The April GCV Chamber Coffee was a quite “Event-Full” gathering

Radney-Smith Funeral Home extended their community involvement campaign, hosting the April Greater Coosa Valley Chamber Coffee this week, held at the Batter Up – Cater Up Event Center. Manager Shane Culver introduced his staff and discussed changing trends in the industry.

“Like so many other things in life, our business is evolving, and this event is another example of how Radney-Smith is embracing those changes,” said Culver. “We are becoming more about convenience and community-involvement, inviting community businesses like Cater Up to serve families in our facility. So many of those little old ladies that used to handle such in homes are gone now, and businesses like Cater Up can handle it without family and friends having to put it together, without having to clean-up afterwards.”

Culver went on to detail other funeral trends such as cremation, less funerals and more celebrations of life, “There is more emphasis on pre-planning and pre-arrangements to save grieving families from having to deal with details under such emotional circumstances. We are doing more community outreach, to become closer friends, neighbors, and extended family to the communities we serve.”

Examples are the recent 1st Annual Car Show in their parking lot, as well as continuing sponsorship and help in organizing of the Sylacauga Veterans Day Parade, “And we are quite open to more things that solidify our communities.”

Matt Zedeker, the new Head Football Coach at Childersburg High was introduced, “I was fortunate to come into this position in January, to better blend into the culture of the school. My family has long-standing connections to Childersburg, like my wife that attending school here, making it easier to be a part of the community, because we already are that. It already feels like home, because it is. We’re busy going about building an atmosphere for success, improving the things we need for our student athletes to succeed in sports, in school, and in life.”

In other school related news, Graciela Haney, the new Dynamic Learning Partner at CHS was introduced, “My job involves so much of everyday school life as an organizer, a facilitator, a fixer. One part of that is our high school and middle school showcase, coming up na May 2nd with two sessions – 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It will be set up much like a science fair, with our students and teachers showing off all kinds of classroom and school activities. We hope you’ll all mark your calendar and be a part of it,”

Pate Story talked about the annual 1st Responder Softball Tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Childersburg High Baseball Field.

And, if you haven’t already, mark your calendar for the annual Grits Festival at Kymulga Grist Mill Park. It is set for Saturday, May 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The May Greater Coosa Valley Coffee will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 8:30 a.m., hosted by the Childersburg Parks & Recreation Department in the Limbaugh Community Center.

The Ben Nelson 5K & Fun Run helped Childersburg Kiwanis raise funds in support of area youth

A great crowd gathered on a crisp Childersburg morning for the 4th Annual Childersburg Kiwanis 5K & Fun Run, and the third year in a row the event honored the man who created the original fund-raising event, the late Ben Nelson.

“It’s an important event for the community, and one that has become an important means for Kiwanis in Childersburg to be of financial support in so many ways for youths in the area, from Kiwanis Park to scholarships for our graduating high school seniors,” said project chair Robbie Riddle, “It was great having Ben’s family out in support of a project that meant so much to our beloved former member.”

Scenes from the 5K & Fun Run

Riddle went on to thank those who came out to particiapte, along with many community sponsors, “Support from the community helps us do more for youths in the area. We still have some accounting to do, but it looks like the bottom line for the event will be close to 8 or 9,000 thousand dollars raised,” added Riddle.

5K Medalists

Sylacauga’s Caleb Pollard was the Overall male 5K participant, with Tammy Thornburg of Anniston leading the way as the overall female runner. The other top finishers were:

Harlyn Parrot (F – 9 & Under Division)
Makayla Lambert (F – 10 to 14 Division)
Macy Taylor (F – 15 to 19 Division)
Eden Kornegay (F – 20 to 29 Division)
Amber McDickenson (F – 40 to 49 Division)
Kim Puckett (F – 50 to 59 Division)
Timothy Ricks (M – 15 to 19 Division)
Tyler Arnold (M – 20 to 29 Division)
Tyler Culberson (M – 30 to 39 Division)
Ron Carroll (M – 40 to 49 Division)
James Chatman (M – 60 to 69 Division

SCP presents a new twist on an old tradition this weekend

Several decades ago, not wanting to leave out any child wishing to participate in a Sylacauga Community Playhouse childrens’ theater production, a tradition began where a custom script and a series of songs were created as “Alice in Wonderland” appeared for a “trial” before the King and Queen of Hearts, with all sorts of other characters testified in word and song.

That production was recreated over a dozen times over the years, and the concept returns this weekend with a new twist. This Saturday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m., the Sylacauga Community will present “Character Sing-Along” at the Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department.

Dressed as their favorite characters, actors and actresses will perform songs associated with those characters. Here’s hoping that the experience will lead the young and old to give the stage a try and keep a 45-year-plus S.C.P. tradition alive!

The Kiwanis Club of Childersburg’s 4th Annual Ben Nelson Run/Walk for kids is set for this coming Saturday

Four year’s ago Ben Nelson organized a 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk as a fund raising effort in support of the many Kiwanis Club of Childersburg projects on behalf of kids in the community. Now, the annual event is named in memory of the ong time Kiwanis member.

This year’s 4th Annual Run/Walk is scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 5th, starting at 6:45 a.m. for registration at Kiwanis Park, 4th Street at 4th Street SW in downtown Childersburg. The 5K Run starts at 7:45 a.m. with the Fun Run/Walk to follow at 8:00 a.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Childersburg asks for your help and participation in raising money for scholarships, Kiwanis Park maintenance, and other needs for the children in our community.

Sylacauga’s “Magic of Marble” Festival kicked off Tuesday, April 1st with some new events added to the line-up, including popular prequels

Sylacauga’s annual “Magic of Marble” Festival has officially started, running from April 1st through the 12th, and some of the fun started earlier. The Comer Museum is hosting the scavenger hunt for the Marble Festival this year. You can pick up the Forms are available at both the museum, as well as the BB Comer Memorial Library. It’s always fun to fun to watch everyone run around town and see if they could spot the featured marble throughout the beautiful city. Cash prizes are available!

Over this past weekend, the “Lunch & Learn” series at the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation in Harpersville was held as a new addition to the festival line-up, hosting a special presentation featuring famed marble author Ruth Cook and Craigger Browne, a renowned Sylacauga sculptor.

Also new to the line-up this year is the return of guided tours of the historic Sylacauga Cemetery. That will feature some unique twists this year. You’ll be able to meet historical figures, as costumed actors will portray the stories of Sylacauga’s past residents, bringing their lives to vivid reality. You can uncover local legends, hearing captivating tales of the people who shaped our community.
You can marvel at the marble monuments, as you admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the stunning marble headstones, a true testament to Sylacauga’s marble heritage.

All in all, it’s a perfect Marble Festival activity, an engaging and educational experience for everyone! There are two presentations scheduled: Saturday, April 5th from1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday,

A pair of SHS alumni have been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

A pair of Sylacauga High School alumni were recently inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society chapter of the University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine (UABHSOM).

Levi Parker, Sylacauga High School Class of 2017, and Vyshi Rallapalle, Class of 2018, are both current third-year medical students at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Both were bestowed the prestigious honor on Thursday, March 20 at Regions Field.

Parker and Rallapalle, along with six other medical students within their class, were inducted based on academic merit as the top eight from their first two years of medical school among a class of nearly 200.

AOA was founded in 1902 as an organization dedicated to honoring academic achievement, professionalism and exceptional teaching in the field of medicine. This honor will follow Parker and Rallapalle throughout their careers in medicine. Both are set to graduate medical school next spring in May 2026. At this time, Parker plans to pursue a career in Rheumatology by way of Internal Medicine and Rallapalle plans to pursue a career in Dermatology.

The celebration of Coach Pete Rich’s 90th birthday will have a wait a while

Coach Pete Rich grew up in Pell City and was a standout athlete, playing football for the all time winningest coach in Pell City High School history, Will Glover. That pair were to be honored during a very special exhibit in late March at the Pell City Museum. Coach Rich had to undergo emergency gall bladdr surgery, with another procedure the following day.

The exhibit will still be open at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29th at the museum, located in the Pell City Municipal Complex, Suite 200 on the 2nd Floor. Rich’s birthday celebration will be rescheduled when he is up to attending the event, but Coach Glover will still be honored with an exhibit.

Rich’s daughter, Lori Rich Billingsley said, “The love that so many of you have showned for our Dad has been overwhelming. Your prayers at this time are greatly appreciated.”

There are a lot of Sylacauga people who fondly remember the Pell City legend for the time Rich and his family spent living in the Marble City as an assistant for Coach Tom Calvin at Sylacauga High School.

One of his former players at Sylacauga High, Wayne Stephens said of Rich, “He is loved and respected by athletes and students at two different schools across many years of coaching. He also has the respect and friendship of many other coaches over the years at Pell City and opponents.”

After high school, Rich went on to the University of Southern Mississippi before first coaching at Jones Valley High School. From there, he served in Sylacauga. In 1968, he retired from coaching, but only for one year before Pell City called him home. He served two different stints as the head coach at PCHS and many years as an assistant coach for several head coaches at his alma mater.

The Pell City stadium was named in his honor the 1990s. He is loved and respected by athletes and students at two different schools across many years of coaching.

His dedication to coaching is well known, as he found it quite difficult to step away from the game for good, but one of the things that sealed his legendary legacy as a coach were the values of character, discipline, teamwork, and leadership he shared with his teams!

Former Talladega Mayor Larry Barton has passed away

Former Talladega Mayor Larry Hugh Barton passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the love of his life, Mary, by his side just as she has been since they married in December, 1956. He was 85-years-old.

The colorful and often controversial Barton served four terms as the mayor of his hometown. According to his obituary, his tenure as mayor included the city purchase of the Ritz Theater, development of a municipal golf course, the acquisition of two city parks, and the recruitment and expansion of over 100 businesses in the city.

Barton’s professional career began as a banker at Talladega National Bank, and he also served as a barber, and a self-taught musician with a Gospel group, The Pioneers, who produced over a dozen albums during his time with the group, as well as several stints as a media host with shows on television and radio.

The Sylacauga City School system has been gifted the Centennial Building for use as an alternative school

The Sylacauga Board of ion opened their Tuesday, March 18 business meeting with approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with First Bank of Alabama for the Centennial Building donation. The building, located on the north-east corner of the Norton Avenue at 1st Street intersection, will be used by the school system as an alternative school location, among other uses to be determined.

In other New Business, the Board approved financials: Payroll, Accounts Payable and CNP Accounts Payable, along with New Teacher Mentors for second semester of the current 2024-2025 school year, as well as adoption of the K-12 Science Textbook/Supplemental Curriculum.

The Board approved a bid for $266,807.12 to Incare Technologies for the Network Switch and Wireless Access Point, required by E-Rate.

In Personnel matters, the Board accepted the following retirements:
Sharon Futral, Full Time Bus Driver, effective June 1, 2025; Gail Duncan, CNP Worker, Pinecrest Elementary, effective April 1, 2025; Sheila Giddens, School Nurse, Pinecrest Elementary, effective June 1, 2025; and Tracy Green, Fifth Grade Teacher, Pinecrest Elementary, effective June 1, 2025.

The resignation was accepted from: Heather Collier, Indian Valley Elementary, Special Education, Self-Contained Teacher, effective at the end of 2024-2025 school year.

The Board also approved the following transfers of: Kelley Holbrook, Nichols Lawson Middle School Bookkeeper to Sylacauga High School Bookkeeper, effective March 31, 2025; Malesha Garrett, Nichols Lawson Middle School Secretary to Nichols Lawson Middle School Bookkeeper, effective March 31, 2025; and Skylar Patterson, Nichols Lawson Middle School Special Education Teacher to Sylacauga High School Special Education Teacher, effective 2025-2026 School Year.

Employment was approved for: Eula Renae Moon Walton, CNP Manager, Pinecrest Elementary, effective March 31, 2025; and Erica Harwell, Sylacauga High School, Attendance Clerk, effective March 19, 2025.

The Board approved a pair of Summer Programs for: Summer Literacy/Math Camp Staff, effective Summer 2025; and Transportation Summer Workers, effective Summer 2025.

Supplements were approved for: National Board Certified Teachers Supplements; additional hours for SHS Teachers for AP Review Sessions; Additional hours for SHS and NLMS Health Science Teachers; Isaac Jennings, Varsity Boys Volunteer Coach for Track, Sylacauga High School, effective immediately.

Leaves Of Absence were approved for Brenda Durden, Nichols-Lawson Middle School, effective immediately through end of 2024-2025 school year; and Lane Strickland, Nichols Lawson Middle School, effective March 31 through end of 2024-25 school
year.

The Board approved Emilyanne Steers as a system-wide Substitute Teacher, effective immediately.

Prior to the meeting, the Board enjoyed a presentation celebrating Arts Education Month with highlights of the school system’s Fine Arts Programs. Also highlighted was the Sylacauga High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team and Coaches for their excellence during the just completed season, which ended as the 5A State Runnerup with a 30 – 4 overall record.

2024-25 Greater Coosa Valley Chamber Young Professionals class graduates

For the past year, select members of the Junior and Senior classes from Childersburg and Fayetteville High Schools have been privileged to be a part of the Greater Coosa Valley Chamber Young Professionals group, on a journey to learn and grow. This past week, this class was honored with a graduation ceremony.

“Young Professionals is about showing our youth of today, the possibilities of tomorrow,” explained Chamber President/CEO John Mark Freeman, “We strive to help our youth learn more about leadership, the community, and themselves.”

During the year-long program, the students experience local business and industry, participate in putting on local events, and so much more that the community has to offer, “By the time they graduate, we want them to be in tune with all that is the Greater Coosa Valley.”

This year’s graduation ceremony for the GCV Young Professionals was held at the Childersburg Parks & Recreation Center. Young Professionals Addison Gleason of Childersburg High and Ethan Butler of Fayetteville High were named recipients of 2024-25 Young Professional Scholarships.

Graduating Young Professionals were

Childersburg High: Addison Gleason, Arardia Harrison, Shakira Harrison, Clarrisa McAdams, Caleigh Pearson, Chase Price, and Gracie Wallenfang.

Fayetteville High: Jaysun Abrams, Aiden Blair, Ethan Blair, Jayla Cheeks, Thaidjah Foster, Presley Lansford, Brennon Marlin, EllaRuth Phillips, Landon Thomas, and Arabella Upton.

Home School: Andrew Combs.