Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

This week in 2001, The Greenville Advocate highlighted a range of local stories, from historic commemorations to community developments. Among the topics were preparations for a memorial event at Fort Mims and the opening of a new law practice in Greenville.

Re-enactment at Fort Mims: The Fort Mims Restoration Association in North Baldwin County was busy finalizing preparations for a memorial weekend at the historic Fort Mims site in Tensaw. The commemorative event was scheduled for Aug. 25 – 26, 2001 featuring re-enactments of the Battle of Burnt Corn and the Battle of Fort Mims, among other activities. The annual event focused on the 1813 battle where Creek Indians, led by Chief Red Eagle, attacked the fort, resulting in the deaths of approximately 500 settlers, slaves, soldiers and friendly Indians. The weekend included a variety of activities such as guided walking tours, period weapon demonstrations and a Sunday morning worship service. Proceeds from the event were earmarked for the development of the historic site.

Greenville welcomes a new attorney: Charlotte M. Tesmer, an attorney who had practiced law in Greenville for 15 years, opened her own law practice in the community she considered home. Tesmer, who began her legal career by helping the Butler County Court System transition to a computerized record system, steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming an assistant district attorney before being elected as District Attorney. She specialized in prosecuting child abuse cases and handling grand jury procedures. Tesmer expressed her deep connection to Greenville, where she had made her home and formed lasting friendships.

Firefighters complete training: Greenville firefighters Jason Pouncey and Micky Norman completed a three-month training program at Firefighter Recruit School in Dothan to become full-time firefighters. The training included rigorous physical activities designed to prepare them for the demands of firefighting. Both firefighters noted that while the training was intense, most of their experience would come from learning on the job alongside seasoned firefighters.

Sherling Lake Park expands trails: Sherling Lake Park, located three miles outside of Greenville, was set to expand its walking trails thanks to a Recreational Trail Program grant from the State of Alabama and a $10,000 contribution from the City of Greenville. The plans, which had been in the works since 1999, included extending the existing walking trail around the southern and western sides of the lake, enhancing the natural beauty of the park for visitors.