Temple Garden
THE BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE Plans unveiled for The Ridge Island
LAKE MARTIN WEATHER MYTHS James Spann on lake weather patterns
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 1
LISTING COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS
THE TRAILS • 156 VILLAGE TRAIL 4 BD 3.5 BA • WATERFRONT • DOCK $849,900
THE TRAILS • 180 VILLAGE TRAIL 4 BD 3.5 BA • WATERFRONT • DOCK SOLD $855,450
THE TRAILS • 208 VILLAGE TRAIL 4 BD 3.5 BA • WATERFRONT • DOCK SOLD $849,900
THE TRAILS • 108 VILLAGE TRAIL 4 BD 3 BA • WATER ACCESS • BOAT SLIP $559,900
THE TRAILS • 22 RAMP CIRCLE 4 BD 3 BA • WATER ACCESS • BOAT SLIP SOLD $629,000
166 HERITAGE POINT NORTH $4,795,000
PENDING THE TRAILS • 92 VILLAGE TRAIL 4 BD 3 BA • WATER ACCESS • BOAT SLIP $559,900
THE TRAILS • 124 VILLAGE PKWY 3 BD 2 BA • WATER ACCESS • BOAT SLIP $459,900
44 HICKORY DR • 3 BD 2 BA WATERFRONT • PIER/DOCK • GARAGE $549,000
STILLWATERS • 726 STILLWATERS DR 3 BD 2.5 BA • GARAGE $529,000
85 MARTIN RIDGE TRACE • 3 BD 2 BA WATER ACCESS • COMMON BOAT SLIPS $415,000
Contact me to learn more about Russell Lands' exclusive Lake Martin communities, including Ridge Island, The Heritage, and Russell Cabins at Kowaliga.
Lindsay Kane
GRI | ABR® | RSPS | PSA | e-Pro®
REALTOR ® | Associate Broker
256.675.6792
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 3
On the Cover
editor's LETTER
F
For as long as I can remember, I have heard people say Lake Martin has a superpower when it comes to affecting weather patterns. It would be said with so such certainty by locals, without a shadow of doubt. And honestly, it was hard to disagree – there have been countless times I have sat on the dock listening to thunder from an approaching storm, only to watch it rain on the other side of the slough without a single drop ever reaching me. But what was the reason for this? Was it really the sheer size of Lake Martin causing storms to split and weather patterns to change, as so many people believe? It was one piece of local lore I set out to confirm, and what better person to ask than Alabama’s own chief meteorologist James Spann. But our conversation surprised me – and the science will likely surprise you, too. Turn to page 32 to discover the truth behind some of Lake Martin’s biggest weather myths and mysteries. Speaking of local history and folklore, Lake Martin itself is surrounded by some of the most fascinating stories. For the 100-year series this month, we dive into what actually lays beneath the depths of the lake on page 54. We also put another popular rumor to rest. For more than two decades, the ever-popular “Bridge to Nowhere” near The Ridge Marina has had longtime lake-goers coming up with their
4 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
own theories about why it existed at all. Was it an abandoned project to protect bald eagle habitats? A route to harvest timber? A future location for hotels and condominiums? And what would happen to Chimney Rock? We sat down with Russell Lands to find out the plans for this project, as it seems it is now shaping up to become “The Bridge to Somewhere” on page 50. Then, step inside one of the most unique homes I have toured yet at Lake Martin. Tucked away in StillWaters, husband-and-wife duo Steve and Kirsten Knutson have transformed their lake house into an artistic retreat, bringing their imagination, passions and talents to life in nearly every corner of their dream home. But perhaps their most impressive creation sits along the shoreline – a custom-built greenhouse filled with plants, antiques and treasured memories that they affectionately call the Temple Garden. Take a tour on page 40. As we celebrate the last big weekend of a historic summer at Lake Martin and begin looking toward cooler days ahead, I hope the stories within these pages help you “fall” in love with the lake all over again.
Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Martin, Temple Garden is one of the most unique spaces in Steve and Kirsten Knutson’s StillWaters home, where their love for plants, antique treasures and creative design can be found around every corner of their lake retreat. Photo by Kenneth Boone
Shaylee Beck Moore Editor-in-Chief
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lakemagazine.life Shaylee Beck Moore, Editor-in-Chief
Focused on What Matters COMING TOGETHER FOR CLEANER RIVERS Through Renew Our Rivers, volunteers across Alabama have helped remove more than 13.5 million pounds of trash from lakes and waterways. What began as a simple cleanup effort has grown into one of the nation’s largest river cleanups, bringing together more than 104,000 people who care about protecting the places that make Alabama special. It’s a reminder that caring for the places we love is something we can all be part of – and anyone is welcome to join the effort.
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LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 5
We Touch the Lives Best of the Nursing Home & People Assisted You Love Living
Staff Chairman KENNETH BOONE
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KENNETH BOONE AUDRA SPEARS JULIE HUDSON GREG VINSON PETE MCKENNY ROB WITHERINGTON LIZI ARBOGAST SAMUEL HIGGS CLIFF WILLIAMS GWEN BISHOP SARAH CHASE FANNY'S RUSSELL LANDS U.S. AIR FORCE
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P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life Subscriptions are $75 annually
TABLE OF
CONTENTS A GOOD HAND FOR A GREAT CAUSE......... 20 Children’s Harbor hosts its inaugural Poker Run and Block Party, bringing a new generation of supporters to its mission.
ROCKIN’ OUT THE END OF SUMMER .......... 24 Send summer out on a high note with a weekend of live music and Labor Day festivities around Lake Martin.
CHEERS TO CREATIVITY..................................... 28 Lake Martin Living’s Art & Photo Contest returns to Dadeville this month for an evening of champagne, creativity and a showcase of local talent.
LAKE WEATHER: FACT OR FOLKLORE ........ 32 Chief meteorologist James Spann explains the science behind some of Lake Martin’s biggest weather mysteries.
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TEMPLE GARDEN ON THE SHORELINE ....... 40 From repurposed antiques to a custom greenhouse, creativity blooms around every corner of this one-of-a-kind lake retreat.
THE BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE ........................ 50 Russell Lands reveals the vision behind the long-awaited development of The Ridge Island.
BENEATH LAKE MARTIN .................................... 54 Discover the unexpected pieces of history that lie beneath the depths of Lake Martin in this month’s 100-year series.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES: LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE........................................... 09 LAKE SCENES............................................................................................. 10 WHERE'S LAKE? ....................................................................................... 13 LAKE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.......................................................... 14 LAKE MARTIN NEWS ........................................................................... 18 NATURE OF THE LAKE ....................................................................... 60 HEALTHY LIVING .................................................................................... 64 THE SCRAMBLE ........................................................................................ 66 FAB FINDS ................................................................................................... 67 CHEF'S TABLE ........................................................................................... 68 CHEERS! ....................................................................................................... 72 BIG CATCHES ........................................................................................... 74 PARTING SHOT........................................................................................ 82
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LAKE QUICK GUIDE Last Month's Lake Levels ➤ Highest: 490.54 ➤ Lowest: 490.30 Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL
Signs of Fall at Lake Martin September may still feel a lot like summer at Lake Martin, but a few of the first signs of a new season are beginning to appear. From yellow butterflies fluttering along the shoreline to quieter waters after Labor Day, here are a few clues that fall is on its way.
Yellow Butterflies
One of the most colorful signs of the changing season are the small, yellow butterflies that begin to appear. Cloudless sulphur butterflies become especially noticeable in late summer and early fall as they migrate south, sometimes appearing in large numbers throughout the Southeast. Look for the bright, lemon-yellow butterflies fluttering across the water, along roadsides and among wildflowers near the Lake Martin shoreline.
Earlier Sunsets
The temperatures may still feel like summer, but boaters will notice the sunsets coming earlier. During September, the Lake Martin area loses around 40 minutes of daylight, with sunset shifting from shortly after 7 p.m. at the beginning of the month to around 6:30 p.m. by the end. The autumnal equinox also arrives September 22, officially marking the
Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.
beginning of fall and bringing day and night closer to equal length.
The Fall Drawdown
Each fall, Alabama Power gradually lowers Lake Martin by 7 feet for the winter season, which typically is scheduled to begin around September 1. But if certain conditions and guidelines are met, summer water levels can be extended through October 15. As of mid-August, Alabama Power reported the 2026 extension was somewhat likely. When the water does finally begin to recede, familiar shorelines begin to change, revealing sandy beaches, hidden hiking trails and an opportunity for seasonal dock repairs and shoreline projects.
A Quieter Lake
Perhaps the easiest change to notice comes just after Labor Day, when Lake Martin begins settling into its quieter season for fall. Boat traffic thins out, popular hangouts become less crowded and smooth stretches of water become easier to find – perfect for fishing, kayaking or a quiet sunset cruise. On shore, the season begins to shift too, as some lake restaurants and businesses transition from busy summer schedules to reduced fall hours.
Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.
September Weather Outlook September 2026 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid 80s with average lows in the lower 60s and about 3.64 inches of precipitation in the month of September. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be slightly higher than average and rainfall will be average this month. Year-to-Date Precipitation: 37.51 inches Avg. high temp.: 76.8 Avg. low temp.: 53.9 Avg. temp.: 65.3 Our Normal Precipitation: 3.64 inches Avg. high temp.: 85.7 Avg. low temp.: 62.7 Avg. temp.: 74.2 Information from the National Weather Service.
Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators Sales Month
Number of sales
Average selling price
Median selling price
Days on the market
Total houses for sale
Inventory/ sales ratio
July 2026 July 2023 July 2020
29 17 72
$ 1,070,960 $ 1,318,068 $ 656,469
$ 855,450 $1,042,500 $ 600,000
114 84 177
162 102 113
6.94 5.16 3.32
The above numbers are derived from raw sales data from the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors MLS. The sales noted above are for Lake Martin waterfront residential (single-family and condominium) sales only. This information is provided courtesy of Lake Martin Realty, LLC (a Russell Lands, Inc., affiliated company).
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 9
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(1) Stagg the goldendoodle catching the fireworks show with his mom, Molly. Photo submitted by Molly Madaris. (2) Kate Minix and Rhett Dennis surfing. (3) Gatsby and Sega scouting out the perfect spot to jump in for a swim. Photo submitted by Taylor Hauk. (4) Casey Raschen and Logan Shortall celebrated their Fourth of July engagement at Lake Martin. Photo submitted by Casey Raschen. (5) Macie Jackson and Leighton Stegall at Russell Crossroads. (6) Jud Bentley found the perfect spot for a late afternoon nap at the lake. Photo submitted by Jessica Leonard. (7) A family of geese enjoying a sunset near Real Island. Photo submitted by Jessica Leonard. Send us your Lake Scene photos! Email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com or drop a photo on our Facebook page. 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
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READER SUBMISSIONS Kellin is all smiles when it comes to summertime and swimming. (2) Layla keeping an eye on flip-flops and lake docks. Photo submitted by Janie Marino. (3) An August thunderstorm brought quite the light show to the lake. (4) Carlie Murphy and Nick Fables staying cool on a warm Fourth of July. (5) Relatives from the Jack Burton family cabin went all out for the Fourth of July, winning the grand prize in the annual boat parade. (6) Catia Byers stopped to take in the serenity on a dock at Wind Creek State Park. (7) Jen and Justin Dye received a full Lake Martin tour from locals Ronda and Joe Moreland, complete with a stop at Chimney Rock. Send us your Lake Scene photos!
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Email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com or drop a photo on our Facebook page.
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 11
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12 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
WHERE'S LAKE n READER SUBMISSIONS 2
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(1) Aleem Gillani holding the December issue of LAKE in Barcelona, Spain. (2) Adeline and Karen Treadwell brought LAKE along for their adventures in Mormon Row in Jackson, WY. (3) The Browder family brought LAKE on their Italian summer vacation. (4) Ed and Jennifer Durrett took LAKE to Death Valley National Park to watch the sunrise over the Badlands. (5) "Wine" not? Christy and Si Sexton took LAKE to a wine tasting in Tuscany, Italy. (6) Doug and Barbara Reid are travelling the world with LAKE, making a stop in St. George's, Bermuda. (7) Trevor Scann and Tyler Ruble caught a sunset with LAKE on the Amazon River in Brazil. Send us your Where's Lake photos! Email editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com or drop a photo on our Facebook page.
7 LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 13
SEPTEMBER
September 4 & 5 Labor Day Music Festival
Wind down the summer season with Russell Lands’ annual Labor Day Weekend Music Festival at Russell Crossroads. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. both nights, the Town Green will feature a lineup of live music, with The Bank Walkers and Allman Brothers tribute band EAT A PEACH taking the stage Friday, followed by Main Street Lights and The Negotiators on Saturday. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, and don’t forget a leash for four-legged friends. Admission is free. For more details, visit russelllands.com/events.
September 6 Electric Avenue at Prime Steakhouse Mark your calendars for one of Prime Steakhouse’s biggest events of the year as Electric Avenue: The ’80s MTV Experience brings its high-energy performance to Dadeville for a Labor Day weekend glow party. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show running from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event is open to all ages. Tickets are $55.20, and VIP tables are available. Visit the Prime Steakhouse & Catering Facebook page for more details and ticket information.
September 7 Red Hill Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
The Red Hill Fire Department will host its Labor Day Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center, located at 3566 Red Hill Road in Tallassee. Plates are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Dine-in and to-go options will be available, with proceeds benefiting the volunteer fire department. To preorder, email redhillfd. preorder@gmail.com.
September 15 Mingle & Mahjong
Main Street Alexander City invites mahjong players to Emporium Wine for an evening of open play and socializing. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by mahjong open play from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine and a chance to win a gift basket. Call 256-786-0584 for more information.
September 17 Art Walk & Wine Tasting
Stroll through downtown Alexander City during an evening art walk and wine tasting from 5 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
p.m. to 8 p.m. Ten shops and storefronts will feature wine and hors d’oeuvres served along the way. Tickets are $25. For more information, email alexcityarts@gmail.com.
September 18 All for Ada Golf Tournament
Swing for a cause at the All for Ada Golf Tournament at Stillwaters Golf Club. The fundraiser will support StillWaters residents, the Watts family, as they continue young Ada’s medical journey. Tee time is at 1 p.m., with lunch, door prizes, on-course contests and mulligans available. Team registration is $400. Sponsorship packages are available. To sponsor a team, register to play or learn more, call 256-329-3954 or 256-307-1081.
September 19 Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association Tractor Show
Join the Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tallapoosa County Agribusiness Center & Arena for a day of tractors, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and community fun. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Contact 256-675-9194 for more information.
September 24 Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest
The annual Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest, presented by Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, returns to the Dadeville Performing Arts Center for an exciting evening celebrating local arts. The showcase will feature a cocktail reception, door prizes and live music, with proceeds benefiting DPAC. Tickets are $25 at the door or Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. office in Alexander City. Contact editor@lakemartinmagazine.com for more information.
September 26 Lake Martin Hiking Challenge: Nature’s Way Preserve Trail
Join in on a fall hike along the Nature’s Way Preserve Trail from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1033 Old Tree Road in Dadeville. Enjoy scenic lake views and fall foliage while completing a portion of the Lake Martin Hiking Challenge. The hike is open to all skill levels, and participants will receive free water, T-shirts and stickers. For more information, email info@explorelakemartin.com or visit explorelakemartin.com.
October 1 Lunch & Learn
Hosted by Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Jessica Fuller with Ivy Creek Home Health will present on home safety from noon to 1 p.m. at 5030 U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sack lunch; dessert and tea will be provided. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are required by noon September 28. Call 256-234-0347 or email vcca.al@gmail.com to reserve a space.
Russell Lands' annual Labor Day Weekend Music Festival is fun for the whole family
October 3 & 4 Po’ Ol’ Kowaliga Regatta
October 4 Pumpkin Carving Tutorial at Wind Creek State Park
Join park naturalist Dylan Ogle at the Wind Creek State Park Clubhouse for a guided pumpkin carving tutorial and learn tips and techniques for creating the perfect jack-o’-lantern. The program is open to all ages and costs $10 per person. Online registration is required. For more information, call 256-827-9540 or email dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.
October 8 Lunch & Learn
Hosted by Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Phil Blasingame and Abby Guy with River Bank & Trust will present on fraud, including how to spot it and ways to prevent it, from noon to 1 p.m. at 5030 U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City. Lunch will be provided by River Bank & Trust. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are required by noon October 5. Call 256-234-0347 or email vcca.al@gmail.com to reserve a space.
October 10 Dadeville Historic Cemetery Heritage Walk
Step back in time as costumed reenactors bring 10 notable figures from Dadeville’s past to life during a guided tour through the historic local cemetery. The event starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $10, with proceeds benefiting preservation and restoration efforts at the cemetery. Tickets are available at the Tallapoosa
CALENDAR OF EVENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN
County Museum, Tallapoosa Nutrition or HistoricDadeville.org.
October 23, 24, 25 & 30 ACT II’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
OCTOBER
The classic Lake Martin tradition returns for a weekend of competition and camaraderie. The two-day regatta welcomes sailors to compete in the DSC Catalina 22, MC Scow, Flying Scot and open fleets. For more information or to register, visit dixiesailingclub.com.
Alexander City Theatre II brings Washington Irving’s iconic tale to life in a spooky stage production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Performances October 23, 24 and 25 will be held at Radney Junior High School in Alexander City. Admission is free, and donations are accepted. The October 30 performance will be held at the Tallassee Performing Arts Center, with tickets available for $10 online or at the door. Visit the Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page for more information.
Season-long Events Naturalist Presentations and Guided Tours
Come see Naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Visit russelllands. com/events for the scheduled subject topics, dates and times.
Friday On The Green
Every Friday night all summer long, Russell Lands hosts free music and lawn games on the Town Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, kids and the pup on a leash to start your weekend at the lake with family and friends. Visit russelllands.com/events for the full lineup.
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 15
SEASON-LONG
Weekly Birdwatching Adventure
Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. to learn about feathered friends that call Lake Martin home. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors. For details, email dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Yoga On The Green
Find your zen on Saturday mornings at Russell Crossroads. Starting at 7 a.m., Yoga On The Green is led by certified instructors and designed for participants of all experience levels. Visit russelllands.com/events for more details.
Cars & Coffee
Enjoy Cars & Coffee on The Square in downtown Dadeville. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month through October, this family-friendly gathering welcomes car enthusiasts from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to showcase classic, custom and modern vehicles. For more details, call Michael at 334-663-5323 or Shannon at 256-749-7477.
Lunch & Learn
Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama will host a free Lunch and Learn series each Thursday in October from noon to 1 p.m. at 5030 U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City. Programs include home safety, fraud awareness and prevention, winter gardening and plant care and more. Programs are free and open to the public. Attendees should bring a sack lunch unless otherwise noted; dessert and tea will be provided. Registration is required. Call 256-234-0347 or email vcca.al@gmail. com.
Simmering in Science
Throughout September, visit the Naturalist’s Cabin for a hands-on science lesson inspired by Russell Forest. Children can share what they are studying in science class, and the Russell Lands naturalist will create an on-thespot lesson using plants, wildlife and other items found in the forest. The program is appropriate for all ages. For more information, call 256-496-2710 or email Naturalist@ Russelllands.com.
Mahjong Open Play at Carlisle’s
Carlisle’s Soda Fountain will host mahjong open play each Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in downtown Alexander City. The weekly event is free and open to players of all skill levels. RSVP by Monday evening through the TeamReach app using the code 35010NEWS.
16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
Bingo Night at the Elks Lodge
Try your luck at Bingo Night every Thursday at the Alexander City Elks Lodge. Open to the public, the weekly event features a $400 little pot, a $1,200 big pot, wings, drinks and frozen beverages. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Alexander City Elks Lodge Facebook page.
Adult Guitar Lessons
Join instructor Judy Hughes for a beginnerfriendly adult guitar class at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Lessons are $5 per class and are open to beginners. Email office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more information.
Painting in the Park
Experience the beauty of Lake Martin with Wind Creek State Park’s painting series. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just looking to try something new, these inspiring sessions are perfect for all skill levels. Visit alapark.com/parks/wind-creek-state-park/parkevents for the scheduled painting topics, dates and times. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors.
Acoustic Jam Session
Acoustic musicians of all skill levels are invited to gather on the second Saturday of each month to share music in a fun and welcoming environment. The acoustic jam session is free, and the public is invited to attend, listen or join in. The event takes place at 128 N. Broadnax Street in Dadeville. For more information, contact office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
Covered Dish Social
The Real Island Volunteer Fire Department hosts this monthly covered dish social on the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the training center, located at 1495 Real Island Road in Equality. Everyone is welcome.
Dulcimer Club
All levels of mountain dulcimer players and those blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. The group plays old-time, gospel and traditional music. For more details, email kim.walls@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
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LAKE NEWS
After a lot of unforeseen issues, Alabama Highway 63 at U.S. Highway 280 is finally open
Although a little late for summer, lake route opens in time for Labor Day Alexander City and Lake Martin residents will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief — Alabama Highway 63 is open. In a press release from Alabama Department of Transportation, the road reopened to traffic mid-morning Monday, August 24. The half-mile section of the highway located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and Highway 63 has been closed since May 2025 to convert the original 1931 bridge to a culvert. Originally set to close for eight months, issues have delayed construction including utility conflicts, unsuitable soils, contractor’s means and methods, plus weather interruptions. Although the roadway is open to traffic, there are still items of work for the contractor to complete before the project is finalized, the press release stated. These items include some drainage work, permanent striping/ raised pavement markers, completion of driveways and general project-site clean-up. Some of the remaining work may require intermittent lane closures, the press release stated. ~ TPI Staff
Holiday Inn Express construction at standstill A project that should have been completed a year ago is on hold. The much anticipated completion of Holiday Inn Express on U.S. Highway 280 between Chick-fil-A and Alexander City Municipal Complex has gone past its two-year completion agreement with the city and has had to give up its tax abatement. “The original project agreement included a two-year abatement on property tax, but because of the length of
18 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
delayed completion, both parties agreed to remove the abatements,” Alex City community development director Scott Hardy said. The hotel, owned by developer JCUP Hotels, will have 75 rooms when complete. The original agreement allowed for two six-month extensions past the original two-year agreement. The agreement was signed by the Alex City City Council on Aug. 21, 2023. At press time, JCUP Hotels owner Jay Patel could not be reached for comment, but Hardy said the partnership is not over. “We are in full support of Mr. Patel and the project and want to see it be as successful as his other entities in town,” Hardy said. “The city is excited about this project and would love to see it reach completion.” According to Hardy, the developer had issues with the contractor. “The hotel is about 50-60 percent complete,” he said. “They had a hard time reaching completion with the previous contractor.” The city believes in the project enough to go into another agreement with JCUP Hotels and the Alexander City Schools Board of Education. The previous William L. Radney Elementary School, which is now empty due to consolidation, is housing JCUP’s materials and supplies for the Holiday Inn Express until construction is complete. On Aug. 3, the city entered into the contract with the other two entities. The former school is owned by ACS, but currently the board nor the city are sure if the building ownership will be transferred to Alex City. Hardy said it made sense for both entities to sign the agreement to protect JCUP’s assets. JCUP is paying $80 a day to use the space. “Mr. Patel is a valued partner (for Alex City),” Hardy said. “The hotel is a key component to help attract opportunities for tourism.” ~Gwen Bishop The Holiday Inn Express is only about halfway complete due to issues with the developers’ contractors
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A crowd gathered for awards and live music at The Ridge Marina during the post-event Block Party
A Good Hand for a Great Cause Inaugural Poker Run raises more than $45,000 for Children's Harbor
T
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & CHILDREN'S HARBOR
The Lake Martin community dealt Children’s Harbor a winning hand this summer, showing overwhelming support for its newest fundraiser. On August 15, the Junior Board hosted the inaugural Children’s Harbor Poker Run and Block Party, selling 88 hands for a day of friendly competition and fundraising on the lake, well exceeding the expectations of organizers. By the end of the event, the Junior Board raised more than $45,000 for Children’s Harbor – almost six times the initial
fundraising goal. The heart behind the funds is to help further its mission of providing respite, refuge and resources to seriously ill children and their families. While the Children’s Harbor Junior Board already hosts a series of signature fundraising events throughout the year, such as Snapshots with Santa, members saw a need to add something new to the summer lineup – and a poker run seemed like a natural fit. For Benjamin Hendrix, co-chair of the Children’s Harbor Junior Board, the idea was a nostalgic nod to one of his favorite childhood memories on the lake. Growing up, he frequently participated in the popular Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run with his grandfather, Ben Russell, and wanted to bring that same excitement to a cause close to his heart. “I have great memories as a child of my granddad and I riding on the same Sea Doo together and doing all the stops, which is kind of comical when you think
about it now,” Hendrix said. “Those were really fun memories for me. So, growing up doing that was kind of an inspiration for this poker run, and a little bit of a nod to him.” As the board began its initial planning, Lions Club members were happy to step in and share their knowledge of what it takes to put on a successful poker run as well as offer guidance to help get the new fundraiser off the ground. “The Lions Club puts on a big poker run every year and has been super helpful getting us started,” said Junior Board member, Grace Adams. “They taught us how a Poker Run works and were a great resource to us throughout this whole process. They really showed us the ropes.” While the annual Lions event provided plenty of inspiration, the Junior Board wanted to put its own spin on this new event. Beginning and ending at The Ridge Marina, the Children’s Harbor Poker Run offered a shorter day on the water with just five stops, while also including destinations outside of the Lions Poker Run route, such as The Landing at Parker Creek and The Social. “We are wanting to get a new generation of Children’s Harbor supporters,
and I think this was a good opportunity to include more places,” Hendrix said. “We just want everybody at Lake Martin to feel like they play a part.” Planning began this past spring, giving the Junior Board just a few months to bring the event to life. Fortunately, they had plenty of experienced hands to help, including longtime Children’s Harbor supporters and seasoned Russell Marine event organizers. Rhonda White, Children’s Harbor senior director of donor engagement, worked closely with the Junior Board throughout the planning process, while Russell Marine’s Jeff Ellis, Emily Sprayberry and Alan Cutts brought their years of experience to the table from their involvement with the annual Lions Poker Run. “There’s a lot of moving pieces,” said Junior Board member, Tanner Dean. “And it ultimately took everybody on the team to have a successful event.” Those connections also opened the door to a new group of partnerships. Through Russell Marine, the Junior Board was able to secure several major boat manufacturers as sponsors, expanding the event’s reach beyond local businesses and families that have long supported the organization.
The event brought in new participants for a day of fun
More than 30 volunteers helped throughout the day
Team Seas The Day won Best Themed Crew
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 21
New Poker Run stops included The Social at Lake Martin
Dod and Judy Hamre won Best Hand
Teams decorated boats with unique themes
22 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
Presenting sponsors included Bennington, Godfrey Pontoon Boats, Hurricane, Nautique, Sea Ray and Russell Lands. Additional sponsors included ChrisCraft, Sunrise Docks, BRP, J.H. Berry, Sportsman, Full Draw Graphic Studios and The Lake Concierge. “It’s always amazing to see how open people are to answer the phone and say, ‘What can I do to help?’ when it comes to the Children’s Harbor mission,” Dean said. Among those answering the call was also a younger generation around Lake Martin. From participants on the water to local business owners like The Lake Concierge stepping up as a sponsor, the event offered the Junior Board another way to bring younger faces into the Children’s Harbor mission. “We’re trying to get the younger age group more involved, whether it be through service, volunteering or just participating in events,” Hendrix said. “We saw the Poker Run as a fun way for younger people to spend a day on the lake and learn more about the mission.” After the final cards were dealt, the Junior Board put another unique twist on the traditional Poker Run – a post-event Block Party. Open to the public, the celebration was inspired by Children’s Harbor’s Meet Your Neighbor event, bringing participants and community members together for live music, awards and catering by Fanny’s. Longtime Children’s Harbor advocates Brent and Linda Burns and Andy and Catherine Meehan championed the idea and spearheaded the post-event Block Party. Around 30 volunteers also pitched in throughout the day, helping keep everything running smoothly from start to finish. “We were very grateful for all of our supporters who stepped in and helped the younger folks with this event,” Hendrix said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.” Beyond the boats, sponsors and money raised, the heart behind the Poker Run remained focused on introducing more people to Children’s Harbor, its mission and the families it serves. “If you go over to the campus and get a chance to serve breakfast, or take kids out on the water in a boat who may not otherwise have that opportunity, it’s hard not to be meaningfully impacted and see the good work that’s being done,” Dean said. Adams echoed these sentiments. “I love the lake,” Adams said. “And I thought this was a really great way to expose people not only to Lake Martin where Children’s Harbor has a huge presence, but the Poker Run was also something fun to do to raise money for its mission.” Following the success of its inaugural event, the Junior Board is already looking ahead, hoping the Children’s Harbor Poker Run will become a favorite Lake Martin tradition for years to come. To learn more about the Junior Board and Children’s Harbor, visit childrensharbor.com.
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ROCKIN' OUT the End of Summer
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF ELECTRIC AVENUE, DARBY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY, THE NEGOTIATORS & EAT A PEACH
L
Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but Lake Martin is turning up the volume for one last big weekend of the season. Leading the event lineup are two Lake Martin Labor Day favorites, with Russell Crossroads and Prime Steakhouse & Catering bringing energy and entertainment to the stage. From two nights of live music and Southern rock favorites to an all-out ’80s neon party, the holiday weekend is shaping up to be a memorable grand finale to a historic summer at Lake Martin.
From Top to Bottom: Eat A Peach, Main Street Lights, The Bank Walkers and Electric Avenue
24 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
LABOR DAY WEEKEND MUSIC FEST
Russell Crossroads will kick off the holiday weekend with two nights of free live music on the Town Green during its annual Labor Day Weekend Music Fest September 4 and 5. “This will be our fifth year celebrating Labor Day Weekend with music at Russell Crossroads, and this year’s lineup is all about great cover bands,” said Robert Gunn, director of events and marketing operations for Russell Lands. “We’ll have two fantastic local bands along with two favorites from the Birmingham area, bringing music you’ll know and love.” The music begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. with longtime Lake Martin favorite The Bank Walkers, whose wideranging set list will have guests moving and grooving to everything from Merle Haggard and Elton John to classic rock favorites in between. At 8 p.m., Birmingham-based Eat a Peach will take over the Green Stage with a tribute to the music of the Allman Brothers Band. Named after the group’s iconic 1972 album, Eat a Peach brings to life these Southern rock legends and their catalog of classic hits. The music continues Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with Main Street Lights, led by Sylacauga native David Simpkins. After performing at Russell Crossroads last year, the band will return with a collection of familiar favorites made for singing along. Closing out the festival at 8 p.m. Saturday will be The Negotiators, making their Lake Martin debut. The Birmingham band brings an eclectic set list spanning clas-
sic and modern rock, R&B, Motown, pop, country, blues and jazz. Both evenings are free and open to the public, setting the stage for two laid-back nights of music, dancing and family fun. “If you’re looking for a great way to spend Labor Day Weekend, we can’t think of a better place to be,” Gunn said. “There’s no charge to enjoy the music – just grab a spot on the Town Green, kick off your shoes, dig your toes into the thick green grass and settle in for an evening under the stars. “Bring the whole family, sing along to your favorite songs, and when the music gets you moving, get up and dance!”
“
If you're looking for a great way to spend Labor Day Weekend, we can't think of a better place to be, there's no charge to enjoy the music – just grab a spot on the Town Green, kick off your shoes, dig your toes in the the thick green grass and settle in for an evening under the stars.” ~ Robert Gunn
ELECTRIC AVENUE AT PRIME STEAKHOUSE & CATERING
Break out the neon and dust off the leg warmers. One of Lake Martin’s biggest Labor Day weekend parties is bringing the ’80s back to Prime Steakhouse & Catering. Electric Avenue will return Sunday, September 6, for Prime’s annual Labor Day celebration, an event that brings more than 500 people each year for an evening of dancing, great food and some of the decade’s biggest hits. “They are an annual favorite band,” said Brian Cosby, executive chef of Prime Steakhouse. “It’s the biggest event of the year on the lake. It’s going to be a good time.” Electric Avenue has become a Labor Day tradition at Prime, transforming the lawn into an ’80s-inspired glow party as the band takes the crowd through the sounds of the MTV era. General admission tickets are $55.22, with guests encouraged to bring chairs for seating along the sidewalks surrounding the lawn. The lawn itself will be standing room only. For those looking to make a night of it, a limited number of VIP tables are also available for $1,500. Each table includes admission and buffet access for 10 guests along with a reserved table for the group. Reservations may be made by calling 256-373-3017 or texting 256-4962339. Of course, no celebration at Prime would be complete without plenty of food. Prime’s food truck will be open throughout the day Sunday, serving Phillies, smash burgers, wings, cheese balls, appetizers and the restaurant’s signature oysters. Inside, the golf simulator will also be open throughout the day, while food specials will be offered throughout Labor Day weekend. Boaters will have another way to reach the festivities without making the trek from the marina. Prime will offer golf cart transportation between the marina and the event, with rides available by contacting Prime Steakhouse & Catering through Facebook Messenger. Whether singing along barefoot on the Town Green or dancing beneath the neon glow at Prime, Labor Day weekend offers one more chance to soak up the sounds, flavors and fun of summer before another Lake Martin season begins to wind down.
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Cheers to Creativity Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest gears up for a night of art and entertainment
F
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS
From colorful paintings to striking photography, talented artists from across the region are preparing to put their best work on display as the highly anticipated Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest returns to Dadeville this September. Presented by Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, the signature event will return to the Dadeville Performing Arts Center Thursday, September 24, bringing an evening of art, live music and community together in support of the local arts. Benefiting DPAC, the annual contest welcomes artists and photographers of all ages and experience levels to showcase their talents during a lively champagne reception. Last year’s event drew more than 70 entries, filling the performing arts center with works reflecting Alabama’s landscapes, lifestyles and creativity. This year’s showcase is expected to bring another diverse collection to the gallery, with submissions accepted in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, pencil, crayon, photography and mixed media. Throughout the evening, guests can browse the entries, meet local artists and enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and champagne before casting their votes for the popular People’s Choice Award.
Brittni Smith's painting was voted as People's Choice 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
This year’s event is made possible through the support of both longtime and new community partners. Southern Real Estate Media and The Mitchell House are returning as sponsors, while Alex City Transmission joins the event as the People’s Choice Award Sponsor, B&T Diesel Repair as a Supporting Sponsor and Paw Paw’s Processing as the Children’s Art Sponsor. Entries are being accepted through Tuesday, September 16. All artwork must reflect Alabama lifestyle, be ready to hang and be delivered in person to the Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. office at 548 Cherokee Road in Alexander City. Artists may submit up to three pieces. The entry fee is $30 for the first submission and $25 for each additional submission, while children’s entries are $10. Each participating artist will receive one complimentary ticket to the event as well. Cash prizes will be awarded across four divisions:
More than 70 submissions were on display at last year's event
Art, Photography, People’s Choice and Children’s Art. First-place winners in Art and Photography will each receive $200, with $150 awarded for second place and $100 for third. The People’s Choice Award winner will receive $100. Open to students in eighth grade and younger, the Children’s Division will award $50 to the first-place winner. The impact of the contest extends beyond the evening reception, connecting local children with the world of art. Before doors open to the public, more than 100 local middle school students will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit, experience the artwork firsthand and find inspiration in the creativity of artists from their own community. “We are thrilled that the Lake Martin Living Art & Photo Contest entries will be displayed at Dadeville Performing Arts Center again this year,” said Kim Walls, president of DPAC. “The annual artist’s evening reception brings many out-of-town visitors to downtown Dadeville, and more than 100 middle school students view the art during the day. We appreciate TPI for sponsoring and hosting this event.” Businesses and individuals also have new opportunities to become part of the event this year through Experience Sponsorships. The exclusive opportunities include reception, live music, photo backdrop, awards, bar and catering sponsorships, each helping enhance the evening and create a memorable experience for guests. The opportunity to support the event through sponsorships is available through September 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., inviting guests to browse the exhibit, enjoy the evening reception and celebrate local artists. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the TPI office in Alexander City or at the door. Whether picking up a paintbrush for the first time or sharing years of experience behind a camera, the contest offers artists of all ages a chance to put their talents on display while giving the public an opportunity to discover, enjoy and support the creativity found throughout the Lake Martin area. Email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com for more information about entries, tickets or sponsorship opportunities.
CASH
S PRIZE
Funds raised benefit the Dadeville Performing Arts Center
Mimi Anderson's painting took third place last year in the Art category
Calling All Artists! Now Accepting Submissions!
ART
SUBMISSION DETAILS n Mediums accepted in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, photography & mixed media. (3D works are accepted as long as they can be hung on the wall.) n No free-standing sculptures. n Entries must reflect the nature, beauty or lifestyle of Alabama. n All entries must be ready to hang. n Entry fee is $30 per piece. Children’s entry fee is $10 per piece.
C O N T E S T
Clearly mark each entry with the artist’s name, address, phone number and email. Deliver entries to the Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. office located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City.
LAKE MARTIN LIVING
PHOTO
Call magazine Editor-in-Chief Shaylee Beck Moore at 256-234-4282 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 29
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LAKE MARTIN WEATHER
FACT OR FOLKLORE? James Spann explains the science behind Lake Martin's biggest weather myths and mysteries STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS & KENNETH BOONE
Temperature differences can influence where summer storms form at the lake 32 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
A
Anyone who has spent enough time at Lake Martin has probably watched it happen. Dark clouds begin forming in the distance. The radar shows a thunderstorm headed straight toward the lake, and phones begin lighting up with alerts that rain is approaching. Then, somehow, nothing happens. The clouds shift, the storm fades away or heavy rain seems to fall everywhere except where it was expected. Over the years, the phenomenon has inspired plenty of local theories around Lake Martin's impact on weather. Some swear the lake has the superpower to “split” approaching storms, while other areas seem to have an invisible bubble where it hardly ever rains. And thunderstorms aren't the only weather phenomenon surrounded by local folklore. Similar theo-
ries are heard about a variety of weather patterns, including everything from whether tornadoes can cross the lake to snow accumulating in certain areas near the water. So, does Lake Martin really have that much influence or impact on the weather? The short answer – not as much as people think. According to longtime Alabama chief meteorologist James Spann, the science behind Lake Martin weather is a lot less mysterious than local theories may suggest. “I’ve been doing this here for 48 years,” Spann said. “I’m one of these old geezers, and I hear the same thing. In fact, I will tell you that in every single county, and we’ve got 67 counties here, multiple people in every county say the exact same thing about weather where they live.”
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 33
Still, a few of Lake Martin’s weather quirks do have some science behind them.
Myth No. 1 Lake Martin’s Size Changes the Weather
Once known as the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Martin’s roughly 40,000 acres of water certainly seems large enough to influence an approaching storm. But in reality, Lake Martin is too small to drastically change the weather. It would need to be closer to the size of one of the Great Lakes – such as Lake Michigan, which is more than 14 million acres of water – to have any true impact. “Lake Martin is not big enough to affect the weather,” Spann said. “And in Alabama, you’ve got other lakes the same size. The biggest inland lake in the state is Smith Lake, and you also have Logan Martin, Lake Wedowee, Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake. They’re all about the same size. In a large scale way, the effect on weather’s just tiny.” But there is one exception. Lake Martin is large enough to produce what meteorologists call a lake-breeze effect – a localized circulation that can develop when the temperature of the water is cooler than the surrounding land. For example, on a hot summer afternoon, the air temperature around Lake Martin may rise into the 90s while the water remains around a lower 80 degrees. Air over the water stays slightly cooler, and depending on the wind, some of the cooler air can be pushed toward the surrounding shoreline. Where the cooler air encounters the hotter air over land, a small boundary can form. Spann compares it to a miniature front. Along that lake-effect boundary, winds can converge and force air upward – a process that can encourage a thunderstorm to develop. Depending on the direction of the wind, that boundary could set up on different sides of Lake Martin. Thunder is a warning to get off the water, even without rain
34 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
If winds are coming from the south, Spann said the boundary might develop on the north end of the lake, potentially helping a thunderstorm to form near Alexander City while Lake Martin itself remains dry. With a northern wind, that boundary could instead shift south toward areas such as Jackson’s Gap or Dadeville. “The little lake breeze thing is real,” Spann said. “That little boundary serves as a focusing mechanism for thunderstorm development, and that’s why you’ll often have thunderstorms in Alexander City and nothing over the lake because the boundary has been pushed north on that little miniature front.” Ironically, Lake Martin’s small influence on the atmosphere may sometimes help a thunderstorm develop near the lake – but that is very different from the popular belief that the water can somehow redirect or break apart an approaching storm.
Myth No. 2 Lake Martin Splits Storms
This is one of the more common claims heard around the lake. A thunderstorm appears to be moving directly toward Lake Martin on the radar, only to dissipate, change direction or seemingly divide as it approaches the water. But according to Spann, this has far more to do with the unpredictable nature of summertime thunderstorms than Lake Martin itself. During the summer, Alabama lacks the strong weather systems that organize and steer storms on a larger scale, as seen in the North. Instead, many of the pop-up storms are a result of what meteorologists call air-mass convection. Intense summer heat warms air near the ground, causing pockets of warm, humid air to rise. Under the right conditions, growing cumulus clouds can quickly develop into thunderstorms. And those storms can be remarkably random. “In the summer, the storms that we have – and we have them every afternoon somewhere – are absolutely random,” Spann said. “It might rain two inches at your house, and then you go a mile down the road, and it doesn’t rain a drop. And it gives these odd perceptions.” That highly localized nature can make Lake Martin appear to be influencing storms when, in reality, one neighborhood may simply end up beneath a downpour while another a few miles away stays completely dry. And when people repeatedly watch storms miss the same place, Spann said it becomes easy to see a pattern – even when the atmosphere isn’t following one. “There’s some science behind that, but once you get out of summer, the lake has no effect whatsoever,” Spann
The 2011 tornado caused damage in Kowaliga Bay before crossing Lake Martin
said. “You could look at a map with rain totals over the last 50 years, and you don’t see any variation. This perception is based on summer storms.”
Myth No. 3 Tornadoes Won’t Cross Lake Martin
Alabama’s primary tornado season stretches from November through May, and as the severe weather season approaches, Spann said there is one Lake Martin myth that can be particularly dangerous. For generations, a common misconception people believe is that large bodies of water, mountains and valleys can offer some level of protection against tornadoes – a mindset that Spann says is not only false but can offer a dangerous sense of security. “People honestly believe that tornadoes will not cross Lake Martin, and that’s nonsense,” Spann said. “The only thing that happens when a tornado crosses Lake Martin is the fact that for a brief moment it’s not a tornado; it’s a waterspout.” And Lake Martin isn’t alone in this mindset. Spann has heard similar claims from people living near the Tennessee River, on mountains and in valleys across
Alabama. While terrain can have some influence on weaker tornadoes, he said it offers no reliable protection from the stronger storms that are capable of causing the most devastating damage. “Everybody has a reason why tornadoes don’t happen where they live,” Spann said. “People say they always split and go around me. That’s nonsense. They’ll tell me they live on a hill, they live in a valley, they live by a body of water. It is true that terrain can have an impact on smaller tornadoes, EF0s and EF1s, but for the ones that do most of the damage, the ones that kill people – EF3s and EF4s – it makes no difference whatsoever.” Lake Martin’s history proves Spann’s point. During Alabama’s historic tornado outbreak April 27, 2011, 62 tornadoes touched down across the state, including a powerful tornado that crossed Lake Martin. “The tornado didn’t magically stop at the lake,” Spann said. “It doesn’t work that way. It went right across the lake and did damage on both sides. We’ve got to stop that perception.” For Spann, that misconception is personally troubling because of what he witnessed while broadcasting on air during that fateful day in 2011. The outbreak Tornadoes can impact any area of Lake Martin
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 35
Spann said. “Phones are great. They are a critical part of it. But at night, most phones have a sleep or do-notdisturb mode. The best thing to do is have a weather radio.”
Myth No. 4 Lake Martin Can Affect Snowfall
The lake-breeze effect may influence where storms form
killed 252 people in Alabama, and he believes the assumption that certain places were somehow protected contributed to some people not taking the threat seriously. “A lot of folks died because they believed tornadoes don’t happen where they live,” Spann said. “They had an excuse. 252 people died on my watch. These were precious people that died. I’ve memorized almost every single name, and the warnings were excellent. The warnings could not have been better, and yet all these people died.” Although the odds of any individual home taking a direct hit remain relatively low, Spann said geography should never become a reason to ignore a warning. Instead, he strongly urges people to have a reliable way to receive weather warnings, particularly overnight. “It doesn’t matter if you live on this side of the lake or that side of the lake,” Spann said. “It simply doesn’t matter. We’ve got to get people out of that mindset and in a position to hear warnings. The No. 1 reason people died April 27 was the notion that you’re going to hear some siren, which is absolute insanity. Most people that live around Lake Martin do not have a weather radio because they think they’re going to hear a siren. They will not.” For various reasons, outdoor warning sirens are not a reliable method for knowing a tornado is coming, and relying solely on a cell phone can also present problems overnight when asleep. “It’s three in the morning. There’s a raging storm. You’re sound asleep, and you’re going to hear a siren that’s 8 miles away? It doesn’t work that way,”
36 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
While Lake Martin’s influence on weather is generally a mix of folklore, misconceptions and myths, there is one rare winter exception – lake-effect snow. Most commonly associated with the Great Lakes, lakeeffect snow can develop when bitterly cold Arctic air moves across comparatively warmer lake water. As the cold air passes over the water, it picks up heat and moisture, creating conditions that can enhance snowfall in narrow bands downwind of the lake. In Alabama, Spann said the phenomenon is more commonly seen around the Tennessee River impoundments, including Wheeler and Wilson lakes, and occasionally around Smith Lake. Lake Martin, on the other hand, sits much farther south, making the right combination of cold air, warmer water and wind considerably more difficult to come by – but not impossible. When the correct conditions do align, Spann said the result can appear as a thin, finger-like band of enhanced snowfall extending downwind from Lake Martin into surrounding communities. “I’ve seen it at Lake Martin,” Spann said. “It’s very rare, but I’ve seen it have a little enhancement right down Highway 280. It’s tiny, like a finger, toward Dadeville and Auburn, Opelika and Jackson’s Gap.”
Myth No. 5 Lighting at Lake Martin
Of all the severe weather Spann has encountered throughout his career, there is one phenomenon that frightens him more than any other – lightning. “I am afraid of one thing when it comes to weather. Just one thing, and it’s lightning,” Spann said. “I’m terrified of lightning. I’m not afraid of Lake Martin can tornadoes, I know enhance snowfall they’re coming. I in nearby areas know what to do. But with lightning, any afternoon storm on a summer day can have 500 ground strokes.” For boaters and swimmers at Lake Martin, Spann said one of the most dangerous misconceptions is believing that there is no
Lightning can pose a danger from eight miles away
LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 37
A single thunderstorm can produce around 500 lightning strikes
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threat from lightning until rain begins to fall. “If you are close enough to hear thunder, you’re close enough to be hit by lightning,” Spann said. “A lot of people, when they hear thunder, they don’t do anything because it’s not raining. That’s nonsense.” A single summer thunderstorm can produce hundreds of lightning strikes, some reaching well beyond the area experiencing heavy rain. In fact, Spann said many lightning fatalities occur when rain is not falling at the victim’s location. Unlike tornado fatalities, those deaths rarely get the same attention. “Lightning deaths don’t get the same publicity like tornados do,” Spann said. “Lightning kills people one at a time and is very dangerous. It needs to be taken more seriously.” It is a danger Spann said he sees people underestimate regularly on Alabama lakes. And in an area known for random, pop-up thunderstorms, he urges boaters and swimmers to pay attention and evacuate the water whether rain has arrived or not. “The object of the game is that when you hear thunder, that’s when you need to get off the water,” Spann said. “Get in something – a boathouse, a car, anything. You don’t need to take precautions like a tornado, but you do need to get off of the water.” With radar and lightning data readily available on smartphones, Spann recommends boaters keep a reliable weather app easily accessible. The Alabama Weather Network app, which Spann helped develop, provides high-resolution radar and lightning alerts that can notify users when lightning is detected nearby. Spann said that 8 miles is the thunder threshold to remember, and since judging distance by sight can be difficult, lightning alerts can provide an important warning when it is time to head in for shelter. “I totally understand the temptation to stay on the water if it’s not raining,” Spann said. “It seems like everything’s great and you don’t want to stop. But I’ve seen too much loss of life. Everything in life is risk versus reward. It’s not worth the risk staying out there when there’s lightning within 8 miles.”
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The upstairs balcony offers sweeping views of Lake Martin
A handcrafted fountain on the coffee porch
Temple Garden on the shoreline
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STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
For Steve and Kirsten Knutson, almost anything can become a work of art. An old church door can become a piece of furniture, shards of stained glass can become a windchime and even an unexpected hole in the floor can inspire a one-of-a-kind design. It is a creative partnership that the husband-andwife duo has nearly perfected over three decades of marriage. Kirsten has an eye for seeing the possibilities in unusual items, while Steve has the craftsmanship to bring her ideas to life – even the most ambitious ones. Together, their talents have helped transform nearly every corner of their StillWaters property into one of the most unique garden retreats at Lake Martin. “It’s all my bride of 32 years,” Steve said. “I just have the saw and hammer skills.” Kirsten grew up in Peachtree City, Georgia, and later attended Auburn University, earning a nursing degree that led her to Pensacola, Florida. There, she met Steve, a Minneapolis, Minnesota, native who spent 22 years in the Air Force and later worked for Lockheed Martin’s corporate office. The couple spent 17 years living in the Florida Panhandle, frequently trading the beach lifestyle for weekends at a place they knew they always wanted to call home – Lake Martin. In 2005, the Knutsons purchased their first lake house, a modest 700-square-foot retreat that also
became one of their first major remodeling projects together. Over the next decade, they expanded it to about 1,600 square feet, spending their weekends working on the house between days spent water skiing and enjoying the lake with their kids. “We always kind of knew we wanted to retire here,” Steve said. “It’s where we always brought the kids to go tubing and have made great memories on the lake.” As the years passed, though, the long drive from Florida made those weekends increasingly difficult. When they did make it to Lake Martin, the couple often found themselves spending more time working on their latest remodeling projects than relaxing on the water. They eventually traded the house for a condo at Crowne Pointe, but knew the perfect lake home was out there, just waiting to be discovered. That day came in April 2019. During a girls trip to the lake, Kirsten began touring homes around the area when she came across one that immediately caught her attention. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in StillWaters, the five bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home was a canvas waiting for the Knutsons’ creative touch. “The minute I walked into this place, I just got that feeling,” Kirsten said. “I got chills – it felt like this was home.” While the love for the home was immediate, trans-
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The greenhouse was custom-built on the shoreline, complete with vintage doors and a 100-year-old iron railing
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A lighter color palette brightened the interior while antique finds added character
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Parasols adorn the greenhouse ceiling as an added creative touch
Tiered landscaping and stonework transformed the sloping property 44 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
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forming it into the dream retreat they envisioned would prove to be one of their biggest remodels – and passion projects – yet. Previously owned by a couple in the framing business, the lake home looked considerably different from the way it does today, with deep black walls designed to accent artwork and Greek-style pillars crowding the entryway. Downstairs, an unfinished storage space needed attention, while the sloping outdoor landscape and walkway presented their own challenges. While others may have seen a list of lengthy renovations, the Knutsons saw possibilities. “I could see through all that,” Kirsten said. “You can see when a house has good bones. I could see its potential.” The Knutsons began stripping away the darker elements and replacing them with the bright, airy
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style that now carries throughout the home. The walls were brightened with Behr Ultra Classic Silver, while shiplap, stonework and pieces by local artist Catie Radney helped bring warmth and character into the space. But much of what makes the home so distinctive can’t be found in a traditional furniture store – but rather, at a quirky shop nearly 200 miles away. Avid pickers, Steve and Kirsten have sourced many of their one-of-a-kind pieces from Charles Phillips Antiques and Architecturals in Theodore, Alabama. Known for its eclectic collection of European antiques and unusual vintage finds, the store has become a treasure trove of inspiration for the couple, from old church doors and shutters reimagined into furniture to unexpected collectibles found along the way. “We like to recycle, reuse and repurpose,” Kirsten said.
Plants add warmth and pops of color throughout the home
The home also reflects the passions – and people – the couple cherishes most. Avid mahjong players, Steve and Kirsten created a dedicated space for the game in their home, with a cabinet showcasing their colorful tiles and a handpainted vintage Ethan Allen game table ready for the next round. One guest bedroom pays tribute to Steve’s mother, Janice, with shades of blue and a handmade quilt she created, while the primary bedroom features a sitting area overlooking Lake Martin, where the couple unwinds with their three dogs, Shug, Olive and Joey. In the kitchen, one of the home’s most creative details came from an unexpected renovation dilemma. After removing the large center island to open up the space, the couple discovered there was no flooring underneath. Rather than simply patching the flooring, they LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 45
Clockwise from Top Left: An antique umbrella lamp adds character to the garden; A custom-built swing bed on the dock; The downstairs was transformed into a second living area for guests; Antique finds add character throughout the home; Unique sculptures are tucked throughout the gardens; Kirsten created many of the decorative pieces herself.
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F Kitchen renovations included replacing the island with a vintage bakery table
incorporated a decorative “rug” design into the wood floor and placed a vintage bakery table in the center of the kitchen. Even the black granite countertops removed during the renovation found a second life downstairs, where the Knutsons transformed the former storage and entertainment space into a second kitchen and guest area with a bar top handcrafted by Steve. Yet among all the antiques, artwork and handcrafted details, there is one decorating element Kirsten can’t seem to get enough of – plants. A self-proclaimed horticulturist, Kirsten has filled nearly every part of the home with greenery, with plants towering in the living room and kitchen and spilling into the downstairs spaces and porches overlooking the water. “I sometimes call my decorating style ‘decorating with plants’ because I think plants make your home just feel warm, cozy and beautiful,” Kirsten said. “They add a pop of color and nature, like bringing the outdoors inside.” Just steps from the kitchen, that greenery spills onto the couple’s coffee porch, where an Amishcrafted porch swing faces Lake Martin and a water fountain created by Steve and Kirsten adds to the relaxing setting while listening to their Bouy Bell windchime.
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But when Kirsten’s plant collection eventually began to outgrow the house, the couple created one of their proudest projects – a handcrafted greenhouse unlike anything typically found along the shores of Lake Martin. They call it Temple Garden. “I really needed a place for all my plants because we were basically living in a jungle,” Kirsten laughed. “But this is now my favorite place.” Timber framed and painted in a custom SherwinWilliams hue created by Kirsten, the greenhouse brings together nearly everything that defines the Knutsons’ style and passions. An arched stained-glass window brings light and color into the space, while antique doors open toward a 100-year-old wrought-iron railing and sweeping views of Lake Martin. Overhead, white parasols provide an unexpected design element, offering just enough shade to protect the plants from direct sunlight while adding a beautiful and interesting detail to the space. Below, potted and hanging plants fill nearly every corner, creating a Zen-like retreat for the Knutsons. “I could spend all day in here,” Kirsten said. “It’s so beautiful, it’s so relaxing. We are very proud of it.” But the Temple Garden has become more than simply a place for plants. Tucked among the greenery are LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 47
F collectibles from the couple’s travels, gifts from friends and small reminders of the people who have become a cherished part of their lives. “There are lots of little pieces all around that are things that friends have given to me,” Kirsten said. “It’s just little reminders that make me happy.” The creativity continues beyond the greenhouse and into the landscape, where Steve has incorporated nods to his home state of Minnesota among the gardens with stone sculptures crafted by a high school rival. Working alongside the Knutsons’ vision, Adam Patterson helped reshape the property with the tiered landscaping, while Valley Stone carried the stonework found throughout the home into the outdoor spaces. Gonzales Lawn Care of Auburn now helps the couple maintain the grounds year-round. Down at the water, the dock became one final place for the Knutsons to put their own touch on the 48 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
The primary bedroom includes a sitting area with lake views
A dedicated space was created for mahjong
property with a handcrafted swing bed Steve created, that overlooks Lake Martin and Kirsten’s own artwork adding pops of color and a playful nod to lake life. After years of designing, building and repurposing pieces for themselves, the couple took their creativity one step further in 2024 when they opened K&S KreationS in Dadeville, a shop that gives Steve and Kirsten a place to showcase the variety of artistic talents seen throughout their own home. Together, they have created the permanent Lake Martin home they imagined all those years ago – one filled with pieces of their family, travels, friendships and more than three decades
spent creating together. “Sometimes we’ll sit and have coffee in the morning, and we’re just in awe,” Kirsten said. “We pinch ourselves and can’t help but think it was meant to be. We love our home so much.”
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The Bridge Plans for The Ridge Island revealed after decades of mystery
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STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL LANDS
For decades, curious boaters have cruised beneath a bridge near Chimney Rock and The Ridge Marina that seemingly had no real destination. Building a bridge in the early 2000s was not something that was commonly done at Lake Martin, and longtime lake goers have had their theories on why it existed at all. Known locally as “The Bridge to Nowhere,” many believed it was a project that had been abandoned due to protecting bald eagle habitats and nests. Others speculated that Russell Lands built the bridge to harvest timber – hardly an economical decision considering the expenses involved. And some simply thought Ben Russell built it for aesthetics to add to Lake Martin’s mysterious lore. But the bridge has had an intentional purpose for nearly 25 years – Russell Lands was simply waiting for the right time to thoughtfully develop the connecting property.
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“There have been a lot of rumors behind the bridge, but it’s a really simple situation,” said Steve Arnberg, vice president of real estate sales for Russell Lands. “We knew initially that The Ridge was going to go all the way down to the Dixie Sailing Club and come very close to the island. So, a little bit of research was done as to whether or not a bridge could be built that would connect the mainland to the island, which would eventually become the ninth phase of The Ridge.” In the late 1990s into 2000, Russell Lands sought permits from several government agencies before moving forward with the bridge, with one of the primary considerations being to ensure that the structure would not impede recre-
to Somewhere
ational boat traffic. Construction began in 2000, concurrent with the development of the first two phases of The Ridge. By the time the first phase was complete in 2001, so was the bridge. Building it early also proved to be a financially sound decision. Due to inflation and rising prices, Arnberg said the bridge cost a fraction to complete compared to what a similar project would cost to construct today. Still, the property on the other side remained largely untouched for more than two decades as the development of The Ridge continued along the mainland. But now, with all eight phases
of Lake Martin’s largest waterfront community complete, only one piece of the original vision remained – the island. The timing of this development, Arnberg said, made sense for several reasons. With a strong market and a pause before a southern expansion of Lake Martin’s latest premier neighborhood, The Heritage, Russell Lands saw this as an opportunity to introduce the island as a new waterfront possibility for potential buyers. Officially named The Ridge Island, the secluded 150-acre property will feature premium lots designed to offer privacy while carefully preserving the land’s natural character. Rather than develop the entire island at once,
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Russell Lands plans to release the property in five or six smaller phases and evaluate each as development progresses. “We’re going to take our time and be very patient with the development,” Arnberg said. “We really like the idea of doing it in small segments because there are a few things about The Ridge Island that are unique to the way it will be developed and in the way that we’re offering property.” One of the biggest differences will be in the size of the lots. Phase 1 of The Ridge Island has 16 traditional lots that average about 1.35 acres, with two additional properties spanning more than 10 acres each, referred to by Russell Lands as compound lots. Those larger properties could offer families the opportunity to create multi-generational lake retreats, with room for parents, adult children and grandchildren to build up to three separate homes on the same property while maintaining privacy. The additional acreage could also accommodate a single larger estate home instead of multiple homes. The concept reflects a shift that Arnberg said Russell Lands has been seeing among buyers who view Lake Martin as more than a vacation destination. “What we’re beginning to see happening in the marketplace is that more people are seeing Lake Martin as a destination purchase or a legacy purchase,” Arnberg said. “They want to build larger houses, and with a little larger lot, they can still have plenty of privacy and distance between houses. We’re able to offer that kind of property at The Ridge Island.” That emphasis on space and privacy will be prominent throughout the development. With approximately 150 acres, the completed development is expected to only include 50 to 60 individual lots. “It’s going to be a very sparse development,” Arnberg said. But privacy is only part of what Russell Lands believes will set the community apart. While much of the allure for Russell Lands’ latest development, The Heritage, is largely centered around amenities such as The Benjamin Lake Club and the world-renowned Wicker Point Golf Club, Arnberg sees The Ridge Island offering a different kind of appeal –
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putting residents in the heart of the Lake Martin lifestyle. Located near the center of the lake, the island offers convenient access to The Ridge Marina, popular landmarks and waterfront dining destinations, while residents will also have access to existing amenities within The Ridge. “When I look at The Ridge Island, I see it being about Lake Martin,” Arnberg said. “It’s about being able to get out on the water. You have the largest marina on the lake right nearby. If you want to get out and have fun on the weekends, you’re also right in the middle of all the action.” Currently, initial groundwork for The Ridge Island is still underway, with crews laying asphalt on either side of the bridge as well as adding sidewalks throughout the island. A gated entry is also planned for the west end of the bridge, providing an additional layer of security for future property owners. Home construction for the first phase is expected to begin within the next few months, with builders approved for The Ridge, The Heritage and The Willows being eligible to build on The Ridge Island. And with virtually every lot The 150-acre island is the final piece offering year-round of The Ridge’s original vision water access, property owners will have the option to add docks, boat slips and lifts similar to those found throughout The Ridge. While many boaters wonder what the development means for the beloved Chimney Rock, Arnberg said the landmark will be preserved as a common area for residents to enjoy. Acapulco Rock, the iconic graffiti-covered cliffs commonly referred to as Chimney Rock, is owned by Alabama Power and is not part of the Russell Lands development. Unveiling these plans also put to rest some of the more colorful theories surrounding the island over the years. Hotels, condominiums and even Margaritaville have all been suggested as possibilities, but none are included in the vision for The Ridge Island. Instead, Arnberg said the focus is on preserving the island’s natural beauty while creating a premier waterfront residential community. After more than two decades, it seems that Lake Martin’s famous Bridge to Nowhere will finally lead to its long-awaited destination. And perhaps, earn a new nickname – The Bridge to Somewhere.
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Beneath Lake Martin STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS FROM THE TPI ARCHIVES & COURTESY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE
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Tallapoosa County map prior to the construction of Martin Dam
Scuba diving in the lake is difficult due to the sediment, water depth and shifting water levels making it hard to explore 54 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
On any summer afternoon, hundreds of boats travel across Lake Martin without much thought of what may lie beneath them. But a century ago, the landscape looked vastly different. Country roads wound through the hills and valleys. Families lived on farms and small communities thrived where schools, churches, mills and businesses served generations of residents. Forests covered much of the land, and traces of human history stretched back centuries. There was even once a thriving gold mine. Today, much of that world is hidden beneath Lake Martin, creating plenty of mystery – and more than a little folklore – about what still rests on the bottom.
LOST COMMUNITIES
Old Susanna, Sturdivant, Irma and portions of Benson were among the communities affected as land was flooded in for the creation of Lake Martin. Though time has erased much of the physical evidence of those places, each town was once part of the everyday life surrounding the Tallapoosa River. Of the three, Benson left behind perhaps the most remarkable legacy. The predominantly Black community was established by John Jackson Benson, an enslaved man who returned to the Kowaliga area following the Civil War. After gaining his freedom, Benson began working for wages and gradually acquired land. By 1898, he owned more than 3,000 acres, where he established a successful farming community with a sawmill, gristmill, cotton gin and other enterprises. His son, William E. Benson, continued to build off of his father’s success, establishing the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute and helping develop an industrial center that eventually included farms, businesses and even a railroad. Much of the land once associated with the Benson family now lies beneath Lake Martin, although remnants of the community and school can be found above the shoreline.
Remnants of the old town of Sturdivant were visible during the drought of 2007
On the north end of the lake, the community of Sturdivant prospered shortly after the Civil War. The Savannah and Memphis railroad ended at Sturdivant on the East side of the Tallapoosa near Stowe's Ferry. Passengers and cargo had to unload, cross over by ferry and proceed to Childersburg where the railroad picked up again. That all changed around 1873 when Youngsville changed its name to Alexander City. The railway was extended leading to Alexander City's boom and Sturdivant's slow death. The final blow came in 1926 when Martin Dam was completed. Now the old foundations of this small town are under the waves leaving the vacant Sturdivant mansion as the only remaining structure. Across the lake, Old Susanna had a unique story of its own. Located in the Blue Creek area, about a mile from the mouth of the creek, the community once sat along a major stagecoach route and served as a surprisingly active business center. Historical research has identified a school, gristmill, flour mill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, post office and church among the businesses and institutions that once served the community. Several old roads intersected there as well, offering another indication that Old Susanna was far more than a handful of farm homes – it also held gold.
Kowaliga Academy and Industrial Institute
today would likely imagine that mining was once part of the life beneath them. Historical accounts of Old Susanna include an active gold mine among the industries that supported the community during the 1800s – but exactly how much of the former operation remains beneath the water today is not as clear. Like many pieces of Lake Martin history, stories about old mine shafts and entrances have been passed down through generations, particularly during periods of significant winter drawdown. But nearly 100 years of water, sediment and change make it difficult to know exactly what a diver would find today. The mine itself, though, was real – another reminder that the landscape beneath Lake Martin was once an active place of work and commerce. And traces of that former landscape extend well beyond the mine. Several pre-lake roads leading to and from Old Susanna can still be traced on old maps, including routes that connected the community with Dadeville and other settlements across the region. When the reservoir filled, portions of those roads disappeared beneath the water, while others were rerouted around the newly formed shoreline. Those submerged roads, foundations and other remnants have helped fuel the fascination with what remains below.
GOLD BENEATH THE WATER
Gold mining has a long history in east-central Alabama, but few boaters cruising through the Blue Creek area
THE MYSTERIOUS SHIPWRECKS Old Susanna was home to a gold mine during the 1800s
When a severe drought sent Lake Martin to unusually low levels in fall of 2007, the receding water revealed two LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 55
more mysteries that had been hidden beneath the lake. Near Castaway Island, where Anchor Bay Marina is located today, the bow of a small wooden boat emerged from the sand. Measuring about 12 feet long and 4 feet wide, much of the old skiff remained buried beneath the shoreline until Castaway Island resident David Boone attempted to dig it out over that Thanksgiving weekend. By that evening, Boone could see the outline of the entire boat; however, the next morning the shifting lake water and sand had buried it once again. Because Castaway Island was once home to a fishing camp in the late 1940s, the wooden skiff was believed to possibly be a remnant from that era. But another discovery nearby proved to be just as mysterious. Just north of Goat Island, low water exposed the steel skeleton of a 35-foot-long, 12-foot-wide dory-style vessel. Pieces of the boat had reportedly poked above the water during winter drawdowns for decades, but the extreme conditions of 2007 offered a rare look at the entire wreck. Many theories circulated about its origins. Some believed it was an old work barge used during construction of Martin Dam, while others speculated it could have been a World War I-era lifeboat. LAKE featured the mysterious vessel in its December 2007 issue, but another clue would not emerge until the following summer. Tallassee native Gerald Warren remembered camping on Castaway Island as a Boy Scout between 1949 and 1950. According to Warren, two brothers, Cecil and Jinx Rutland, acquired a damaged World War II-era boat from a yard in Montgomery and brought it to Lake Martin, where it became known as Sea Scout Ship 55. The vessel had reportedly been warped and damaged in a typhoon, and Warren spent time one summer as a
scout helping repair it. Once restored, the scouts took the boat on short cruises around Lake Martin and anchored in nearby bays, using an onboard propane stove and refrigerator to prepare meals during their adventures. Warren’s memories offered an intriguing possibility for the identity of the steel wreck resting beneath Lake Martin. But one question remained unanswered: What ended up happening to Sea Scout Ship 55? More than 75 years later, exactly how the vessel ended up on the bottom of the lake – and whether the wreck exposed in 2007 is indeed the same Scout boat that Warren worked on – remains another Lake Martin mystery.
A BOMBER BENEATH THE LAKE
Nearly two decades after Lake Martin was created, a piece of World War II history unexpectedly found its way to the bottom. On March 20, 1945, a B-25 bomber carrying three men was flying across the Southeast on a training mission when the crew encountered severe weather over east-central Alabama. The aircraft, which had left Washington, D.C., and was scheduled to stop at Maxwell Air Field in Montgomery before continuing toward Texas, never arrived. Instead, the 22,000-pound bomber crashed into Lake Martin in the Sandy Creek area. Search crews recovered the body of Staff Sgt. James N. Green and pieces of wreckage, but efforts to raise the aircraft were eventually abandoned because of the deep mud and difficult conditions on the lake bottom. The other two men aboard were not recovered during the 1945 search. For decades, the exact location of the wreckage remained a mystery. Then amateur diver Bobby Norwood, who had heard
David Boone with the wooden fishing boat he found and excavated on Castaway Island
Some of the B-25 wreckage found in Lake Martin 56 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
stories of the crash since childhood, began searching. Using old newspaper accounts, military records and memories from longtime residents, Norwood eventually narrowed the search to Sandy Creek. The conditions below were hardly welcoming. At around 50 feet deep, visibility was sometimes so poor divers could not see their own hands in front of their faces, while thick mud covered much of the lake bottom. After years of searching, a fellow diver surfaced with what initially appeared to be an unremarkable piece of metal. But to Original accident report Norwood, a former aircraft mechanic, one small detail stood out – a rivet hole that suggested the metal may have once been part of an aircraft. Nearly 47 years after the crash, the searchers finally knew they had found the B-25. Divers later recovered additional pieces of the aircraft, and salvage work continued for several years; however, much of the remaining wreckage was left buried beneath layers of silt on the lake bottom. One hundred years after Martin Dam changed the Tallapoosa River Basin forever, pieces of the former world haven’t completely disappeared – they just simply became part of the fascinating history of what lies beneath it. Information for this story was sourced from the Encyclopedia of Alabama, Alabama Heritage, Auburn University at Montgomery Historical Review, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission records, LakeMartin.com and Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. archives.
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Banded Pygmy
Sunfish
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The banded pygmy sunfish can grow up to 1 1/2 inches long, the largest of the seven species of pygmy sunfish native to the American South. Needless to say, this is a well-named fish. It has nine to 11 dark vertical bands on its body and the word “pygmy” is a good fit for any creature that tops out at an inch and a half. Elassoma zonatum, the scientific name for this species, means “small body banded” fish. In addition to the bands, these fish are also speckled. Breeding males are black with gold bars between their bands while breeding females are lighter brown; when not in breeding season, sexes are more brownish and less strikingly patterned. Banded pygmy sunfish have smallish, upturned
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mouths which are well suited to capturing food on the water’s surface. The banded pygmy sunfish is common below the fall line – which crosses southern Tallapoosa County south of Martin Dam – but this fish is also found upstream in the Tallapoosa River, which feeds into Lake Martin, and in the Coosa River system. Its whole range stretches across the Gulf Coastal Plain to the Mississippi River drainage, as well as west to Texas’ Brazos River and north to Indiana and Illinois. These tiny fish eat mostly snail eggs, small crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae. They live in lowoxygen, high-sediment, weedy, slow-moving water where few other fish can survive, such as swamps,
NATURE OF THE LAKE BY KENNETH BOONE
Left: A male banded pygmy sunfish during breeding season; Below: Males and females are less strikingly colored outside of breeding season.
backwaters and highly vegetated springs. Toothy swamp fish like bowfins and grass pickerels prey on banded pygmy sunfish, as do some birds and water snakes. Although these fish are very hard to observe in the wild, males in aquariums stake out a territory and rapidly beat their fins while intensifying their color to scare off intruders. If that doesn’t work, they will strike to drive threats away. When a prospective mate comes into the territory, the breeding male will court her with a “wigglewaggle” dance, which consists of spreading out his fins, bobbing up and down and darkening his entire body and fins. The pair will then move toward vegetation, get into a parallel position and the male will vibrate his head against his mate’s belly until she drops eggs and he releases his milt. The eggs enlarge and stick to the vegetation. The females leave the area, while the males then stay near the eggs and chase off any potential predators. Female banded pygmy sunfish spawn multiple times with the same partner or different partners and can do so
within hours or days of a previous spawn. The number of eggs varies widely since more eggs are produced with the first spawn and successive spawns have decreasing numbers of eggs. Clutch sizes can range from six to 76 eggs. Spawning takes place in early spring in our area of Alabama. Less than 3 percent of baby banded pygmy sunfish survive beyond 13 months of age, while one of the oldest of the species was thought to be 3 years old. Pygmy sunfish – members of the Elassoma genus – are often used as aquarium fish because of their size, their ability to survive well in captivity and their handsome appearance. Four pygmy sunfish feature striking iridescent blue colors, which makes them especially popular. However, these fish don’t usually eat store-bought fish food, instead preferring small live worms and other live prey. Although sunfish are one of the South’s top game fish, pygmy sunfish are way too small to be considered a panfish. Other pygmy sunfish are the spring pygmy sunfish, which is found in a very small area of north Alabama near Huntsville and was once considered extinct, the Carolina pygmy sunfish, Everglades pygmy sunfish, Gulf Coast pygmy sunfish, bluebarred pygmy sunfish and Okefenokee pygmy sunfish. Some information for this article came from the excellent reference book “Fishes of Alabama,” the Alabama Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoor Alabama website and FishDatabase. com.
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Healthy Meal Prepping for a Busy Fall September brings busy schedules with school, work, activities, appointments and family commitments. As schedules become more hectic, healthy eating sometimes gets pushed aside. Healthy meal prep does not mean spending entire days cooking. The main goal of meal prepping is to make nutritious choices easier and more convenient when time is short. Starting with a formula can be helpful and allows you to prep ingredients rather than complete meals. Instead of planning complicated recipes, think about building balanced meals using these four key components: protein, whole-grain or starchy food, fruit and vegetables, and healthy fat. Examples of using this formula include: nG rilled chicken, brown rice, roasted vegetables and avocado n Salmon, sweet potato, broccoli and olive oil n Black beans, whole-grain rice, peppers and salsa n Eggs, whole-grain toast, fruit and avocado n Greek yogurt, berries, oats and nuts This simple guide will help you prepare meals that offer a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
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Prepping ingredients is a key strategy for creating meals. On a day when you have extra time, you may: nC ook a batch of chicken, ground turkey, ground chicken, beans or tofu. n Prepare brown rice, quinoa or whole-grain pasta. n Roast a sheet pan of vegetables. n Wash and cut fruit and vegetables. n Make a simple dressing or sauce. n Portion nuts, yogurt or other snacks. Now you have all that you need to mix and match the ingredients using the formula to create healthy meals. The same roasted vegetables can go into a grain bowl one day, a wrap the next and soup later in the week. A well-stocked kitchen with staple items will make busy nights much easier. nP roteins: chicken, turkey, eggs, canned tuna, salmon, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils, tofu and fish n F ruit and vegetables: apples, pears, oranges, berries, carrots, broccoli, spinach, squash, frozen vegetables and fruit nW hole grains and starches: oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread, whole-grain tortillas, whole-grain pasta, and white, red, yellow and sweet potatoes nH ealthy fats: nuts, seeds, peanut or almond butter, avocado, olive oil or canola oil. n F rozen and canned foods: healthy convenience items that are often lower in price and easier to keep on hand
Breakfast Made Simple
Crisis Cooking
Busy mornings often bring challenges to building a healthy breakfast.
The “emergency meal” strategy can be used when you are very short on time and have not meal prepped. It is always a practical nutrition strategy to have a few items on hand that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less. n S crambled eggs, whole-grain toast and fruit nR otisserie chicken (pulled off the bone and stored in an airtight container), microwaveable brown rice and frozen vegetables nB ean and cheese quesadilla, salsa and fruit nT una salad, whole-grain crackers and vegetables nW hole-grain pasta, frozen vegetables and chicken or beans
These breakfast options can be prepared ahead of time: nO vernight oats with fruit and nuts. n Egg muffins with vegetables. n Greek yogurt parfaits. nW hole-grain toast with peanut butter and banana. n S moothie packs prepared with frozen fruit and vegetables. The goal is not to have a large breakfast. It is to have a convenient, healthy and balanced item ready when you are in a hurry.
Easy Healthy Snacks Building better grab-and-go snacks is equally important. Let’s face it – when we are in a hurry, it is easier to grab whatever is convenient. You can make snack choices convenient by keeping these combinations on hand: n Apples and peanut butter n Greek yogurt and berries nC heese and whole-grain crackers n Carrots and hummus nB anana and a handful of nuts n Hard-boiled egg and fruit n Trail mix and fresh fruit Pairing protein or healthy fat with a fiber-rich carbohydrate or fruit will provide a more satisfying snack.
Hearty Comfort Meals One-pot or sheet-pan meals can also make meal prepping so much easier. As we enter further into fall, the simple comfort foods can be prepared ahead of time, require little cleanup and will usually provide leftovers for lunch or another dinner. n S heet-pan dinner: chicken or salmon, sweet potato and asparagus nO ne-pot meal: turkey, ground chicken or bean chili, vegetables and wholegrain bread n S low-cooker meal: chicken or lentil soup and vegetables nG rain bowl: brown rice or quinoa, protein, roasted vegetables and sauce
A big misconception of healthy meal prepping is that it has to be perfect, complicated and elaborate. This is not true. You do not need to cook every meal from scratch, nor have portioned containers lined up in the refrigerator, and you do not have to eliminate your favorite foods. Healthy eating is about patterns – not perfection. Some days, you will have time to prepare a balanced meal, and other days you will need a quick meal. Both of these options can fit into a healthy lifestyle as long as you are prepared and have the basic essentials in your kitchen.
So, where to start? Try this simple meal prep plan: n Choose two proteins: chicken and beans nC hoose two carbohydrates: brown rice and sweet potato nC hoose three vegetables: asparagus, peppers and spinach n Choose two fruits: apples and berries n Choose two snacks: Greek yogurt and nuts Mix and match these throughout the week. This approach will offer variety without having to use a recipe each night. Then the next week, change up your choices in each category. The purpose of meal prep is to make healthy eating easier when life gets busy. My takeaway for you: Start small, prepare a few ingredients, keep convenient nutritious foods on hand and have a couple of “emergency meals” ready for the hectic days. A healthy meal does not have to be fancy – the goal is to nourish your body.
HEALTHY LIVING BY JULIE HUDSON
Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville. LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 65
"Work" on Your Golf Game
H
Hello Lake Martin! It is time to celebrate all that is good in our lives. The kids are back in their school routines, the weather continues to promote lake activities and the football season is fast approaching. Here are a few thoughts to reflect upon at this time of year. As always, I hope all who read this are planning to enjoy a safe Labor Day weekend. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. This holiday was established in 1894 when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to our nation’s strength, prosperity and well-being. The majority of you have been or currently are a part of this national success. Take a moment to give thanks, celebrate your efforts and prepare to focus on the future. As we recognize the efforts of paid labor, I want to draw attention to those who also deserve to be celebrated on this final holiday weekend. I am talking about the wonderful individuals who give their time and energy in active volunteerism. These beautiful people offer assistance through their church or public program participation. I believe we all should find some time to positively impact other lives in some
THE SCRAMBLE BY ROB WITHERINGTON
Rob “Gabby” Witherington is a PGA golf instructor.
66 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
way. Thank you volunteers! As we celebrate the American worker, I want to give a shoutout to all those who want to “work” on their golf game. My career has been promoting the game of golf as an active PGA golf professional. In the sunset of my career, I am enjoying golf instruction as my primary focus moving forward. I know that football season is here and can be a pleasant distraction from work and golfing. I am expecting great things from my team this year too! But I want to challenge the golfing readership to continue to work on their game throughout the fall and winter months. Take a moment to self-reflect on your current strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a plan for improvement. I truly enjoy setting individual golf goals and helping others to achieve them through instruction. It is my “labor of love.” Now that simulator offerings are becoming more available, cold, rainy weather can’t steal our golf from us as in the past. I have personally enhanced my game through golf instruction with simulator experience. I consider myself an old-school professional, but this new technology truly elevated my current game in a grand way. Remember, success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, but from what you do consistently. I truly believe you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Paulo Coelho stated, “Always ask yourself if what you are doing is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.” Reach out to your local PGA professional, set improvement goals and commit your efforts this offseason. Happy holiday and know that Gabby is always here to help.
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Mint Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream MINT CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM Ingredients
2,200 grams heavy cream 1,600 grams whole milk 1 package fresh mint, more if desired 3 to 5 tablespoons green crème de mint, more for a stronger mint flavor 750 grams sugar 36 egg yolks 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 vanilla bean
Directions
Bring the cream, milk, crème de mint, vanilla bean, vanilla extract and fresh mint to a slow boil. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove the mint before mixing. Beat the egg yolks and sugar. Slowly add the milk and cream mixture to the egg mixture, making sure not to cook the eggs. Chill and spin for 4 to 7 minutes.
CHOCOLATE FUDGE BROWNIES Ingredients
10 tablespoons butter, melted 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 large eggs, cold 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Add the melted butter to a saucepan. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt. Mix well until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. Add the cold eggs, one at a time, and mix until each is fully incorporated. Slowly mix in the flour. The batter should be thick and pull away from the sides slightly. Pour into the pan and smooth evenly. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, tear into chunks and fold into the ice cream. Makes 1 gallon.
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CHEF'S TABLE BY PETE MCKENNY
Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio, Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club. LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 69
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Key Lime Colada
CHEERS! FANNY'S
1 ounce Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Rum 1 ounce Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum 1 ounce pineapple juice 1 ounce orange juice 1 ounce cream of coconut Add ice and shake well. Garnish with lime and orange slices and a maraschino cherry.
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RIGGED
for success
T
There are a few techniques that stand out as consistently producing bass over the years, regardless of the location within the country. Soft plastic baits are incredibly good at tricking bass into biting, and they can be rigged in different ways to be very efficient at doing their job. The first that stands out is a traditional Texas rig, a bullet-shaped weight rigged above a worm or creature-style bait. Then there is the Carolina rig. It uses a larger weight above a swivel with a 2- to 4-foot leader between the weight and the worm hook. Next is the drop-shot rig. The drop shot involves a leader, but unlike the Carolina rig or Texas rig, the weight is below the bait, typically on a leader that ranges from 6 inches to a foot or more. Then the shaky-head worm comes to mind. It uses a simple jighead, but the worm is rigged weedless in a similar fashion to the Texas rig. The only difference is that the shaky head causes the bait that is rigged on it to stand up on the bottom when it lands and during the retrieve. Each of these timeless rigs can be effective at any given time, anywhere in the country. Knowing when to use which one can be a little overwhelming at first. So, let’s look at them a little more in depth to understand where they can excel. When it comes to fishing cover like brush, rocks, stumps and submerged weeds, the Texas rig is hard
74 SEPTEMBER 2026 | LAKE
to beat. A bullet-shaped sinker has a narrow nose at the top, and the diameter of the weight widens as it reaches the base. The base of the weight is typically similar in width to the head of a standard soft plastic worm. The hook is rigged weedless by first running the hook point about a quarter inch into the head of the worm. Then, bring the hook all the way through until the worm just covers the line tie at the top of the hook. Finally, rotate the hook to push the point back into the worm, making it weedless. When rigged correctly, the worm will hang almost straight down if the line is held above the weight. Throughout the history of bass fishing, the Texas rig has probably caught more bass than all the other rigs mentioned combined. Even pitching and flipping with soft plastics is just an adaptation of BIG CATCHES the Texas rig using a heavier-than-normal sinker. The Carolina rig, or “ball and chain,” as some BY GREG VINSON affectionately call it, is very effective at coverGreg Vinson is a full-time ing water. This is especially true when fishing professional angler on the Major deeper water, often offshore. The leader allows League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. the angler to use a heavier weight that can get He lives in Wetumpka and grew down quickly to the bottom and stay there on the up fishing on Lake Martin.
retrieve. Typically, a 1/2- to 1-ounce weight is used, and the worm or creature at the other end of the leader can flutter along naturally just above the bottom due to the leader. Since the heavy weight stays pinned to the bottom, the angler is able to get constant feedback through feel as the rig is dragged along the bottom. Contact with cover like rocks, stumps or grass is noticeable. When the weight makes contact with a piece of cover, the angler can slow the retrieve to give the fish a good look at the bait trailing behind. The beauty of the Carolina rig is being able to present a relatively small bait in deep water because it’s separated from the heavy weight in front by a leader. This is the ultimate search rig. Next up is the drop shot. Think of it as more of a finesse technique. Using spinning tackle and lighter line, such as 6- to 8-pound-test line, with a drop shot is a great way to fool finicky or highly pressured fish. The hook (either a small open hook like a No. 1 or a small straight-shank hook) is tied with an excess of tag line that will become the leader. Attach a drop-shot weight, such as a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce weight, to the tag line anywhere from 6 to 12 inches below the hook. With a small open hook, run the hook just through the nose of the small bait. To rig weedless, rig the worm on the hook similarly to the Texas rig. Drop shots can be very effective when cast but shine even more in deep-water vertical presentations. The weight lands and stays in contact with the bottom while the small plastic bait suspends above. Gentle shakes of the rod tip bring the bait to life while it remains in the same spot it landed, driving stubborn bass crazy. Finally, the shaky head is a gold standard in Alabama, especially with our spotted bass. When the worm is rigged on a jighead, it will rocket straight to the bottom. But the beauty of this rig is what happens once it lands. Upon landing, the worm will stand up off the bottom with the tail end wagging as if to say, “Come and get me!” The more you shake the rod tip, the more the worm dances along the bottom with a nearly irresistible action. One note – the shaky head is generally most effective with a straight-tail worm like a NetBait T-Mac or other “trick worm”-style bait. That being said, just about any good soft plastic worm or creature can be effective, much like with the Texas rig. One downside to the shaky-head rig is that it can hang more on cover compared with some of the other rigs because of the round-shaped head. It’s not uncommon to lose a few when fishing around cover, but the rewards can be worth the trouble a lot of the time. Get to know each of these rigs if you’re unfamiliar with any of them, and it will lead to better choices when trying to decide how to attack the next day on the water. These are common rigs in the bass fishing world, and for good reason – they all work!
TEXAS RIG
DROP SHOT RIG
CAROLINA RIG
SHAKY HEAD LAKE | SEPTEMBER 2026 75
Legend
63
To Sylacauga
Public Boat Ramps
9
★
Points of Interest
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ALEXANDER CITY
4
17
9
Churches
★
22
280
Alex City Boat Ramp
Camp ASCCA
★
Charles E. Bailey Sportplex
3
280
Power lines U.S. Highways
22
County Roads
31 Piney Woods Landing
Wind Creek State Park
★
11
COOSA COUNTY
Wind Creek Boat Ramp
32
259
9
128
Pirate Island
★Peanut Point 63
16 20
★ D.A.R.E. Park Landing
★
New Hope Church
Young’s Island
★
Liberty Church
30
SmithMount Fire Tower
10 Willow Point
24
7
11
EQUALITY
Paces Point Boat Ramp
63
34
Camp Alamisco
12
★
Kowaliga Boat Landing
20
55
5
SEMAN
★ Camp Kiwanis
80
Union Landing
Children’s Harbor &
Trillium
19
9
The Ridge
1 13
Church in The Pines
★ Hank Williams Cabin 21 ★The Amp
Ko
26
2
wa
lig
aB
ay
★
Chimney Rock 90
UNION
CENTRAL
ELMORE COUNTY RED HILL
★ Martin Dam
63
229
ECLECTIC
TALLASSEE
18 KENT
76 SEPTEMBER AUGUST 2026 | LAKE 76 2026 | LAKE
Timbergut Landing
Explore
★
Horseshoe Bend National Park
Jaybird Landing
Lake Martin
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY
1 2 3
49
4 5
JACKSONS GAP
6 7
280
8 9 10 11
27
57
19
13
28
14 15
280
22
★tain
r
12
DADEVILLE
CAMP HILL Smith Landing
16 17 18 19 20 22 23
33 Church of the Living Waters
21
25
14 49
24 25
Stillwaters
8 6
26 27
29
28 29
15
30
WALNUT HILL 50
24
23
31 50
N
32 33
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LAKE DISTRIBUTION ➤ ALEXANDER CITY Abernathy Farm Supply Alex City Airport Alex City Marine Alex City Public Library Alex City Nutrition BeYOUtiful Salon Benjamin Lake Club Big B Barbeque Bone & Joint Specialists Carib Kitchen Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine's Market Central State Bank Chamber of Commerce Cherokee Quickstop Citgo - HWY 22 City Hall Cloud Nine Court House Annex Dark Insurance Days Inn Docks Unlimited Dr. Mackey Dr. Sublett Emporium Wine Exxon - HWY 280 Fanny’s George W. Hardy- Dentist Grace's Flowers Hampton Inn Heritage South Credit Union Hillabee Towers Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake's Jes & Gray Living Jim Bob's JR's Sports Bar & Grill Karen Channel - State Farm Agent Koon's Korner Lake Martin Pizza Co. Lake Martin Nutrition Larry's General Store Longleaf Antiques Main Street Urgent Care Marathon - CHEROKEE RD Mark King's Furniture Medicine Express
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Chuck's Marina City Hall Courthouse Creekside Lodge Dadeville Public Library Dadeville Wellness Center Deep Water Docks Ellaby Boutique Farmer's Merchant Bank Floyd's Feed and Seed Flutterflies Harbor Pointe Marina Holiday Shores Grocery Ivy Creek Urgent Care Jim's Pharmacy Lakay's Lake Martin Community Hospital Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber Lake Martin Pizza Co. Lakeshore Pharmacy Lake Martin Realty Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe Martin’s at Lake Martin McKelvey Miller's on Broadnax Millstone Japanese Maple Nursery Momentum Marina Niffer's Place Oskar's Payne's Furniture Phoenix Nails PNC Bank Poplar Dawgs Porch and Pine Renfroe's Market Route 49 Russell Building Supply Shell Siggers Stillwaters Country Club StillWaters Residential Office Store 34 The Backyard The Cart Source The Grand Bakery Three Sixty Lake Martin, LLC Two Ghosts Coffee Valley Bank Wisp and Well
➤ EQUALITY Equality Food Mart Parker Creek Marina Real Island Marina Southern Star The Landing at Parker Creek ➤ ECLECTIC Anchor Bay Marina, Inc. Children's Harbor Thrift Store Cotton's BBQ Eclectic Public Library First Community Bank Johnson Furniture Company Kowaliga General Store Kowaliga Marina Kowaliga Restaurant LakeScape Lake Martin Dock Company Lake Martin Machine Gun Lake Martin Mini Mall Lake Martin Reflections Spa Nails Offshore Marina Russell Do It Center Slice of Eclectic The Social at Lake Martin ➤ WETUMPKA First Community Bank The Wetumpka Herald Office ➤ TALLASSEE 1220 Cafe Chamber of Commerce Community Hospital Eagle (Gilmer Ave) First Community Bank Guardian Credit Union Louie's Chicken Fingers Marathon (Kent Rd) Get LAKE magazine delivered to your mailbox for just $75 per year. To start your subscription, call Baily Terry at 256-234-4281.
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Susan Clayton Moore, J.D., is a financial advisor and wealth manager of Moore Wealth Management, Inc., with offices Montgomery and Alexander City, AL. Susan has over $150 million in assets (as of 9.1.24) under management through Kestra Financial and has been a financial planner for over 40 years. Contact Susan at 256.234.2761. Email contact is susan@moorewealthmanagement.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney or tax advisor regarding your individual situation. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Kestra IS or Kestra AS are not affiliated with Moore Wealth Management, Inc. https://www.kestrafinancial.com/disclosures
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