A festive first: Pine Level’s debut Christmas Parade spreads holiday joy while making history

Amanda Pevey Elmore Autauga News As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the Old Autauga Historical Society gathered June 29 to honor one of the area’s earliest connections to the nation’s founding by placing patriotic flowers and flags at the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Jeremiah Chancellor in Pine Level. The ceremony took place at Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery, where members of the historical society, Chancellor’s relatives and members of the public gathered to recognize the life and service of one of old Autauga County’s earliest settlers. According to the Alabama Department of Archives and other historical sources, Chancellor was born in England and immigrated to America with his father and brothers at age 16, shortly before the American Revolution. The family settled in South Carolina, where the conflict often pitted Patriots against Loyalists in what historians describe as a civil war within the colony. Historical accounts indicate Chancellor and his brother, William, joined the Patriot cause, while family tradition holds that their father remained loyal to the British Crown. After the war, the brothers never saw their father again. Chancellor later moved to what is now Autauga County in 1818, before Alabama achieved statehood in 1819. He led a group of early settlers into the northwestern portion of the county, where they established homes and helped shape the area’s earliest communities. He died in 1831 and is buried at Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery. Society President Larry Caver said Chancellor’s grave provides a direct connection between the local community and the nation’s founding. “Old Autauga County had approximately 30 early settlers who were purported to have served in the American Revolutionary War,” Caver said. “These elderly veterans were probably 70-plus whenever they made the journey to Alabama Territory.” Caver said many residents may not realize the area’s Revolutionary War connections. “Autauga County and Alabama did not exist in 1776, but 1776 runs deep in our county’s history,” he said. “We are very proud of our connection to the patriots who fought for our freedom.” Before the Pine Level ceremony, members of the Old Autauga Historical Society also visited the graves of three other Revolutionary War patriots buried in the area, placing patriotic wreaths at the graves of Clement Billingsley, Lewis Cookson Davis and William Kirkland ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Pine Level Mayor Zachary Bigley said the town takes pride in preserving its role in American history. “Pine Level holds a special place in America’s story,” Bigley said. “In Pine Level, Jeremiah Chancellor, a Revolutionary War patriot who answered the call to fight for our nation’s independence, was laid to rest. More than two centuries later, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the legacy of freedom is not just written in the books, it is woven into the very ground beneath our feet. We are honored to preserve and celebrate this extraordinary connection to our nation’s founding, right here in Pine Level.” As the nation approaches its semi quincentennial celebration, local leaders said ceremonies like Sunday’s serve as a reminder that the history of America’s founding extends far beyond the original colonies and lives on through the men and women whose final resting places remain in communities like Pine Level.  Alabama Department of Archives , Autauga county , Autauga County Alabama , Jeremiah Chancellor , Larry Caver , Mayor Zachary Bigley , Old Autauga Historic Society , Patriot Jeremiah Chancellor , Pine Level , Pine Level Alabama , Pine Level Methodist Church , President Larry Caver , Revolutionary War veteran

Celebrating America 250 in the Town of Pine Level The Patriotic evening celebrating America’s 250th birthday in our Town starts at 6 pm. Bring your friends and family for a fun filled evening celebrating America250! Join us for a Benefit BBQ Sale as we come together to support our local Pine Level Volunteer Fire Department and enjoy a great meal for a great cause. Bring the family and enjoy a meal at our picnic tables. Food is being prepared by Cowart’s Cafe, pick up your orders starting at 12 pm till we sell out on Saturday the 4th at the Pine Level Community Center. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest- 6pm-7pm Step up, take aim, and compete in our Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest for bragging rights. Claim the 1st place CASH PRIZE & trophy for being the first Town Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest winner! Fun for all ages! Watermelon Eating Contest- 7pm Come on out all you watermelon eaters!! Who will be the Watermelon Eating Champion? Come find out at our contest Adults only. CASH PRIZE & Trophy. To register, please email us at info@pinelevelal.gov or DM us on the Town of Pine Level FB page. Town of Pine Level on FB you can also register at the event. Kids Zone- Stop by the Kid Zone for exciting activities and smiles for children of all ages. We have lots of fun planned and it is ALL FREE. Face painting, bounce houses, super-size games, hot dogs, drinks and more! Declaration of Independence- Don’t miss our reading of the Declaration of Independence with a reenactment, featuring a dramatic reading of America’s founding words. The Community Chorus will be performing and adding a wonderful musical touch to the celebration. Stay for a fireworks show to end the night! Bring your chairs or blanket to enjoy this show! Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Location: Pine Level Community Center, 116 County Road 40, East 36066 6pm-9pm.

Amanda Pevey Elmore Autauga News Families across Pine Level, Marbury, Deatsville, and surrounding communities are being asked to conserve water after the Marbury Water System announced an emergency conservation plan in response to a temporary reduction in its water supply. The shortage began after the system’s primary supplier took one of its 2-million-gallon storage tanks offline for rehabilitation, reducing the amount of water available to Marbury Water by approximately half. The utility normally purchases between 800,000 and 1 million gallons of water per day. Residents with questions are invited to attend a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Pine Level Community Center. Under Phase 3 of the conservation plan, customers are asked to use water only for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and watering animals. Residents are asked to avoid washing vehicles, homes, and driveways, filling swimming pools, and watering lawns. Small vegetable gardens and flowers may be watered once a week for two hours. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, while odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays. Marbury Water officials said they received confirmation of the maintenance schedule on May 16 after being told in March that repairs would occur sometime this summer. “We understand that this was extremely short notice,” the utility said in a statement to customers. “Our main goal is to make sure that our customers have enough water for their everyday needs.” The utility said it continues to pursue long-term solutions, including a $2 million grant to drill test wells and plans for a treatment plant that would restore an existing well and provide additional capacity for future growth. Zachary Bigley said the meeting will give customers a chance to hear directly from Marbury Water representatives. “As the town mayor, we have a lot of concerned citizens,” Bigley said. “This affects Pine Level, Marbury, Deatsville, and even into Chilton County a little bit. It is a big water system.” “I hope that we can have a very productive dialogue and we can come to a quick solution that can help our community to move forward,” Bigley said. As summer temperatures rise, local leaders are asking residents to do their part to conserve water so families throughout the region continue to have access to this essential resource.

From: Rebecca W. Thomas, Communications Coordinator Autauga County Schools Pine Level Elementary School was named a CLAS School of Distinction for its innovative project, “Cultivate More” – an outdoor garden that grows more than plants and food. The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools honor highlights the school’s commitment to engaging students through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect academic content to the real world. At Pine Level Elementary School, students grow more than just plants — they cultivate curiosity, responsibility, and pride. The school’s outdoor classroom is more than a garden; it is a living laboratory where science, math, and literacy come alive. Every seed planted grows more than food — it helps develop confident, capable learners prepared for success. The outdoor classroom and garden program was designed to meet a critical need for experiential learning opportunities. What began as a simple effort to get students outside has blossomed into a comprehensive, school-wide initiative. Serving as a dynamic extension of core instruction, the garden transforms traditional lessons into active exploration as students observe ecosystems, monitor weather patterns, and study plant life cycles in authentic settings. This approach strengthens academic achievement while fostering environmental stewardship and a deeper understanding of how human actions impact the natural world. Beyond academics, the program nurtures essential life skills. Students collaborate to solve problems, demonstrate patience as they monitor plant growth, and take responsibility through daily maintenance. These experiences cultivate resilience, encourage a growth mindset, and instill pride as students nurture plants from seed to harvest. “Receiving the CLAS School of Distinction recognition is a tremendous honor for our school,” said Christen Harry, principal of Pine Level Elementary School. “Our outdoor classroom allows students to engage in ways not possible in a traditional classroom setting. We are proud to see our students grow not only academically, but also as responsible and confident individuals.” Students actively participate in the program’s signature seed-to-table cycle, harvesting what they grow, practicing safe food preparation, and participating in tasting events. These experiences connect nutrition, science, and wellness in one powerful initiative that supports student well-being across all grade levels. Pine Level Elementary School earned an A+ state report card score with 100% academic growth, and teachers consistently observe students applying the skills they learn in the garden to their work in the classroom. By merging rigorous academic standards with real-world application, Pine Level Elementary School has created a sustainable model of experiential education. The outdoor classroom has become an integral part of the school’s instructional approach, ensuring that students are not only meeting standards but also becoming prepared, confident learners ready for their futures.

From: Theresa Cook Town of Pine Level Honoring Our Heroes & Celebrating a Life Saved The week of April 19-25, 2026, is National Volunteer Firefighter Week, and Mayor Bigley has officially issued a Proclamation to honor the brave men and women of the Pine Level Volunteer Fire Department. Our volunteers serve with unmatched dedication and courage, but recently, we saw the tangible impact of that service. We are thrilled to share that the new medical equipment, purchased through Town-support, was recently used to save a life right here in Pine Level. “A life was saved using equipment made possible by approved funding in Pine Level. That alone proves every dollar was worth it, because you can’t put a price on a life,” said Mayor Bigley

From: Theresa Cook, Town Clerk Town of Pine Level The Town of Pine Level proudly partnered with Autauga PALS (People Against a Littered State) today to host a Town Spring Clean Up aimed at keeping Pine Level beautiful, safe, and welcoming for all residents. Volunteers gathered at the Pine Level Community Center beginning at 8:00 AM, where Autauga PALS provided cleanup supplies and guidance for the morning’s efforts was provided by Caleb Bontrager, Town citizen. “We are especially grateful to Caleb Bontrager for stepping up as event coordinator and dedicating his time and energy to ensure the success of the Spring Clean Up,” said Mayor Bigley. “This event reflects the heart of Pine Level,” said one participant. “When our community comes together, we make a visible difference.” Town and community volunteers of all ages joined in the effort, contributing to a cleaner environment and strengthening community spirit. There were twenty-six volunteers to participant including the Marbury High School Football Team. The Spring Clean Up is part of the statewide Alabama PALS Spring Cleanup initiative, which encourages municipalities to take an active role in environmental stewardship. Residents who were unable to attend today’s event are encouraged to continue supporting local beautification efforts throughout the year by properly disposing of waste, reporting litter concerns, and participating in future cleanup opportunities. For additional information or to get involved in upcoming events, residents may contact the Pine Level Town Clerk at TownClerk@PineLevelAL.gov.

Amanda Pevey Elmore Autauga News The Autauga County Commission on Monday celebrated the opening of a new recreational facility at Liberty Fields at Pine Level Park, marking a milestone in community development and honoring the county’s role in America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in partnership with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce and local stakeholders, highlighted the park as a long-anticipated addition aimed at improving the quality of life in one of the county’s fastest-growing areas. “I have had a few people ask me, ‘Why the name Liberty Fields?’” Commission Chairman Jay Thompson said. “Liberty is more than a word or a piece of history; it is a living idea. It thrives in open fields, in open hearts, in our hometowns, and along our highways. It is found in the laughter of our children, the cheers of our communities, and the moments when neighbors come together.” Thompson said the name also honors generations of Americans who have defended the nation’s freedoms, calling it a tribute to their sacrifice and service. The event was part of the nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration and recognized the community as home to a newly planted Liberty Tree. The project took 15 years to complete and cost $2.08 million, including $1,019,616 in funding from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, matched by $1,080,384 from the county. Pine Level Mayor Zachary Bigley delivered the invocation, while the Prattville JROTC presented the colors and raised the flag. Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, spoke on behalf of Gov. Kay Ivey, emphasizing the significance of the park for future generations. “As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, how great it is to be at a ribbon cutting where our young children can enjoy the future,” Boswell said. “There are a lot of things that can be learned on and off that field.” State Rep. Ivan “Van” Smith also addressed attendees, calling the project a testament to long-term planning and community collaboration. “This park is more than an athletic field or equipment,” Smith said. “It represents vision, partnership, and a deep commitment to our youth and this community.” Liberty Fields is also home to a Princeton Elm designated as a Liberty Tree, planted as part of the America 250 initiative. The tree is intended to serve as a lasting symbol of the nation’s founding ideals and a reminder of the importance of civic responsibility. When fully grown, it is expected to reach heights of 60 to 70 feet. Officials said the park and its symbolic tree reflect both the community’s growth and its connection to the nation’s history, offering a space where residents can gather, play, and celebrate for generations to come.

AUTAUGA COUNTY, AL – The Autauga County Commission, in partnership with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, state and local community stakeholders, invites members of the media and public to attend the official ribbon cutting for Liberty Fields at Pine Level Park on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.  Located at 160 County Road 104 in Pine Level, Liberty Fields represents a significant investment in recreation and quality of life for one of the fastest-growing areas of Autauga County. The ceremony will include remarks from local and state leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and recognition of a Liberty Tree, symbolizing unity, freedom, and community as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Immediately following the ceremony, the fields will come alive with the first pitch and first game ever played at Liberty Fields, marking an exciting new chapter for families and youth in the Pine Level area. “This project reflects the power of partnerships and a shared vision for the future,” said Chairman Jay Thompson. “Liberty Fields is more than a ballpark, it’s a place where community, legacy, and opportunity come together.” “The opening of Liberty Fields is an exciting moment for Autauga County,” said Patty VanderWal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This investment not only enhances recreational opportunities for our families but also strengthens the sense of community that makes our area such a special place to live, work, and grow.” Media representatives are encouraged to attend and capture this milestone moment for Autauga County.

From: Jayne Shell First Community Bank First Community Bank is open for business at 710 Commercial Parkway in the Interstate Business Park. The branch had a soft opening Monday, February 2, 2026. The official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration last week marked an important milestone for the bank with historical significance as the first financial institution and the first ribbon-cutting in the Town of Pine Level. The new location offers a full range of deposit and loan products for consumers and businesses as well as a mortgage office and wealth management suite. Customers have access to in-branch and drive-thru teller service as well as a 24-hour, deposit capable ATM. The First Community Pine Level team is fully staffed with local banking professionals. First Community Bank President & CEO, Rana Futral, says, “We are proud to be the first bank in the Town of Pine Level and the first business to celebrate a ribbon cutting in the Town of Pine Level. First Community Bank is local, from our board members to our employees, and we are here for all of your financial needs. I believe there is tremendous opportunity in the Pine Level community, and it will be a catalyst for continued growth in the surrounding areas.” First Community Bank is thrilled to be part of this thriving community and proud to now serve our customers even better with the addition of our Pine Level office. We invite you to stop in and meet the team. Let’s Do Life Together! For more information about our new Pine Level location, please call our local office at (334) 852-2265. First Community Bank is a full-service community bank serving Elmore and Autauga counties with nine retail offices, a mortgage division, and a wealth management division.