2 minute read
ELMORE COUNTY IN THE NEWS THE PAST YEAR
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The attention is on Elmore County.
Just look at the past year. From events in downtown Wetumpka drawing crowds by the thousands, to growth in business and jobs. Growth in Millbrook with stores and the joint venture between the Elmore County Commission and City of Millbrook, things are looking bright for the area.
Christmas on the Coosa brought more than 20,000 people to downtown Wetumpka while the annual Candy Crawl at Halloween brought another 7,000 plus. Galentines, Oktober- fest and more brought crowds themselves.
The Lofts at Bridge and Hill will be able to host those wanting to stay overnight downtown. A new Publix will be open in about a year across from the Wetumpka Police Department.
Another joint venture between the Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Board of Education and the City of Wetumpka has brought the Wetumpka Sports Complex and its recent growth including the new track and football stadium and the tennis/pickleball courts.
Skatezone has new owners Gardner and Tina Perdue. The See NEWS, Page A2
Perdues were friends with the founders of Skatezone Charles and Sherry Cole. The Perdues and their children have been involved in Skatezone for years and want to continue the tradition so other families can have a place to go and make memories.
There are more jobs thanks to Los Angeles-based BELLA+CANVAS investing $11.9 million to establish an operation in a building once operated by Russell Corp. The new company will have more than 500 employees when fully operational.
The new expansion at the Elmore County Technical Center moved into larger facilities meaning more high schoolers can learn a trade before getting their diploma.
Eclectic’s Gardner Cameron tragically lost his life in a car accident and his mother has started a campaign to put fire extinguishers in every first responder vehicle. She also encourages everyone to carry a fire extinguisher in their vehicles.
Storms brought damage to the area. Two tornados damaged or destroyed a few homes in the area. Following the storms volunteers including high school students stepped up to help their neighbors clean up and recover from the damage.
Friendly gestures came from a rival on the basketball court in Eclectic. Dadeville’s Levi Rawls was allowed to dress out and join the Dadeville Tigers scoring the first points of the game between Elmore County and Dadeville high schools. Both teams rebounded for Rawls until he scored.
Just look all around Elmore County and signs of growth are there. It seems new housing and road construction is everywhere.
The growth was recognized by politicians who all campaigned in Elmore County. Katie Britt, Gov. Kay Ivey, Fob James and Lindy Blanchard all made stops stumping for votes in Wetumpka and beyond.
Now, representing Elmore County in the Alabama State Legislature, former Elmore County Commission Chair Troy Stubbs hopes to be able to keep the progress he has seen at the commission level continue from the state level.
