Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The town of Pine Level is in the business of making history with their first year as an official incorporated town in Autauga County. The town will host their inaugural Independence Day Celebration this Saturday, July 6th, with Norma Cothran serving as the Grand Marshal for the first parade in the new town.
“I have the ‘Miss America wave’ down, and all I can say is it’s just absolutely awesome to represent our little community that I’ve been a part of for so long. But it also means that I have lost the love of my life. However, on the other side of this, I am just so honored that I get to represent Mickey,” Norma said.
Cothran was selected in honor of her late husband James Micheal Cothran, or Mickey as everyone knew him, who served briefly on the Pine Level City Council before his sudden passing in January.
Mickey was a huge advocate for the incorporation of the town of Pine Level and served on the Pine Level City Council. Norma stated that Mickey took his research and responsibility of being a councilman and an advocate for the incorporation seriously and to heart.
“I stood behind him in everything. He had a very facts are facts mentality, and I just loved it. If you gave him a project, he was going to know every bit about it that was possible, and he would dedicate time to researching it. He did a lot of research for the incorporation and I’m very proud of him,” Norma said.
While his research for the incorporation may have cut into his fishing time, he dedicated countless hours and himself to the Town of Pine Level, where the community could see his devout dedication to the town he loved.
“I’m looking forward to the representation of Mickey, but I’d much rather he be here. I know they’re doing this to honor him, and I just hope he’s watching over us,” Norma said.
Mickey and Norma were together over 20 years and Norma stated that Mickey’s history and contribution to the Town of Pine Level runs deep in the roots of the small town which is just outside of Prattville.
The Cothrans helped establish the fire station in Pine Level, Norma confirmed, as Mickey’s dad was also a fireman in the area. The father-son duo helped get the station up and running.
“The history in this small area right here is just phenomenal. Mickey knew everyone around here and who was connected to who. Everybody always knew where Mickey was, and if anyone needed something Mickey was always right there,” Norma said.
The Independence Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 6th, at Spirit Walk Ministries, 1908 County Rd. 107, and the parade rolls at 10 a.m. Before and after the parade festivities include food trucks, vendors and other children’s and holiday activities, until 3 p.m. that afternoon.
“God had a reason that he took Mickey at this time. and I don’t question it. I’ve never been mad at God for taking him, but I do miss him terribly. I just want to honor him in all aspects. I know our parade may be small, but the fact we’re having one is just fantastic,” Norma said.
