson and Scott, LLC
Jackson Thornton & Co.
Jaguar’s Spot
Janelle’s Studio
Jenilyn’s Creations, Inc.
Jettison Environmental Services
Jiffy Lube
Jones Drugs
Joy Booth
Kaitlyn Chance, Travelmation
Kelley Accounting & Tax Services, Inc.
Keri Landers - Country Financial
Kienle Services
Kingdom Dough Inc.
Kiwanis Club - Millbrook
KP Studio and Events
Landmark Engineering
Lanetta Anderson - Alfa Agent
LGL Customs LLC
Lisa’s Dance Dimensions/Next Dimension Gymnastics
Liveoak Insurance Agency, Inc
Long Lewis Ford
Lucretia Cauthen Realty
Lux Salon & Boutique
Made by Molly, LLC
Magnolia Ridge, LLC
Main Street Vintage Market
Mandi Fortner, State Farm
Marc-1 Car Wash
Marvin’s Building Materials
Max Complete Auto Care
MAX Credit Union
Meals on Wheels Montgomery AL
Metro Area
Michael Dozier, Circuit Clerk
Military Child Education Coalition
Millbrook Civitan Club
Millbrook Community Players
Millbrook Family Healthcare, LLC
Millbrook First Methodist Church
Millbrook Presbyterian Church
M-L-B Enterprises
Mobility Plus
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
MRaine Industries LLC
MsCraftprincess Designs, LLC
Obedient Technology LLC
One Community Outreach United Orangetheory Fitness
Overhead Door and Fireplace
Company, INC.
P4 Physical Therapy
Pane N the Glass
Patrick Today
Patriot Pro Services
Pest Pro Services LLC.
PH&J Architects
Pinnacle Realty
Pizza G’s Enterprises LLC
Powell Rental Properties
Powernet
Prattville Millbrook Sunrise Rotary Club
Press Play Media Group
Print Center
Publications Plus Inc.
Pure Home of Alabama
Raghav Inc. dba Key West Inn
Raishell Wallace - Realtor
RE/MAX Cornerstone Plus
Ready Mix USA
Realty Central, LLC
Realty Connection
Rehab Associates
River Bank and Trust
River Region Church of the Nazarene
River Region United Way
River Region Vision Source
Robinson Springs Church Inc.
Ronnie Smith Builders
S & M Essential Party Rentals
S and B Apiaries, LLC
Senator Clyde Chambliss Servpro
Smith-Byrd House
Smokehouse Pit BBQ, LLC
SNC Real Estate
South Point Home Mortgage
Southern Brew Corp dba 7 Brew Coffee
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons
Spire Energy
Springhill Suites - RAM Millbrook Hospitality LLC
Stacy Blanchard Independent Agent
Stacy Jay Photography LLC
State Farm, Michael Gay Agency
Stone Martin Builders
Storage Sense Millbrook
Successful Connections Resource Center
Sunrise + Sheridan
Sweet Hart Coffee Co.
Tammy Giordano - Medical Massage Therapist
The Carpet Place
The City of Millbrook
The Elms
The Fizz Co.
The Gathering Place
The Lewis Law Firm, PC
The Millbrook Florist
The Millbrook Revelers
The Sweet Carte, LLC
The Worx Auto Detail, LLC
TNT Outfitters, LLC
Trish Gober Art LLC
Troy University
Trustmark National Bank
Valley Bank
VETS Veteran Education Training & Support
Vicki’s Amish Traditions
Victory Baptist Church
Village at Millcreek
Viva Medicare - Triton Health Systems, LLC
W.E.L.C.O.M.E.
Waffle & Co
WAKA
Walmart Supercenter
Warren Averett
Webb Builders, Inc
Wells Fargo
WOW!
WSFA Ch. 12
WW Restoration Professional
Roofing
Young Brothers Roofing
ZenBusiness
Tallassee Chamber of Commerce
1220 Café
1st Franklin Financial Corportaion
3am Growers, Inc
AES Industries
Alabama Ag Credit
Alabama Gazette Publishing/Tallassee
Quarterly
Alabama Power Company
American Deli
Ann Christian
Apothecary, The Baker, Vicki Oliver
Benson, Linda D.
Brantley Signs
Britt Veterinary Services
Britt, Elizabeth
Bulls Eye Pest Control
CARPDC (Central AL Regional Planning & Devlp Comm)
CB & S Bank
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative City Collision
Community Hospital Inc.
Covington Healthcare LLC.
Cozumel Mexican Grill
Darrell Wilson(Tallassee City Council
Ward 3)
Dash of Fashion, A
E & I
East Tallassee Pharmacy
Erica’s Hair and Tan
Factory Connection
Faulkner University
First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Five Points Station
FRIOS Gourmet Pops
Gazette Publishing LLC/Tallassee
Quarterly
Godwin, Bill
Godwin’s Flowers
Griggs Law Firm
Guardian Credit Union
Gulf Packaging, Inc.
Hardee’s
Hepburn Pest Control LLC
Herren Hill Pharmacy
Herring Chiropractic Clinic
Home Integrated Solutions
Hornsby & Son Body Shop LLC
HR Management Solutions
Hughey Communications Inc. – WACQ
Humane Society of Elmore County
Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee
J. Alan Taunton & Company LLC
Jeffcoat Funeral Home
John Thornton
Lake Martin Chiropractic Health Center
Learning Tree Inc., The
Lee Staffing Inc. DBA Allegiance
Staffing
Lewis, Bill
Linville Memorial Funeral Home
Louie’s Sno-Kones
Mack Daugherty – Elmore Co.
Commissioner Dist. 2
Mason Rentals
Max Credit Union
Michael Dozier (Circuit Clerk Elmore County)
Mt. Vernon Theatre
Nabors Service Center
Natural Resource Consulting
Neptune Technology Group
New Stone Realty
Operation Combat Bikesaver
Parker Tire & Service
Parker Wholesale Cars
Patterson & Duke, P.C.
Patterson, Bill
S & S Services, LLC
SCF Buildings LLC
Servpro of Montgomery
Sistrunk, All Things Desired
Sizemore & Sizemore
SPECS Education Consulting Service
State Farm (Albert Elmore)
Steve Martin Engineering & Surveying
Stinson Drafting Corp.
Studio B Dance Center
Subway of Tallassee
Succentrix Business Advisors
Suzannah’s Photography
SWAT Exterminating Co. Inc.
Talisi Florist
Talisi Historical Preservation Society
Tallassee Armory Guards-SCV Camp 1921
Tallassee Automotive
Tallassee City Board of Education
Tallassee Community Development Corporation
Tallassee Eagle Convenience Store
Tallassee Family Dentistry
Tallassee Industrial Development Board
Tallassee Jewelry & Gifts
Tallassee Power & Equipment
Tallassee Septic Tank Service
Tallassee Super Foods
Tallassee Tribune-Tallapoosa
Publishers
Tallassee True Value
The Segrest Law Firm
Tiger Paw
Trustmark
VIVA Medicare Plus
WebDevil Design
WTLS/Tallassee Times
