Fourth of July Fireworks in Pell City aren’t just any fireworks display. This spectacular show lights up the summer sky over Logan Martin Lake, attracting tens of thousands of people by boat, by car and truck, and on foot to see one of the best fireworks displays in the state.
Sponsored by the City of Pell City, it is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate our country’s independence in a special way.
If you are planning to watch the show from Lakeside Park or the Pell City Sports Complex, please plan to ARRIVE EARLY. The show begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, and will last approximately 30 minutes. Fireworks are launched from the Pell City Sports Complex (2801 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City)
The fireworks will be visible from the Sports Complex as well as Lakeside Park. As always, the spectacle can also be seen by boat from multiple vantage points throughout the lake.
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee has successfully concluded its comprehensive work in recommending finalists for the upcoming Board of Education appointments, marking a significant milestone in ensuring strong leadership for our schools.
This process began in 2024, when the City Council for the City of Pell City named the Steering Committee to develop a transparent and effective appointment procedure. Interest in serving our students and community proved to be unprecedented, with numerous highly qualified individuals submitting applications.
The Committee dedicated countless hours to reviewing these submissions. After careful consideration, the list was narrowed to 18 exceptional finalists. These finalists were publicly announced and participated in in-depth interviews held jointly with the Mayor and City Council members earlier this month.
A Word from the Chair
“This selection process, while demanding, has been a genuine pleasure. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment shown by all our applicants, particularly our finalists, who truly impressed us. A heartfelt thank you to each one for their dedication, and to my fellow committee members for their exceptional efforts,” said Kelly Furgerson, Chair of Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee is proud to share its final statement regarding the selection process:
Statement Regarding Finalist Recommendations and the Selection Process
Members of the City Council for the City of Pell City,
When the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee began its work last year, its members were tasked with developing the appointment process, reviewing applications, and recommending a group of finalists for City Council consideration.
After a careful and comprehensive review of many thoughtful submissions, we narrowed the list to 18 highly qualified individuals.
In the interest of our community, our schools, and especially our students, the Committee members dedicated countless hours to these tasks. We are extremely proud of the time and effort expended, and particularly proud of the results.
After conducting in-depth interviews with all 18 finalists — with the Mayor and City Council members present in these joint sessions — it became clear that the interviews themselves provided all parties with the clarity needed to move forward.
The quality of the interviews exceeded expectations. The finalists demonstrated professionalism, insight, and a genuine commitment to public service. Given this, Committee members individually concluded that an additional cut would not add value to the process.
On June 25, 2025, the members of the committee voted unanimously to recommend all 18 finalists for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects our confidence in the process, the strength of the candidates, and in the Council’s ability to make thoughtful, informed appointments.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their time, dedication, and participation. To those Finalists appointed by the Council, we offer our heartfelt support. To all applicants who are not awarded the opportunity in this inaugural process, do not be discouraged. The next application window will open in less than a year, and again every year after. Your willingness to serve has been noticed and acknowledged, and your qualifications recognized. We encourage you to seek to serve in the future.
We, the members of the inaugural Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, are grateful for our opportunity to serve. Go Panthers!
Sincerely,
Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee
Recommended
City
Joseph Brascho
James Epperson
Cecil Fomby
Phaith Frazier
Jesse P. Hooks
Brian Jennings
Robert Kreitlein
Gary London Sr.
Matt Moon
Tammy Stewart
Mara Walls
Eddie Wilson
Attendance Zone
Ryan Abernathy
Shannon Cochran
Austin Ellard
Tim Hawkins
Jarrett Jacobs
Kandie Magargee
The City Council will now move forward with its final deliberations to appoint members to the Pell City Board of Education. The Council commends the Steering Committee for its diligent work and all applicants for their dedication to our City’s future.
During its regular meeting on June 23, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved the “All Nashville Roadshow,” a touring music festival, to take place at the Pell City Sports Complex on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This event promises to bring the authentic sound and culture of Nashville right to Pell City’s beautiful lakefront.
The “All Nashville Roadshow” is designed to be a relaxed but unforgettable evening by the water, featuring rising artists from Nashville, authentic Southern food, and craft beers. This unique festival aims to celebrate our local community, boost the local economy by attracting visitors, and further establish Pell City as a vibrant cultural destination.
Attendees can look forward to live performances by talented musicians and an engaging host:
Charlie Argo: Combines storytelling charm with soulful emotion, known for his songwriting and electrifying live performances with his full band.
Slaw: A genre-defying powerhouse whose voice fuses the grit of Otis Redding with the twang of Darius Rucker, delivering soulful hooks and raw energy from Southern rock, country, and blues.
Summerlyn Powers: Weaves thoughtful stories of love, faith, and resilience into her music, drawing inspiration from Southern rock and folk icons, balancing raw emotion with upbeat grooves.
Zach Selwyn (Host): An actor, musician, and comedian with deep ties to Nashville, he brings a one-of-a-kind energy, humor, and charm to make the night unforgettable.
The City Council’s approval of this event highlights Pell City’s continued desire to provide exceptional arts and cultural experiences for its residents and visitors. The City is grateful to CEPA Management Corporation for its dedicated work in bringing such high-caliber events to our city. CEPA has been instrumental in organizing our popular end-of-summer concerts at the park since 2020, including the original “Live at Logan Martin” series featuring The Black Jacket Symphony. Their ongoing partnership ensures that Pell City continues to host diverse and enriching cultural offerings.
On June 21-22, Pell City Parks and Recreation Athletics hosted a 125-team tournament for USA Rec Softball of Alabama at the Pell City Sports Complex. Thousands of visitors filled the Park and community during this successful weekend event.
Faced with two significant rain delays from unexpected storms, the success of the tournament would have been in question without the dedication of City staff. Field conditions were affected by storms during the event. However, staff responded quickly, returning fields to playing condition, which allowed the tournament to proceed.
“Our staff did everything they could to ensure this was a great tournament,” Parks & Recreation Athletics Director Joey Morrow said. “They worked countless hours, even through poor conditions. In my opinion, we have the best athletics staff around. They truly go above and beyond, day in and day out.”
During the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Pell City on June 23, 2025, City Manager Brian Muenger noted the efforts of Morrow and his staff, as well as Parks & Recreation and Maintenance staff who contributed to the success of the event.
USA Rec Softball of Alabama organizes recreational softball opportunities across the state, promoting sportsmanship and community involvement through organized play. Pell City was proud to host this large event.
Pell City’s Fourth of July FireworksExtravaganza isn’t just any fireworks display. This spectacular show lights up the summer sky over Logan Martin Lake, attracting tens of thousands of people by boat, by car and truck, and on foot to see one of the best fireworks displays in the state.
PCPD officers at the exits closest to the Pell City Civic Center direct vehicles on specific routes away from the event site. Lakeside Park traffic will be directed to the back exit. No vehicles located inside Lakeside Park will exit at the Civic Center this year. Please use the map below to ensure you’re positioned properly to use your preferred route away from the event site.
For attendees inside Lakeside Park, the rear exit by the Splash Pad will be opened. Both lanes of traffic will be directed out of the park. The left lane will turn left on Highway 34 toward Pell City, and the right lane will turn right toward Talladega.
Sponsored by the City of Pell City, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate our country’s independence in a special way.
The show begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025 and will last approximately 30 minutes. Fireworks are launched from the Pell City Sports Complex (2801 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City)
The fireworks will be visible from the Sports Complex as well as Lakeside Park. As always, the spectacle can also be seen by boat from multiple vantage points throughout the lake.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, qualifying officially opened for municipal races in Pell City. The general municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Individuals interested in running for the offices of Mayor or City Council must qualify by 5 PM on June 24, 2025. Qualifying forms are available from the municipal clerk at City Hall, located at 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125. Candidates are also required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form with the Alabama Ethics Commission to appear on the ballot.
The following candidates have qualified to run:
Mayor – Bill Pruitt
District No. 1 – Jay Jenkins
District No. 2 – Ivi McDaniel Wilson
District No. 3 – Blaine Henderson
District No. 4 – Jason Mitcham
District No. 5 – Jud Alverson
This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.
June 9, 2025 Meeting Report: City Council, City of Pell City
Pell City is making strides on two significant utility capital projects, though progress on both has been slower than initially anticipated.
During the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Pell City on June 9, 2025, City Manager Brian Muenger and Utility Manager James Hadaway provided updates, noting that both projects are now officially underway following initial mobilization.
The Eden Lift Station and Force Main sewer project has shown tangible progress. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of sewer force main have been installed, and clearing of the main’s path is complete. Significant rock has been encountered in both the force main installation and the lift station excavation, slowing progress.
Construction of the new lift station is slated to begin next week, weather permitting. To date, $2.01 million of the $6.17 million project budget has been drawn down, with permits for a crucial railroad crossing still being finalized, potentially incurring additional costs due to railroad coverage requirements.
This project began on January 6, 2025, with a mandatory completion date of July 8, 2026. Despite the slower pace, officials anticipate an increase in work speed as excavation is largely complete.
The Well A to Wood Hill water main extension project has recently seen mobilization within the last two weeks, with materials delivered to the job site. While excavation and installation have not yet begun, a drawdown of funds for June is expected. The project, awarded at $2.6 million, commenced on April 14, 2025, with an estimated completion by April 14, 2026, leaving approximately 312 days for completion.
New Boundary – Avondale Walking Track Property
Pell City is considering a property exchange with Vintage Resources, Inc. to resolve an inconsistent boundary line near the Avondale Walking Track. The issue, identified before the city’s purchase of the track property in December 2024, stems from the current line not aligning with the natural boundary of a creek.
Currently, Vintage Resources’ property extends into the city’s parcel west of the creek, while a portion of the city’s property extends east across the creek, which is essentially a remnant and not practically usable by the city. The proposed exchange would involve the city trading 1.1 acres for 1.06 acres, effectively using the creek as the new boundary.
Bid Award – Golf Course Road Watermain Extension
Pell City is advancing a vital infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of a section of the 12-inch water main on Golf Course Road. Following the opening of bids on June 5, 2025, Ferguson Waterworks submitted the lowest and most responsible proposal at $295,830.38. This bid, which was within the anticipated range, covers 5,000 linear feet of 12-inch ductile iron water main, gate valves, fire hydrants, and associated fittings.
This essential project, funded through the FY25 operating budget, will see City employees replacing approximately 5,000 feet of the outdated 8-inch and 12-inch PVC mains, which have reached the end of their service life and frequently cause disruptive breaks.
Once the new 12-inch main is operational, the older 8-inch line will be decommissioned. With materials expected to be available within 40 days of approval, the Utility Department aims to substantially complete this work within the current fiscal year.
The City Council for the City of Pell City meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A work session is held at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the James O. McGowan Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City AL 35125.
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee will conduct public interviews for the upcoming Board of Education appointments from June 16-18, 2025, at the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
Six finalists will be interviewed each day, with sessions running from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Each interview will last 15-20 minutes. Interviews will not be livestreamed, but footage will be released to the public.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, in partnership with Pell City Tennis and the Phoenix Club of Birmingham, is excited to announce its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, taking place June 27-28 at the Pell City Pickleball Courts (405 19th St S, Pell City, AL 35128).
This weekend promises action-packed matches in a community atmosphere for players of all skill levels (2.0 to 5.5). Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball pro or just picking up a paddle, this tournament offers a fantastic opportunity to compete, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and most importantly, support the youth of Pell City.
All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the Pell City Boys & Girls Club, a vital organization that the City of Pell City proudly supports. The City recognizes the significant role the Boys & Girls Club plays in promoting educational, recreational, physical, and social activities for the youth of our community.
In line with this commitment, the City has a long-standing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, partnering with them to manage the Pell City Community Center and provide crucial services to our young residents.
Registration is Now Open! Contact Sarah Stewart at 205-329-8950 or complete the form below:
The Pell City Police Department is pleased to announce its continued offering of a complimentary house check service for residents who will be away from their homes for an extended period. This proactive program aims to provide peace of mind to traveling homeowners by ensuring their properties are regularly monitored by dedicated law enforcement personnel.
Residents can request a house check by visiting the department’s website at pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check and completing a simple form. Once registered, officers will periodically check the exterior of the residence, looking for any signs of suspicious activity, forced entry, or unusual circumstances.
“Our officers conduct these checks with utmost diligence and attention to detail, understanding the trust residents place in us to safeguard their homes while they are away,” Pell City police Chief Clay Morris said. “We are dedicated to providing that extra layer of security and peace of mind.”
The importance of securing homes during travel is underscored by national crime trends. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) there were 840,000 burglaries reported across the United States in 2023, highlighting the persistent risk. Analyses of federal crime data consistently show that a significant portion of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours and when homes are unoccupied, emphasizing the vulnerability of vacant properties.
To further enhance home security while away, the Pell City Police Department also recommends the following:
Secure All Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows are locked, including those on upper floors and in the garage. Consider reinforcing vulnerable entry points.
Utilize Timers for Lights: Set interior lights on timers to create the illusion of occupancy. Varying the times lights turn on and off can be particularly effective.
Manage Mail and Deliveries: Arrange for mail and newspapers to be held by the post office or a trusted neighbor. Suspend or redirect any regular deliveries.
Avoid Social Media Announcements: Refrain from posting travel plans or vacation photos on social media until after you have returned home. This can inadvertently alert potential criminals that your home is vacant.
Enlist Trusted Neighbors: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect flyers, check your property, park a car in your driveway, and generally make the home appear occupied.
Maintain Exterior Appearance: Arrange for routine maintenance to prevent your home from looking neglected.
Store Valuables Safely: Keep expensive items and important documents out of plain sight and, if possible, in a secure location like a safe deposit box or a hidden safe.
Register your security system with PCPD: Visit connectpellcity.org/camera-registration to quickly register your security system with the department, giving investigators an advantage in fighting crime in your neighborhood.
The Pell City Police Department encourages all residents planning to travel to take advantage of the free house check service and implement these additional security measures. For more information and to sign up for the house check program, please visit pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check.
