By Greg Ellison

(Jan. 27, 2022) Berlin’s adopted town chicken, Althea, perished last Tuesday afternoon following a hit-and-run accident on Main Street .

Mayor Zack Tyndall posted the tragic news on social media last Wednesday.

“In the fall of 2021, Althea, the town chicken, randomly showed up [and] became a local celebrity,” he said.

In short order, the inquisitive fowl was provided digs outside Health Freedom at 12 Artisans Way, where proprietor Erin Bilenki constructed a coop.

Economic & Community Development Director Ivy Wells said Althea quickly endeared herself to residents.

“The community embraced her as one of its own,” she said. “What made Althea special was the fact that she felt so comfortable downtown.”

Tyndall said the chicken, an escaped broiler, no doubt, materialized at an ideal moment in time.

“Her presence put a smile on the faces of residents, visitors and business owners when we needed one the most,” he said.

Wells said the comfort level exhibited by Althea was startling.

“She made downtown Berlin her home and went window shopping,” she said.

To highlight the presence of a unique character inhabiting town, in November Wells installed a chicken crossing sign on Main Street by Island Creamery.

“She was hit by a car right where I put the sign up,” she said.

Althea was laid to rest last Wednesday in Stephen Decatur Park.

“Apparently, chickens do like crossing the road even if they shouldn’t,” she said.