Juries convict 2 in relation to juvenile deaths
In Elmore County, two defendants were convicted in jury trials for two separate incidents involving children.
According to a press release from 19th Judicial Circuit district attorney CJ Robinson, a jury found Shirley Matthews guilty of aggravated child abuse which caused the death of her two-month-old son, Karson. Aggravated child abuse is a Class A felony, which is punishable by 10 to 99 years in prison. Karson Matthews was born in July 2018, weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces and in September 2018, he was taken unresponsive to Elmore Community Hospital, weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces. An autopsy determined Karson’s
cause of death to be negligence and the manner of death to be homicide, the press release stated.
In an interview with law enforcement, Shirley admitted to having never taken Karson to the doctor after being released from the hospital after his birth. She claimed to be feeding him regularly and thought he would eventually gain weight. Howev-
er, the jury heard overwhelming medical testimony about the child’s malnourished condition which led to his death. Karson’s father, Kristopher Matthews, was indicted for the same charges as his wife Shirley and his case is still pending.
ROCK ’N ROLL
Tallassee band preps Green Day show
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN
Editor
“It is never easy to try cases on behalf of innocent children who senselessly suffer because of the choices of the adults who are supposed to protect and love
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
Tallassee business owners approached the Tallassee City Council with their concerns about proposed changes to business license
CLIFF WILLIAMS
mean, you spend the whole summer working on the drill, trying to get the music tweaked just right, and you’re waiting for the kids to get here to see how it’s all going to come together. So I’m just glad to have them back and I’m ready to go.” Glasscock and the Tigers are preparing a rock and roll show featuring
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN TPI Band camp has officially begun at Tallassee as the Pride of Tallassee marching band started working on drills last week.
MATTHEWS ROBINSON
Obituaries
SARAH LOUISE COLLUM BALLARD
Mrs. Sarah Louise Collum Ballard, age 93, died peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2024. She was born August 26, 1930, and was a native of East Tallassee, Alabama. Mrs. Ballard is the only child of Mr. John Albert and Mrs. Annie Myrtle Collum, and the wife of Mr. A.D. Ballard, Jr., all who preceded her in death.
She leaves behind three daughters, Debbie (Wayne) Whitaker, Birmingham, Alabama; Susan (Dave) Davis, Prattville, Alabama and Jan Hall, Alexander City, Alabama. Mrs. Ballard will also be missed by her 8 grand-
children, Whit (Meredith) Whitaker, Angie (Brett) Gibson, Alison (Wes) Whitten, Amanda Lassitter, Michael (Terri) Davis, Aimee (Nathan) Baxter, Garrett Hall and Andrew Hall and 13 great-grandchildren. She was a loving homemaker for her husband and three daughters. She was an accomplished pianist. Mrs. Ballard was the pianist for East Tallassee Baptist Church for many years. She also taught piano lessons in her home to numerous students. She later became a member of First Baptist Church in Tallassee. She is preceded in death by her
son-in-law, David Hall. The family will receive friends Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10:30AM until her Celebration of Life Service at 11:30AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Brandon Fomby officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery
The family requests that friends either send flowers or make a donation in her name to their favorite charity
Online condolences are available at www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com
Man granted parole in connection with Elmore County crimes
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
Special conditions of his parole include an approved home plan, mental health follow-up, GPS ankle monitor and a drug assessment upon release.
A man is out of jail after being granted parole in connection to drug-related crimes in Elmore and Autauga counties in 2011. Last Tuesday, Randall Todd Simonton Jr., 40, of Union Springs, was in front of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, which voted to grant parole with special conditions. Simonton was found guilty and admitted to state prison in 2013 and ultimately sentenced in 2018 to 20 years for manufacturing a controlled substance. Also in Elmore County, Simonton was sentenced to 55 months for possession of a controlled substance to run concurrently to his manufacturing charge. Special conditions of his parole include an approved home plan, mental health follow-up, GPS ankle monitor and a drug assessment upon release.
No one spoke for or against his release, according to board minutes. Previously, Simonton served time for a distribution of a controlled substance charge in Elmore County, serving one year, one month and 10 days of a five-year sentence.
Road vacation approved by commission
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Portions of Brantley Road and an unnamed road are no longer public roads.
The Elmore County Commission approved the vacation of the public rights of way to adjacent property owners. The commission was petitioned to give up the
roads and it approved the measure at its meeting last week.
Vacating roads means the county no longer spends funds or time maintaining the roads. Most often they are at the ends of roads or in subdivisions that are not built out.
The commission votes after meeting advertising requirements and holding a public hearing. For this
action, no one spoke at the public hearing. The commission set another public hearing for 5 p.m. Aug. 12 for a special events retail alcohol license application for The Black Jacket Symphony for an event at the Lake Martin Amphitheater on Sept. 1-2.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the July 8 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants for June 29 to July 12 in the amount of $1,871,197.28.
• Approved the reimbursement of excess funds from a tax sale of property
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday Aug. 12.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
HSEC implements changes due to virus
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Many are aware from our Facebook announcement last week but our shelter, and others in the region, are having to deal with canine influenza virus (H3N2) in our dogs. As a result we have had to make necessary changes to both intake and adoptions for dogs as we work to get our dogs back to full
1. Dog adoptions are suspended until we get our dogs back to health so they do not take this to family pets in the community.
2. To keep our dog population as low as possible while we treat sick dogs and work to prevent new dogs getting sick:
— Stray Dog Intake will be limited to only the most critical stray intakes. If you find a stray and are at all able to keep it, we will help
you as much as possible to reunite it with an owner by posting to our social media pages and staying in touch with all who are caring for any found dogs/pups.
We will not accept owner surrender dogs except in absolute dire circumstances.
— Cat intake and adoptions continue as normal as this does not affect our cats.
3. We cannot let the public walk through our Shelters just to look at our dogs/cats so as to not send Canine Flu out to the community/dogs in homes.
Our staff is working diligently to help our dogs get through this and keep new infections from happening, but the single most critical need is to keep our dog population as controlled as possible which is why we have to enact such strict rules on intake.
Canine influenza is
a respiratory virus that spreads from dogs to dog (no danger to humans) via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, barking or nuzzling) and through contaminated surfaces and clothing. The symptoms of canine influenza are cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite. The signs range in severity between no signs at all and severe illness resulting in death. People can also spread the virus to dogs via their clothing, equipment or hands which is why we have to limit public contact with our dogs. Most dogs recover within two-to-three weeks, but some will develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more severe illness and we are monitoring our dogs carefully.
We do advise that you talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog
Pet of the Week — Luna
Luna is a 2-year-old female gray tabby. She was found as a stray and very much wanted inside the finder’s house so we’re going to say she is an inside kitty She is a bit timid at first but warms up quickly and is very loving.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1
year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in
for canine influenza and if your dog is showing any symptoms of influenza, contact your veterinarian immediately for assessment and early supportive treatment. We do hope this will stay contained to our Shelters, but advise caution in allowing your dog(s) direct
contact with other dogs to be safe.
Please keep our shelter staff in your good wishes as summers are hard enough, so adding canine influenza to the mix is a very heavy burden indeed. But our staff has rallied and adjusted, and we will
get through this and back to finding homes for our dogs and helping area dogs in need. Your patience with our temporary changes is most appreciated.
Rea Cord is the executive director at the Humane Society of Elmore County
meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Set up students for success
It’s frightening to say but the first day of school is almost here.
It seems only yesterday we said goodbye to a school year and graduates. Now the next year is already here and with it comes hope of a better future.
Teachers and staff are ready. Schools are ready too.
Students have spent the summer relaxing. They might need a little help getting back into a routine to be successful at school.
Parents should go ahead and get their children on a schedule more conducive to a school schedule. Go ahead and encourage a sleeping pattern that fits with a school day. That includes getting up and going to bed at reasonable times.
The same goes for meals. Breakfast is important and shouldn’t be left out. Many of our schools have a breakfast option when students get there.
But the best way to set students up for success at school and beyond is to be supportive.
Students have far more challenges than when most parents went to school. The pace is faster in today’s school. Students have far more pressures on them today too.
Students are also pressured to pick a career often before they have stepped the first step in high school.
The pressure isn’t needed. It just causes students to pick a path they might come to hate later in life. Our schools are equipped with counselors, career tech centers and more to help gently guide students to lifelong success.
It’s simple parents. Just ask your students how you as a parent can help. It might just be a listening ear. It could be providing structure such as a schedule.
It doesn’t have to be shouting and a dictatorship.
It’s hard but the best thing parents can do is be supportive of their students in whatever path they choose.
There’s good movies, there’s bad movies and then there’s good bad movies.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I urge you to watch the original Twister — the epitome of a good bad movie. Cheesy lines, predictability, decent but not great acting. “We got cows.”
It’s a classic.
It’s kind of like the horror movie Scream. You almost know to the T what’s going to happen next, yet you’re still somehow waiting on the edge of your seat in suspense. Scream is one of those really good bad movies that gives away its own ending, and you’re still surprised at the twist. “I’ll be right back.” So when I went to see Twisters earlier this week, I was expecting yet another classic good bad movie. I wanted all the cheese and all the predictability. And I wasn’t disappointed per se. You definitely sort of knew what was going to happen just
attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
a few minutes into the film, but what you might not have expected was the heroine to end up with the “bad guy.” Or the “good guy” to end up being a little sleazy. But there were a lot more twists and turns than a typical good bad movie.
The over-the-top special effects were incredible to watch, but again — trying too hard there. There were definitely some incredible nods to the original, like the twister ripping through the movie theater as it did a drivein in the first film. And there were definitely some unrealistic moments in the movie like the truck that just digs into the ground and can live through a tornado’s
inner workings. But there were some unrealistic moments in the original that were pretty jaw-drop ping too. Let us all remember when Jo and Bill tied themselves to a small pipe, were in the middle of a tornado and lived to tell the story. I also appreciated in Twisters the little journalist guy (I never did catch his name), because well, No. 1, I’m a journalist, and No. 2, I thought he was a good substitute for Bill’s new beau (whatever
Nuts and bolts
oncluding 28 years of public school teaching this summer, we have been looking back at previous “Bird’s Eye View” columns that ran in The Tallassee Tribune. This one appeared in this space in 2011. I was fortunate enough to attend the Nuts and Bolts Symposium for middle school educators last week in Destin, Florida. Educators from around the country convene at Destin Middle School and present informative, funny, exciting workshops for a very unique group of people: middle school teachers.
Dr. Bill McBride of textbook publisher Houghton Mifflin said that in the United States today, $1.7-$2.3 million per student is spent on those who drop out. That’s because dropouts may be the ones who end up on food stamps, in jail, or in other places that require government assistance. McBride also talked a lot about the brain, saying the internet grabs our attention only to scatter it.
Disney Teacher of the Year Rick Wormeli bears an uncanny resemblance to comedian Steve Martin. Wormeli said that students crave structure, clear limits, meaningful arts and athletic experiences, real competence experiences, relevance to school and community, and to belong. He also pointed out that teachers should “conduct ourselves in such a way where kids will not want to disappoint us.”
Nuts and Bolts owner Jack Berckemeyer is hilarious and engaging. He espouses a philosophy of “Our School – Our Team – Our Kids”. For example, if the school rule is to keep shirt tails tucked in, everyone needs to be on board with enforcement of that rule. He recommended lots of humor in the classroom. But one not-so-funny fact: 18% of 7-year-old American girls are starting puberty, and 20% of 10-year-old boys. Armed with those statistics, we must understand that our middle schoolers are being thrown into the hormonal soup several years earlier than previously thought.
Mississippi principal and motivational speaker Mark McLeod is one-of-a-kind. He presented lectures on many different topics, but told us about powerful classroom management strategies as we created a tool box for success. The following methods are ways of dealing with a classroom interruption. These tools included the evil eye, evil eye with signal, writing pad technique, proximity, proximity with touch or tap, proximity with sticky note, whisper technique, send on errand, and delayed referral. Finally, two of the lecturers who made the biggest impact on me this time were Ohio principal Tim Spinner and Texas principal Rita Pierson. Pierson [who died not long after giving a TED Talk similar to her speech at this conference] was plain-spoken
and pointed a humorous but accusatory finger at those of us who make excuses. She said that after 40 years in education, that kids have not changed. She said parents have not really changed, either – but the school’s response to parents has indeed changed. Spinner is a school security expert. His workshop began with a sobering 911 recording from Columbine High School in April, 1999. Spinner discussed the regular occurrence of fire and tornado drills in our schools. Since 1958, there have been 0 fatalities in a school fire. But since 1992, there have been 348 fatalities in school shootings. Spinner argued that our intruder procedures are behind the times and that teachers have not been empowered to make decisions based on their particular classroom emergency. And sadly, “it never happens to us until it does,” so all schools must take precautions for these violent acts.
In summary, I am proud to be a middle school teacher, facing another year in the business and ready to start again. I am also grateful to our school system for allowing us to attend this conference.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University and radio host on WACQ-AM 580 & FM 98.5.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
HSEC on lockdown with canine influenza in the air
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
After the COVID-19 pandemic, humans are used to hunkering down and going into quarantine.
But dogs — not so much.
That’s what the Humane Society of Elmore County is up against right now, though, as there has been an outbreak of the canine influenza virus.
“It’s a respiratory disease in dogs and it’s been around for awhile,” HSEC director Rea Cord said. “There were challenges with it about three years ago, but we never got it. The greater Birmingham shelter had it back then, but we tested and tested and never had it, but this time, Montgomery got hit and we got hit. We have no idea where it came from, so now all we can do is work to get them well.”
That also means a suspension of all adoptions and taking in of strays, which is a huge challenge for any shelter
“We can’t diagnose it per se in the shelter because of the testing,” Cord explained.
“But Montgomery let me know that they got a positive test back, so that’s what started this. Shelters deal with respiratory type stuff a lot; it’s a part of our world. It’s a contained environment, but kennel cough is what we’re used to. But this is hitting our long-term adoptables that are already vaccinated.”
Cord said the vaccination against canine influenza is a lengthy process and can also be a pricey one, but she recommends any dog that regularly comes into contact
TWISTERS
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with other dogs should be vaccinated against it. More and more, places like groomers and doggy daycares are requiring this type of vaccine, Cord said.
While Cord can’t diagnose all her dogs due to the expensive testing, she said she has seen symptoms and is treating upwards of 100 dogs. That’s more than half the humane society’s population currently.
“It sucks, and you can quote me on that,” Cord said. “It sucks that we have wonderful dogs that can’t be adopted right now. We’re medicating 80, 90, 100 dogs, so that’s not fun. Stopping movement is the most critical piece though.”
Not only is the virus airborne and highly contagious, Cord said she can’t even allow people into the shelter because it can be brought home to other dogs on people’s clothing.
The Humane Society of Elmore County is set up to typically combat an outbreak like this. There are two buildings, one full of adoptables and one full of those dogs getting into an adoptable status — either still needing vaccinations or having other issues.
Typically when there’s been a small outbreak, the shelter staff has been able to adjust its population to house any dog with respiratory issues in the back building.
“But this is in both buildings now, so we can’t do that,” Cord said. “We’re asking if people find a stray and can hold onto it, we’ll help — and we’ve even reunited a few that way.”
Cord said she is still will -
ing to do all she can to help stray dogs in the area and there are a few outdoor kennels that can be used as temporary holds, but she is very limited.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience,” Cord said. “If you can help keep any new animals from coming into the shelter, that’s the biggest help.”
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of canine influenza, which typically includes coughing and lethargy, Cord recommends to see a vet immediately.
need a laugh or when you need a cry. I
can’t rank it 10 stars because after all, it is by definition a bad movie. However, I give Twisters a 7/10. I’d watch it again, and those special effects are definitely thrilling, especially on a
big screen. But it’s not going to be one of my favorite movies and I honestly probably won’t ever see it again. But it’s a good movie to be sure — just not a good bad movie, which is what I wanted.
CommunityCalendar
AUG. 3
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: The Ranch Multiplex is hosting a Back To School Bash from 1 to 2 p.m. Aug. 3. There will be 100 free backpacks with school supplies. Children must be present.
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY: Coosada councilman Roosevelt Watkins Jr. is sponsoring the fourth annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway at the Coosada Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be food, drinks, waterslides and more.
AUG. 16
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in Titus. Performers will be announced soon.
OCT. 5 — OCT. 6
HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC: Heron Springs Farm in Eclectic will be hosting a two-day Robbie Potter Horsemanship Clinic, which will focus on furthering your horsemanship and your ability to build a solid relationship with your horse. For more information, contact Lee Ann Lutz at 336-926-5584 or via email at lalutz.ll@icloud.com.
OCT. 19
GOSPEL CONCERT: The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council is hosting its annual Southern Gospel Music Homecoming at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. It will feature favorites such as the Tallassee High School FFA Quartet, Michael Bird, Mck Daugherty, Jerry Cunningham, Kelley Hill and more. Tickets are $15.
AUG. 4
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: There is a Back to School Bash at Crenshaw Community Park on Crenshaw Road from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 4. There will be free food, inflatables, haircuts and bookbags.
AUG. 5
OPEN HOUSE: Wetumpka Elementary School is holding open house for grades PreK through fourth grade from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 with a break from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Students must be registered by Aug. 1 to be placed in a class.
OPEN HOUSE: Tallassee Elementary School is holding open house from to 5 p.m. Aug. 5. Southside Middle School in Tallassee is holding open house for students from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 5. Students and parents get a chance to meet teachers, find classrooms and pay locker fees of $15.
Tallassee High School is holding open house from 4 to 7 p.m. with ninth grade orientation at 6 p.m.
AUG. 8-16
STAGE PRODUCTION: The Wetumpka Depot Players are producing Ten Minutes on a Bench Aug. 8-10 and 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at wetumpkadepotplayers.com.
GROWN-UP BOOK FAIR: The Fizz Company is hosting a Grown-Up Book Fair to benefit the Elmore County Food Pantry from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at 1629 Upper Kingston Road in Prattville. There will be a second hand book sale with cocktails, mocktails and a make your own bookmark bar. There will be sourdough bread and food from the Sweet Hook Up. Non-perishable goods will be accepted and proceeds go to the food pantry.
AUG. 17
CAR SHOW: Cars on the Coosa will be Aug. 17 at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka.
AUG. 24
DOWNTOWN TAILGATE: Main Street Wetumpka his hosting the Downtown Wetumpka Tailgate Kickoff from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Merchants will be celebrating the football season with a high school pep rally, tailgate treats, games and prizes.
SEPT. 5
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting it’s Ignite Leadership Summit Sept. 5 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Speakers include Jenna Keane, Jenny tubbs, Don Erwin and Annette Funderburk.
SEPT. 19 - OCT. 5
SILENT SKY: The Wetumpka Depot Players are producing Silent Sky Sept. 19 to Oct. 5. Tickets are available at wetumpkadepotplayers. com.
SEPT. 28
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: The 24th annual Titus Bluegrass Festival
WILDLIFE ARTS FESTIVAL: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts is hosting the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival in downtown Wetumpka Oct. 19.
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street. NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.
SUBMITTED TPI
Dogs at the Humane Society of Elmore County are undergoing quarantine after an outbreak of the canine influenza virus.
ordered through a pricing program for governmental agencies that helps expedite the purchase process since it has already been bid. The grant requires 5% matching funds of $14,120. But it is a deal to replace the equipment to safely fight fires.
“A lot of our SCBA has aged out already,” Jones said. Most of the old SCBA equipment will be taken out of service as it will
not pass inspection because of its age.
“We will be better equipped to protect firefighters from fire and heat,” Jones said. “There will be fewer contaminations.”
The grant comes on the heels of a AFG funding for a new fire truck for the department. Earlier this year the department received a $381,000 AFG grant to purchase a new brush truck. The truck has been ordered but the wait time is far longer than the SCBA equipment.
“We anticipate to get it in 2026,” Jones said.
The two AFG grants go along with a $73,000 FEMA grant for a generator, and a $29,000 Alabama Law Enforcement Agency grant for turnout gear. It’s a total of $788,000 and it’s all been awarded in the last 12 months after years of planning and applying for grant funding.
Jones is thankful the grants provided the majority of the funding for the equipment leaving the fire department and City of Tallassee with less funding to come up with.
“I don’t think we would have been able to do all this without the grants,” Jones said. “The grants are major with everything the city has going on in infrastructure.”
The nearly $800,000 in grant funding only required approximately $39,000 in local matching funds. The generator will be used to power the fire department during extended power outages. It can also be used to
COUNCIL Continued from A1
temporarily power sewage lift stations to avoid sewage spills when pump stations lose power
The grant funding also means the Tallassee Fire Department can better serve properties outside
owners in the city. The purpose of the amendment is to set forth new license classifications and license fees to be charged, depending on the type of business.
Section 1 of the amended ordinance states, “The City of Tallassee hereby amends Section 3 Issue Fee of Ordinance #2007-426. For each license issued, there shall be an issue fee of $14 as allowed by Alabama law and said issue fee shall be collected in the same manner as the license tax. Per Alabama Code Section 11-51-194(a) (2), notwithstanding any other provision of law, the issuance fee for a business delivery license is $10.”
Section 2 states, “Section 23 of City of Tallassee Municipal Ordinance #2007-426, as amended by ordinances #2007-430 and #2010482, is hereby replaced as follows. The City of Tallassee’s basis for determination of the business license tax for each sector shall be computed as either a gross receipts-based license or flat rate license in accordance with Section 11-51-90.2(b).”
A public hearing was held prior
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them,” Robinson said.
“This week we sat with the families of three victims who lost their lives (two were children) and all three deaths were completely avoidable. I am proud of the work of my prosecutors and staff who had to endure long days combing through medical evidence and horrific photos to seek justice for these families.”
In a separate trial in Elmore County, a jury convicted Tevin Robinson on two counts of second-degree assault,
the Tallassee city limits but still inside the Tallassee fire district. The equipment also equips Tallassee Fire Department personnel aid neighboring departments on calls who in turn aid Tallassee as
to the work session where business owners presented questions and concerns to the council. One issue with the amendment was it would increase some business owners’ taxes exceptionally; however the biggest issue fell with the lack of communication between the city and business owners leading to a sudden notification of a fee increase. Some suggested keeping a more open and consistent line of communication between business owners to avoid abrupt changes.
Ward 2 councilmember Linda Mosher also agreed the main problem with the ordinance is the lack of communication. She said many business owners had contacted her stating they had no idea about the possibility of a license tax increase.
Ward 1 councilmember Jeremy Taunton said this ordinance amendment has been in discussion since 2022, but a rough draft of the ordinance was completed this year.
The council will discuss introducing the ordinance in more depth Aug. 13.
In other business, the council approved a resolution for grant award acceptance from the Ala-
a Class C felony, punishable by a year and a day to 10 years, and two counts of criminally negligent homicide, a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year.
According to the release, Robinson was driving a child passenger in April 2022 when he crossed the centerline on U.S. Highway 231 and side-swiped a vehicle before colliding head-on into a car driven by Sheila Frost, of Titus. Both Frost and Robinson’s children passengers were killed in the crash.
“The number of those driving on our roads after drinking or smoking mar-
well. “We can be a better mutual aid partner when we are called to help,” Jones said. “It also means everyone can be safer when responding to a call.”
bama Fire Grant. Mayor Sarah Hill suspended the rules to move $10,000 for building maintenance, $1,500 and $2,500 for vehicle maintenance. The council unanimously approved the fund relocation, then approved the resolution.
In Hill’s reports, she said the city was awarded over $5 million in an agreement with CDBG for the fiscal year 2023 federal gas improvement projects.
“We have to bid that out,” Hill said. “Our only winner was CDG, so I would like to award the agreement to them.”
The council unanimously approved. The Tallassee City Council will meet again Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at Tallassee City Hall.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of a work session held on July 9.
• Approved minutes of a regular council meeting held on July 9.
• Approved minutes of a special council meeting held on July 16.
• Approved a resolution to approve the demolition of two properties.
• Approved a resolution to award a contract to Southern Excavating Company, LLC.
ijuana is shocking, and as long as that behavior continues people will keep getting hurt, and we will continue to do everything in our power to pursue justice for those victims,” Robinson said in the release. “As for the aggravated child abuse case, the infant starved to death, plain and simple. No rhyme, no reason, never taken to a doctor, no underlying medical condition. He was just simply neglected until he died.
“Evil is real. Society can attempt to sugar coat evil in a variety of ways, but there is no excuse or justification I am willing to accept for starving an infant to death and refusing to seek medical treatment as they wither away. We imagine these types of things happening in third-world countries when people have no resources and no avenues for help. But there is absolutely no reason this should happen in Elmore County today. Certainly, we expect a parent to do more for their child, but really for anyone... when it comes to just being a human, we are better than that.”
Matthews’ sentencing is set for Sept. 19, and Robinson will be sentenced on Sept. 5.
SUBMITTED TPI
Many of these air bottles belonging to the Tallassee Fire Department will be replaced. It’s firefighters can more safely respond to emergencies.
Your lack of faith is disturbing
He departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he
was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. – Mark 6: 1-6
Aprophet is not without honor except in his native place. Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith.
We have a choice: keep being amazed and in awe about God, or lose our faith and let Him be amazed at our lack of it. It is easy to get used to how amazing our faith is and the love that God shares with us. When we get used to
FATHER
MATT RUDZIK Columnist
things we take for granted, we don't appreciate them and we end up complaining about them.
So when you are getting ready to come to church every Sunday, are you excited about what will be happening?
Am I excited that God will feed me not only with His Holy Word but with his Divine presence in a very special way in the Eucharist?
Tallassee Churches
Or maybe I drag my feet, thinking of all those other things I could be doing? I have to cut my grass, I need to catch up on work, I need to finish binge-watching Netflix. Or, I could spend one hour with Him as He has asked me to do.
Am I still amazed about the gift of reconciliation? That through His blood poured for me on the cross I can be reconciled and forgiven? Or do I complain that going to confession with my pastor is too difficult or embarrassing? We can go through a long list of examples from our daily lives. What matters is that we need to keep working hard on staying in awe with God, which is the better translation of the fear of the Lord. Each and every day, may we pray with gratitude and humility for the many miracles we witness. Every day, may we spend some time wondering about Life itself and how God in His mysterious ways works in everything for our benefit.
So I encourage you to not stop being in awe of God, or else he will be amazed at your lack of faith.
Father Matt Rudzik is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Church in Tuskegee.
Surrounding Area Churches
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
www.TallasseeTribune.com www.TallasseeTribune.com
Mask swims in USA Futures Championship
SUBMITTED
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Camden Mask wanted to test his skills this summer.
Following a successful state championship last December where Mask finished in second place in both the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley, Mask made the qualifying cut for the 2024 USA
Swimming Futures Championship with his time of 57.36 in the 100-yard breaststroke. So instead of swimming in the Alabama Recreation and Park Association swimming state championships like he usually does, Mask hit the road for two major events. He first swam in the Southeastern Long Course Championships, earning three personal bests and two Top
6 finishes, then swam in the USA Futures championship and qualified for the finals in his one event. “It’s been a fun summer,” Mask said. “The swims have been a lot of fun. This was my first time ever qualifying for the futures meet so that was definitely a neat experience. I had some good swims
TALLASSEE’S THORNTON PICKING UP OFFERS
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
Rowen Thornton is becoming quite well-traveled.
The Tallassee senior has spent this entire summer playing basketball for various clubs and travel teams.
He’s played in multiple states across the Southeast including Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Along the way, he’s also bolstered his recruiting stock and picked up two offers from junior colleges. His first offer came from Southern Union, and his second came from across the country from Southwestern Iowa, a team that won the junior college national championship in 2017.
“I’ve played in a bunch of
places so far,” Thornton said.
“The best experience I’ve had is Memphis. They had a huge gym and there were over 100 teams in there. The last few tournaments have gone really well. I think we went 5-1 two weeks ago and that’s when I got the second scholarship offer.”
Thornton’s first offer came in March a month after Tallassee finished its season. More and more coaches have contacted him following his 50-point performance in December.
He ended the year averaging 19.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as he led Tallassee to the Class 5A playoffs. He shot 92-of-130 at the free throw line and knocked down 52 3-pointers this year.
“It feels great hearing
from all of them,” Thornton said. “I’ve always wanted to play college basketball, and it feels even better coming from a coach all the way across the country in Iowa. He wants me to come out there and I’ve been getting a lot of texts and camp invites. I had a team in Mississippi reach out. It’s been a fun process.”
His ability to shoot 3-pointers has been more than noticed by opposing teams on Tallassee’s schedule. The majority of his scoring came from deep or the free throw line, but Tallassee coach Keiven Mixson has really been pushing Thornton on developing other parts of his game.
So he’s spent the majority
Coleman, Kendrick commit to Montevallo track and field
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Reeltown track and field athletes Sandrea Coleman and JJ Kendrick both announced their commitment to continue their athletic careers at the University of Montevallo.
The Rebels are no strangers when it comes to success in track and field with their second-place finish at the indoor track state finals last season. Now two of their star athletes have taken the next step to the collegiate level. Both Coleman and Kendrick discussed the difficulty they faced when it came to their recruiting journey.
“Honestly, at the beginning, it was kind of hard because it was like offers were not rolling in at the time,” Coleman said. Kendrick said there was a point in time when he was not sure if he’d even get the opportunity to continue his athletic career.
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal knows his team won’t be the biggest on the field this fall, but that won’t stop the Tigers from playing physically.
O’Neal and four Tallassee seniors — Eli Whittington, Carter Sayers, Josh Griffin and Kevin Mason — made the trip to Opelika on Wednesday to participate in the Fox Sports High School Media Day held at the Bottling Plant Event Center.
The five Tigers talked about the season and O’Neal made one thing certain — Tallassee’s not scared of any team on the schedule.
“Schemes change, but the philosophy doesn’t change,” O’Neal said.
“We’re going to be a hard-nosed team and we’re going to fight between those lines.
We’re going to give everything we have.” Offensively, Tallassee returns the majority of its skill players and even added some in Griffin and Mason.
Quarterback Trent Morris returns in the backfield for his sophomore season, with Griffin as well as Joseph Hooks and others lining up beside him in the backfield. Last year with Montgomery Catholic, Griffin rushed for 1,824 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Mason will serve as one of the team’s top receivers alongside Chase Chumley, JD McKenzie and others. Last year, Mason scored 57 touchdowns for Southern Prep in 8-man football.
“We’re going to run the ball and open it up
a little and throw the ball to try and stretch the field,” O’Neal said.
“We’re going to make you cover all 53 yards wide and 100 yards long. We’ll make teams cover the whole field.”
Sayers and Whittington represented the defense at the media day. Whittington was one of the best defensive ends in the county last season while Sayers has seen vast improvements this summer and has really disrupted the middle of the field.
Last year, Tallassee’s defense was the worst in program history as the Tigers gave up a program-record 397 points in 10 games.
O’Neal and company guaranteed the defense will be better this season.
“Defensively, we’re going to be what we’re going to be and that’s a hard-nosed fighting team,” O’Neal said. “We might not be the biggest team on the field, but we’ll have a big heart and we are going to play with some physicality and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
Tallassee will start fall practice on Monday, July 29 since the Tigers did not play a spring game.
O’Neal has 58 players suited up for the season with a senior class of 23 players.
With the summer here and gone, the Tigers are ready to hit the field against Montgomery Academy on August 23.
“We’re not only looking for a good year, but a great year at Tallassee,” O’Neal said. “The kids have bought into what we’re preaching, and that’s hard work. Hard work is undefeated.”
TPI Tallassee’s Rowen Thornton shoots against Barbour County last year. Thornton, a rising senior, has picked up two junior college offers this offseason.
See SWIMS, Page B2
Reeltown’s Sandrea Coleman has committed to Montevallo track and field. She was a discus and shot put thrower for the Rebels.
High standards set for the Reeltown Rebels
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Reeltown will come off a successful 20232024 campaign where they reached the state championship but ultimately fell short. This year, they lost some of the production on both sides of the ball but still possess a chance to repeat this season.
The Rebels were one of the teams to participate in the Fox Sports High School Football Media held in Opelika at the Bottling Plant Event Center on Wednesday, July 24. Head coach Matt Johnson along with
seniors Tae Martin, Finn Henderson, Dylan Bryant and Cruise Johnson were available to talk to the media.
The team is going to be without its leading passer, leading rusher and one of the top tacklers from the defensive unit. However, Johnson assured that the upcoming senior class will be an experienced group that can fill the holes throughout the team.
“We've also got a lot coming back,” Johnson said. “This junior class that we had last year, these seniors up here. They've been playing a lot of football, a lot of
these guys have been starting since their sophomore year.”
One of the more underrated aspects of the team is the big men on both the defensive and offensive linemen that will return for the squad.
“Four out of our five offensive linemen, and all three of our defensive linemen have been starters since their sophomore season,” Johnson said. “This is a group that’s got a lot of potential.”
One of the biggest contributors on both sides of the ball for Reeltown, Tae Martin, is another returning piece to the team. He alone returns over 1,300 total yards and 20 touchdowns while adding a team-high 120 tackles.
The team will open the season up against T.R. Miller, who last year reached the second round of the playoff with a final record of 8-4. Beginning the season against a tough
Continued from B1
in Opelika.
opponent is something Reeltown is accustomed to at this point. Despite that, coach Johnson has prepared the team for the entire offseason so as not to let the outcome, win or loss, determine the rest of the season.
“We win the game, you've got to come right back down from that success because turn right around we got Trinity (Presbyterian) the next week and you
“I went from May to June, July, with no other offers, not knowing if I was going to keep running or not,” Kendrick said. “So I was really like losing faith in hope. But I kept at it and then Montevallo came along.”
Although the journey for the two standouts was no easy path, they eventually got their shot at Montevallo. Coleman emphasized she was looking for a university that put school on the same playing field as athletics.
“Before I’m an athlete, I’m a student, so I obviously want to make sure I’m doing the best I can in school,” Coleman said. “I felt like, for this school, they will be behind me 110% whether it’s academics or athletics.”
For Kendrick, he was looking for a college that had a level of comfortability that would provide him with an ample amount of opportunity to be successful.
“I wanted to feel at home like I was still, you know, running track at Reeltown,” Kendrick said. “That’s another thing I was looking for at Montevallo.”
The two have big aspirations once they begin their collegiate career with the Falcons, but the main goal is to acclimate quickly to hit the ground running.
“My expectation is really just trying to go in, get a feel for
SWIMS Continued from B1
up there against some really good competition. It was my third time qualifying for the Southeastern Championships and I swam some personal bests there.”
Mask has spent almost his entire summer training for this event, and that training has called for some long days. His morning starts around 4:45 a.m., when he wakes up to drive to Opelika.
His practices begin at 6 a.m., then he trains for three hours. Following training, he goes to work as a lifeguard in Opelika. He was more than pleased when he found out he made the Futures cut, but it wasn’t enough.
OFFERS Continued from B1
got the rest of the season,” Johnson said. “... on the flip side of that, if you come up short in that game you don't want to let that be detrimental to your season.”
Although the team had a season that most dream for, Henderson wants to come out the other side of the state championship his senior year.
“I feel like I can speak for everybody on this, our goal this year
is to win the state championship,” Henderson said. “We're not satisfied with what we did last year We did have a very successful season, 13-1. But our goal is to make it to the Super 7, win that ring.”
The Rebels will open the season against the Tigers on Aug. 22 as one of the teams to participate in the Cramton Bowl for the 2024 AHSAA Kickoff Classic.
everything, but I want to get a feel for everything fast, and I expect you know myself to do really good,” Kendrick said.
Throughout their recruiting, they both saw the staff at Reeltown be a huge benefit. Whether it be their coaching staff getting their numbers out to colleges or staying on top of grades, they
He wanted to compete and not just qualify. So he put in more time in the pool this summer than he ever has.
“I’ve just had more of a drive this summer,” Mask said. “I was facing much tougher competition and it’s a different pool. I’m used to racing in a short course, not a long course, so that was a lot of training to get ready for that. Really, I just wanted to make sure I could compete so that’s where I grew the most. I trained a lot more and believed in myself more.”
The Southeastern championships were held in Huntsville. He spent multiple days there but left with three personal bests. In the 100-yard breaststroke, he set a personal best of 1:06.44,
of the summer trying to improve on driving to the basket.
“Coach Mixson has been on my tail about driving to the hoop,” Thornton said. “He’s always telling me to stop jacking up 3s and mid-ranges and drive some. I’m a great shooter, but if I can start driving to the basket it will really
always had someone in their corner.
“Being a Reeltown Rebel is always going to be something I am proud of,” Coleman said. “No matter what, I could be in the Olympics, I will always refer to myself as a Reeltown Rebel like they are definitely a supportive team.
which was 2.77 seconds better than his previous best. He finished sixth in that event.
In the 200-yard breaststroke, he had a time of 2:32.73, 4.99 seconds better than his best. That resulted in a 13th place finish.
His top finish came in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 30.22 that landed him in fifth place. He dropped 1.01 seconds from his previous best. After driving back to Tallassee, he headed back to Huntsville. The USA Futures is usually held in the Orlando area, but this year was in Huntsville. So he made the trek back to the top of the state. He didn’ts set any personal bests but did qualify for the finals in
help open up my shooting chances. It helps in all three levels of the game.”
He’s hoping his shooting will improve as well once Tallassee starts school back in the coming weeks and the gym unlocks. He plans to start shooting close to 1,000 shots a day — he plans to help his team advance farther in the playoffs this season. Tallassee returns a handful of talented underclassmen and guards to its roster this season, including
the 100-breaststroke.
“It was nerve wracking at first,” Mask said. “I was going into a USA series meet for the first time. But once I got in the warmup pool and started swimming with everyone, I quickly realized it was just like every other meet I’ve been to. I quickly got adjusted to everything and swam the races I normally do.” Mask’s summer is now complete and the swimmer turns his sights towards swimming for Tallassee high school for one last season. A few collegiate offers have started rolling in from Division II schools, but he is hoping for a strong final season to get a couple of larger schools in the mix.
All-County guard Jaiden Gordon who is going into his freshman season. The Tigers are in a new classification as they’ve moved down to Class 4A, and Thornton hopes that can help their postseason success.
“We’re hoping to make a push to the playoffs with the guys we have coming back,” Thornton said. “We want to make it past sub-regionals. Since I’ve been on varsity, we haven’t gotten past that round. So that’s our goal. We want to play in the coliseum.”
FIELD
Reeltown’s JJ Kendrick has committed to Montevallo for track and field. His specialty as a Rebel was hurdles.
SAMUEL HIGGS | TPI
Dylan Bryant discusses his expectation for the team this season at the Fox Sports Media Day
AHSAA announces playoff region matchups
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
Teams in Elmore County now have a better understanding of their potential playoff opponents.
The AHSAA released its annual Sports Books for each sport this season. In the books, playoff brackets were announced with which regions matchup in the first round.
Here’s a look at the fall sports playoff matchups.
FOOTBALL
In Class 6A, Stanhope and Wetumpka are both in Region 2 and will avoid the Mobile area in the first round. The Indians and Mustangs match up with Region 4 this season, which
consists of Hueytown, McAdory, Brookwood, Bessemer City, Tuscaloosa Central, Northridge and Paul W. Bryant.
Elmore County and Holtville are both in Class 5A, Region 4 this season which also avoids the coast, but Region 2 is no slouch by any means. Region 2 features Andalusia, Carroll-Ozark, Charles Henderson, Eufaula, Headland, Catholic and Greenville.
With Tallassee moving down to Class 4A, the Tigers will see all kinds of new opponents in the playoffs. They are in Region 3, which matches up with Mobile schools. The Tigers’ potential playoff opponents are Escambia County, Jackson, Mobile Christian, Orange Beach, Satsuma, St. Michael Catholic
songs from Green Day. It’ll start off with Know Your Enemy, followed by Basket Case, American Idiot and 21 Guns.
“Some of the kids said, ‘I want to play some rock music,’” Glasscock said.
And that was enough for Glasscock to buy some prearranged Green Day music and start piecing the show together.
Many times, the Pride of Tallassee has custom arrangements made for its show only; however, in order to be more cost effective, Glasscock went with a prearrangement this year. The prearrangements were already made for Green Day, so it seemed like the perfect fit.
As for the formations on the field, that’s all the brainchild of Glasscock himself.
“That’s what I spent probably half of June working on,” he said. “I’ve got a computer program and basically it looks like a huge piece of graph paper. I sit there and put the little dots on the field, make the shapes, and I’m printing it actually right now.”
Looking ahead to the season, it’s not just the halftime shows the kids are looking forward to. But just the excitement of Friday night football games is what keeps the Tigers going strong through the heat at camp.
“I think they probably have more fun playing in the bleachers than anything else,” Glasscock said. “I do have a couple students that because of their schedules, they can’t do camp so they just sign up to play in the bleachers with us. Of course with the auxiliaries, it’s all about the halftime show. So ultimately, they’re just looking forward to an opportunity to perform. That’s what they really enjoy doing.”
and W.S. Neal.
VOLLEYBALL
Wetumpka and Stanhope will remain together in volleyball as well as the two rivals are part of a four-team Area 4 in Class 6A. They have two new area opponents, however, in Percy Julian and Montgomery Academy
If either team makes the trip to the Cramton Bowl for regionals, they will face off with Area 5 which features Benjamin Russell, Calera and Chilton County.
Elmore County and Holtville were split up this season, with Holtville being moved to Area 6 alongside Marbury, St. James, Montgomery Catholic and Trinity. The Bulldogs’ area matches up with Area 3, which is Andalusia, Greenville, Charles Hen-
derson and Brewbaker Tech. Elmore County is in Area 7 with Beauregard and Valley. Area 7 matches up with Area 2 in the regional tournament.
Area 2 features Citronelle, Faith Academy, LeFlore and Vigor. In Class 4A, Tallassee is part of Area 5 with LAMP, PCA and BTW Tuskegee. The Tigers match up with Area 4 in regionals, which is New Brockton, Opp, Pike County and Straughn.
CROSS COUNTRY
All five Elmore County teams are in Section 2 of their respective classifications. Each team is part of at least a 10-team sectional, and dates and locations for the sectionals race have been announced.
Both Class 4A and 6A, Sec-
tion 2 will be held together. Wetumpka, Stanhope and Tallassee will all travel east to Kiesel Park in Auburn on Oct. 31. Elmore County and Holtville, in Class 5A, will be traveling to Central Clay County on Oct. 31.
FLAG FOOTBALL
The only county team with a flag football squad in 2024 is Tallassee, which will compete in Class 1A-5A, Region 3 alongside BTW, Lafayette, Lee-Scott, Loachapoka and Valley. The Tigers match up with Region 1 in the playoffs, a Mobile region. The opponents in Region 1 are B.C. Rain, Citronelle, Elberta, LeFlore, Mobile Christian, Satsuma and Vigor. The playoffs begin the first week of November.
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | TPI
The drum line practices inside the band room at Tallassee High School.
SCORPIO (Oct.
Opportunities
Tonight: Cooperate.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Although this is an excellent day to wrap up issues that are work-related or even health-related; nevertheless, it’s also a lovely day to schmooze and enjoy the company of others. Playful
PISCES
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Resumes may be mailed to: Judge Amanda Baxley, PO Box 2123, Clanton AL 35046
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Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-101 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the
Elmore County begins fall camp
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
It’s officially football season in Eclectic.
The Elmore County football team hit the practice field Monday for the first time this fall. The official start date for the AHSAA is Monday, Aug. 5, but the Panthers didn’t have a spring season so were able to begin a week earlier.
“We limit ourselves with time during the summer, so this is the first time today that we’ve extended ourselves,” head coach Kyle Caldwell said. “We worked on special teams early and worked on different situations. It’s new but it’s not new. We’re excited and the kids have busted their tails this summer.”
After running through warm-ups, the Panthers split
up into different groups. The offensive line worked through schemes and pulling against other players without pads, while special teams players worked through punts.
Following both groups of punt teams getting their reps in, the teams turned to 11-on11 and worked on specific play calls, formations and
YOUNG SONGWRITER
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
ive songwriters from across the southeast gathered for Lake Martin Songwriters Festival’s 20 and under competition. For the first time, the winner of the competition would receive a scholarship to the Jeffrey Steele Academy Bootcamp, which was funded through the festival’s t-shirt sales. Taking to the stage Friday night at Russell Crossroads were Ava Connell, Kaitlyn Croker, Jasmine
Humphries, Jackson Kane and Leah Slaughter. After the performances judges Kurtis John and Casey Le’Vasseur announced Connell as the winner of the 20 and under competition.
Panthers ready for 2024 volleyball season
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The faces may change, but Elmore County’s expectations stay the same. Elmore County’s volleyball team enters the 2024 season with a handful of new faces taking the court.
The Panthers graduated four starters from last year s team, but coach Kim Moncrief’s new team knows what is expected of them.
Elmore County has won 14-consecutive area championships and won 27 games last season. With that standard in mind, the Panthers took on six play dates this summer including a gauntlet of a playdate in Mobile that featured Elite Eight, Final Four and state finalists.
In Mobile, Elmore County faced off with St. Luke’s Episcopal twice, then faced St. Paul’s, UMS Wright and Alma Bryant.
“I think that play date was our best as far as improving from one level to another, almost literally overnight,” Moncrief said. “We were trying to find our identity down there and I think we did that. After a rough first day, we made massive improvements towards the end and it’s really good for the girls to see that progress.”
The team’s leading returner from a year ago is senior Ally Orr. As an outside hitter last year, Orr recorded 181 kills, good for 2 kills per set, to go along with 12 blocks, 149 digs, 13 assists and 16 service aces.
This year, she will serve a versatile and leadership role.
on the left side with Orr Fuller will likely be prominently on the left side while Lyons will play on both sides of the court.
The team will be transitioning back to a 6-2 rotation on the court featuring two setters at all times.
Addison Hicks, Kennedy Robinson, Addie Stephenson and Addie Patterson all look to play in that role, but who is on the floor with each other has not been decided yet.
“I really think they’re going to do a fantastic job of stepping into those shoes of that position,” Moncrief said. “We just have to figure out who works best together.”
On defense, Avery Hull looks to be one of the top defensive players on the team along with Addilyn Tierce, Sydney Boardwine and Libby Powell.
“Identity wise, we found out this summer that we are stronger on defense than we thought we might be,” Moncrief said. “I feel like we’ve stepped it up tremendously on defense.”
Kayden Edwards and Robbie Grace Bolton look to step into roles in the middle of the court, and sophomore Lalah Culpepper has impressed with her ability up front at the net.
The team will be in a new area this season after losing Marbury and Holtville in the realignment. Instead, Elmore County will face Valley and Beauregard in area matchups. The distance to each opponent is longer, and Moncrief knows her team will have to bring their best against both teams each night they play.
Elmore County defense to lead early
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Kyle Caldwell knows what his team’s identity will be early. The Elmore County football team made its way to Opelika on Tuesday afternoon to participate in the Fox Sports High School Media Day held at the Bottling Plant Event Center. Caldwell brought three players – linebacker Jackson Mann, linebacker Connor Pike and defensive lineman Luke Reinert – to the podium to field questions from the media. The three stars headline a defense that returns six starters from a year ago. On the flip side, Elmore County’s offense
DEFENSE, Page B8 See SONGWRITER, Page B8
“I feel like we really have strong leadership with Ally,” Moncrief said. “She’s been a leader the last few years, but there’s a lot of leadership this year. She’s stepping into a dominant hitting position for us but will also be one of our best all-around players.”
Elizabeth Lyons and Isabella Fuller will also help
“We’ll have to get the girls’ minds right on the bus after the longer travels,” Moncrief said. “It can be hard sometimes to keep the intensity and excitement up after being on the bus for a while, but we can handle it. Both teams are going to be very competitive.”
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI An Elmore County receiver catches a pass during the Panthers’ first practice. Elmore County returns only eight total catches from its receiving corps from a year ago.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Elmore County linebacker Jackson Mann focuses on the Panthers’ offense during the first day of practice. Mann, a now four-year starter, has 287 career tackles.
lost its starting quarterback, its four leading rushers, its top two receivers and four starting offensive linemen.
“Our staple early in the year is going to be to hang out hats on the defense,” Caldwell said. “These three up here with me are all starters on the defense and the saying is ‘Defense wins championships.’ If we can find our offensive identity early,
instances.
“We’re working on third down play calls and what to do in the red zone,” Caldwell said.
“It’s new in terms of this fall, but it isn’t new for the kids. It may not be new, but it’s different from what we’ve done all summer and the energy is a
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Continued from B7
hopefully by that break in the season we can get our offense some firepower and make a run towards the playoffs.”
The top returning skill player on offense is Parker Hobbs, who rushed for 226 yards and one touchdown on 34 carries. Caleb Spivey had three rushing touchdowns out of the wildcat, and Tyler Payton added 78 yards. The Panthers also add Eli Thames from Wetumpka who will split carries.
“We’ve been trying to figure out our identity this sum-
little bit higher today.”
Elmore County will feature a lot of new faces on the field this fall, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The team lost quarterback Ryals McNeely, running back CJ Wilkes, receivers Jabari Murphy and Cade Everson and the majority of its offensive line.
So this summer, guys like Tate McNeely and Jacob Baker have stepped into those new
Ava Connell Connell is from Marietta, Georgia, and this is her first competition. She said she had never been in front of a panel of judges before like this, so she was both nervous and excited.
mer, especially in our OTAs,” Caldwell said. “How can we get our best players the ball and in the best position to succeed? We have some guys we need to equal out touches like last year with Cade (Everson) and Jabari (Murphy). We have some running backs who can tote the ball, and our region knows you have to run the ball well to win games.”
Elmore County has increased its win total in each of the last two seasons under Caldwell. The Panthers went 0-10 in 2021, then 7-4 and 8-3
roles on the outside.
Parker Hobbs is a returner at running back, and Gage Davis and Caleb Spivey threw passes at quarterback. Those guys have been playing all summer in 7-on-7s and various OTAs, and they no longer look like newcomers in Caldwell’s eyes.
“I thought our young guys really stepped up the last few months, especially at receiver,” Caldwell said. “We’re excited
Since the age of 12, Connell has been creating and performing music.
“I liked writing in general, writing poems with my grandmother,” Connell said. “Once I started to learn guitar
each of the last two seasons. They have reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Players like Mann and Reinert have been contributors to all three of those teams in their careers.
Mann has been starting middle linebacker since he was a freshman. He’s been part of a team that couldn’t win a game, and he’s now been part of two back-to-back playoff teams.
The difference, he says, is just the team’s mentality.
Elmore County has a differ-
about their growth because we’re going to need them to continue stepping up and produce.”
The receiving corps was hit the hardest of any group. Returning to the team this season is only eight varsity catches. That was split up between five players, with four of the catches coming from tight end Justin Brooks.
I started to put them together.”
ent mentality than it had three seasons ago, and Mann and the class of 2025 looks to put a bow on that culture change with a third-straight playoff appearance.
“We got after it freshman season, but things didn’t really click for us,” Mann said. “Coach Caldwell came in and helped us out and kind of changed momentum. We changed the narrative. Our group and our class has done a good job of that and we’ve changed how people on the outside look at us now.”
Guys like Baker, however, are excited for their chance to show what they’re made of.
On the Russell Crossroads stage, Connell also sang her first single “One for the Road,” debuting Aug 16, for the first time live.
Kaitlyn
Croker
“I think our receiving corps is going to be solid,” Baker said. “We may have lost some guys, but we have a good group of underclassmen that are looking good. We’re pumped to be out here. Now we’re pumped. Now we’re just ready to put on pads and get to hitting each other. We want to work on being physical this year.
Originally from Maryland, Croker started songwriting full time three years ago when she first moved to Nashville. However, she started singing when she was four years old.
“I was a little girl
into my Disney princess movies and my love and passion (for music) just evolved from there,” Croker said. “It just started like any other girl wanting to sing with the Disney princesses.” She started performing
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Connell later performed her new single, “One for the Road,” Saturday night at Prime Steakhouse.