Net Results

A trio of St. Clair anglers make a splash at Bassmaster Classic

Story by Paul South
Submitted, staff photos

The PGA Tour has its FedEx Cup. NASCAR drivers put the pedal to the metal and trade paint gunning for The Chase.

 And Matt Herren, Wes Logan and Joey Nania professional anglers with St. Clair County ties, hoped to make their mark at the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, where the best bass fishermen in the world gathered in hopes of reeling in the sport’s most prestigious prize, fishing’s Super Bowl.

Nania finished 13th with winnings of $15,000; Logan finished 23rd with $13,000 in winnings; and Herren finished 32nd with $10,000 in winnings.

Wes Logan reels one in.

The 2022 classic came to Lake Hartwell, a man-made body of water near Greenville, S.C., in early March. While St. Clair County has made a mark in the NFL – with San Francisco defensive end Dee Ford (Odenville) and Major League Baseball with Springville native and Detroit Tiger hurler Casey Mize, the county’s biggest pro sports splash may be in professional fishing, thanks in large part to Herren, Logan and Nania. Seven anglers who have competed on the pro circuit call the county home.

It’s not unusual in sports to see large metropolitan areas produce world-class competitors. But for a largely rural county like St. Clair that’s peppered with small towns, three world-class competitors from the county in a sport’s marquee event is worth cheering, regardless of the end results.

“It’s kind of a cool thing to think about,” said Springville’s Logan. “With our county being so small and three of us competing in it. I think it just shows the caliber of fishing in Alabama and especially in Central Alabama where our county’s located. It gives a testament to the lakes and rivers in the surrounding area about how good they are and how diverse they are.”

Located near the South Carolina-Georgia border, the 87.5-square-mile Lake Hartwell reservoir is comprised by waters from the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca rivers and is one of the Southeast’s largest lakes.

Hartwell’s deep waters presented a trophy-sized challenge for Classic competitors. In fact, the 2022 Classic was Logan’s first-ever tournament on Hartwell. The lake is known for its deep waters, similar to Northwest Alabama’s Smith Lake. By contrast, the lakes of the Coosa are stained and shallow.

Anglers call Hartwell a Blueback Herring lake, named for the small migratory fish that’s a favorite bite for the big bass of Hartwell. Because the herring are on the move, it makes anglers’ quest for a catch a bigger challenge. Bluebacks can be in one patch of water in the morning, another by the afternoon, taking the famished bigger fish with them.

“(The herring) roam around a lot,” Logan said. “They’re nomadic. “If you find fish on Tuesday. They’re liable to be gone by Tuesday afternoon. The fish just follow the bait.”

The 50,000-acre lake’s deep waters – a maximum of 185 feet – offers another challenge for anglers.

“It’s going to set up a little bit different than I’m used to, being from around the Coosa River, where it’s shallow fishing mostly. The baitfish and the way the fish act is going to be really different,” Logan said.

“Hartwell is a really good lake, just in general,” he added. “I got to free practice over there for a couple of days, and it seemed to have a really good population of fish in it … I know from past Classics there, it’s a really good lake.”

Joey Nania celebrates win at Bassmaster Elite Series

Herren is an Ashville resident who grew up fishing with his dad, Butch, on Neely Henry Lake. At 59, he’s one of the senior competitors on the B.A.S.S. circuit who didn’t become a full pro angler until 2003. Before that, he worked in his dad’s Birmingham body shop. He married his wife, Candy, and the couple raised two sons, Josh and Jacob.

But this year’s Bassmaster Classic will mark his 17th major championship tournament since 2003.

“To me, the tournament fishing was kind of an afterthought; I just always loved to fish. I’ve been competitive my whole life. I mean, I played sports in school … One thing led to another.”

The pro fishing game has changed since Herren was in high school and college, when tournament fishing “just wasn’t that big a deal.” Now, it’s a big money game, with tournament cash, television, endorsement deals, even video games. Hank Cherry Jr. took home a $300,000 first-prize check after winning last year’s Classic.

“I think I was 39 when I went full time. The sport has kind of evolved into something the younger guys are getting into. It’s growing by leaps and bounds,” Herren said.

But one of pro fishing’s graybeards isn’t intimidated by the young bucks he faces on tour.

“I’m still highly competitive now,” Herren said. “These young whippersnappers, I can still run with ‘em.”

Herren breaks down Lake Hartwell, much like a football or basketball coach breaks down an opponent. In fishing, the seasons, weather patterns and more are taken into account.

“Every body of water we fish will offer an angler areas that he likes to fish, styles, certain techniques. That’s how I try to go about doing my job,” Herren said. “I try to fish the techniques and patterns that are my strong suit and just see what happens … I just try to be consistent and do what I do.”

A St. Clair County transplant – Joey Nania – moved with his wife and kids to Cropwell from Washington state. In 2009, he competed in the Bassmaster Classic on Lay Lake. He met Rick Hughes, a Cropwell evangelist and “a really good fisherman.” The two became friends, and Nania visited the following summer. The combination of faith, family values and fishing lured Nania to settle in the county. He now calls Pell City home.

Nania accepted Christ at 19 after meeting Hughes. Later, Nania met his future wife, Jessica, and his career took off. He calls it “a string of blessings.” His newfound faith – belief he shares on tour, played a role in his decision to move south.

Along with his pro career, he is a fishing guide on the Coosa River system, Smith Lake and Lake Martin.

“It’s just such a great location, and it’s just the fact about Alabama. If you can learn to fish in Alabama, you can fish anywhere in the country because we have such diversity, Nania said.

Nania has fished Hartwell before, beginning with an episode of a fishing show he hosted for seven years called, Sweetwater. Hartwell is comparable to Smith Lake in Alabama, Nania said.

“I really like the size of the lake. It’s a big body of water; but it didn’t seem like overwhelmingly big. Having the mixture of spotted bass and largemouth and having multiple options that aren’t far apart, is great … If you can catch spots and have a largemouth pattern going, it’s a good way to go. And Lake Hartwell fits that bill.”

Regardless of how St. Clair’s three Bassmaster Classic competitors fared, Logan, Herren and Nania are proud to represent their home county in pro bass fishing’s Super Bowl. The trio are good friends. And all take pride in representing St. Clair County.

“It really just goes to show that fishing is deeply rooted in the South, especially this area of Alabama.” Nania said. “There’s just so many different lakes, and fishing is just sort of a way of life around here. It’s faith, family and then fishing is kind of the motto for people around here. I know Wes Logan and Matt are like that, too

“It’s really a cool thing to see all of us succeeding and has been awesome and just a total blessing.”

Pell City rolling in new restaurants and retail

Story by Linda Long
Photos by Graham Hadley and Carol Pappas

Anybody for a cup of coffee? Would that be tall, grande or venti? Maybe a shot of espresso. Perhaps a mocha, cappuccino or latte.

That’s right! Starbucks has come to town, located in the new Coosa Commons shopping center at U.S. 231 and I-20. Based on a steady stream of cars waiting in the drive through, Pell City is rolling out the red carpet.

“We just opened our lobby today,” said Savannah Crone, a Starbucks manager, a few weeks ago. “Everything is going great. The crowd has been steady, and we’ve had a lot of people here. We’re making sure everybody is enjoying their drinks and their visit. Of course, there’s always somebody in the drive-thru.”

Crone says the staff is asking for their customers’ patience. “We’re still training our employees. We have a lot of high school students, and they’re learning. We want to make sure everybody is fully trained so we can pay full attention to our customers.”

Starbucks isn’t the only new kid on this block. New eateries seem to be opening almost every week. In addition to the long-awaited Starbucks, folks may opt for subs of all kinds at Jersey Mike’s next door or taste tempting treats at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers nearby on U.S. 231 North. 

And for those who want to feel like their takeout is home-cooked, folks are flocking to Papa Murphy’s Take ’n Bake Pizza in the strip center near Publix, where owners boast fresh ingredients, including freshly made crust every day. Patrons pick up their made-to-order pizza then take it home to bake.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Jacory Calhoun, district manager. “The customers have been awesome. Very responsive. As soon as we opened, they started bombarding the store. It’s been amazing. I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see it like that.”

Calhoun explained that Papa Murphy’s came to Pell City with a fully trained staff. “Everybody in this store is seasoned, and that’s what you want when you open your store – everybody trained and ready to roll.”

Calhoun has this advice for folks ordering a Papa Murphy’s Pizza: Try stepping out of your comfort zone. “At first, I was a regular pepperoni person, but ever since I tried our Tuscan Chicken and Sausage … I’m telling you, that’s the best I ever ate. I tell people don’t go for the cheese or pepperoni. Now, you will like it, but it’s not what brings you back. You’ve got to try one of our specialties. Those are the pizzas that really bring you back.”

Success in the early weeks foretells a bright future. “If the customers keep having the responses their having to us right now, I promise you, we’re going to be here for long while.”

That’s Holly Gaston’s plan, too. As general manager of Jersey Mike’s, she says she’s happy to be in Pell City. “It’s growing. It’s booming. There are so many opportunities here. New jobs are here. Pell City is just full of growth,” said Gaston.

The popular eatery chose March for its grand opening because according to Gaston, that’s the company-wide month of giving. This year’s benefactors are the Special Olympics and locally, Big Oak Ranch.

“Our company believes in giving back,” said Gaston. Eating at Jersey Mike’s is “more than just enjoying wonderful food. It’s also about helping others that need it.”

The new sandwich shop, also located at Coosa Commons, features a variety of subs, including gluten free.

“Our thing,” said Gaston, “is sliced fresh to order. Everything here is absolutely fresh every single day. The bread is baked fresh every day. Hot subs are prepared when you place your order. You have other sub chains who claim they are fresh, but we are the definition of fresh.”

Head south on U.S. 231 in Cropwell and check out Isabella’s Cocina and Cantina, which is getting rave reviews in its early days. Featuring a full Mexican menu, spacious dining inside and out, this new construction is attractively decorated and has an inviting atmosphere, drawing from residents of nearby Logan Martin Lake and all around.

But there’s more on the local dining scene. The buzz around Pell City says another restaurant – a high-class, white-tablecloth, candlelit, sit-down establishment is also considering Coosa Commons as its location.

Pell City Manager Brian Muenger says he’s met with the potential owners, and they are “excited” about the prospect.

“I know with the restaurant concept that was being reviewed, they were looking at taking all the rest of the available space and having a dining side, a bar side and also outdoor seating,” said Muenger.

“I strongly encourage them to consider that space and the menu they prepared. It was something really unlike anything we have here currently, and it’s something we have a great desire for. So many people tell me they’re traveling outside the city for sit down meals. And that’s certainly a need we want to see fulfilled,” he said.

“People strongly prefer to get their shopping and things done as close to home as possible, and that’s what we’re working to deliver here with as many options as possible. We want to keep our money and people here in St. Clair County.”

That’s a goal that just might be close at hand. Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, isn’t surprised about the apparent retail and restaurant boom. “As far as revenues go, even 2020 (pandemic) was a record year for Pell City, and 2021 continued that momentum,” he said, saying several developments have jumped from plans on a drawing board to real brick and mortar.

“A lot of these projects taking place now go back a couple of years,” said Smith. “They were delayed because of 2020,” but now are all full steam ahead. Last year was a record in sales tax, countywide basically. Pell City was up 8% over the previous year,” he noted.

“Folks are getting away from big cities looking for a quieter place to live,” explained Smith, “and Pell City, being on the lake, has drawn a lot of folks here from Atlanta and Birmingham to have a second home or to live here and work remotely.”

Muenger has the numbers to back that up. “Last year, we had over 200 new home permits that were issued, and we’re still seeing that continue at about the same level. Builders are building as fast as they can, but in some cases, they are hampered by the availability of finishing goods. Things like windows, doors, different fixtures. Absent those constrictions,” he said, “I really think they’d be building even faster.”

Most houses, in all price ranges, are staying on the market only a few days and in some cases, only a single day, Muenger said.

Despite the understandable optimism expressed by city and county leaders, there is somewhat of a downside. “The economy is so hot right now that business – all businesses and industry – is dealing with a staffing demand. All industry is trying to expand its workforce because labor ability is not always what they’d like it to be.”

Also, according to Muenger, with the obvious inflation, “we’re all paying more for the goods we are buying,” but people are also getting higher wages, creating what he called a “brisk demand” for all items from big purchases like houses and automobiles to the day-to-day purchases.

“Things are moving back to something very similar or in many cases above what the demand was in 2020,” said Muenger. 

And for Pell City, that retail pipeline just keeps on producing. The next major project soon to be underway is development of the old hospital property. The complex is to be anchored by Hobby Lobby and T.J. Maxx.

Smith said other tenants which can’t yet be announced will include “all brands, allowing folks in Pell City and surrounding areas to stay home and get the products they want rather than having to drive 45 minutes to shop.”

According to Smith, the 135,000 square feet of retail space is expected to be ready for shoppers in about 18 to 24 months. Groundbreaking is set for this summer.

“This is something very exciting,” added Muenger. “It’s something we worked on for several years. In the same vein we talked about in keeping people here, this center is comprised of national brands that people are going to be very excited to see.”

As Pell City adds population, “we become more attractive to national brands,” he explained. “We have a larger population to service. I think businesses that come here will be very happy in the reception they receive. We’re excited about where things are headed on that front, and we’re excited about the people moving to St. Clair County to make it their home.”

New Richey’s Grocery

Same family approach

Story by Eryn Ellard
Photos by Graham Hadley

There are certain things about life that are inevitable, change being one of them. People and places can’t stay the same forever. For the folks who have lived in Cropwell on the outskirts of Pell City, there has been one big change this year – the demolition and ultimate rebuilding and rebranding of the old Richey’s Grocery.

For years, the tiny country store was more than just the last place to pick up milk on your way home from work; it was the gathering place for the small community – the coffee was always hot and the Blue Bell ice cream was always cold. Eventually, though, the old, family-run business closed its doors and in 2017, new owners took over.

Business partners Danny Dinani and Frank Devani saw lots of potential in the old building, its history and ideal location just a stone’s throw from Logan Martin Lake.

Dinani, who has made a career in retail for over 20 years, acquired the property in 2017, and also moved his family to Pell City to start their lives in the small town.

“The lake and the community were a big selling point for me,” Dinani said. There are very nice people here, and it is a family-oriented place.”

Recognizing that many people in the area know each other and their families, Dinani said the purchase was pretty much a no-brainer. “My customers know me and my family very well. It is a safe place to live, raise children and work in,” Dinani noted.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, Dinani said his store remained open, serving the small community in a big way. It was then when he and his partner decided that it was time to build a new Richey’s Grocery.

“The town of Cropwell is growing, so we wanted to grow along with it,” he said. “It also needed some changes, such as including a package store, new gas pumps, fishing supplies and groceries.”

The store was closed for nine months while the demolition of the old store and construction of its newer, more modern version was built. Richey’s reopened at the beginning of the year, officially three times the size of the old landmark store. The new store features a beer cave, which stays at a cool 32 degrees 24 hours a day.

Dinani has two full-time employees, and he and other members of his family also work there.

“The customers are all very friendly, they have welcomed me and my family with open arms, and we are very thankful for that.”

Fort McClellan Credit Union

Breaking ground on new Pell City location

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Wallace Bromberg Jr.

When Fort McClellan Credit Union first opened its doors in 1953, it organized as a nonprofit financial cooperative to serve military and civilians stationed at Anniston’s Fort McClellan.

After undergoing expansions in its services and its coverage area, Fort McClellan Credit Union has taken a decisive step into St. Clair County, breaking ground on a new facility in Pell City. Located at U.S. 231 and 19th St. South, officials expect it to open in late summer.

In a groundbreaking ceremony in late February, Fort McClellan Credit Union Board Chairman Joseph Roberson called it a “momentous occasion. We are really excited to break ground in this beautiful place called Pell City and we look forward to a bright future.”

He lauded the efforts of the City of Pell City and the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in facilitating the move and groundbreaking. “We are looking forward to working with you and meeting the fine people of Pell City,” Roberson said.

Pell City Manager Brian Muenger views the groundbreaking as a positive for the city’s future and will spur more development along the major thoroughfare. “Fort McClellan Credit Union is already a familiar name to many of our residents, and the city is pleased to see them establish a local presence. The site they have selected is conveniently located along Highway 231 South, and will further bolster the development of that area, which has seen substantial growth over the past five years.” 

Urainah Glidewell, executive director of the Pell City Chamber, noted that the credit union had been a member of the chamber for a number of years. “We’re excited they are finally in the community.” It builds on the “growth of the area and will be a great addition to Pell City.”

Councilman Jay Jenkins concurred. “We are glad to have another new business in Pell City,” he said. “Anything new in most cases is beneficial. We’re glad to have them here.”

Since 1953, FMCU has expanded to meet the communities it serves.

Its membership has grown to include employee and association groups and residents of multiple counties in the region. Its services have grown as well, and it now offers a variety of financial services of a full-service financial institution. They include new and used auto loans, signature loans, RV, motorcycle, boat, farm and garden tractor, line of credit, vacation and holiday loans.

Accounts include IRAs, checking and savings.

FMCU is located in Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville, Ohatchee and Roanoke.

Lovejoy honored with Congressional recognition

Story and photos
by Carol Pappas

The name, Lyman Lovejoy, is well known around these parts. But it reached a lot further than Alabama’s borders when he hit his 50 years in business milestone.

Lovejoy’s feat of five decades of business caught the eye of U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who presented him with a resolution he read into the Congressional Record in the U.S. House of Representatives.

To celebrate back home, the congressman hosted a luncheon in Moody to honor the longtime Realtor, businessman and community leader, describing him as “an advocate for the county and his community” in the framed, official resolution he presented to Lovejoy.

Read into the Congressional Record in August, Rogers cited Lovejoy’s extensive involvement in the community – St. Clair Association of Realtors, Ascension of St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital Board, Alabama Real Estate Commission and past chairman of the St. Clair Economic Development Council.

A member of First Baptist Church in Ashville, he also finds time to entertain local nursing homes and in senior centers with his musical group, the resolution noted.

In accepting the honor, Lovejoy recognized his family and staff first, talking of their unyielding support over the years. Turning to Rogers, he said, “This is the highest honor I’ve ever had, Congressman. I enjoy people. I would come to work even if they didn’t pay me.”

As for the motivation behind his civic activism, as well as his business acumen, he said, “I love my county. I love my community. I love meeting people. Thank you for letting me do what I love to do for 50 years,” he told the crowd in attendance.

Lovejoy, owner of Lovejoy Realty in Odenville, began his career in a building just across the highway from his present-day office. With only a high school diploma and no experience in real estate, he embarked on a career that not only lasted 50 years but is still going strong.

At 80, he still goes to work every day, and he still employs the same relationship-building skills he honed in those early years.

In the resolution, Congressman Rogers included a reference to Lovejoy’s moniker – “Mayor of St. Clair County” – giving a nod to the ambassadorial spirit for which he is known throughout the county. Rogers took it a step further, calling him “one of the treasures of St. Clair County.”

Fresh Value plans location in Moody

The Birmingham-based grocer, Fresh Value, has executed a lease at Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center at the northeast corner of U.S. 411 and Park Avenue in Moody. The space was most recently occupied by Fred’s but was also home for many years to Food World.

“This is a culmination of tireless effort from a lot of great people over the past 18 months to bring this deal to fruition,” said Bear Burnett of The Canvass Group, who represented the property owner in the transaction.

The move comes as several transformative shifts continue to shape the U.S. 411 corridor with the growth of several residential neighborhoods in the area as well as major investments in nearby business parks.

“The City of Moody has worked hard over the last year to backfill the old Fred’s building at Crossroads Shopping Center,” said Moody Mayor Joe Lee. “Moody City Council, along with myself, are happy to announce that Fresh Value Grocery will open soon and are excited to welcome them to our community.”

Fresh Value will occupy approximately 21,860 square feet and plans to also include a drive-thru pharmacy. A grand opening date will be announced in the coming weeks, but plans indicate the store could be open by summer.

“Currently, we operate stores in Trussville as well as Pell City, so Moody was a natural fit for us,” said Gerry D’Alessandro, owner of Fresh Value, Inc. “The community’s growth and numerous requests from our customers made this an ideal location expand our footprint.”

“Myself and our team are really excited about this location,” he added. “There are a lot of great things happening in Moody, and we are honored to have the opportunity to serve this community.”

In addition to the Fresh Value announcement, Burnett says he is in discussions with other regional and national retailers to back fill the adjacent 19,000-square-foot space.

“Our primary focus was getting Fresh Value across the finish line and now that we are there, we are shifting gears to procure not just any co-tenant but the ‘right’ co-tenant,” said Burnett. “We’ve had a ton of interest from retailers across many different categories, and we look forward to sharing more very soon.”

Editor’s Note: Fresh Value is currently accepting applications. For more information, visit www.apply4positions.com/grocery.