The Pell City Police Department invites residents to its 2025 Citizen Academy, a six-week program offering an in-depth look at police operations. Held Tuesdays from May 6th to June 10th, 6-9 PM, the academy covers topics like patrol, investigations, crime scene processing, SWAT, and legal matters. Participants will also experience a jail tour and mock court trial.
“It’s always great when we get to talk about what the Department does,” said Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris. “But it’s more important that our citizens get to experience it for themselves.”
The objective of the Citizen Academy is not to train participants to become police officers, but rather to foster a greater understanding of the diverse responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the crucial role the community plays in crime prevention and resolution. There is no charge to attend the academy.
Reflecting on her experience in the 2024 Citizen Academy, attendee Rotunda Foreman shared, “The Citizen Police Academy was an eye-opening experience. Our police department gave me the opportunity to see inside their lives on duty. It’s something everyone should experience.”
Lauren Quesenberry, another 2024 participant, said, “I got to see what police work is really like, do hands-on activities, and even go on a few ride-alongs. It gave me a whole new respect for law enforcement and how much they do for our community. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in police work!”
Angela St. John, a 2024 attendee, added, “The entire program was insightful, well thought out, and well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting range and training facility in Hoover, but truthfully, I can’t think of one thing that I would change.”
Requirements: Applicants must be 18+, attend all sessions, and pass a limited background check. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants, accepted first-come, first-served.
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is proud to announce that it has officially assumed management of the Pell City Animal Care and Control Facility. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in animal welfare across Central Alabama.
By bringing GBHS’s proven expertise and resources to Pell City, this collaboration will enhance animal care standards, expand community outreach, and strengthen the regional network of support for homeless, abused, and neglected animals.
“This partnership is more than a management change—it’s a shared commitment to compassionate care and community-driven solutions,” said Allison Black Cornelius, CEO of GBHS. “Working together with Pell City leadership and residents, we have the opportunity to not only improve services but to create a model of excellence that benefits animals and the people who love them.”
With more than a century of experience in animal welfare, GBHS will bring its established programs in education, advocacy, veterinary support, and cruelty prevention to the Pell City facility. The organization is eager to engage local volunteers, leaders, and animal advocates to ensure every pet receives the care and dignity it deserves.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Greater Birmingham Humane Society to Pell City,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “Their established history of compassionate animal care and their mission to promote humane treatment align seamlessly with our community’s values. We are confident that this partnership will bring enhanced services and a brighter future for the animals of Pell City.”
This partnership underscores GBHS’s dedication to innovation and leadership in animal services and reflects a shared vision with Pell City to improve the lives of animals across Alabama. Pell City and St. Clair County residents may begin using the www.gbhs.org website to look for adoptable pets or lost pets on April 2nd. We greatly appreciate the community’s patience during this transitional time.
About Greater Birmingham Humane Society:
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS), founded in 1883, is the largest and oldest humane society in Alabama with a mission of “promoting the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services.” The GBHS provides a wide range of services to the community, including adoptions, animal cruelty investigations, humane education, pet surrendering, and disaster preparation, as well as a Pet Pantry where struggling pet owners are provided food for their pet.
The City of Pell City and the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee are thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of the recent application process for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. The application process drew 47 applicants, far surpassing expectations and showing significant community interest in education.
This interest exceeds the cumulative number of candidates who qualified to run for the elected Board of Education, which was in place from 1992-2024. The Pell City Board of Education was established in 1982 and was initially appointed by the City Council.
“This is exactly what we hoped for,” said Mayor Bill Pruitt. “We aimed to attract the best and brightest candidates from our city and the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone, individuals who are passionate about serving our students but may not have had an interest in the political election process. The response has been remarkable.”
Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is equally enthusiastic about the exceptional quality of the applicant pool. While expressing gratitude to all who dedicated their time and effort to apply, the Committee acknowledges that not all applicants will be recommended.
“While we wish we could recommend each of the applicants for appointment, we want to emphasize that your continued participation and investment in our schools are invaluable, regardless of the outcome of this particular selection process,” Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson said. “The application process will be open again annually, providing future opportunities to serve.”
This unique circumstance, resulting from a November 2024 referendum returning the Board to an appointed body, involves the City Council filling five seats in 2025. The Steering Committee requests public patience as they navigate this process.
The Committee, in its most recent meeting, concluded that the public can anticipate public interviews at a later date. However, procedural details are currently being finalized. Updates regarding interview schedules and procedures will be released as soon as they are available.
The City of Pell City and the Steering Committee are committed to a transparent and fair selection process and are grateful for the community’s continued support and engagement.
Pell City is set to become a premier dining destination as Darden Restaurants, a global leader in full-service dining, officially broke ground on March 18, 2025, on a new Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
This highly anticipated project, valued at over $6 million, is the result of a dynamic partnership between Darden Restaurants, I-20 Development, the City of Pell City, and the St. Clair County Commission. The spirit of collaboration was present at the groundbreaking ceremony, held on the development site located at the intersection of US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Drive, adjacent to the I-20 West ramp.
From left: Pell City Council Member Ivi Wilson, Member Jason Mitcham, Member Jay Jenkins, Mayor Bill Pruitt, Council President Jud Alverson, Developer Bill Ellison, City Manager Brian Muenger, and EDC Executive Director Don Smith at the March 18, 2025 Groundbreaking for Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
“This is a ‘we thing,’ not a ‘me thing,’” said Bill Ellison, President of I-20 Development, who spearheaded the project. “It’s been a total team effort, and I want to compliment the City and County for their commitment and cooperation. As long as we can keep these relationships in place, there are limitless possibilities for what comes next.”
The new restaurants are projected to generate a combined $10 million in annual sales for Pell City, significantly boosting the local economy. Moreover, they will create numerous job opportunities for area residents and enrich the city’s dining scene with diverse culinary options, attracting visitors from across the region.
Darden Restaurants, renowned for its commitment to exceptional dining experiences, operates over 2,100 locations worldwide. In Alabama alone, the company employs more than 3,300 team members across its 38 existing locations.
“It’s a tremendous feeling to know that these businesses that have so many choices on where to locate choose make their investment in our community,” said Bill Pruitt, Mayor of Pell City. They recognize that this is a special place to be. We’re grateful for the work of Bill Ellison and for the County Commission’s partnership, and we’re honored to welcome Olive Garden and LongHorn into the Pell City family.”
From left: Commissioner Bob Mize, Mayor Pruitt, Don Smith, Commission Chair Stan Batemon, Ellison, and Commissioner Ricky Parker.
The Pell City restaurants will uphold Darden’s high standards, offering the beloved menus and inviting atmospheres that have made Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse favorites. Guests can look forward to indulging in Olive Garden’s signature pasta dishes, soups, salads, and breadsticks, or savoring LongHorn Steakhouse’s expertly grilled steaks, sides, and appetizers. Both locations will also feature full-service bars and delectable desserts.
“This entire project is exciting,” St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon said. “Bill Ellison saw a vision over here, and myself and the other Commissioners are grateful for his and the City’s work in bringing these restaurants to St. Clair County.”
The Pell City locations are expected to open in 2026.
About Olive Garden
Olive Garden, a cornerstone of Darden Restaurants, offers a warm and inviting dining experience centered around classic Italian-American cuisine. Known for its generous portions and family-friendly atmosphere, Olive Garden is celebrated for signature dishes like its unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks, as well as its wide array of pasta, chicken, and seafood entrees. With a focus on creating a sense of “famiglia,” Olive Garden provides a comfortable space for guests to gather and enjoy a satisfying meal, whether for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or any occasion in between.
About LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse, a proud member of the Darden Restaurants family, delivers a distinctive and memorable steakhouse experience. Renowned for its expertly grilled steaks, cooked to perfection, LongHorn also offers a diverse menu featuring flavorful chicken, seafood, and ribs. With a warm, inviting atmosphere inspired by the rugged spirit of the American West, guests can enjoy hearty meals and generous portions, complemented by friendly service. From signature steaks like the Outlaw Ribeye to classic sides and desserts, LongHorn Steakhouse provides a casual yet satisfying dining destination for steak enthusiasts and families alike.
A significant severe weather event is expected to impact Pell City beginning the evening of Friday, March 14, and lasting through the day on Saturday, March 15. The National Weather Service Birmingham anticipates widespread thunderstorms producing large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.
STORM SHELTERS
Two storm shelters in Pell City will be open to the public – the St. Clair County Courthouse and the Center for Education and Performing Arts. Shelters will open when a tornado watch is issued for our area. The CEPA Shelter, which is located on the north side of the building, will be open all day on Saturday, March 15, beginning at 8 a.m.
Storm Shelter: St. Clair County Courthouse
Storm Shelter: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA)
Only registered service animals are permitted in the CEPA shelter.
Friday, 3/14 4 PM: Scattered showers develop over Louisiana and Arkansas
Friday, 3/14 10 PM: Scattered showers move east of the Mississippi River and develop into scattered severe thunderstorms.
Saturday, 3/15 2 AM: Severe thunderstorms move into Alabama and central Tennessee.
Saturday, 3/15 4 AM: Severe thunderstorms are expected to move into central Alabama.
Saturday, 3/15 5 AM: Widespread severe weather moves into central and eastern Alabama.
Timeline of Second Round of Severe Weather
Saturday, 3/15 7 AM: Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to be ongoing across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. A line of severe thunderstorms will develop across far western Louisiana.
Saturday, 3/15 12 PM: The line of severe thunderstorms will move east of the Mississippi River with conditions clearing out to the west. Scattered severe weather will continue east of the line.
Saturday, 3/15 5 PM: The line of severe thunderstorms crosses into Alabama and central Tennessee.
Saturday, 3/15 10 PM: The line of severe thunderstorms crosses into Georgia and eastern Tennessee.
Preparation is key
From the National Weather Service Birmingham: The links below will help you find out what you can do now to prepare for a tornado. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member.
Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
In March 2025, residents of Pell City’s Glen City District were surprised when one of the most desirable properties in the neighborhood suddenly changed hands. They were even more surprised by the cost – only $30,000.
Without the documentation needed to secure the property following the passing of its owners, it went into foreclosure to satisfy the debts against it. Then, the property sold without much fanfare, its future unknown to its neighbors.
This experience isn’t an outlier in Pell City’s District 2, which has the highest rates of heirs’ property issues – family land – and has seen the lowest rate of new home construction in recent years.
Led by District 2 City Council Member Ivi Wilson, the City of Pell City will hold an informational meeting on April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Municipal Complex to discuss both the present and future of some of the City’s historic neighborhoods. Investing in the Future of D2 will feature presentations and discussions on how residents can protect, maintain, and develop property in their community.
Presenters include
Don Smith: executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Presenting on: The Basics of Development
Dr. Jamie C. Mardis: Instructional Programs Outreach Administrator, Auburn University Extension. Presenting on: Heirs’ Property Ownership (click for more)
Brian Muenger and Ivi Wilson: Pell City City Manager and District 2 Council Member. Presenting on: New Home Construction in D2
All areas of municipal government will attend the meeting and be available to answer resident questions. All City residents are invited to join the discussion.
“Your presence matters,” said Council Member Ivi Wilson. “Please join us to help shape the future of our District. This is your opportunity to directly influence a plan and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
The Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) is gearing up for its annual lake cleanup, scheduled for March 29th through April 5th, 2025. This week-long effort encourages volunteers to help preserve the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake.
Volunteers can register and pick up cleanup supplies, including T-shirts, collection bags, and gloves, at designated collection sites on two Saturdays: March 29th and April 5th, from 8:00 AM to noon.
“Maintaining the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake isn’t a task for a few, it’s a responsibility we all share,” said LMLPA President Neal Stephenson. “The incredible turnout we see each year proves that when our community comes together, we can make a truly significant impact. Every bag of trash collected, every volunteer hour given, contributes to preserving this vital resource for generations to come.”
The cleanup will feature multiple collection sites around the lake, each with a designated Site Captain to assist volunteers. These locations include:
Lakeside Park: 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd. Cropwell AL 35054 (Site Captains: Isabella Trussel (205) 936-6651, Terry Harrell (205) 572-2658)
Clear Creek Marina: 270 Marina Dr, Talladega, AL 35160 (Site Captain: Randy Sparks (205) 616-2787)
Riverside Landing: 230 Depot St., Riverside, AL 35135 (Site Captain: Dee Parsons (205) 602-4245)
Wood’s Surfside Marina: 37 Marina Dr., Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: TBD, Mark Hildebrandt, Woods Surfside (205) 525-5533)
Blue I Eatery (old Caribe Club): 84 Blue Eye Rd W, Lincoln, AL 35096 (Site Captain: David Carboni (205) 910-2234)
Coosa Island Marina: 1052 Coosa Island Rd, Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: Angela Buzbee (205) 643-5991)
Cleanup Site Coordinators Arlene Johnson (205) 369-3703, arlenejg0917@gmail.com and Danny Norman (205) 451-2035, tr3hgr@yahoo.com can also be contacted for assistance and information.
The annual cleanup is a significant undertaking, with the 2024 event seeing over 335 volunteers collect more than 11 tons of debris from the lake. The LMLPA encourages everyone to participate in this important effort to maintain the beauty and ecological health of Logan Martin Lake.
Logan Martin Lake, part of the Coosa River System, is a 17,000-acre reservoir with 275 miles of shoreline, offering recreational opportunities such as boating, skiing, and swimming.
During its regular meeting on Monday, February 24, the City Council for the City of Pell City unanimously approved a formal application for appointment and the window for residents to apply for the Pell City Board of Education in 2025.
The official application is now available to download or to complete as a digital form at pell-city.com/education.
Over the past two months, the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, a seven-member board assembled in 2024 by the City Council, has worked to develop the application. Their process included the review of more than a dozen appointment procedures and applications from across the United States.
“The Committee has taken its assignment seriously, and its members have worked to create a robust document meant to identify those who will deliver excellence in all aspects of Pell City Schools,” said Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson.
The 5-page application includes thought-provoking essay questions, educational information about board of education service in Alabama, and a thorough explanation of the local appointment process now required under Alabama Act 2024-111, which was passed last November by St. Clair County voters.
During the meeting, the Council also approved the Committee’s timeline for delivering its recommendations for appointment. In a document delivered to the City containing the Committee’s recommendations, Furgerson concluded that appointments should be made this summer.
“The most critical time for a board of education member is during the late summer, especially leading into the beginning of the new school year,” the Committee’s recommendations read. “During this time, school administration is analyzing data from the previous year, setting goals for the upcoming year, and most importantly developing the budget for the year to follow.”
The City Council approved the Committee’s recommendation and adopted the following timeline to receive recommended candidates:
Feb. 25, 2025: Release of the official Application for Appointment
March 31, 2025: Close Application submissions at 5 p.m.
April 30, 2025: Completion of applicant review and selection of candidates for interview
May 24, 2025: Completion of all candidate interviews
June 1, 2025: Recommendation of candidates for appointment to City Council
Individuals seeking appointment to the Board of Education must submit a completed application to the City of Pell City by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.
In December 2024, the City of Pell City and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) finalized a partnership agreement to improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the City Council adopted the agreement and is preparing to transition operations at Pell City Animal Control Center (PCACC) to GBHS on April 1, 2025.
“The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is proud to extend our services to the Pell City Animal Control Center,” CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare across Alabama. We look forward to working in partnership with Pell City and St. Clair County to provide compassionate care, essential resources, and sustainable solutions for companion animals and pet owners.”
GBHS is the largest and most impactful humane society in the state and is the premier provider of animal services in Central Alabama. Annually, GBHS provides services for more than 22,000 dogs and cats in Jefferson and Walker Counties and the City of Jasper.
For several years, the City of Pell City has sought GBHS’ influence in its animal impoundment operation.
“When the City initially reassumed operation of Pell City Animal Control Center about 10 years ago, we attempted to partner with Greater Birmingham Humane Society,” City Manager Brian Muenger told the St. Clair Commission last week. “At the time, their organization did not have the capacity.
“We’ve stayed in contact, and they’ve acted as trusted advisors. A few years ago, the City reapproached GBHS. Since then, it’s just been a matter of timing.”
Pet owner support programs: The GBHS Outreach Team provides support programs for pet owners facing barriers to keeping their pets.
Supported Self-Rehoming: The goal of Supported Self-Rehoming is to provide pet owners with resources, services, connections, and assistance to rehome their pet, without that pet having to enter the shelter.
Compassionate surrender programs: These offer a safe and humane option for responsible pet owners facing difficult circumstances, ensuring animals find loving new homes while minimizing stress and trauma.
Access to GBHS Spay/Neuter & Critical Care Clinic: The donor-purchased, state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed and provides medical services to all of GBHS’ animals.
“This ensures adherence to all applicable code requirements, while simultaneously generating new opportunities for staff and expanding our capacity to provide optimal animal care,” Muenger said.
Since 2016, PCACC has been maintained by the City of Pell City and managed by the Pell City Police Department. Transitioning operational management to a nonprofit organization with a focus on compassionate animal care offers numerous benefits:
GBHS specializes in shelter management and veterinary care, which will lead to improved animal health in the community.
PCACC joins a broad, regional network of fosters, volunteers, and fundraisers.
GBHS prioritizes lifesaving programs and innovative approaches to reduce euthanasia rates.
GBHS will facilitate increased community involvement through volunteer programs, adoption events, and educational outreach.
Throughout its near-decade of operation under the City of Pell City, the Pell City Animal Control Center has served as the only animal shelter in St. Clair County. In that time, it has made possible the adoption of 6,200 animals and facilitated the transfer of 5,300 more to animal welfare organizations.
Alongside the City, the 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of PCACC is actively working at the Center to prepare it for the transition. The numerous projects they’ve undertaken in recent months included the installation of new outdoor spaces for potential pet adopters to socialize with animals and acquiring and installing new appliances.
“We’re excited about the opportunity, and GBHS is excited about coming out to St. Clair County,” Muenger said. “We’re eager to see the expertise they bring to the table in action.”
The Alabama Department of Revenue launched the tax holiday in 2012 to help residents prepare for the potential impact of seasonal storms. During this three-day tax holiday, residents are encouraged to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces, and vehicles.
From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 21 to midnight Feb. 23, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:
Flashlights, lanterns
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Batteries
First-aid kits
Cell phone charger
Two-way radios
Manual can openers
Tarps and plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Fire extinguishers
Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope
Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.
Many of the items that ready.gov recommends for a basic disaster supply kit are tax-free in Alabama Feb. 21-23.
