Etowah County Celebrates Nearly $80,000 in Community Grants Supporting Youth, First Responders, and Local Projects
ETOWAH COUNTY — A county-wide grant celebration was held across Etowah County on Monday, recognizing nearly $80,000 in funding awarded to local organizations and community programs. The events were hosted by the Coosa Valley RC&D Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing quality of life, environmental stewardship, and economic growth across eleven east-central Alabama counties.
https://alabamarcd.org/about-us/
Ceremonies took place at two locations: the Etowah County Youth Livestock Facility near Gaston, and the City of Glencoe Dog Park, highlighting the diverse range of projects supported through this year’s grants.
Youth Livestock Facility Receives $23,409.98 for Improvements
The first stop took place at the Etowah County Youth Livestock Facility, where representatives from the Etowah County Livestock Association, local 4-H students, Coosa Valley RC&D, and elected officials joined to celebrate $23,409.98 in grant funding.
The facility upgrades focused on improving accessibility, safety, and functionality for students who raise livestock including pigs, lambs, and calves. The space serves as a hands-on learning venue where youth practice responsibility, animal care, and agriculture skills, and ultimately sell their livestock as part of the learning process.
Students shared how meaningful the program is, noting the extensive time commitment involved in raising animals and the valuable lessons in hard work, responsibility, and food production.
Senator Andrew Jones and Representative Mac Butler, who helped secure the funding, attended the ceremony and expressed appreciation for the program and its impact on youth.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Etowah-County-Youth-Livestock-Association-61551217402185/
Glencoe Dog Park Awarded $15,000 ‘Wags & Wellness’ Grant
The second stop was held in Glencoe at the City of Glencoe Dog Park, which opened in May 2022. Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare and community representatives were present as the city accepted a $15,000 Wags & Wellness grant to further enhance the park. Senator Andrew Jones and Representative Craig Lipscomb participated in the presentation.
Community members had previously expressed additional needs at the park, and the grant addresses those priorities to ensure ongoing improvements for pet owners and families.
Student Garden Program Receives $8,500 for Hands-On Agricultural Learning
Jonathan Gardner of the Windy Van Hooten Teaching Garden attended the celebration to represent the nonprofit’s school-based garden initiative. The organization provides hands-on environmental education, encouraging healthy living and student skill development in mathematics, entrepreneurship, and customer service.
With $8,500 in grant funding, the group has expanded their student-run flower stand and campus gardens. Gardner brought the mobile flower stand — painted by his wife, Rebecca — to the event. Future plans include installing cameras in chicken coops to allow students to remotely observe animal life and continue learning through direct agricultural experience.
https://www.windyvanhooten.org/
https://www.facebook.com/windyvanhootenteachinggarden
Attalla Fire Department Awarded Two Grants Totaling $17,798
Jason Miller represented the Attalla Fire Department, showcasing equipment funded through two grants totaling $17,798.00.
-
$7,798.00 — North Alabama Training Classroom Upgrade
-
Created a modern, technology-equipped training space for EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters
-
Improvements include updated audio-visual technology, including a smart board
-
-
$10,000 — Big Wills Creek & Coosa River Water Rescue Equipment
-
Expanded water rescue capabilities with kayaks, a raft, safety vests, and other gear
-
Provides access to Big Wills Creek, shallow water areas, and the Coosa River
-
Enhances regional mutual aid and emergency response capacity
-
https://attallacity.org/fire-department/
Rainbow Middle School Transforms Library with $10,000 Student Commons Grant
Rainbow Middle School also participated in the celebration, highlighting a $10,000 grant secured by the legislators. Funding helped transform the school library into a flexible Student Commons space featuring couches, sensory tools, hands-on learning materials, and activity zones for STEM and creative projects. The space provides students with a safe, supportive, and modern learning environment.
A Community Investment in Education, Safety, and Quality of Life
Throughout the day, leaders emphasized how each program strengthens the broader community — from youth agricultural training and hands-on school learning to public safety upgrades and recreational amenities.
The combined grant awards celebrated on Monday totaled just under $80,000, underscoring ongoing investments in Etowah County’s students, families, emergency services, and outdoor spaces.
For a full list of grant recipients recognized at Monday’s events, please refer to accompanying documentation.
Etowah Countywide Grant Celebration 11.3.2025 2
