🌱 Patch AM: How a new grant could make Montgomery a rescue-training powerhouse

Good morning Montgomery! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new grant could make Montgomery a rescue-training powerhouse
• What investigators are looking for after the deadly Woodley Road fire
• Meet the Montgomery veteran who just turned 100 years old

Also on today's calendar: Nutcracker Camp and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Sunshine and pleasant, with a high of 65 and low of 50 degrees.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 72, low: 51.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 75 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Swiftwater rescue training program coming to Montgomery Whitewater (waka.com) — Montgomery County is launching a new swiftwater and flood-rescue training program at Montgomery Whitewater, backed by a $750,000 Innovate Alabama grant. The first phase will turn the park into a regional training hub for credentialed first responders, boosting local emergency preparedness and positioning Montgomery as a leader in high‑risk rescue training.
   

2. 8-year-old dies in Montgomery apartment fire, two others hospitalized (wsfa.com) — An early-morning fire at Woodley Terrace Apartments in Montgomery killed an 8-year-old boy and left a man and another juvenile in critical condition Sunday. Montgomery Fire and Rescue escalated the blaze to a second alarm and is now investigating the cause. Officials say more details will be released as they learn what sparked the deadly apartment fire.
   

3. World War II veteran from Montgomery celebrates 100th birthday (waka.com) — A longtime Montgomery resident and World War II veteran, Robert Harper, just celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family at Rehab First Capitol Hill. Harper, who also served in Korea and Vietnam and later drove trucks for Winn-Dixie, credits his deep Christian faith for sustaining him through war, loss, and a century of life.
   

4. 'Jeffrey's Southern Ghosts' brings Kathryn Tucker Windham's tales alive on APT YouTube (256today.com) — From its Montgomery base, Alabama Public Television is launching “Jeffrey’s Southern Ghosts,” a YouTube series that brings Kathryn Tucker Windham’s classic ghost tales to life starting Monday. The premiere episode explores the Phantom Steamboat of the Tombigbee using interviews, archival Windham footage, and dramatic readings. New episodes will roll out online, then air on APT in 2026.
   

📸 Around Montgomery

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Montgomery

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday December 22

• Nutcracker Camp
  2960G Zelda Rd , Montgomery
  9:00 am

Monday December 29

• JV/V WRESTLING @FINLEY CENTER HOOVER
  Finley Center Pike Road, AL 36064
• BASKETBALL JVB,VG,VB@ENTERPRISE
  Enterprise Pike Road, AL 36064
  12:00 pm

Tuesday December 30

• BASKETBALL VB @ENTERPRISE
  Enterprise Pike Road, AL 36064

📣 Montgomery Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Les Mills Yoga with Kelsey
  Wetumpka YMCA , 200 Red Eagle Rd , Wetumpka
  8:30 am

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Century Church
  Century Church , 1001 Marler Rd , Pike Rd
  5:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day
  Wetumpka, AL Calendar

Saturday December 27

• Holiday 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery, AL (52S40)
  1 Festival Dr , Montgomery
  2:00 pm
• Holiday 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon at Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery, AL (52) 40
  1 Festival Dr , Montgomery
  2:00 pm
• Holiday 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon at Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery, AL (52) 40
  1 Festival Dr , Montgomery
  2:00 pm

Monday December 29

• JV/V WRESTLING @FINLEY CENTER HOOVER
  Pike Road City , Pike Road , Pike Road
• BASKETBALL JVB,VG,VB@ENTERPRISE
  Pike Road City , Pike Road , Pike Road
  12:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Many of the people on our local ND have been following Baby Bean since before she was even born.
  This group is for her photos and updates. For those who do not know, Baby Bean was given that nickname by her Mama before she was born. "She looks… (Nextdoor Brighton Estates)
• This tag is on the dogs collar that showed up on my porch.
  He has three legs and is very skinny and cant stand up. He is super sweet. I have been given him water and food but I have a dog and several cats so… (Nextdoor Eastbrook-Morningview)

• CBRE Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Coordinator (3rd Shift) in Montgomery. Apply here.
• PCH Hotels & Resorts posted a job opening for Spa Attendant - Part Time, Female in Montgomery. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Montgomery here.

Ok Montgomery! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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