Category: St. Clair Tourism

EDC delivers on ROI

County riding wave of economic expansion

Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted photos

When the St. Clair County Commission and Partnership for Tomorrow, a coalition of business, industry and local governments, invested in the St. Clair County Economic Development Council back in 1999, the most likely question was: What will be our return on investment?

Turns out, the county’s ROI has been sizable year after year since EDC’s inception – numbers that other communities would be hard-pressed to match even if they span multiple years, let alone a single one.

Proof of that was evident when 150 county leaders gathered for the EDC’s Annual Investor Breakfast this year, hearing a recap of the past 12 months and getting a glimpse at the future.

One of major players in the success story has been the county’s grant resource center headed by Candice Hill. In its first two and a half years, it has secured $12.75 million in grants, $2 million in appropriations and applied for $15 million in additional funds that do not have to come out of city funds. It is providing “solutions and funds for those solutions.”

EDC Executive Don Smith at the Annual Investor Breakfast

A $3.8 million grant awarded through the Growing Alabama program will spur development of a new commerce park in Springville that is expected to be a hub for regional economic growth.

In Pell City, TownePlace Suites by Marriott opened in February, representing a $12 million investment and approximately 20-25 new jobs to the local economy.

City, county and state officials in March cut the ribbon on Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse in Pell City, bringing new dining options and more than 300 jobs to Pell City and St. Clair County.

The common thread running through all these projects are the key components to the county’s success over the years – collaboration and partnerships.

Springville Commerce Park

Springville’s $3.8 million grant partners the City of Springville with the St. Clair County Commission, the Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County, the State of Alabama and donors, including Norfolk Southern and Alabama Power, which provided the funds to clear and prepare sites for a rail-served commerce park off Interstate 59.

“Springville’s new commerce park will provide jobs and opportunity for hundreds of Alabamians, and its impact will surely be felt across St. Clair County and in surrounding communities,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.

“Alabama is open for business, and one of the key ways we show that support is by helping local governments prepare industrial sites to welcome world-class companies,” she said. “The Growing Alabama program has been a vital tool in that mission.”

Aerial view of the Springville Commerce Park development site

Growing Alabama is a public-private partnership that supports local industrial development efforts by providing resources for site development, infrastructure improvements and community readiness. Companies and individuals receive state income tax credits for donations made to approved economic development projects through the program.

Collaboration is the key ingredient behind the program’s success, said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“The most successful economic development projects happen when everyone works together toward a common goal,” she said. “Growing Alabama is an example of that kind of teamwork, and great things happen when we all share a vision and strategy for building prosperous communities.”

McNair described St. Clair’s “secret sauce” for success as its ability to work together in regional cooperation. “Growth knows no city or county boundaries,” she said, and St. Clair is “unique” in keeping that culture of cooperation together. “It’s why you are so successful.”

The latest grant will provide site readiness at the Springville Commerce Park, strengthening the county’s ability to attract new industries, create jobs and support long-term economic growth.

The new park, located on property known as the Riley Farm, has the potential to provide more than 1,000 new jobs across multiple employers.

“This is not just a Springville commerce park but an I-59 commerce park,” said Springville Mayor Austin Phillips. “It will help employ citizens from all the surrounding counties. I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Economic development is about partnerships, said St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “We couldn’t have better partners. We work closely to support all our communities in the county.”

St. Clair Economic Development Executive Director Don Smith pointed out that this will be one of only a few parks that are rail served, noting that the county lost some industries in the past by not having sites served by rail.

Tyler Preast, Senior Manager of Industrial Development for Norfolk Southern, said the company’s support for the project reflects its commitment to fostering growth by attracting forward-thinking companies to create high-quality jobs.

“We’re proud to champion St. Clair County’s vision for building an industrial hub on Norfolk Southern’s rail network,” he said.

Marriott brand location speaks volumes

February saw community leaders, business partners and residents celebrating the official ribbon cutting of the TownePlace Suites by Marriott, marking the opening of Pell City’s first Marriott-branded hotel and a major milestone in the city’s continued growth.

Located at 265 Vaughan Lane, the 89-room TownePlace Suites is owned by Shivaay Hospitality LLC, led by co-owners Darshen Patel and Vishal Patel.

City Manager Tim Kurzejeski, Mayor Bill Pruitt, TownePlace Suites owners Darshen and Vishal Patel, Councilman Jay Jenkins

“We identified Pell City as a growing market and believed this location would be the perfect fit for our guests,” said Darshen Patel. “We are proud to officially open our doors and become part of this community.”

The hotel is conveniently located near Premiere Cinema, national brand restaurants and a variety of retail destinations. Designed for both short- and extended-stay guests, TownePlace Suites offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, a lobby bar, outdoor pool and a firepit area.

“Our guests have the flexibility to explore everything Pell City has to offer or enjoy a comfortable, convenient stay right here at the hotel,” added co-owner Vishal Patel.

City officials emphasized the importance of the new hotel in supporting tourism, business travel and ongoing economic development.

“Pell City is always supportive of new investment, and this hotel gives more people the opportunity to experience all the great things happening in our community,” said Mayor Bill Pruitt. “It also provides a high-quality lodging option for the manufacturers and businesses that rely on visiting executives and team members from out of town.”

St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon also praised the project, noting its role in strengthening the county’s tourism and hospitality offerings. “As we continue to market tourism events and attract visitors to our area, having well-known hotel brands like Marriott is essential,” Batemon said. “This investment shows confidence in St. Clair County, and we are proud to support it.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce highlighted the collaborative efforts between Shivaay Hospitality, the elected officials and business community that brought the project from planning to completion. “We have a growing business community in Pell City,” Chamber Director Urainah Glidewell added. “We believe additional brands will draw more people to our community and give them an opportunity to experiences that we enjoy daily.”

With Pell City as home to a half dozen international companies with 2,000 manufacturing jobs, hotels like this for visitors associated with those companies flying in was a definite need. The Marriott brand certainly helps fulfill that need, according to Smith.

“We are grateful for the support from Mayor Pruitt, the City Council, County Commission, and the entire community throughout this process,” Darshen Patel said. “We look forward to serving Pell City for many years to come.”

Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse open

By March, nearly back-to-back ribbon cuttings signaled a new era for dining in Pell City.

City, County and state leaders celebrated the Olive Garden brand’s newest restaurant in Pell City, marking an important milestone ahead of the restaurant’s official opening to the public on March 9. Longhorn followed on March 16.

Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt gives thumbs up to steak at Longhorn

The openings reflect the continued growth and economic momentum in Pell City and St. Clair County. City leaders and developers highlighted the project because of strong collaboration between the private sector and local government.

“This new Olive Garden is another sign of the positive growth happening in Pell City,” said Mayor Bill Pruitt. “We’re proud to welcome a nationally recognized brand that sees the value in our community. Projects like this and other recent projects are possible because of the partnerships between the city, the county, our developers and the businesses choosing to invest here.”

The restaurant was developed in partnership with Bill Ellison, whose work has helped bring new commercial opportunities to the area for decades.

“We’ve seen incredible momentum in Pell City over the last several years,” said Bill Ellison, developer of the project. “The strong market growth, supportive local leadership, and the community’s enthusiasm made this an ideal location for Olive Garden. We’re excited to see this project come to life and contribute to the area’s continued development.”

Officials noted that the new location further strengthens Pell City’s position as a regional retail and dining destination for residents across St. Clair County and the surrounding region.

Jarred Jackson, General Manager for Olive Garden, said the company is excited to join the community with their growing brand and provide a quality service to local guests.

Developer Bill Ellison, the driving force behind Olive Garden and Longhorn, speaks at Olive Garden opening

“We’re thrilled to officially become part of the Pell City community,” Jarred Jackson added. “From the beginning, the collaboration with city leaders, county officials and our development partners made this a seamless process.”

Local leaders emphasized that the project mirrors the continued success of partnerships between municipal leadership, county officials and private developers working together to support responsible growth in St. Clair County.

“We want to commend Bill Ellison, the City of Pell City and Olive Garden for the investment in our county,” echoed County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “The Commission and I are happy to be part of this project from the beginning and to celebrate years of hard work.”

Ellison also developed the Longhorn project with the same partners as well as Metro Bank on both developments.

Ellison is quick to give credit to a saying his wife, Dana, shared with him. “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And while he is the spark that fuels the momentum, it’s the team that makes it happen.

Longhorn began in Atlanta, Ga., in 1981 and now nears the 600-mark for locations throughout the country and select territories.

Other Stories

Pell City Hometown Block Party

27 years of celebrating community

Story by Cherith Fluker
Submitted Photos

For the 27th year, the Pell City Hometown Block Party is back. Once again, downtown Pell City will transform into a celebration of community, culture and hometown pride.

On June 6, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., the city’s historic downtown corridor will resonate with live music, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities and the energy that has made this event one of Pell City’s longest-running traditions.

But beyond the entertainment and festivities, organizers say the heart of the Block Party has always been rooted in something deeper.

So, what makes this event so special?

According to Urainah Glidewell, executive director of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of the event, it all comes down to the people.

“Pell City is a thriving community filled with people and businesses that contribute to our city’s growth,” Glidewell said. “Nonetheless, we find a way to stay true to the city’s origins.”

That balance between progress and preservation is part of why the Block Party has remained in downtown Pell City for nearly three decades.

“We have so many historic buildings that are not only beautiful, but still occupied by thriving businesses,” she said. “Hosting the event downtown allows us to bring attention to those spaces and celebrate the history that continues to shape who we are today.”

As the Block Party enters its 27th year, organizers are focused on expanding what the celebration represents while holding tight to its original purpose: bringing people together.

“This event is one of the oldest traditions we have,” Glidewell said. “We have so many wonderful resources: our beautiful lake, our economic growth and our amenities. But our greatest resource is our people. Everyone shows up to support, and there’s just a genuine friendliness that fills the streets.”

That spirit of connection is shaping new ideas for 2026, including the launch of an “I Love Pell City” campaign, an initiative designed to spotlight what residents love most about their hometown.

From the lake and local schools to downtown and small-town charm, the campaign aims to give attendees tangible ways to show their pride through pins, stickers and community engagement.

What’s new?

While many beloved traditions return, this year’s Block Party will introduce several refreshed experiences designed to deepen community participation. Among the highlights is the return of the popular car show. “This year, we’re relocating the car show to an area that will be safer for attendees and logistically easier to access,” Glidewell said. A portion of the proceeds from the car show will benefit The Children’s Place, a local non-profit organization focused on helping children and families affected by abuse.

From food trucks, vendors to children’s rides, a fun night for all

Of course, the event will also continue with its tradition of showcasing local musical talent. “There are so many wonderful artists, singers and bands who began right here in Pell City,” Glidewell said. “We want to celebrate that talent and give them a platform.” Entertainment will span multiple genres, including rock, country, gospel and R&B.

This year’s event will also include an expanded kids’ play area. New for 2026, Glidewell shared that organizers are intentionally creating activities designed to engage teens as well.

“We’re really working to find ways to get our teens involved,” she said. “From games and team-building activities to Giant Jenga and Connect 4, we want to make sure they have something fun to do.”

“There will truly be something for everyone,” she added.

Dancing in the streets

One highlight Glidewell is especially excited about is the addition of community line dancing, led by local line dancing groups. Two confirmed groups bringing the energy are the Pell City Line Dancers and Konnect 2 Dance.

At designated times throughout the event, attendees will be invited to step onto the dance floor together. “We want to get people moving, laughing and connecting,” Glidewell said. “What better way to do that than with a good line dance?”

Vendors, makers and marketplace finds

Approximately 75 vendors are expected for the 2026 event, showcasing a blend of returning favorites and new participants. Attendees can stroll through booths featuring local artisans and makers, along with a variety of food trucks and specialty treats.

To improve the experience, organizers are reconfiguring the event layout for better walkability and traffic flow, making it easier for guests to navigate and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.

Powered by Community Partnerships

The Block Party’s longevity is made possible through strong partnerships with local organizations and sponsors. “We’re blessed to have wonderful partners who help make this event possible,” Glidewell said.

Ongoing collaborations with the City of Pell City, WinSouth Credit Union, Union State Bank and downtown businesses help us bring this event to life and improve it year after year.

Get Involved

Volunteer opportunities are available for those who want to support the event behind the scenes. Roles include setup, vendor assistance, logistics and breakdown support.

Interested volunteers may email info@pellcitychamber.com.

Vendor registration is also open, with booth fees set at $50. Participants must hold a city business license and can register through the Chamber’s website.

Event updates, vendor lists and entertainment announcements will be shared via the Pell City Chamber’s website and social media channels.

A growing tradition

The Pell City Hometown Block Party continues to evolve while staying rooted in its original mission: celebrating the people, places and pride that define the community.

From line dancing in the streets to supporting local artists and businesses, the event serves as both a reflection of Pell City’s past and a celebration of its future.

“This event is about celebrating who we are,” Glidewell said. “And inviting everyone to be part of it.”

Other Stories

Rhythm of the Rails

Volunteer effort makes museum interactive train display a reality

Story by Roxann Edsall
Submitted Photos

Two little girls, laughter echoing in the Alabama moonlight, hurry alongside their mother toward the train station. It’s the late 1950s in Pell City, a time when the whistle and hiss of the train closing in on the station was as predictable as the sun set.

Carolyn Hall recalls, “It was exciting! Mother would tell us to hurry because the train would be here any minute.”

Her sister, Nancy Jordan Spradley, smiles as she adds to the story. “Our mother or grandmother would carry us down there every night, and we’d wait for the train to come through. We’d wave at the conductor, then wait for the caboose and wave to that man, too.” For these sisters, that nightly ritual became a cherished memory, a blend of excitement and comfort as the mighty trains passed through their small town.

Pell City’s history is inseparable from the railroad tracks that brought it to life. Founded in 1887 by a consortium of railroad investors, the city was named after financial backer, George H. Pell, president of the East and West Railroad. A short line was created by that railroad to connect three larger systems – Seaboard Air Line Railroad, Talladega & Coosa Valley Line and Georgia Pacific Railroad – and a shared depot was built.

Even so, the town had an uninspiring start, sluggish at best. That is, until the railroad brought to town the man who would save it not once, but twice. Sumter Cogswell, a 29-year-old insurance agent, had no thoughts of saving a town in Alabama when he boarded a train near his own Kentucky home in March of 1890. He was headed to Talladega on business and was scheduled to change trains in Pell City. A missed connection left him stranded for the night.

Rather than an inconvenience, this delay became a turning point, not only for Cogswell, but for the future of the sleepy town. After a night at the Cornett House Hotel, Cogswell awoke, looked outside, and was struck by the potential of the area, specifically the proximity of three converging railroads, the nearby Coosa River, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Seizing the opportunity, Cogswell purchased an option on a significant parcel of land, then negotiated a sale to the Pell City Iron and Land Company. Presuming the town was now on good footing, Cogswell left to resume life elsewhere.

The Panic of 1893 was a time of severe financial depression across the country, and it had devastating effects on Pell City. The Pell City Iron and Land Company went bankrupt, and by the time Cogswell returned for a visit in 1901 with his wife, Lydia DeGaris Cogswell, the town was all but dead. The Cogswells arranged to purchase the dying city for $3,000 and began to nurse it back to health.

It took hours of work to create this level of detail

Now 135 years old, Pell City is a healthy, growing city. A city of more than 17,000 people, it covers 27 square miles of land and water, a far cry from the original 8 blocks on the incorporation papers. Pell City has changed a bit since those early days, and though passenger rail travel is no longer available to or from the city, its impact is irrefutable.

To celebrate those early days and how the tracks once carved Pell City’s landscape, a group of six volunteers dedicated over a year building a train exhibit for the Museum of Pell City. The exhibit, opening this month, features an early 1900s to 1930s-era landscape of Pell City with exquisite detail, completed using historic photos from that time. The project was headed up by retired architect and model builder Malcolm Sokol.

Sokol worked with museum designer Jeremy Gossett to clear space within the museum and determine how large the exhibit could be. From that information, Sokol was able to create a design. A team of volunteers, which included Winston Greaves, David Smith, Max Jolley, and Erik Grieve, worked at Sokol’s house the first month to build the benchwork (similar to a table top) and the cork roadbed for the track. Colder weather and space constraints forced the team to move their operations to the Municipal Center for the rest of the build.

“We had all built model cars and things, but those were kits, and we were just kids. But with this project, Malcolm gave us specific tasks with instructions,” said Jolley. “He taught us tricks of the trade.”

Jolley’s specialization was painting all the people in the exhibit. “These people are smaller than your finger,” he adds. “I painted each one of them and to do that, I had to hold it still with tweezers and paint with a very small paintbrush.”

Among the buildings that were custom built were the courthouse, city hall, train depot and Cornett and St. Charles hotels, the First National Bank building, the Jake Garry livery, and Martin’s store. Others began with kits and were customized to look like the historical structure.

“We had homework from Malcolm each week,” recalls David Smith. “He’d send us home with a model to build each week and when we brought it back, he’d make suggestions, and we’d refine it until it was just as it should be.”

Smith was also in charge of 3D printing all the horses and wagons. The piece Smith spent the most time on was the water tower by the courthouse. The tower, whose many guy wires each had to be glued in place and painted, took a month to complete. The Cornett Hotel, which was built by Sokol, took six weeks to build.

Sokol also produced each of the cars on the layout. He bought several cars and made molds of those cars so he could produce multiple castings of each car. Each of the cars represents about two hours of work.

Winston Greaves is a fellow model railroader and a friend of Sokol. Originally from Trinidad, he is a professional electrician by trade. He served as the project’s electrical specialist, and got everything powered so the train moves around the town. He also helped build many of the buildings.

Erik Grieve used to work with his grandfather on model trains. He had the opportunity to relive some of those memories while working with the rest of the team on the project. “It was incredible to see all the different techniques that go into bringing these scaled-down versions of real pieces to life,” Grieve said. “Malcolm showed us a spray-painting method that made the buildings’ bricks look amazingly realistic. Seeing how all the tiny details come together to create one cohesive picture was truly impressive.”

The team had all but a handful of pieces glued down when it had to be taken apart to move into the museum for the final work. It was reassembled in the museum space, and the team continued work and tweaked it for three additional months before unveiling the completed project. In all, an estimated 1,000 hours of work went into the project.

While the project represents many hours of work, the volunteers involved echo the sentiment that working together and getting to know each other was the greatest reward. As Smith put it, “For five grown men to be together and never any derogatory words spoken is a blessing. It was a bunch of men coming together and playing with toys, but creating something that, hopefully, generations in the future will enjoy.”

Museum designer Jeremy Gossett observes. Around the table are Winston, Malcolm, Museum Coordinator Erica Grieve, Erik and David

“This model is such a beautiful example of what can happen when a community comes together,” said Museum of Pell City Coordinator Erica Grieve. “Because of their dedication, we can give visitors a realistic look at our town’s early days and show how the railroad helped shape who we are today. It’s exciting to see projects like this continue to grow and strengthen the way we share our history.”

Ronald Sumner loves remembering the history of the area. He’s been a resident since his family moved to Pell City as a young boy. He remembers planes flying overhead announcing the end of World War II. And he remembers riding the trains from Pell City to Birmingham and back with his parents.

Spend time looking closely at the intricate details of the buildings along the train tracks, then close your eyes. You can almost hear the rhythm of the rails and how that became the rhythm of life for Pell City and her people. l

Editor’s note: The Museum of Pell City is open Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Features

Earnest Roots Farm

A success story worth sharing

Story by Scottie Vickery
Photos by Mackenzie Free

Not long after they had their first child in 2017, Kiley and Josh Morrison started wondering about the food they were giving him. They worried about where it came from, the chemicals it contained, and whether or not it would affect their son’s future health.

After doing some research, they weren’t happy about what they learned. So they planted a vegetable garden, got a milk cow, and vowed to make changes for the good of their family.

Nearly 10 years later, what started out as parents’ intuition has morphed into Earnest Roots Farm in Ashville, which offers pasture-raised beef, chicken, pork, and other food that was “produced the way God intended.” No GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, or synthetic chemicals are used, Josh said. Instead, they practice regenerative agriculture to produce healthy soil, which produces better grass, leading to healthier animals. The result, he said, is nutrient-rich foods with superior flavor.

“What’s at the end of your fork determines your health,” Josh said. “If you know your farmer, you know your food. It’s not just about taste, it’s about what you’re putting in your body,” Kiley added. It’s a lifestyle they’re willing to bet the farm on because they’ve seen the benefits of a healthier food system firsthand.

“We weren’t always foodies,” Josh said. “We didn’t care what we ate. I drank Mountain Dew like it was going out of style.”

Josh grew up with migraine headaches, some so severe he had to be hospitalized. While in a neurologist’s office one day, he flipped through a health magazine because it was the only reading material available. “There was an article about how your body needs water for your organs to work properly,” he said.

Josh decided to give it a try and vowed to drink only water. “I started seeing changes within several months,” he said. “Within two years I wasn’t having any more headaches, and this was something that had plagued me for 30-something years.”

Although their original goal was to provide the best food for their family, the Morrisons quickly realized that other folks wanted to do that, as well. As a result, they’ve steadily grown their business and their desire to be local farmers that people can trust.

Much of that trust comes from transparency. In addition to offering farm tours “so people can see that we do what we say we’re doing,” they have a YouTube channel with videos about everything from their farming practices to recipes and instructions for cutting up a whole chicken or making homemade butter.

Andrew Jones offers a blessing before everyone eats at Market Day

In 2024, they started hosting monthly Market Days with educational demonstrations and local vendors selling everything from honey, jams and jellies, sourdough bread, tinctures and oils, soap candles, and all-natural dog treats. They also sell their chicken, beef, pork, lamb, and quail, as well as offerings like fresh eggs, bourbon pepper bacon, garlic pepper brats, and maple brown sugar breakfast patties.

Market Days were so popular that they now host a farm market every Friday in addition to their shipping and local delivery options. “We’ve just continued to steadily improve it,” Kiley said. “We’ve learned a lot along the way, and God continues to open doors for us. We couldn’t do this without the tremendous support of the community.”

Deep roots

Kiley, a third-generation farmer, grew up on the family farm where she and Josh are now raising 9-year-old Augustus and Atticus, 6. Her grandfather, Ernest Ostrowski, was a dairy farmer in Wisconsin before moving to Alabama and marrying Kiley’s grandmother, June, a cattle farmer. Phillip Byram, Kiley’s father, was 16 when his mother married Ernest, and he has lived on the family farm, where he raises beef cattle, since he was 10. Phillip’s wife, Sharon, who passed away in 2020, was a farmer, as well.

Although Kiley loved growing up on the farm, she had no plans to end up there herself. She and Josh, who grew up in Altoona, met online 20 years ago, and they both attended Gadsden State before marrying and pursuing civil engineering degrees at the University of Alabama.

Kiley and Josh found jobs in the telecommunications field – she was in management with an engineering company in Birmingham, and he started designing fiber telecommunications. She traveled a lot and loved her job, but the lure of a simpler life eventually began to take hold.

“I wanted to be home and have a family and be grounded,” she said. “It took getting away from the farm to realize what a blessing it was to be able to live on the farm. It’s not something I take for granted.”

She realized she wanted her kids to have the same experiences she had, so they returned to Ashville and bought her grandparents’ farm, which was 10 minutes from her father’s farm. Although the plan was to focus on homesteading and self-sufficiency, they soon began selling beef, chicken and pork at a farmer’s market in Gadsden, which they did for two or three years. Business was good, so they launched a website just about the time the Covid pandemic started.

Culinary students Braden Godwin and Max Smith; Joey Duke of Aquality Farms; Meigan Tucker of ECTC; Josh and Kiley Morrison; and Anna Warren of The BFIT Bakery

“All of a sudden, people didn’t want to go to grocery stores; they wanted to go to their local farmer,” Kiley said. They set up local pickup points so customers could place orders online and pick it up later at a convenient location. “We did that for the community, and a lot of people took advantage of that,” she said.

The shipping side of the business grew quickly, and in 2021 they sold Ernest’s farm and bought a farmhouse and 10 acres (they recently added another 40 acres) adjacent to Phillip’s 180-acre cattle farm. Kiley’s sister and brother-in-law, Molly and Andrew Jones, live on the farm, as well, and the five of them work together to make Earnest Roots a reality. “Kiley and I are just really the faces” of the operation, Josh said. “It’s very much a family endeavor.”

The farm’s name is a nod to Ernest and the family’s deep farming history. Ernest and June taught Phillip to farm, and they taught Kiley and Molly, Josh explained. When he and Andrew joined the family and “didn’t know jack diddly about farming, they taught us, as well,” he said.

They changed the spelling from Ernest to Earnest as a nod to the future. “If you look in Webster’s dictionary, one of the definitions for ‘earnest’ is a promise of things to come,” Josh said. “As we grow, as we learn and diversify, we’re adding more and more products for our family and yours,” he said.

Future fruits

They’re also raising what likely will be another generation of farmers. “They’re the reason we started this,” Josh said as he watched their boys run across the pasture.

The days are long. Josh is still designing fiber telecommunications in addition to his work on the farm. Kiley homeschools the boys while juggling her many roles. The boys get up early every morning to feed the chickens while Josh milks cows.

And they wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love that we’re raising them here where I was raised and that they’re getting their hands dirty and learning that it doesn’t hurt to work hard,” she said. “Never in a million years would I have thought that we would be here. There were a lot of steps between our original goals and where we are now, but God was laying the groundwork. He put us where we need to be without a shadow of a doubt.”

Features

Dancing With Our Stars

Returns to Pell City for 12th Year

Story by Cherith Glover Fluker
Submitted Photos

Looking for a high-energy evening that brings the community together while supporting a meaningful cause? Dancing With Our Stars, Pell City’s version of the popular television show Dancing With the Stars, returns for its 12th year this spring, continuing a beloved local tradition with a few thoughtful updates.

The event will take place on March 14 at 6 p.m. at the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA).

For more than a decade, Dancing With Our Stars has showcased performers from Pell City and surrounding areas in a fun competition that celebrates creativity, connection and community pride. While the Pell City Line Dancers organized and headlined the event for its first 11 years, this marks the first year CEPA has taken on full responsibility for planning and hosting the event.

CEPA Executive Director Ash Arrington says the transition feels like a natural next step. “We’re excited to expand off the stage and get into the community planning this event,” Arrington said. “It’s always been our goal to reach more people, and having this under the CEPA brand adds a level of legitimacy to our desire to serve the community in new ways.”

CEPA Assistant Director Maci Johnsey acknowledged that taking on the event has been a big challenge for the organization’s small staff, but also a rewarding one. “It’s been a lot to take on, but that also makes it more personal,” Johnsey said. “We have a small committee, which makes communication easy, and everyone involved really cares about keeping the heart of the event intact.”

What is New This Year

This year’s program introduces expanded performance categories, with group sizes classified as Duo/Trio, Small Group (3–15 participants) and Large Group (16–30 participants). The number of participating groups will also be capped to keep the total runtime at approximately 2.5 hours.

The event is open to community members who want to participate. Groups perform a short routine of their choice. Registration is free and open until capacity is reached. Participants can register at www.pellcitycepa.com, where full performance guidelines are available, or in person at the CEPA Box Office. Questions may be directed to Johnsey at maci@pellcitycepa.com.

“We want to keep the event fun while also keeping the audience engaged,” Arrington said.

Judging will include first-, second-, and third-place awards, along with several special recognitions. Winners will be selected by celebrity community judges, and awards will be given in each category.

Audiences can expect a diverse lineup of performers, including children, professional dancers, neighborhood groups, local schools and dance studios. Returning favorites include Red Apple Dance, an Asian dance group based in Birmingham, along with the Pell City Line Dancers. Both groups remain a cornerstone of the event.

Giving Back to the Community

In keeping with CEPA’s mission, proceeds from the event will benefit organizations whose work aligns with community enrichment. This year’s primary beneficiary is the Pell City Education Foundation, with a junior recipient, The Hartzog Foundation.

“We love spotlighting these organizations and bringing awareness to the incredible work they’re doing right here in our community,” Arrington said.

In addition to the dance performances, the evening will feature a silent auction, concessions and beer and wine available for purchase.

A Night That Brings People Together

For Johnsey and Arrington, the impact of Dancing With Our Stars goes beyond dance. “People show up year after year to support their family and friends,” Johnsey said. “It’s a tradition.”

Arrington agrees and says one of her favorite moments is greeting attendees as they arrive. “So much work happens behind the scenes,” she said. “Seeing people walk through the doors and watching the program come together makes it all worth it.”

In a time when connection feels especially important, Dancing With Our Stars continues to offer something simple and powerful: a reason for the community to come together, celebrate one another, and support causes that matter. lfluence generations to come. Hold fast to your dreams and keep on collecting history. Your dream has strong wings.

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Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden

Much-anticipated restaurants set to open in Pell City

Story by Paul South
Photos by David Smith

There’s a recipe for cooking up a broader restaurant menu for hungry St. Clair County residents and visitors – patience, hard work and teamwork.

And that formula will come to life in 2026, with two popular national chains coming to Pell City in early Spring – Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse. Groundbreaking for the restaurants took place in March 2025, and Longhorn Steakhouse is expected to open first with Olive Garden’s following about three weeks later, officials say.

The two newcomers will join Outback Steaks and prove an unwritten economic development adage, said Pell City developer Bill Ellison. Brands follow brands.

Classic western vibe at Longhorn Steakhouse

The restaurants come on the heels of the Pell City Square retail development that features Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Ross, Ulta and others. Ellison was a co-developer of the shopping center.

The new restaurants, located at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Hazelwood Drive adjacent to the I-20 interchange, are in response to residents who have long hungered for new full-service eateries in one of Alabama’s fastest growing counties.

“This has been something the community has really wanted,” Ellison said. “We’ve had a lot of retail success, but we just didn’t have the full-service restaurants. We’ve done well with everything else.”

He added, “I think when Pell City Square shopping center came in with that store mix, that’s sort of a regional type shopping center. The tenant mix that’s there, we had hoped, would bring in at least one full-service restaurant to the community, and we got Outback.”

Outback has had blockbuster success, Ellison said. “It’s a truly outstanding restaurant. As I understand it, the restaurant had the highest opening volume of sales in the history of Outback, and it’s been extremely high volume ever since.”

Booth waiting on customers to sit at Olive Garden

Pell City Square’s arrival lured more shoppers to Pell City than had shopped there in the past, Ellison said. The restaurants are the culmination of two to three years of work, Ellison said.

“The expansion of the trade area helped us to recruit Olive Garden and Longhorn to Pell City. It’s kind of like brands follow brands. When we got that shopping center, and Outback came, other brands look at Pell City, and they say, ‘Those stores came to Pell City. We might need to look at that.’ That just kind of gets the synergy going.”

Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, said bringing in new full-service restaurants was part of the public’s wish list.

“Having more sit-down restaurants was something that the community had expressed a desire in having here,” Smith said. “The elected officials have listened and made it a priority for us to work on. Through collaboration and partnerships with the developer, property owner, the city, the county and the EDC, we were fortunate to get those national chains to come to the community, to go along with those shoppers who are coming from outside of Pell City to shop at the new Pell City Square.”

Longhorn and Olive Garden are under the Darden Restaurants umbrella of brands, Ellison said. Darden operates 2,100 restaurants nationally with more than 200,000 employees.

Pell City’s growth, local industries and the Honda plant, tourism with Logan Martin Lake and a growing health care landscape all fueled the company’s decision to come to the county.
“Needless to say, that’s a big honor for Pell City, Alabama,” Ellison said. “To attract those restaurants to this city, that really says something.”

All of this economic activity can have a snowball effect that can bring more restaurants and retail to the area. Big picture is that it can mean a regional boost to northeast Alabama.

“Like I said earlier, brands follow brands,” Ellison said. “It’ll just be a continuing progression. We’re expecting St. Clair County to continue to grow with a very bright future moving forward. As long as St. Clair County continues to grow and Pell City continues to grow, our region will continue to grow.”

Smith credited Ellison’s efforts.

“Bill Ellison worked really hard on a number of different retailers and eateries,” Smith said. “He felt, and we felt that these two brands (Longhorn and Olive Garden) filled a void that had existed. I think the community’s demographic fits really well with (the restaurants’) target customer.”

Ellison makes a critical point. “I didn’t do this by myself. I’m a hard worker and the rest of it. But the elected officials in Pell City and in St. Clair County and the EDC and Metro Bank through the years, have been with me hand in hand through all of this. It’s a team effort.”

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