Sylacauga – During their October meeting, the Sylacauga Board of Education accepted the resignation of board member Heather Adair, who was appointed to serve on the board in 2025.
Adair, a longtime involved parent volunteer in the local school system, said her decision to step down was the restriction the board position placed on such roles. She plans to remain active, pursuing more involvement in school committees and other parent-led activities and opportunities.
Childersburg – Fair to Middlin’ Gifts & Boutique is celebrating two years in business as of November 7th in downtown Childersburg, and owner Kara Eslinger is marking the occasion with a two-day event.
On Friday, November 6th & Saturday, November 7th, at 705 1st Street SW in Childersburg, with refreshments, games, prizes, along with lots of early holiday shopping surpises.
Eslinger said, “These past two years have been such a blessing, and none of it would have been possible without our amazing customers, family, friends, and community. Your love and support have meant more than words can express. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with the people who made it possible – You!”
Childersburg – Prepare your best chili at home and bring it to The Nevermore in downtown Childersburg this Saturday, November 7th at 5:00 p.m. for a Chili Cook-off!
Bring it in crock pot to keep it warm & ready for judging. There’s a $10 entry fee, and the winning chili cook takes it all home with them!
Sylacauga – For the past several years, Kristi Everett has operated the Back Porch Restaurant on Logan Martin, but dreamed of the day when she could reopen Heavenly Grounds, and thanks to an old neighbor, that dream is coming true later this week in the original location, no less.
“I’ve looked into several possibilities in south Talladega County to bring it back to life,” explained Everett, “And when Debe Yoder Hooley told me the old building was available, I jumped!”
It’s been a lot of work taking care of all the details, and Everett has but a couple of hoops to jump through this week and expects to reopen soon, “Probably Friday or Saturday. Though we weren’t ready to serve customers just yet, it was so heart-warming to meet & greet everybody during the Christmas Open House on Sunday.”
Kristi says she has the same line-up of coffee offerings, plus a lot of new entries joining the menu, “”We’ll be building up the menu as we go along, adding to the coffee and breakfast treats. We’ll be adding to the menu for lunch as we inch toward December.”
Heavenly Grounds Coffee Shop is back at its original location, 8 West 1st Street in, Sylacauga. And starting this weekend, it will be open from 8:00 to 2:00 on Saturdays, and from 6:00 to 6:00, Monday through Friday.
Read the accounts &/or watch the meeting video below:
Childersburg – The Childersburg City Council accepted an $800,000 federal TAP grant as they approved Resolution 2026-31 Tuesday night. That approves an agreement with ALDOT for pedestrian sidewalk and streetscape improvements along 1st Street SW that will include new sidewalks from 8th Avenue SW, all the way to the Limbaugh Community Center.
Mayor Ken Wesson was authorized to execute the necessary documents. There will be a $200,000 local match involved.
In other New Business, Resolution 2026-32 gave approval to surplus 14.29 acres to Red Eagle Skeet and Trap Club, in the amount of $21,435 and authorized the Mayor to execute necessary documents.
Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $45,952.48.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at 11:00 a.m., following a 10:30 a.m. work session. That will also be the start time for both December regular meetings, due to the Tuesday, December 1st City Tree Lighting ceremony and related events during what would be the regular Council meeting time.
Sylacauga – The Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce is ringing in the Christmas season with teir “Keep the Cheer Here” campign, including a trio of holiday events, encouraging residents to shop locally as they celebrate the season.
The festivities began with Christmas Open House on the afternoon of Sunday, November 1st, throughout downtown Sylacauga and beyond.
A bit later in the month, Christmas in the Park and the Sylacauga Christmas Tree Lighting are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 29th. Activities in Central Park will include visits with Santa, children’s crafts, treats, a balloon artist, Santa’s Toy Shop, a North Pole train, and hot chocolate.
Afterward, the community will gather at City Hall for the city’s Christmas tree lighting and the official lighting of the Tinsel Trail. The display will feature decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
The Sylacauga Christmas Parade, presented by Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union, will happen at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3rd, beginning at Sylacauga High School, traveling south on Broadway Avenue, turning onto Fort Williams Street., and then down Norton Avenue, returning to the high school.
Parade applications are available at sylacaugachamber.com. Businesses, schools, churches, organizations, and community groups can also call the Chamber at (256) 249-0308 for information.
