Valley Grande city council approves fireworks for July 3 show, awards grants to teachers

The Valley Grande City Council moved through a full agenda during the regular meeting Monday night Feb. 2, approving this year’s Independence Day fireworks show, awarding eight teacher mini-grants and addressing ongoing concerns about parks, recreation programs and road maintenance. 

Council members voted unanimously to contract again with Power Productions for the city’s annual fireworks show. Although the company initially quoted a price above the city’s budget, Councilwoman Sarah Day said she successfully negotiated the cost back down without reducing the number of shells. 

This year’s show will include a new “America’s 250th Anniversary Waterfall Finale,” a red, white and blue smoke display that will follow the grand finale after a brief pause. 

The show will take place on Friday, July 3, rather than the Fourth of July. Day explained that a July 4 show would cost roughly $15,000 more due to holiday demand. 

“Doing it on the third gives families more flexibility and keeps us within budget,” she said. 

The council discussed the need for additional wood chips under the playground equipment at the city park. Local resident Archie Owens, who works at a nearby mill, volunteered to supply the chips at no cost. 

Council members thanked Owens for the contribution, noting that children frequently kick the chips away from the swing areas, requiring periodic replenishment. 

Councilman Ross Jones reported citizen concerns about leaning trees along County Road 16 between the park and Summerfield. Some limbs are resting on other trees and could fall during a storm. 

Mayor John Hatfield said the issue has already been placed on the county’s list for trimming, and he will follow up with Dallas County Commissioner Vivian Rogers to expedite the work. 

City Attorney Wesley Kelly informed the council that State Rep. Prince Chestnut has agreed to provide a letter of support for Valley Grande’s Rebuild Alabama grant application. The county is also expected to refrain from submitting a competing application for the same project. 

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A resident raised concerns about rumors that the city would discontinue baseball and softball leagues for ages 13 and up. Mayor Hatfield clarified that the city will offer leagues up to age 14, but not beyond. 

He said older teens should participate in middle or high school athletics and noted that past issues at the park often involved older teenagers. 

“We want to keep it family-friendly,” Hatfield said, adding that the city hopes to expand youth offerings, including reviving an upward style soccer program and creating a basketball league using the Martin Middle School gym. 

Sign-ups for baseball and softball continue through the final two weekends of February. 

The city awarded eight $500 mini-grants to teachers at Valley Grande Elementary, Martin Middle School and Dallas County High School. Eleven teachers applied. 

Recipients include teachers from Valley Grande Elementary Paige Draime, kindergarten and Brenda Powell, librarian. From Martin Middle School, Isaac Lanier, band,Jasmine Henry, World History and Glendora Davis, science. From Dallas County High School, Stacy Buchanan, science, Shelby Fancher, math, Dorothy Moore, business education/career tech.  

The council voted to open bids for the 2026 ball season concession stand contract. The minimum bid is $1,000, and bidders must also provide a $250 refundable cleanup deposit. 

The city added the deposit after last year’s vendor left the stand in poor condition, requiring two days of cleanup. Bids will be accepted beginning Tuesday and opened at 10 a.m. Feb. 12. 

The council revisited concerns about Edwards Drive, which is classified as a county-owned but non-maintained road. Severe potholes have made the road nearly impassable, even for mail carriers. 

The county has indicated it may take over maintenance if the city brings the road “up to par.” Mayor Hatfield is working with the county engineer to determine the cost of leveling and repairing the roadway.