"Hansel and Gretel" January 17 at THS

Michael Bird • January 14, 2026

WTLS-AM 1300 & FM 94.7/101.1 Interview with Ms. Michaela Bird, McCraney-Cottle Arts Council Director

The classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” is coming to the Tallassee High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre production brings local school-aged children center stage after just one week of rehearsals.

Missoula has been around since 1970 and has put on productions for over 1,100 communities around the world. Their connection to Tallassee and the McCraney-Arts Council (MCAC) dates back to 1998 and has become an annual tradition.

“It’s not a small feat at all,” said new MCAC director Michaela Bird. “They have 54 kids ranging from five to 18 years old. To consolidate all of those young minds and get a product by the end of the week is very impressive.”

Bird is taking the reins as director from Jerry Cunningham, who has seen many Missoula performances over the years.

“My wife (Donna) talked to the (Missoula) director,” Cunningham said. “(Having) 50 plus is larger than normal. It’s encouraging.”

Cunningham spoke about his transition from the MCAC director’s seat, a role he has held since 2018.

“We’ve asked Michaela to head it up. We’re glad she’s willing. I’ve seen what she’s done so far. She’s taken a lot of initiative. She has a lot of energy and motivation.”

Cunningham recently retired from the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce after eight years as director.

“It’s such an honor being passed the torch by the Jerry Cunningham,” Bird said. “He is the genesis of so many arts programs. To be able to carry on that legacy, I’m very honored. The mission is to nurture and further the arts in Tallassee.”

The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council dates back to 1963.

“Alvin McCraney started it,” Cunningham added. “He taught glee club at the high school. John Cottle was an organist at the Methodist church. He was big in it. The way it was then is different now. That’s why I think it’s good to have new leadership.”

Tickets will be available at the door and are $15 each and $5 for students ages 5-15. Children under five will be admitted for free.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

America 250: Tallassee Style

By Michael Bird • April 3, 2026

Tallassee celebrates America 250

Tallassee AL shows off downtown beauty in time for Red White and Blue Fest

Tallassee, Alabama Redevelopment: A Community Reborn for America’s 250th Anniversary

By Easterling Carpenter • March 31, 2026

Celebrate the US 250th in Tallassee, AL! Join the Red, White, and Blue Fest April 24-25 for the Samson Strong 5K, Ronnie McDowell live, and fireworks. Discover the Source.

Why Auburn University Is Studying Tallassee’s Historic Mill District — And Why Developers Are Taking Notice

By Easterling Carpenter • March 23, 2026

Tallassee’s 120,000+ SF Historic Mill Site Positioned for Redevelopment Tallassee, AL's Historic Mill complex has attracted institutional and academic interest among which, Dr. Tommy Brown at Auburn University archives seeks out mill records. This comes one year after feasibility studies confirm its viability as a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment opportunity. Tallassee Redevelopment Authority(TRA)-sponsored studies back up that potential, showing: Estimated Rental Rates of $12-$18/SF premiums as riverfront commercial real estate (as opposed $5-10/SF locally) Estimated $12 Million dollars in annual economic impact Approximately 45% in Historic Tax credits (20% Federal + 25% State) Strategic positioning between Auburn and Montgomery Existing structure in place with modern electrical, HVAC, and water , display utilities readily available Stabilized structures reduce early-stage capital risk And the TRA as its current owner, is actively seeking development partners to advance the site into its next phase. Strategic Transition This Tallassee Industrial Era property is closer than ever to its future. The site was continuously used up until 2005 as textile mill, making it one of the longest continuously operating mill sites in the nation. Due to changes in the market, the industry became underutilized and production ceased. Many Tallassee residents having worked there and through the effort of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society(THPS), have reduced investor risk. They raised over $30,000 dollars to put modern corrugated metal roofing on several of the buildings as well as restoring and currently performing upkeep. Stewardship by THPS enabled stabilization, having invested approximately $95,000 total in risk management and restoration efforts , after which ownership transitioned to the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority to facilitate professional redevelopment and investment partnerships. The TRA has sponsored professional studies as recently as 2025, which will be explored further in this article. The Tallassee, AL Location Advantage Regional positioning strengthens Tallassee’s redevelopment potential. Seated neatly between Auburn and Montgomery, it is only 10 minutes from I-85 . With Auburn, AL experiencing a 34.2% population growth between 2015 and 2023( according to GoBankingRates ), creates spillover housing and hospitality demand in nearby communities. Tallassee remains an ideal location for young families and commuting college students as well, seeing a cost of living 17% lower than the national average and 12.9% lower than the Opelika-Auburn area per PayScale . Strong school performance further supports long-term residential and workforce stability. Tallassee City Schools also stand out for young families as one of the highest rated schools by the Alabama State Report Card between Auburn and Montgomery, AL. Tallassee Elementary was scored in the 2024-2025 with a 90/A grade by the state. Tallassee's closeness to both of these cities, and access to 750,000 residents within 45 minutes act as a major opportunity for a commuting workforce. Many of which already commute to Tallassee's established industry such as GKN Aerospace, Neptune, and Hanil USA. Professional Planning Confirms the Opportunity In 2025, the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority commissioned a comprehensive redevelopment analysis conducted by Place Associates, LLC in collaboration with Leavell Design Consultants. The resulting Tallassee Mill Sites Redevelopment Report provides independent market validation, economic modeling, and phased development strategies for the site. With authorization from the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, this article makes the study available to prospective developers and partners seeking deeper due diligence insight.