Horizons 2026

SMALL TOWNS

BIG OPPORTUNITIES

From the General Manager's Desk

There’s a subtle charm about a small town that draws visitors in. The quaint local shops. Generations of stories. Beloved community traditions.

It’s the kind of place you pass driving along a back country road, where if you blink, you might just miss it.

But beneath the surface, these small towns are building momentum, fueled by deep connections, passionate leadership and a strong belief that they can do extraordinary things.

These are our small towns, making waves in local industries.

Meet 2025 Alabama Farmer of the Year, Issac “Nealy” Barrett, who is carrying on his family’s farm legacy. Turn to page 20 to learn how five generations of the Barrett family continue to lead the future of agriculture. Then flip to page 26 to meet Elmore County’s 2025 “Best Firefighter,” Chief Tommy Sanford, whose decades of service reflect his lifelong passion and commitment to the Santuck community and volunteer department.

Emerging leadership is also guiding these small towns into a new era of opportunity.

Tallassee’s new mayor is changing the mindset of “potential,” aiming to transition the town into a community of progress instead. From expanding dining options to new events and downtown beautification efforts, turn to page 37 to see Joey Wiginton’s vision for revitalizing the small town.

The momentum continues with Carmen Rodgers, Tallassee’s new chamber of commerce director. On page 30, Rodgers shares her childhood memories and passion for driving new business into her hometown, with a focus on becoming a valuable resource for newcomers.

While many of these communities are guided by the passion of older generations, these small towns are also focused on investing in their next generation of leaders.

At Wetumpka High School, a new program is changing the way students prepare for their ACTs, and the results are promising. On page 16, read about two students who received perfect ACT scores and the teachers that guided their success.

Stanhope Elmore High School is also creating a bright future for its students. On page 54, read about one student who is chasing her dream of becoming a fighter pilot, and on page 44, discover how the JROTC program is developing the future generation of leaders while also supporting the students as they face real-life challenges.

And no small town is complete without big traditions.

For more than 30 years, Eclectic’s Cotton Fest has drawn in thousands of visitors annually, recently breaking a record for hosting 200 vendors at the event last October. Discover the roots of Cotton Fest on page 50.

In addition, Titus recently celebrated the 25-year anniversary of its Bluegrass Festival, becoming a staple in the music community. With big name acts hitting the stage, turn to page 40 to see how the festival has become a highlight in the bluegrass world.

These are just a few examples of the extraordinary stories in this year’s Progress issue, outlining the endless possibilities for local communities. These are our powerful small towns, with big opportunities.

Tippy Hunter, TPI General Manager

STAFF

Chairman Kenneth Boone

General Manager

Tippy Hunter tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor

Shaylee Beck Moore shaylee.moore@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services

Audra Spears audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants

Renee Trice renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

Sam Himes sam.himes@thewetumpkaherald.com

Erin Vickers erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com

Abbie Clayton abbie.clayton@thetallasseetribune.com

Business & Digital Development Director

Angela Mullins angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Director

Baily Terry baily.terry@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Sam Vise

Cliff Williams

Lizi Abrogast

Gwen Bishop

Sarah Chase

Samuel Higgs

Audra Spears

Shaylee Beck Moore

Ana Sofia Meyer

All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811 tpimediagroup.org

SMALL TOWNS BIG OPPORTUNITIES

Modern community development in the River Region goes beyond policy and regulation. By leveraging local assets, investing in education and workforce readiness, encouraging entrepreneurship and breathing new life into underused properties, communities across the region are building stronger economies with hometown heart. Through partnerships, civic engagement and connections to regional and national resources, these towns are creating welcoming, resilient spaces that honor tradition while preparing the next generation for growth.

and economic development throughout Elmore County and the

MORE THAN A MAKEOVER

In the world of small-town revitalization, there is a distinct before and after. For Wetumpka, that line was etched in stone – and fresh cedar –back in 2021 when HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” turned the national spotlight onto this local riverside community.

But five years after show hosts Ben and Erin Napier rolled their trucks into town, the story has shifted. It is no longer just about a television production; it is about a local spark that transformed into a steady, sustainable roar.

“HGTV was like gasoline on the fire for us,” said Andrew Stieb, director of communications and tourism for the city of Wetumpka.

Stieb, who recently transitioned into this newly created role to manage the city’s booming popularity, noted the success wasn’t accidental.

“It was years of hard work and teamwork from so many people,” Stieb said. “That national spotlight was the accelerant, and we’ve been burning ever since in the most positive way.”

While the city underwent a major transformation, individual business owners found themselves in the eye of a hurricane of fame.

Paul Norton owns Coaches Corner, a staple sports bar and grill that has

anchored the downtown riverfront since 2008. He was “shocked” with the aftermath from “Home Town Takeover.”

For Norton, the takeover wasn’t just a cosmetic renovation; it was a fundamental shift in the reality of his daily operations. Coaches Corner was one of a handful of businesses chosen for a makeover, receiving a transformative upgrade to its outdoor patio.

Norton said he and his wife had always dreamt of enclosing the patio but could never find the time nor money to do it the way they envisioned. The show stepped in to create an enclosed, climate-controlled space featuring a stunning centerpiece – the longest natural wooden bar in Alabama.

Yet when the cameras stopped rolling and the episodes finally aired, an unforeseen challenge emerged: overwhelming success.

“No one prepared us for what would happen after,” Norton said. “The amount of people that showed up to visit and eat here was insane. We blew up. We were busy. We just couldn’t keep up with the demand.”

Norton estimated that for the first eight months following the show, business didn’t just grow – it tripled. The fame followed the Nortons far beyond the Alabama state line. While on vacation in the Virgin Islands, a taxi driver recognized Norton and his wife, Heather, from their appearance on the show.

“It would have been easy just to fail because of the popularity,” Norton said. “But I’ve got 40 staff members that depend on this restaurant to be open. Once we got through that first year, we acclimated, but it took a lot of adjusting.”

Today, groups still travel from as far as Idaho just to sit at the famous wooden bar and see the place they fell in love with on their televi-

sion screens. Norton even made it a point to reach out to business owners in subsequent “Takeover” towns to prepare them.

The effect of the show is backed by economic data that proves Wetumpka is more than just a one-hit-wonder.

According to Stieb, the summer following the show’s airing saw a 300 percent increase in sales tax revenue.

“It was truly unreal to experience that kind of influx, especially during a global pandemic,” Stieb said.

But the city’s leadership knew that paint and television magic have a shelf life. To make the change permanent, the city had to do the behind the scene work. While HGTV handled the aesthetics, the city invested heavily in underground infrastructure and a total streetscape redesign.

The results are visible in the windows of downtown – occupancy has moved from roughly 30 percent occupied five years ago to nearly 90 percent occupied today, according to Stieb.

Stieb himself is a testament to the show’s reach. A newcomer to Wetumpka, he previously lived in the Colorado town featured in the second season of “Home Town Takeover.” He saw firsthand how the backing of the show requires a specific kind of community culture to survive.

“What HGTV was looking for is a community who had the culture that supported change and the infrastructure to keep that change going,” Stieb said. “As any good investor would, they look for a client who can take that investment and make a return on it.”

For Stieb, the beauty of the takeover is best seen at night. He recalled his first visit after the streetscape was finished, crossing the iconic Bibb Graves Bridge as the sun set.

“The lights above Company Street – it was just so beautiful,” Stieb said. “It framed downtown and made it truly picturesque. That was the moment I thought, ‘Wow, this is a community worth living in.’”

As the initial hype matures into a sustainable tourism economy, Wetumpka’s leadership is focused on what’s next. The city recently partnered with consultants to ensure their marketing remains fresh and their offerings diverse. The goal is to move beyond the “as seen on TV” label and establish Wetumpka as a premier destination for locals and travelers alike.

“Wetumpka wasn’t just a plot on a TV show,” Stieb said. “It really takes a community working together –from the city council to the Main Street organization. We are continuing to invest in that growth, ensuring that our city is always evolving, always with intent.”

POWERING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

The Elmore County Technical Center is popular.

More than 10 percent of the entire population of Elmore County students visit the campus in Wetumpka several times a week. That percentage greatly increases when considering only students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades, and that career technical education is available at four high schools in Elmore County.

The center’s popularity has increased over the last eight or so years. Its enrollment is currently about 1,200 students, a rise from about 350 students when Jimmy Hull took over in 2013.

When current director Emilie Johnson came to ECTC in 2014 as a counselor, the student population had grown to 500. It hasn’t stopped increasing since.

She credits changing the overall mindset of what is needed to succeed in life.

“We were dealing with a perception that career tech was where the less capable kids were sent,”

Johnson said. “We put our dual enrollment here on campus. Once those students started to realize that these programs are here, they started to show interest in them. They are solid programs.”

Johnson herself is a product of Millbrook schools. When she attended Stanhope Elmore High School, she saw first-hand how everyone looked down on what was known as trade school. She

Students in the welding program learn skills needed to enter the workforce directly after high school

knew she wanted to be an elementary school teacher and was for her first 14 years in education.

It was at Stanhope Elmore that Johnson first learned of a program at the tech center that would help her.

“The child care program actually had a day care here,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘This is what I want to do. This is so cool. I’ll have to take something here.’”

Students Jaylay Brooks Sariyah Williams check the vitals of a

Today, ECTC offers 18 career tech programs and dual enrollment classes for all Elmore County high school students. Some Tallassee High School students take advantage of the center as well.

ECTC students can earn credentials and certifications. They can also work in several industries through the center’s co-op program. Dual enrollment programs with Central Alabama Community College and Trenholm State Technical College allow students to earn college credits.

“We always want students to understand that they have the world in their hands,” Alabama Association of Career and Technical Education Executive Director Cindy McConnell said. “I’m a retired health science teacher, and I see the benefits of what all is possible when students come through these classes.”

Students completing programs at ECTC can get parttime jobs while still in high school. After graduation, students can quickly find employment making more than $20 per hour. After a few years, some students are making six-figure incomes in fields such as HVAC.

“It is really amazing what the potential is for the students,” Johnson said. “They don’t have to get a four-year degree to make good money.”

Johnson has seen the success of students firsthand. During the expansion of the current Wetumpka campus, several former students from construction science, electrical and plumbing programs at ECTC were employees of subcontractors on the job. Today, multiple former ECTC students from the drafting program are employed by

Elmore County Board of Education architect McKee and Associates.

The center is designed in such a way that as the needs of the workforce change, so can the school. In January, ECTC opened a new diesel mechanic shop for students.

Almost all of the classrooms can easily be retrofitted.

ECTC has increased the number of medical science teachers at the center from one to three this year. The program has two classrooms and a large lab. With three teachers, part of the lab has been turned into a makeshift classroom.

“There is such demand for it,” Johnson said. “We have students coming through some of our technical career pathways that are not going to four-year institutions. They are making very large amounts of money because those are very sought-after skills in our communities. I’m also hearing it when I go to conferences statewide and nationally. There’s a shortage of those individuals.”

Johnson said the center works with students in ways beyond the trades.

“We teach them how to greet people,” Johnson said. “We teach the necessity of being on time and reliable. It’s soft skills that employers are looking for. If job applicants have them, many times they can train the employee to do whatever it is that is needed.”

To aid in teaching soft skills, the various trades invite representatives from the respective industries to aid in mock interviews.

“We have some local businesses that show up every time,” Johnson said. “It helps the students learn how to present themselves and dress for an interview, how to speak and so much more. We also have some employers who take note of the students in front of them, and they get a jump start on recruiting the students to work for them.”

The Perfect Pair

Two Wetumpka students ace their ACTs

STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTO BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE

In the world of high school academics, the number 36 carries a nearly mythical weight. It represents perfection, a flawless execution across English, mathematics, reading and science that less than one percent of test takers achieve.

But for Wetumpka High School, this past year brought a moment of striking excellence – two students both opened their results to find the elusive 36 staring back at them.

The achievement of seniors Georgia Wyatt and Christian Spruill is a testament to personal grit, but it is also the crowning achievement of a school culture that has turned ACT preparation into a science. At the center of this culture are many hardworking teachers, including Amanda Tally, a veteran educator who has been teaching at WHS since 2004.

Tally, who teaches Advanced English 11, AP Literature and Composition and AP Language and Composition, doesn’t believe in cramming. Instead, she views the ACT as a performance that requires the same muscle memory as a theater production or an athletic

event. In 2023, the school implemented a structured program called ACTion, taught by eight teachers from each subject, including Tally.

“In the ACTion courses, students are exposed to a different subject each week,” Tally said. “We rotate them through English, science, math and history for reading practice. Exposure and practice lead to confidence, and confidence is key in anything.”

Tally’s classroom is a place where stress is replaced by strength. By incorporating timed assessments into her daily curriculum, she desensitizes students to the ticking clock that so often causes test-day panic.

“You practice like you play, and you play like you practice,” Tally said.

To keep the energy high, WHS even incentivized the process, offering field days or trips to trampoline parks for students who showed the most growth.

For Wyatt, the journey to a perfect ACT score was an exercise in balancing her artistic soul with academic discipline. A key player in the school’s theater and choir programs, Wyatt also spends her free time working at Tiers of Sweetness, a bakery in downtown Wetumpka.

While she tends to be an overthinker, Wyatt loves to read – a hobby that made the reading and science sections of the ACT feel intuitive.

“I didn’t have to stress too much,” Wyatt said. “For me, the questions for science are straightforward, you just look for the information on the graphs. I think the reading comprehension was easy because I was so used to answering those types of questions, like I was reading a book.”

Wyatt admitted that the math section was a hurdle for her. Like many students, she found that math concepts often faded once the class exam was over. Knowing she had scored a 33 on her first ACT attempt without any preparation, she realized a perfect score was within reach if she could bridge the math gap. She spent her final nights before the test on the 36 University website, a resource provided by the school.

Wyatt finds her greatest inspiration just 30 seconds down the road at her grandfather’s greenhouse. Watching him cultivate plants sparked a fascination

with horticulture that she plans to pursue at Auburn University.

“I got fascinated with learning how things grow and the whole process of cultivating plants while helping my Pawpaw in his greenhouse,” Wyatt said. “I just love being outside, and I love the science-based part of the process.”

With the perfect score secured, the daunting financial barrier of college has vanished for Wyatt.

“I don’t know how I would be able to pay for college besides having the tuition paid for by my score,” she said. “It’s a confidence booster, seeing how God provides for me to further my education and hopefully have a career.”

While Wyatt was refining her math skills, Spruill was approaching the test with the mindset of a high-hurdler. A dedicated track athlete, Spruill’s life is measured in seconds and form. Ironically, he didn’t even realize he was taking the ACT until his school shifted his focus from the SAT.

“I was studying for the SAT, so I didn’t do anything specifically for the ACT,” Spruill said. “I was just studying general reading and math.”

Spruill’s success came down to a focused mentality during the school’s advisory periods. While his peers might have used the time to socialize, Spruill treated it as if he was preparing for a big track meet.

“You really need to be focused during those advisory class periods,” he said. “Most people get nervous during

Community is more than a word in our name. It’s everything.

Whether you’re planning for the future, buying your first home, or looking to grow your wealth, we’re here to offer both advice and heartfelt support—always listening and always putting your needs first.

the test, go on autopilot and make mistakes. If you have a plan and know exactly what you’re going to do, you will definitely score higher than you think.”

Spruill, who enjoys critical thinking games like chess and relaxing with interior design apps, found the math and science sections light. His true challenge was the reading portion, which he described as a race against the clock.

“For the math section, as long as you have concepts down, you’ll breeze through it,” Spruill said. “It’s easy to pick out the hard questions and know to come back to those later. The hardest is reading, I think, because you have to really comprehend and analyze the text. It takes a depth of knowledge, and with the time limit, it can be really stressful.”

He finished each section with a mere 30 seconds to spare – a photo finish that resulted in a gold-medal score.

Now, Spruill is looking far beyond the borders of Elmore County. With his perfect score as a stepping stone, Spruill is applying to Rice, Harvard and Yale universities. His goal is to major in kinesiology or exercise science, a field that will allow him to turn his passion for track into a career, whether as a professional athlete or a high-level coach.

When the test results were finally released in March 2025, the emotional impact rippled through the school. Spruill was too scared to open his email, leaving the task to his mother. Wyatt thought her phone was glitching.

Tally, though, wasn’t entirely shocked. Having taught both students, she had seen their astute nature firsthand. Both Wyatt and Spruill also scored fives on their AP exams – the highest possible score.

“Honestly, I can’t say I was surprised,” Tally said. “I’m very proud of them. I couldn’t be more proud if they were my own children.”

As Wyatt prepares for the orange and blue of Auburn and Spruill prepares for a potential future in the Ivy League, they leave behind a WHS that is more confident than ever.

Their story is a reminder that while the 36 is an individual achievement, it is grown in a garden tended by dedicated teachers, supportive parents and a school that isn’t afraid to take ACTion.

was named the 2025 Alabama Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Ag Expo

Farmer of the Year

The generational legacy of Bar Neal Farms

STORY BY SARAH CHASE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNBELT AG EXPO & THE BARRETT FAMILY

What started as 40 acres and a few cattle has grown into thousands for this Alabama family in Elmore County.

Based in Wetumpka, the Barretts have kept what is now Bar Neal Farms in their family for almost five generations, an uncommon occurrence in the farm industry. Before Bar Neal Farms reached the heights and longevity it has today, it started with Issac “Nealy” Barrett Jr.’s father, Issac Barrett, Sr.

Barrett Sr. worked for a gas company and had two cows before Nealy’s grandmother sold her farm to him. Barrett Sr. then founded the family’s current operation in 1961.

Because of Barrett Sr.’s humble beginnings and the family’s passion to expand, they now operate four agricultural LLCs: Bar Neal Farms LLC, B&B Cattle Company LLC, JNB Livestock LLC and River Bend Beef LLC.

The farm is operated by Nealy and his son, Justin Barrett, with family members by their side.

According to the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Bar Neal Farms currently covers 2,600 acres, with 900 dedicated to hay and haylage, and 400 adult cows. The operation also includes 3,500 to 4,000 cattle stockers a year through B&B Cattle, 1,500 to 2,000 head in retained ownership with feedlots and grazing partners through JNB Livestock and 60 to 100 head of custom beef sales a year through River Bend Beef.

“It started functioning as a business in 2010 or 2011,” Justin said. “It never really has been a hobby farm. We have been a

The Barretts have kept what is now Bar Neal Farms in their family for five generations

large farm for Central Alabama, but in 2015, we formalized it and put all our assets into one LLC – Bar Neal Farms – and started running it as a business.”

The family then chose to expand to do more yearling and background work, which developed their other LLCs and also assisted in understanding the farm’s costs and margins.

Bar Neal Farms has seen an upward trajectory for more than a decade.

The Alabama Farmers Federation awarded Bar Neal Farms the 2025 Farm of Distinction Award, and Nealy was named the 2025 Alabama Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Justin said conversations with his family now ask where the growth stops.

“There has got to be a boundary somewhere, and then let us let it cook for a couple of years, then look for expansion too,” Justin said. “With the uptick in the cow market, there has been some opportunity to expand, and we have exercised those opportunities and taken advantage of them. Now it is just maximizing the opportunities that we do have and becoming more efficient in our current footprint.”

The titles and success the family farm has acquired did not come without the work of the family as a whole.

Justin’s children, who will be the fifth generation for Bar Neal Farms, currently help out on the farm. Both Nealy’s wife, Jennie Barrett, and Justin’s wife, Jordan Barrett, manage the accounting and bookkeeping operations for the farm’s LLCs. Justin’s wife also homeschools their three children.

“The main thing, in my opinion, is there are not many family-oriented things where you can work side by side with your dad, your son, your grandchildren and your wife,” Nealy said. “Even though we have had outside jobs, it is still a pleasure to work with family. Hopefully you work hard while you are here – the short period of time we do have here – to take care of God’s creation. You hope that with the next generation, and the next one and so forth, it gets better as it goes, and I think we are headed in the right direction.”

As the family has operated Bar Neal Farms from a business standpoint, they have learned more about understanding and managing data and risks. They have also learned how to operate during market fluctuations, among other business details they were not familiar with before.

Justin and Nealy may see things differently about their farm from time to time, but the father and son know those differences only bring growth to a farm that has prospered through a small-town family working together.

“It is not easy working with family, but it is fulfilling when you can do that,” Justin said. “We almost have to overcommunicate in every realm because when you go home, it is hard to separate work and play or work and family. But we have found – and I think my father would agree – that the way I see it isn’t always the way he sees it, and we have embraced that as a strength. When we sit down and constructively talk about those things, our business benefits from that, and when we can put our thoughts together, we can build a better product.”

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50 Years of Community Commitment

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Santuck, a vital volunteer fire department stands ready to serve its community. Inside the unassuming building located at 7211 Central Plank Road in Elmore County, a crew of volunteers dedicate their time to more than fighting fires – they are the front line of emergency response, community education and civic stability for their corner of the county.

At the center of this key operation is Fire Chief Tommy Sanford, who has led the department for the past 30 years, though he has been volunteering since it was formed 54 years ago.

“I was here at the very first meeting when we didn’t have anything,” Sanford said. “We started out with a fire truck in a barn. Bab Brand and I got a group together and we started from scratch.”

The inspiration to start a volunteer fire department struck after a devastating house fire in the community decades ago. The Santuck residents had to wait on a fire truck to come from Wetumpka, but by the time help arrived,

the flames had engulfed the home entirely.

“There was nothing left, they lost everything,” Sanford recalled. “We said, ‘That’s it. We’re going to do something to have fire protection for our community.’ That was the driving factor to start our volunteer fire department here in Santuck.”

Their first station was at the Santuck Community Center, but as the community grew, so did its needs. Santuck now has three volunteer fire stations and 13 vehicles that cover 36 square miles, and Sanford has been there to see it all.

“I’ve been there, done that and seen about everything you can see,” he said. “When no one else will answer the call, we do.”

Sanford’s tenure is not marked just by emergency calls, but by the deeply personal connections that prove the impact of his volunteer work.

“We had a tough call one afternoon,” Sanford said, recounting an incident where a local man was working on his car. “He was underneath it and the jack slipped. The car pinned him.”

Sanford’s crew quickly stabilized the scene, used their specialized equipment to lift the vehicle and freed the man, who was then rushed to the hospital. But the story didn’t end with the sirens.

“About a month later, that same man walked into the fire station to have supper with us,” Sanford said. “That’s why we do what we do.”

It’s moments like these that capture Sanford’s commitment to the community he has lived in his entire life. His dedication is far more than an occasional act of heroism; it’s a family legacy. Sanford’s father was also a Santuck volunteer fire fighter, and the pair volunteered together for years until his father’s passing.

The community that saw his father’s volunteer efforts, and now has watched Sanford uphold those same standards for decades, wanted to ensure his service was recognized. Sanford’s commitment to Santuck recently earned him the title of “Best Firefighter” in the Best of Elmore County 2025 awards, presented by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

“I really appreciate receiving that award,” he said. “It means a lot to me to have the volunteers that we

have here.”

Beyond fighting fires, Sanford and his team of volunteers also work vehicle accidents and assist local ambulance companies in other emergency situations.

“We have to be ready at a moment’s notice,” Sanford said.

He also partners with Assistant Fire Chief Andrew McCullars to train volunteers, as well as oversees fundraising and the servicing of 170 fire hydrants. The department participates in fundraising events through the Santuck Flea Market, where the volunteer firefighters help with parking and concessions.

“It’s community people doing community things,” Sanford said. “We go to church together. We do the flea market together. We do the fire department together. We have a lot of togetherness. Our community works with each other really well.”

At 74, Sanford continues to lead the department he helped build from the ground up, joking he might need to put a wheelchair ramp on the fire truck someday. But his five-decade commitment is no joke – it is proof that a dedicated group of neighbors, led by a local hero, can turn a simple act of civic duty into a last ing legacy for their com munity.

Carmen Rodgers Brings Passion for Tallassee’s People & Future

Having grown up in Tallassee, newly appointed chamber of commerce director Carmen Rodgers has lots of fond memories of the small town. Like the most meaningful things in life, those memories aren’t based on the big things, but rather, the small things.

“I remember going to the grocery store,” Rodgers said. “Before the Walmart was around, we would go to the TG&Y; that’s where I went with my grandmother. It’s just those simple things, those small memories that I really cherish.”

One of those cherished memories is Trade Day on King Street in downtown Tallassee, which began in the late 1980s. It quickly became a signature event, drawing crowds who enjoyed shopping from local vendors, food and family fun.

“The chamber brought back Trade Day to King Street,” Rodgers said. “And I’ve had so many people say that they remember going to King Street with their moms and grandparents. It’s that nostalgia; it’s nothing grandiose. It’s really the small things that are so special.”

Facilitating those moments that become fond memories is one of the lesser known, but most rewarding, purposes of a chamber of commerce. Local businesses are the true backbone of any community. In a smaller, more rural community like Tallassee, businesses are buoyed by the support and resources from the chamber, allowing them to form relationships and connect with the community they seek to serve.

“Seeing the community thrive is especially important to me as chamber director,” Rodgers said. “I enjoy connecting people, and helping businesses meet new partners, and introducing residents to local opportunities and then watching those relationships strengthen. Not only do the relationships strengthen, it also strengthens our town. It’s all about teamwork and community spirit.”

The core mission of any chamber, but especially Tallassee’s, is to advance the commercial, civic, retail and general interests of the city through facilitating partnerships between businesses, professionals and the chamber itself. The result is a strong economy and tightly woven, involved community of residents, business

owners and professionals.

A chamber of commerce also serves as a tourist information center and resource network for new residents.

“We are a resource, not only for new businesses, but for new people who are moving to Tallassee,” Rodgers said. “We connect people with the right resources and things they may need. We’re working on a page on our website to connect people with jobs because a vibrant, strong community creates a great workforce. And those two things go hand in hand.”

With the radiant Tallapoosa River as its backdrop, Tallassee is already a beautifully woven tapestry of culture, friendship and fraternity because of the one thing that is unique to every place: its people.

“That’s what makes Tallassee such a special place,” Rodgers said. “We have a lot of hardworking, gener-

ous, proud people that live in Tallassee. It’s the kind of place where neighbors still wave at each other. Local businesses know your name when you come in. The whole town shows up to support one another. It’s just a great place to live. Even as a newcomer, once the town gets to know you, they love you.”

Despite only having been chamber director since May 2025, Rodgers adores the growth that she has seen in her short tenure. She said she is very much looking forward to more of it.

“We have a lot of things on the horizon,” she said. “A new rec center is in the plans, and we’re looking at opening up the Tallapoosa River, not only for the people who live in Tallassee, but it could draw people to see what we have to offer, because there is a lot. I’m just excited about being a part of that and watching Tallassee grow and thrive.”

Mount Vernon Returns to the Spotlight

Lights, camera, action! Mount Vernon is back, welcoming in larger acts, interactive events and reclaiming its place as Tallassee’s home of entertainment.

After sitting dormant for decades in the heart of downtown, the historic theater has been given new life as two local families recently restored the nostalgic venue, bringing a renewed sense of excitement to a place that has held cherished memories for generations.

The historic venue has been an icon in Tallassee since 1935, when it was originally established as an entertainment venue for the workers and families of Mount Vernon Mills.

In 1968, the theater closed its doors for 50 years, briefly reopening again in 2018 after undergoing a $700,000 renovation. The theater was poised to become a thriving business, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close once again.

In 2024, the theater was purchased by two Tallassee families – Bill and Sandra Patterson, along with father-andson duo Joey and Barry Wiginton – who saw not only the historical and nostalgic value the building held for the community, but also its potential to drive tourism, revenue and visitors downtown.

After purchasing Mount Vernon Theatre, the new owners spent six months renovating the space, adding elegant upgrades such as black marble flooring, updated bathrooms and freshly painted walls and ceilings. Additional improvements included replacing the original theater seating with 406 padded seats – a top priority for the owners to enhance comfort and the overall guest experience.

In addition, the Pattersons and Wigintons preserved many of the theater’s historical features during renovations. Original details, including the 1935 ticket booth and a handmade stained-glass window, were restored and incor-

porated into the space. It is also rumored that Hank Williams Sr. performed at the theater in the 1940s, signing a back wall. His signature is now framed and displayed inside the venue.

Since reopening in December 2024, the theater – now known as Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center – has sparked a new era of entertainment options downtown. Expanding beyond traditional movie showings, the venue has evolved into a multiuse performance and event space, welcoming weddings, corporate meetings, bingo nights and more.

Events have also included themed and interactive movie nights, such as showings of the classic film “Gone With The Wind”, where guests donned period outfits. During the holiday season, Mount Vernon played the Christmas favorite “The Polar Express”, inviting guests to participate in an indoor “snowball fight” using new socks that were later donated to a local charity.

The theater also recently hosted a history-themed movie experience, during which Thlopthlocco tribal leadership held a Q&A session following an exclusive screening of “History of a Creek Tribal Town.”

“We want this to be an experience for our guests,” Joey said. “Not just going to a movie, but a memorable experience. It’s what makes coming here so special.”

The reopening of the theater has also played a role in driving tourism to the town as well.

In August 2025, Mount Vernon hosted a state-wide talent show, “Alabama’s Got Talent.” Spearheaded by Veronica Harris, a four-time Guinness World Records holder, the event showcased performers from across Alabama, drawing visitors into the community to catch television-level acts, including flame jugglers, aerial performers, musicians and more.

“Everybody said it was spectacular,” Harris said. “To bring something like this to a small town and help promote Mount Vernon and their efforts of what they’re doing was just very rewarding.”

The talent show also focused on building community engagement. Vendors from around the region lined the streets outside Mount Vernon, offering crafts, food and entertainment for guests during intermission.

The overall community response to Mount Vernon’s reopening has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents embracing the venue’s return and showing strong support for the revival of the cherished icon. Many shows today are selling out, as larger regional acts are beginning to take the stage.

“People are beginning to turn out for these events, and we are so thankful to bring entertainment to Tallassee,” Bill said.

For the Pattersons and Wigintons, one of the biggest rewards of reopening Mount Vernon has been seeing older generations of Tallassee return, sharing stories of visiting the venue as children and now bringing their own grandchildren to experience the magic.

“It’s about bringing the community together,” Joey said. “And giving back, and having fun.”

From Potential to Progress

TTallassee’s new mayor is reshaping the

future

of the small town

allassee has a new mayor who is ready to put the small town back on the map.

From expanding dining options to building a new community center and revitalizing existing resources, Joey Wiginton has a full slate of big ideas for moving the town forward.

“I hate potential,” Wiginton said. “I built my whole campaign around that saying, that I hate potential, because everybody comes to Tallassee and says, ‘Oh, you have so much potential.’ So I said, ‘Doggone it, let’s forget about potential – let’s go do something.’”

Wiginton has a deep-rooted passion for the people of the small town community.

A Tallassee resident of 30 years, Wiginton and his wife, Nancy, moved from Montgomery, Alabama, in 1993 after attending the Tallassee Christmas parade. Growing up in Childersburg, Alabama, Wiginton missed the small town life and rediscovered that sense of home in Tallassee.

“I remember telling Nancy, this is the kind of stuff that I missed,” Wiginton said. “It’s been such a nice break of pace from Montgomery, and we just love the people here. They’re so sincere and nice. We’ve gained so many good friends here.”

Wiginton was inspired to run for mayor of Tallassee in 2025 after growing concerns about the direction the town was headed. The population was on a steady decline, with the school system dropping from a 5A to a 4A school – a sign that the younger generation was dwindling. In addition, the town desperately needed upkeep as trees were becoming overgrown, buildings appeared rundown and

storefronts were closing.

Like many others in the community, he felt a change was needed for the town to survive.

“This town was stagnant for about six years,” Wiginton said. “It felt like it just existed. We weren’t growing; we were losing people.”

Wiginton kicked off his mayoral campaign at Restoration 49, a coffee shop in the heart of downtown Tallassee. It was a sentimental location for him, as he had spent every Thursday for years meeting with other residents and building close connections and friendships with them, all while talking about life and the future of the town.

After announcing his bid, Wiginton hit the ground running, talking with the community to find out what their ideas, needs and concerns were for the town. His goal as mayor was to find solutions to the problems that he was hearing from the residents, with much of the feedback coming from the older generations who live in Tallassee.

“Years ago, when Tallassee was booming, things were happening, and they just hadn’t seen it since the mill closed,” Wiginton said. “They sort of figured out that the mill wasn’t coming back, and we got to make something happen.”

He campaigned on turning all of the potential Tallassee had into real pathways forward for the town.

On election night, Wiginton held his watch party at the historic Mount Vernon Theatre, surrounded by friends and family, including his grandchildren. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as hundreds of people gathered in support of him.

He won the 2025 election by a sweeping majority.

“I won 69 percent to 31 percent, so apparently a lot of other people felt the same way I did,” Wiginton said.

Wiginton was sworn into office on November 3, 2025, at City Hall, with more than 200 people from the community in attendance – a strong show of support that reflected how deeply his message resonated with residents.

While winning his spot as mayor was the first step, Wiginton knew there was a long road ahead to set

Tallassee up for success.

One of Wiginton’s first steps as mayor was to clean up the city of Tallassee, giving it a renewed, fresh look. One of the biggest pieces of feedback he received on the campaign trail was that residents wanted beautification of the town to be a priority.

He spent time driving around with city maintenance to identify unsightly and worn-down areas that needed attention, such as broken cables, trees in need of trimming and cleanup efforts at the Tallassee Vietnam War Memorial at City Hall. Bushes were trimmed back and flowers were added to brighten the space, with plans also in place to power wash City Hall and install new landscaping to make the area more welcoming.

Other exciting ideas on Wiginton’s agenda include building a new community center. Demolition of the

Wiginton is focused on growing Tallassee by bringing new businesses downtown

old building is already underway, with construction of a new facility set to begin in 2026. With the Tallapoosa River running through the heart of the town, Wiginton also wants to create a space for residents to enjoy the waterfront views.

At the local library across from City Hall, Wiginton noticed how many people pull their cars into the parking lot to eat lunch and take in the scenery. He met with an Alabama Power representative and began making plans to clean up the area and place park benches along the riverfront, creating an inviting space for the community to connect and enjoy.

“I am amazed at how many people get their lunch and go out there, sit in their car and eat their lunch looking at the water,” Wiginton said. “I want to clean it up so on warm days people can get out and enjoy the view, maybe meet somebody new, and build this community that way too.”

Wiginton is also focused on bringing new, top-of-theline dining options to the community. His vision includes a fine dining steak restaurant on the town’s waterfront, as well as welcoming a popular Asian restaurant from Georgia that is already in the works, which will include a full line of hibachi and sushi.

He also has plans to construct an apartment complex with balconies overlooking the water.

In an effort to bring business and tourism to Tallassee, Wiginton is looking to tap into surrounding resources, including the town’s connection to Lake Martin, with a fishing tournament already in the planning stages. The

tournament will begin at Lake Martin, with the top 20 teams advancing to Yates Lake. The final top 10 teams will then compete in Tallassee for cash prizes.

“These three lakes all share a Tallassee address,” Wiginton said. “Lake Martin is celebrating its 100-year anniversary of the dam in 2026, and so we will kick off our tournament to coincide with that, and it is a fishing tournament that we can continue to do every year.”

In addition, Wiginton is also working to build connections with neighboring Monster Mountain MX Park. Located in Elmore County, Monster Mountain is one of the top motocross racing and training facilities in North America. Thousands of visitors travel to the park from as far away as Canada and New Zealand, and Wiginton wants Tallassee to be recognized as the home of Monster Mountain in an effort to drive tourism and business into the city.

While these are big projects for a small town, Wiginton isn’t doing it alone.

He is a strong advocate for involving community members in the revitalization of Tallassee, encouraging residents to volunteer however they can – whether painting, building walls or planting flowers – so they can be part of the transformation and take pride in the results.

“I’m big on engaging the community,” Wiginton said. “We have some very talented people here in Tallassee, and for them to be engaged – it just creates ownership. They’ll be out here helping out and feel a part of it all. I want to do this with other families.”

Wiginton’s passion for Tallassee is rooted in big ideas focused on renewed energy, growth and, above all, connecting people.

“Everything I’m doing is to bring people to Tallassee,” Wiginton said. “My focus is bringing in events, dining, places to stay – it’s all about bringing people to Tallassee, so we can embrace them, and they can see that this is a neat little town. And think, ‘I might want to move here.’ That’s the direction I see us going.”

Small Town, Big Sound

Titus in the Bluegrass Spotlight

If you’re not careful, you will drive right by Titus. Tucked away on the country roads of Elmore County, there may only be a sign or two pointing visitors that way.

Locals familiar with Lake Jordan know that there is the Slapout side and the Titus side of the lake. The two towns may be just a few miles apart if flying, but are about 45 minutes apart if driving. Almost straddling the Elmore-Coosa county line, Titus does have its own post office and fire department.

While the town may be somewhat a hidden gem, ask a bluegrass music fan where Titus is, and they more than likely can tell you.

The town is home to the Titus Bluegrass Festival, a tradition more than 25 years in the making. It began as an idea shared by Ed Montoya, Tom and Patty Hinton and others to create a festival that would benefit the Titus Community Center and the Titus Volunteer Fire Department.

“A lot of members of the community got together and made this happen,” Tom Hinton said. “We didn’t know what was going to happen after the first one or two festivals, but it turned out to be pretty successful.”

While Hinton andPatty, are still around, they have

encouraged a new generation of bluegrass music lovers to keep the festival going.

Phillip Kelly is the president of the Titus Community Center, and Jim Petrey is the vice president.

“They are doing a jam-up good job,” Hinton said.

Petrey said few things have changed since the beginning of the festival. One of the original acts to play at the first festival was Southern Gentleman. The band has been back several times since – 17 times, to be exact. Long gone is the festival’s first stage, a stripped-down pontoon boat. Last fall, bands played under the roof of the second wooden stage. It’s the largest stage to date for the festival.

Sitting under open shade provided by old-growth hardwoods, Hinton described the festival area as a jungle at first. After a few years of clearing and cleaning, the area is now perfect for lawn chairs and blankets.

Organizers continue to visit the Bluegrass Showcase every year in Pelham, Alabama, to find new acts. Some acts now inquire about being in the Titus lineup, including big names in the bluegrass arena that know the history of Titus’ off-thebeaten-path festival.

“We’ve had some pretty big acts,” Petrey said. “A lot of the acts we’ve had here actually have gone on to find success later on. Thank goodness we got them when you could afford to get them, as they have gone on to bigger and better things.”

The festival has brought out some of the best fiddle players around, joined by other talented musicians for guests to enjoy. It all helps pay the bills at the Titus Community Center.

“It is a traditional, rural community center where family reunions are held, barbecues and other small community events, too,” Petrey said. “It’s a way to keep the community center going for the next generation.”

The community center is an old, three-room school residents have been able to hang on to. Like many rural community centers, the building is nearly a century old or more and rooted in hometown history. It’s possible Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Sewell walked its halls, as Titus is Sewell’s hometown. Sewell was a star baseball player, helping the Cleveland Indians win the 1920 World Series.

Titus is hoping the bluegrass festival helps keep the town on the map.

“We have a great thing going,” Petrey said. “We just need to keep on working to make each festival a little better than the last.”

The Titus Bluegrass Festival reoccurs annually on the last Saturday of September.

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Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Inside Stanhope Elmore’s JROTC program and the cadets rising to lead at the state and national level

If there was a machine to produce young leaders, it would be the JROTC program at Stanhope Elmore High School.

In recent years, the program has produced students known at the state and national levels. They are leading the state JROTC program, Boys State and Boys Nation, serving as college homecoming queens, pursuing careers as future pilots and tackling teenage suicide.

Madison McElrath walked the halls of SEHS just a few years ago and was part of the JROTC program. This spring, she is set to graduate from Troy University and, thanks to Troy’s Air Force ROTC program, will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

“While I was in the program, I just got a really good piece of advice that anything that you do in the civilian world, you can do in the military,” McElrath said. “It is a greater cause on your back. I really resonate with that.”

McElrath’s educational path aligns with her career plans in the Air Force – psychology. She is also minoring in Spanish.

“What I’ll be doing primarily is working with people, a lot of diverse groups, and so I thought that would be beneficial,” McElrath said. “I’ll be doing intelligence for the Air Force.”

The SEHS JROTC program provided the framework for Kaylee Simmons to become cadet commander just last year, during her senior year. It also gave her an opportunity to build a support system following the suicide death of her friend, MaKayla Nicole Reeves.

As sophomores, the two were heavily involved in the

JROTC program. Six days after the unexpected death of another classmate, they had left his funeral and were helping each other through the healing process.

“We were taking a break from it all,” Simmons said. “We were trying to catch our breath because it was all emotional.”

Hours later, Simmons found herself joining her friends, classmates and faculty in the school parking lot following another tragic and unexpected death, this time, Reeves.

“I believe I was the last person to see her alive,” Simmons said. “She was always so full of joy and was so fun to be around. I didn’t see it coming.”

Simmons quickly turned into a consoler, hugging her favorite teacher in the parking lot. Both were grieving.

“These deaths not only touched friends and students but the faculty as well,” Simmons said.

Following the deaths, Simmons laid the foundation for a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention, awareness and support.

Retired Stanhope Elmore High School Principal Ewell Fuller said the time period was difficult for the school.

“I had to help plan the funerals of two students in a week,” Fuller said. “It was rough for all of us.”

Simmons knew in the moment she couldn’t let her friend’s death be forgotten.

“I saw all that everyone was going through,” Simmons said. “I was going through it too. I didn’t want them to die in vain.”

Simmons went to Fuller and faculty members – she wanted to do something. With their help, she helped organize a rally as school came back into session to let students and faculty know there was support available.

“I didn’t know how it was going to go,” Simmons said. “We had more than 50 people there. I would have considered it a success to change one person’s life. I said, ‘If somebody is sitting in that crowd silently, alone, and they are even considering the idea of suicide, I want tonight to be the reason they don’t.’”

Simmons’ vision has now grown into a nonprofit, MNR: The Mak Project, named in Reeves’ honor.

“She has done something I have never seen a student do before on this scale and with such tough subject matter,” Fuller said. “She has created the framework and done all the work for something amazing.”

Fuller also saw another student flourish under the framework of the school’s JROTC program. Nearly six years ago, Nick Frazier was 10 years old and had just finished pitching in a summer baseball championship when he developed a headache and ultimately lost his sight.

Frazier was in a private school that lacked access to help students with disabilities. He started at Millbrook Middle School and advanced to SEHS, where he soon became a baseball team manager and joined the JROTC program.

Frazier found friends and more, especially when he reached ninth grade at SEHS.

“We are a family in this area,” Frazier said. “That’s the one thing I love about Stanhope Elmore is everybody shows up for each other. I have multiple people I can call right now, and they would show up anytime I needed them. I’m really thankful to have that here. It’s a really tight-knit community.”

His new extended family helped him

succeed. Frazier was wearing eye black in the dugout of baseball games. He was marching along other JROTC cadets in parades. Today, he is the second in command cadet commander.

Last summer, Frazier participated in Boys State and was selected by the other representatives as lieutenant governor. He then went on to Boys Nation and was selected as vice president. During that time, he had just gotten his service dog, Morgan, who traveled with him. But Morgan is more than just a guide dog.

Frazier and Morgan placed third in a regional JROTC

Knockout Drill competition against able-bodied contestants.

“A lot of people were shocked that the dog was in the formation doing the moves with me,” Frazier said. “Him being on a synchronized level like that is really what sets it apart.”

Frazier’s friend and cadet commander in the JROTC program, Maria Escobar, has excelled as well while leading more than 160 cadets at SEHS.

Escobar is also a state vice president in JROTC, the third person in state student command of an organization with nearly 16,000 student cadets. She is the first from Stanhope Elmore to ever be selected for a state JROTC office.

Kaylee Simmons, Quinterris Rivers, Harmonee Fair, Zylan Foulks and William Griffin pose with Millbrook

Mayor Al Kelley after receiving community service certificates recognizing cadets who volunteered at least 150 hours

“She is a phenomenal student leader,” said SEHS JROTC instructor Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee. “I see a leader with the skills to get things done, to influence others. She also has the compassion to lead the other kids to do what’s right.”

As a student leader in the SEHS JROTC program, Escobar is also on its academic, physical training and CyberPatriot teams. Moreover, she is secretary of Stanhope’s National Honor Society, vice president of the English Honor Society and a member of the Beta Club and DECA.

Escobar is a member, but not in command, of the JROTC program Raider team. That falls to Tavan Cox.

“There has to be a leader on the team,” Cox said. “We aren’t allowed coaching when the competition starts. We have to work it out amongst ourselves. Having a leader to make decisions is crucial, especially when an issue arises. It’s hard to get a good time when there is not a decision maker there.”

Cox has battled back to be the Team Commander for a second year in a row after a crash that left his femur broken.

The Raider team competes in obstacle course events, carrying litters and rucks similar to those used by soldiers when in battle. The team is only in its second year but has already won a state championship and placed well at the national level.

Escobar is fine taking second seat on the Raider team, especially because of the team aspect of it.

“It’s complete unity when it comes to competing,” Escobar said. “I love being a part of a team where no one is superior. It doesn’t matter the rank on your shoulders when you’re out there. It’s just about how well you compete and how well you work together.”

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Kindley started the Raider team just two years ago, taking advantage of his ropes and Army training. The Mustangs placed in the top 15 at the All-Service National Championships and will travel this spring to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to compete in the All-Army Raiders National.

“The Army will charter a bus for us,” Kindley said. “We will stay in barracks on base and eat there too.”

Junior Gabriella Brown is also a member of the Raider team. She is aiming for the Air Force Academy after graduation from Stanhope Elmore. She is also this year’s Christmas on the Coosa Queen.

Escobar helped recruit Brown to the Raider team.

“I started going to the practices, and it really caught my attention,” Brown said. “Everyone is just the same in competition. Everyone’s a part of the team. It’s just a great collaboration.”

The program continues to grow as evidenced by the commitment from Elmore County Commission and the Elmore County Board of Education to install an obstacle course and rappel tower. It will allow the JROTC to train and provide training resources to area first responders.

It will also allow competitions to be held on the Stanhope Elmore campus that the Raider team has been traveling to.

Bartee said he and Kindley came into a great program two years ago and built the foundation of success for the SEHS JROTC program.

“Col. Tony Bonasera and 1st Sgt. James Chambers took this program to the next level,” Bartee said. “Their relationship with the kids in this program was outstanding. Now our goal and task is to build off what they did.”

Eclectic’s Hallmark Tradition Continues

From cotton fields to crowded streets, the celebration has evolved into a regional draw that keeps Eclectic’s story alive for new generations.

STORY & PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

Eclectic was once home to one of the largest cotton gins in the area. Every fall, there was evidence of the cotton industry along the sides of the roadway as raw cotton passed through town, first to the gin, sometimes to storage and on to the textile industry.

“We had so much cotton coming into town it looked like it snowed along the roads,” said Eclectic Mayor Guy Sanders. “It signaled work was being done in the gin.”

The Town of Eclectic took notice of the “snow” every year as it was one of many signals the town was doing well. More than 30 years ago, Eclectic the Beautiful created a celebration around the event, Cotton Fest, to celebrate the town’s cotton history. It helps draw visitors to town, helping businesses and vendors alike.

“It’s become our Hallmark event,” Sanders said. “You see the shows on Hallmark -almost all of them feature small towns with a festival or celebration. We want to take advantage of that, especially with visitors.”

Cotton Fest has grown over the last three decades, and Sanders said there is still room to grow it within reason.

“We are working on making the Pecan Orchard more of a park,” Sanders said. “That will help us create more space for Cotton Fest. We have thought about going across the road, but that is a state high-

The Eclectic Cotton Fest has become a beloved town tradition for more than 30 years

The event welcomes a variety of musical acts from across the region to perform

The town plans to continue growing the celebration

way. We also want to be careful and not get too big.”

The town doesn’t want to add vendors just to add vendors. Sanders said his idea is not to let too many of one type of vendor participate, to avoid getting inundated with the same thing over and over again.

Sanders said Cotton Fest is the perfect time for the town to roll out the welcome carpet for guests.

“This past fall, we had a couple come up from Mobile just for Cotton Fest,” Sanders said. “It gives visitors a chance to see what we are all about.”

In October, an estimated 11,000 people attended Cotton Fest and its record-breaking 200 vendors. Over the years, the event has featured music, including former “American Idol” finalist Jess Meuse. Almost every year, the event has featured local musicians, including those learning to play the ukulele under the name String-Alongs.

The Eclectic Museum is also open during the festival. The museum has everything from a washstand with a basin made out of Alabama red clay to yearbooks from the 1940s. The library also participates in Cotton Fest. It often has heavily discounted and free books available during the festival.

Cotton Fest has also featured a beauty pageant and festival queens over the years.

Sanders said the fall festival brings residents and guests from around Lake Martin and Elmore County to the town.

“It creates a great environment for our businesses,” Sanders said. “So many potential customers are walking in and around them. Cotton Fest is great for them and for the town.”

Sanders said over the years, town staff have transitioned into organizing the event, including Town Clerk Maggin Edwards.

“I just wish we could do it more often,” Sanders said. “It’s very taxing to organize and get set up. People don’t realize how much goes into it.”

Where Dreams Take Flight:

One student’s journey towards becoming a fighter pilot

STORY BY ANA SOFIA MEYER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMSEY GRIMES

Adults ask children all the time, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

The common answers are doctor, lawyer, police officer, firefighter – maybe even a veterinarian. Rarely will anyone hear someone answer, “I want to be a fighter pilot.”

That is, until you meet Stanhope Elmore senior Ramsey Grimes.

Despite never considering the military as her career path, Grimes joined Stanhope Elmore’s JROTC program with her friends. She fell in love with it very quickly after that.

In spring 2024, Grimes and a select number of Stanhope Elmore students attended an airshow at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. There, she saw a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels – an elite team of active-duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel that perform aerial acrobatics and showcase the teamwork and skills of their squadron.

There, Grimes met two elite female pilots she looks up to: Amanda Lee of the Blue Angels and Savannah Rasky, a Red Tail fighter pilot from the U.S. Air Force.

“They were so sweet to me,” Grimes said. “Both of them are such an inspiration for me because aviation is such a male-dominated field, especially in the military and for fighter pilots, it’s fewer than 7 percent women. In aviation it’s 17 percent, but in the military it is 7 percent.”

That experience dispelled any doubts Grimes had about a potential career in the military. Through JROTC, she explored options for gaining more experience in aviation. That experience only confirmed what Grimes had suspected about herself: she wanted to grow up to be a fighter pilot.

“And then we had a few recruiters come by, and I found out about the Civil Air Patrol through JROTC,” she said. “I was in the Civil Air Patrol for about three months, and it was really fun. I got to do a lot of really cool things. I got to take a discovery flight. That was my first time on a plane, and I just fell in love with aviation through that.”

The Civil Air Patrol is a U.S. Air Force auxiliary with a youth development program that allows students access to resources, education, training and flight opportunities. Any student may join CAP, but JROTC students, like Grimes, are commonly recruited for this program.

As an organization, CAP volunteers take charge of search and rescue missions, as well as provide disaster relief.

Grimes participated with CAP at Grouby Field, the public airport in Prattville, Alabama. When she first stepped onto the plane, Grimes was equally excited and nervous about going up in the air.

“I didn’t think I would actually take the controls,” Grimes said about her experience flying for the first time. “I just thought I was getting up in the plane. But the pilot was like, ‘Do you want to take over?’ And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’”

That was the exact moment Grimes realized her calling. Through the nerves, sweaty palms and a racing heart, it just felt right.

“We flew all the way over Lake Jordan,” she said. “And while we were over the lake, I got to fly around for a bit. I did a few turns. It was really fun. It was hard to keep the plane steady because I was so nervous. I was shaking.”

As a senior in high school, Grimes has set her heart on a lofty goal, but she is confident that she can and will accomplish that goal. Her confidence should be an example to people of all ages, as well as proof that dreams can be chased in spite of any and all obstacles.

Grimes puts it best.

“I want to be a fighter pilot because it makes me feel free, being up in the air, flying around the world and seeing so many different places.”

Biting into New

In many small towns, keeping storefronts looking neat and full can be a real challenge, but in Eclectic, things are buzzing differently. This community, long defined by its quiet charm, is experiencing a culinary refresh, proving that innovation doesn’t require a big city.

Three unique establishments have opened their doors, ushering in a new era of local cuisine and energy. The debut of Runneth Over Coffee Shop, the artisanal style of Slice of Eclectic and the comforting flavors of Little Rippys all signal a shift – Eclectic is growing, and its future is distinctly local.

Runneth Over Coffee Shop offers more than just the sweet scent of espresso and cream; it embodies a philosophy of abundance, established by owner and Elmore County native Nikki Ingram.

The name “Runneth Over” is a testament to her faith and captures the shop’s mission: keep the cup, and the community, full. Ingram quickly rejected the idea of becoming a corporate chain, striving instead for a deep local experience.

“I like getting to know the customers, and I strive to have a hometown feel,” she said.

The grand opening in October 2025 was met with immediate success, highlighting a deep community need for a dedicated gathering spot. The space is thoughtfully designed for lingering, featuring an aesthetic wall perfect for selfies and a popular wooden bar ideal for studying or group meetings.

Known for its extensive menu and beautiful coffee designs, Runneth Over is more than a coffee shop – the staff is also active in the community, providing delivery to local schools and hosting fundraisers.

By creating drinks that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious, Runneth Over has become more than just a place to grab a caffeine fix – it is a carefully curated spot where the community’s cup is truly running over.

Runneth Over Coffee Shop is located at 2452 Kowaliga Road in Eclectic. For more information or to place an order, call 334-639-0062.

Just down the road, the mission at Slice of Eclectic is focused on creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. For owner Stacie Baker, the concept was solving a problem common to many young families: how to have a great dinner with the whole family, including restless children.

“We wanted to do something that was family-ori-

From gourmet coffee to unique pizza and flatbreads, Eclectic welcomed several new dining experiences to town

Territory

ented,” Baker said. “We wanted to have a fenced-in area where the kids could just play their little hearts out while the parents were up in the dining area watching the game, having something to eat and drink and letting the kids have fun.”

The result is a bustling, sports-themed atmosphere, complete with live music, multiple TVs and a popular outdoor area that some parents call a “Parents’ Night Out.” The menu is equally distinct, offering specialty pizzas with sports-themed names like “The Grubbs,” named after an Auburn football player from the area.

Though their distinctive toppings like Conecuh sausage and dill pickles certainly make the shop stand out, Baker noted the unique atmosphere is what truly sets it apart from other restaurants.

“Everyone we’ve heard from has said they’re thankful they have a place to go eat and hang out,” she said.

The community now has a new gathering spot and

is quickly becoming a highly-rated pizza destination –encouraging everyone to come for the pizza and stay for the people.

Slice of Eclectic is located at 1606 Kowaliga Road. For hours or to view its full menu, visit the Slice of Eclectic Facebook page.

Where Slice of Eclectic focuses on destination and specialized fun, Little Rippys focuses on comfort and is rooted in history. Owner Marie Rippy, who came to the United States as a child missionary from England, views the restaurant as her personal mission field, providing both employment and unconditional love.

“I wanted a place where people could come in and feel at home,” Rippy said. “We believe in old-fashioned customer service and making our customers feel like they’re family.”

Named after her three children – her “little

Rippys” – the menu is based on simple, fresh ingredients and treasured memories. Rippy said the menu features “relics of the past,” such as chicken salad served at her wedding or homemade pimento cheese from her childhood. The shop also serves lotus energy drinks, floats, wraps, salads, paninis and flatbreads.

For Rippy, the business is also a vital employment solution, allowing her to hire single mothers and residents who cannot commute far for work. The personal touch is evident in her customer base, which includes children stopping in for ice cream after school and single adults looking for companionship during their meals.

“I just wanted to make a difference for my little area,” Rippy said. “I want it to be a place where people can come and be comfortable and be loved, wherever they’re at in life.”

Little Rippys proves that success in a close-knit community often centers on providing comfort, connection and a plate of something fresh and familiar. It is located at 35 Claud Road in Eclectic. For hours and to view the full menu, visit Little Rippys’ Facebook page.

The growth of these three distinct ventures – a haven of aesthetics, a destination for family fun and a refuge of comfort – proves the local economy is vibrant, and the community is eager to support quality establishments.

The opening of these shops means more than just new storefronts; it has created a delicious, dynamic future built on community initiative and local vision.