Tallassee hits the field for first day of
One injured in Saturday shooting on 229
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
One victim is in critical condition after being shot in the car Saturday on Highway 229 just south of Tallassee.
Tallassee Police Department Lt. Jon Rawls said the case is still currently under investigation and the department has few details it can release.
“From the information we currently have, it was a
gunshot from one vehicle to another,” Rawls said Sunday afternoon. “It happened in the southbound lane of 229 just south of town but was still in our jurisdiction.”
The victim was transported to Baptist Medical Center
South and is in critical condition. Rawls said he is aware of only one victim from the Saturday night incident. “We don’t have a lot we can release to the public at this time,” Rawls said. “If
RAISING AWARENESS ONE ROCK AT A TIME
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Scattered across Elmore County, across the country and even across the world are rocks in honor of Alec Tyndall.
From Eclectic to
Wetumpka, Rhode Island to Arizona and Canada to New Zealand, these rocks celebrate the life of Tyndall while raising awareness about distracted driving.
Tyndall was 18 and just two months after graduating from Tallassee High
School in 2016 when he died following a car wreck. “Soon after, the kindness rock project became popular,” Alec’s mother Michelle Sewell said in a Facebook post. “We started
See AWARENESS, Page A5
SUBMITTED | TPI Randy Sewell straightened up the Free Little Library in Holtville and place two of his rocks there remembering his son Alec.
Consistency key to discipline issues
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
While some teachers spent the summer on vacation, many school staff members were hard at work implementing new policies that’ll affect students throughout the year.
Tallassee now has a new school cell phone policy, similar to the one at Stanhope Elmore, and several other adjustments were made to comply with new legislation directed at protecting students and staff.
“They are always passing
different things in the legislature that affect things in discipline but this year more so than ever,” Elmore County Schools director of compliance Steve McKenzie said.
This year all school systems
See KEY, Page A6
anyone saw anything we ask they give investigators a call.” Those wanting to speak to investigators about the incident are asked to call the Tallassee Police Department at 334-283-6586.
‘Cheat code’
Police K-9 credited for numerous drug arrests
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Blek looks like most German Shorthair Pointers. The breed has been used primarily by hunters for decades. The dogs’ friendly disposition has made the breed one of choice by law enforcement and airports for their remarkable nose aiding in locating drugs.
Blek has been with the Tallassee Police Department for more than two years and has proven to be successful at what he is trained to do.
“It is almost like having a cheat code to a game,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “You just run the dog around the car during a traffic stop. If he indicates, there you go; you will find drugs.” Saturday, Blek was called into action after a car was stopped for speeding on Highway 229. With K-9 officer Hunter Sink at the other end of the leash, Blek indicated. Drugs were soon found. Officers located
Obituaries
COLONEL MICHAEL D. EDWARDS
USAF RETIRED
He took his final flight on July 9, 2024 at age 81.
He is survived my his wife Claire of 46 years, three children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
Michael had a distinguished career as a Command Pilot. He had nearly 4800 hours in the B-52, KC
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
AUG. 4
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road and Gladys Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Poplar Street.
AUG. 3
• An assault was reported on Highway 229.
• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Theft was reported on East Patton Street.
• Harassment was reported on Davidson Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Powers Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue and Jordan Avenue.
AUG. 2
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black male was arrested on Industrial Parkway.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue and Barnett Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Washington Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on
135, T-38, and T-37. Because of his love for teaching and love for child he became a Third Grade teacher at Tallassee Elementary for 13 years. It was a joy for him to inspire and teach children to succeed in life.
After retiring, he continued to have interest in the students he taught. When any of his student graduated from Tallassee HS he
Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Lily Avenue.
AUG. 1
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Hicks Store Road.
• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on East Roosevelt Stret.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Caldwell Street.
• Animal control was requested on Rosemere Drive.
• Theft was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Ashurst Avenue.
JULY 31
• A juvenile complaint was reported on South Central Boulevard and Rickey Lane.
• A domestic incident was reported on Rickey Lane.
• A welfare check was conducted on Ice Plant Road.
• Harassment was reported on Highway 229.
• Animal cruelty was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Asbury Ridge.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Camelia Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Hillcrest Street and Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on
Third Avenue.
would attend the graduation and give them a personal that congratulated them on their accomplishment.
Funeral services will be held August 10, 2024 at 11: 00 a.m. ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL
Reception to follow In leiu of flowers a donation can be made to the Humane Shelter Elmore County.
• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road and Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hanil Drive.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
JULY 30
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Second Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Hornsby Drive.
• Harassing communications was reported on Friendship Road.
• Identity theft was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Violation of a protection order was reported on Powers Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
JULY 29
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to another agen -
cy on South Tallassee Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunshots were reported on Central Boulevard.
• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Highway 14.
• A suspicious person was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard and West Patton Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Friendship Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Animal control was requested on Highway 229 and Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Eubanks Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Ashurst Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Notasulga Road.
JULY 28
• A white female and a Black male were arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Dark Corners Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Gunshots were reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Kent Road.
• Child abuse was reported on West Patton Street.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Shelter still battling canine flu
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is an update that our shelter is still working through Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2) in our dogs. The good news is our dogs are responding well to the antibiotics so not just a matter of getting them over their symptoms and past any contagious period. Our restrictions remain in place of no dog adoptions, limited intake to critical strays, and no public walk-through in our kennels to ensure visitors don’t take this home to their dogs. Cat intake and adoptions continue as normal as this does not affect our cats.
We greatly appreciate the community’s support as we work through this challenge. Your donations to help our pets and even our staff (lunch, snacks) has been most definitely appreciated. Our dogs are still getting exercised thanks to our intrepid team of volunteer dog
exercisers who adjusted to procedural changes as they help us look out for our dog’s physical & mental health. Your continued patience with our temporary changes for likely the next two, possibly three weeks, is most appreciated.
As we look forward to putting Canine Influenza behind us by the end of the month, we can also look ahead to our 18th annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse on Sunday, Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 22.
As we look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Toulouse time for area Vendors to jump on board! We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc to join us and our vendor fee is only $40. Vendors must bring your own tables/pop-up/chairs and there is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for site planning.
You can find our info
and Vendor Application/ payment online. If you prefer us to email you the letter and forms in .pdf for printing, email us at hselco@bellsouth. net, or message us on our Shelter Facebook page.
There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, Microchip Clinic, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Parade, Bark in the Park T-Shirts and a great selection of pet & other great Silent Auction items!
Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/ person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week — Princess
Princess is a lovely calico lady. She is doing well at 12 years old with many years of love yet to give. She is an indoor kitty. She was surrendered by her owner who could no longer keep her. Princess is a very sweet lady. She had lived with another cat and a small dog but has not been around younger children.
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 par-
ticipating veterinarian.
If you are interested in 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.
Our View Opinion
The power of the local media
aking criminals off the streets is the most import-
Ta case from years ago or something more
and sheriffs alike are always hoping for justice.
Recently, a grand jury indictment was able to be served thanks to an Alexander City Outlook Facebook post.
Last Wednesday, Caron Culberson, 46, of Roanoke, was arrested by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office on a grand jury indictment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
“She apparently saw the article (The Outlook) posted and she turned herself in,” Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force Sgt. Chad Jones said. According to Jones, it was a routine traffic stop in 2019 and something as simple as a change of address could’ve led to her indictment never being served. But the county’s most wanted list, which was released July 15, was compiled of some of the oldest warrants the county had outstanding, one of which was Culberson’s indictment.
This more than ever shows the power of the local media.
Of course, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department had made its most wanted list available for the public on its newly launched app. And of course, people can download that for free and see the information available.
But The Outlook put that information at the forefront. The list had been released for a couple days before publication, but it wasn’t until Culberson saw the post on The Outlook’s Facebook page that she noticed herself on it.
While Culberson quickly bonded out for her alleged crimes, she now has an arraignment set for Aug. 29 and has been taken off the most wanted list. She is one step further in the justice system.
Back in my day… No, I’m kidding. I won’t go there.
But I will say this, the first day of football practice has changed over the course of my 15-year career covering high school football.
When I first started in Pennsylvania, there was so much excitement surrounding the first day of practice. It was what we all waited for As reporters, we spent hours upon hours at two-a-days, just waiting for the first day of school to start so we’d have only afternoon practices to deal with.
But now, it’s completely different.
In Alabama, I was introduced to spring football. That’s not a thing in Pennsylvania — at least not when I was there.
Ten days of practice complete with a spring game — heck yes, I thought I was in heaven.
And don’t get me wrong; I do love a good spring game. There’s just something about football under the lights that will always be exciting to me.
But there’s a pretty clear
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
Obituaries:
the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
argument we’re over-professionalizing high school sports, especially football in Alabama.
Even 7-on-7 tournaments and organized team activities are now taking over the summer. There’s summer workouts, weight lifting and Iron Man competitions.
All of these things have their place, to be sure, but are they the right fit for high school?
It’s something to consider. There have been advancements when it comes to twoa-days, which were grueling in their own right. Hours upon hours were spent in the summer heat with full pads, causing worries for parents and coaches for safety reasons. There have been regulations put on the number of hours kids can prac tice and what heat indexes have to be at for a safe day outside. However, there’s something lackluster about football prac -
tice the first couple of “official days.”
Monday — Tallassee, Dadeville and Reeltown — and I got to see a good mix of what all the teams in our tri-county area are doing. Of the three, only Tallassee was in shoulder pads because the Tigers didn’t play a spring game and got to start a few days early.
For Tiger coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal, there was some excitement in the air to be sure. about being back out on the football field.
Reeltown and Dadeville, it seemed like just another day. We are less than three weeks away from the first game of the season, and there should be that fervor and hype in the air. With how busy these teams are during the spring and summer, it’s just not there anymore.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoo sa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
Future looks good from here
If the youth in Elmore County is any indication, I am confident the future will be bright.
I’m so confident in fact I’m predicting there is a future president who has recently graduated or will soon graduate from a high school in the county.
There are future leaders who have already led.
Some were valedictorians of their respective classes such as Aysia Jackson, the Stanhope Elmore graduate who plans to be a nurse anesthetist.
I’m sure there is a good chance she will put me to sleep in the future as her classmate Lorin McElrath, who has been planning to be a dermatologist since she was 7, will remove skin cancer from my face or arms.
Other seniors led in other ways. How many girls can say they choreographed a dance routine for their male classmates to perform on the stage?
Tallassee graduate Sarah Jane Patterson can. She is going to Troy to continue to study dance.
I’m confident Sarah Jane will be listed in the credits of a big Broadway production someday.
Others like Rutlege Rogers are still in high school but used the summer to better themselves. He visited with teenagers from across the country touring the area. He learned about his community from a different
viewpoint.
Other students are coaching up teammates for the football fields and basketball courts.
Others are helping introduce freshmen to the robotics and science teams at Wetumpka High School.
In many cases some of the students’ success and developing vision can be credited to parents. Some of the success can be credited to help from teachers such as Dr. Virginia Vilardi and Johanna Angelo.
In all cases the common thread among the students who succeed are parents, teachers and a circle who allow the students to become who they are. They are allowed to explore and learn for themselves. They are allowed to share what they have learned through projects and speeches.
It’s even outside their subject area. Just look at McElrath. She and two other students created the SuperKids prom. It didn’t fall into McElrath’s wheelhouse but she and two classmates pulled the event of a lifetime for their special classmates.
The students are modeling
behaviors adults can learn from.
With the start of a new school year, it is time we allow our students to learn for themselves without the towering authority of adults. Yes structure is needed, but not a rigid system that is often archaic.
Along the way the students will help us adults create a better world for everyone.
Despite what all the talking heads say about division and animosity in the world, if we follow the lead of our youth we will be just fine. It’s so many of those talking heads that have us believing our friends are enemies. Do kids on the playground see race or religion? No, they see someone to play with — a potential friend.
Let’s take the example of our youth and follow it. Let’s study our past and current events and actions, learn from them and be respectful as possible when discussing them. Our youth are watching how we handle the conversation.
Youngsters are our future and can create a better one if we adults get out of the way.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald. com.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Cooling down after a hot summer of reading
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Tallassee area children may have been indoors this summer. But they stayed hot reading as part of the Tallassee Community Library Summer reading program “Adventure Begins at the Library.” According to library director Margaret Lumpkin, the program’s children read 6,289 books in just seven weeks this summer – a total of 1,879 more than last summer.
Almost 60 children
logged books read over the summer, and together, they celebrated last Wednesday. They cooled off from the frenzied reading pace with a water party and sprinkler supplied by the Tallassee Fire Department. “It’s a fun way to end the summer program,” Lumpkin said.
The total number of books wasn’t the only record broken. Esther Dixon broke the record for an individual with 1,382 books read in the age 2 to 5 category, which is 271 more books than ever read
by a single child in the program’s history. Dixon wasn’t the only successful reader. In the same category, Hudson Granger read 657 books and Brie Barrett 368.
Overall, 18 children read more than 100 books this summer. Those also include Eli Mann, Madison Strum, Noah Strum, Amelia Glass, Aubree Norman, Klaira Jeffares, Jacob Barrett, Silas Davidson, Webber Scarborough, Gabriel Norman, Jax Glass, Axe Rigsby, Remi Rigsby, Malachi Norman and Silas Scarborough.
Reeltown FCA hosts prayer walk
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Nearly 100 gathered to walk the grounds and halls of Reeltown schools Sunday evening for an event organized by the Reeltown High School FCA. Parents and area residents joined students, teachers and staff to pray for a safe and successful school year. Sponsor
Ashley Bryant said Sunday’s program organized by students is the first of many FCA has planned for the year including Bible studies.
“I’m so excited these kids take this much leadership in this,” Bryant said. “We want to reflect the love of Jesus 24/7 in everything we do. We want to share Christ with everyone.”
After students led a
Rocks For Alec in memory of him. Alec’s father Randy Sewell started painting rocks and placing them wherever we went asking people to post a photo of the rock in our group and place it somewhere else for others to find and it wasn’t long before
prayer as a large group, everyone split into smaller groups with children leading parents and grandparents through the halls stopping to pray when they felt moved. They prayed for a good school year and for a safe environment.
After nearly 45 minutes everyone returned to the high school lunchroom to pray for the success of students and staff.
others joined him in doing the same.
Eight years later the page has more than 9,000 followers and on July 30, Alec’s birthday was celebrated by placing more painted rocks across the world.
“Our mission is to raise awareness of distracted driving while telling the world how amazing our son was,” Michelle posted. Alec’s favorite charac -
Students and teachers get ready for first day of school
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Summer is over and school is starting back.
A new school year starts today for Elmore County Schools and Thursday for Tallassee City Schools. But the preparation has been under way.
Volunteers and parents spent the last few weeks getting ready At the Crenshaw Community Center Sunday, volunteers hosted a back-to-school bash where they gave time, money and services to make sure children were ready for the start of school. Three years ago, the event started with the help of county commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson.
“We do it to help set the kids up for a successful school year,” Jackson said. “They will go back to school in style. The main feature is they are able to get their hair done.”
In addition to a new haircut students left with a new backpack complete with school supplies. Resident Tyriae Benson, who brought her children to take advantage of the good will, is thankful for this kind of event.
“It’s good for the community,” Benson said. “It’s a good way to end the summer before school starts.”
Meanwhile, at Tallassee Elementary School teachers were scurrying around Monday prepping for open
house. Second-grade teachers Jerri Brantley and Hannah Taylor have some experience tackling the first day of school.
No stranger to Tallassee Schools, Taylor became a Tiger in the fifth grade and graduated in 2010. She has taught for nine years, the last four at Tallassee Elementary. Brantley has been teaching for 39 years, all at Tallassee schools. Both know what to expect.
“Most (second graders) are over the tears on the first day, but it depends on who they spent the summer with,” Brantley said. “It’s usually not like kindergarten.’
In Taylor’s experience, the first day can be hectic as some students are accustomed to the school and its routines.
“The tough part is getting them on the right bus,” Taylor said. “Some will try to get on the wrong bus on purpose because it takes them to their friends
house.”
First day of school involves more than just school personnel. Law enforcement is often there and in larger numbers on the first day of school. The traffic the first week is something all too familiar to Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson.
“The first day of school always brings excitement for the students and faculty,” Johnson said. “It also brings a certain amount of aggravation to those who are trying to get to work during the increased traffic that comes with the start of school. Our goal is to make this transition as safe as we possibly can for our students, teachers and the motoring public.”
Crossing guards and extra police officers will be near all schools helping students cross the road and directing traffic. Johnson said one thing is required for everyone.
“Patience is the name of the game,” Johnson said.
New Hispanic food option opens in Tallassee
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Anyone looking for a new restaurant need look no further than Jordan Avenue and Taqueria San Miguel.
The street taco shop has been open for only a week but its owner Eva Juimenez is no stranger to food and restaurants.
“I love to cook,” Juimenez said.
“I’m from California and cooked in restaurants for 17 years.”
More recently, Juimenez has been operating a taco truck out of Opelika for two years but was looking for more.
“It has always been a dream of mine
ters, such as the Minions, Pokemon and SpongeBob Square Pants, are some of Randy Sewell’s inspirations. Some rocks also carry a message and are painted with the words “Rocks for Alec.”
Randy isn’t the only person painting rocks in Alec’s memory. Even some Facebook followers across the country are doing the same.. Karen Lunde of Wetumpka (where is she from?) creates
to open a restaurant,” Juimenez said. Juimenez had never been to Tallassee before. But someone showed her an available building on Jordan Avenue at McKenzie Street. She brought her taco truck and parked for a few weeks, finding success through word of mouth. Now, she hopes the permanent move to Tallassee will also be a successful one.
“Everyone has been so nice,” Juimenez said. “It’s quiet. I like it.”
Juimenez and her family serve tacos, tortas, burritos and more. They plan on daily specials and continue much of the menu from the food truck.
“We only serve fresh ingredients,” Juimenez said. “It’s the only way I know how to cook.”
her own rocks and places them around. She also looks for others at the same time.
“This awareness is important to spread and it has saved my life and I am sure it has and will save others,” Lunde wrote on the Rocks For Alec Facebook page. “Alec will always be in my heart and I am honored to be a part of making people aware.”
That’s exactly what Randy Sewell was hoping for when
he started the Facebook page. He knew his son would rather see someone else smile and do whatever he could to make that happen.
“We started this group because I promised my son the day he passed away that no one would ever forget who Alec was as long as I was alive, and I meant every word,” Sewell wrote. “I love you, Alec. You will always be in the hearts of many.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Grandparents stopped to pray just outside the storm shelter that will house students during tornado warnings.
Eva Juimenez, center, cuts the ribbon on Taqueria San Miguel last week. She is a life long cook and has been wanting her own place.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Children play in a water party hosted by the Tallassee Fire Department last Wednesday.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI Children took advantage of the playground equipment at the Crenshaw Community Center as they wait their turn for hair cuts.
had to make sure their policies matched up with the new Teacher
Bill of Rights. Many of the issues aren’t common in local schools simply because policies and procedures are in place, according to McKen -
zie.
“In some systems, students are being really disruptive,” McKenzie said. “Teachers send them to the of fice and they do not deal with them. They get sent back to the class.”
However, Elmore County Schools uses its Code of Conduct to work through the issues. McKenzie said the protocol has been in place for years and is updated almost yearly with the new legislation.
This year, it was updated with legislation surrounding disturbing obscene images. It is dealt with in the court system, but the Alabama legislature passed a law requiring schools to report it when it is known.
The staff at the schools are trying to prevent it from happening to begin with.
“It’s crazy with the phones,” McKenzie said. “We talk to the students and try to educate them that once those pictures are sent, they are out there.”
The Code of Conduct is broken up into multiple levels. Class I infractions are first dealt with by the teacher, with parents and the administration involved. Class II infractions are essentially sent directly to an assistant principal. The class includes behaviors such as fighting.
The Code of Conduct gives instructions on how teachers and administration should handle reporting the behavior, an investigation, collection of evidence and reporting to parents the findings and resulting discipline.
The first infraction of fighting carries a mandatory five days in alternative school. The second is 10 days.
“It goes up from there,” McKenzie said.
While the plan is established to improve student discipline, issues arise when students have individu -
al educational plans (IEP), such as students in special education. McKenzie said there are even more federal and state regulations to follow in discipline issues regarding those students.
In addition to Elmore County’s new regulations, Tallassee City Schools are implementing the Yondr pouch to greatly limit cell phone use during the school day. It’s a policy approved by the Tallassee Board of Education earlier this summer. It supports a cell phone policy that was on the books for years not allowing their use.
“Our policy already states the phone is supposed to be off and put up during the school day,” Tallassee superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said this summer. “This is just a tool to help teachers and administrators with that policy.”
The Yondr pouch has seen success from neighboring schools, like Stanhope Elmore for the last few years. Students at Stanhope lock the phones in the pouch when they enter
the school building. It is unlocked at the end of the day.
The program has proven successful at Stanhope as scores are and discipline issues are down. It has created other improved behaviors.
Students have returned to habits before cell phones were prevalent among teenagers.
“The biggest thing we have seen and had to adapt to is the noise level,” Stanhope instructional coach
Leslie Caylor said. “The students are actually talking to each other instead of sending messages. It is promoting socialization.”
Tallassee’s cellphone pouch program will have a “key” in each classroom. Teachers will lock the pouches in the morning during an administrative time and unlock them at the end of the day. Students leaving campus in the middle of the day will go through the office to get their phones unlocked.
“In the event a safety concern happens, the teacher can unlock the pouch,” Nolin said.
ARRESTS
Continued from A1
26 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
They arrested Anthony Boles, 54, and Sarah Berg, 43, both of Panama City, Florida, who were charged with possession of methamphetamine, second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Boles and Berg each posted a $19,000 bond last Monday at the Elmore County Jail and were released.
Their arrests are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Blek’s success.
“In the last two months we have had more than one dozen drug arrests because of him,” Buce said.
Blek was acquired in 2022 with funding from the Tallassee Police Department and the state narcotics task force.
Blek’s success has led Buce to look for funding to get another narcotics dog and hopefully take more illegal drugs off the streets.
“It will allow a drug dog to be on duty pretty much every day of the week,” Buce said. “You can beat us. But you can’t beat the dog’s nose. They are very adept at finding illegal narcotics.”
KEYS
What’s in a name?
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. I pray everyone reading this week’s column is doing well and managing the heat. I know we all hear it often, but please remember to check on those you know who are at risk for heat related illness.
My name is Jonathan Graham Yarboro. There was no such thing as sonogram gender identification in 1966. My parents discovered their second child was a boy and named me Jonathan. Graham is my mother’s maiden name and, obviously, Yarboro is my father’s last name.
One might assume a couple of things from my first name. First, I am likely Caucasian, mainly because of the spelling of my name. Second, my parents either read the Bible or
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. There was nothing particularly significant about the name Jonathan at the time of my birth. They just liked the name. My middle name carries a few implications. Graham is a surname of Irish / Scottish origin. If you have ever seen me wearing my kilt, then you know what Graham plaid looks like. My middle name landed me the middle school nickname Graham Cracker, but I digress.
My last name is slightly less specific. Yarboro as a surname originated somewhere in Europe. There are more varied spellings of it than you can shake a stick at, but they all came from the same place originally.
So, it can be said that anyone seeing my name in print or
hearing it spoken somewhere might be able to begin to know something about me. Whatever knowledge gained, however, would be speculative at best. We all know the wisdom regarding assumptions.
The simple fact is, no one could actually know anything about me from simply seeing or hearing my name. Knowing things about people only comes from encountering people. Sure, assumptions can be made on several levels, but nothing can be determined for certain without an actual encounter.
I have had long hair off and on since I was a teenager. I have kept it pony-tail length for the last thirty years. I keep it that way because I like the way it looks and it is the easiest hairstyle to maintain I have
Tallassee Churches
ever had. I also save lots of money on trips to the barber shop!
My choice of hairstyle is a personal choice. Everyone reading this column now knows the reason for my choice. If I had not explained that myself, a host of misinterpretations could potentially follow.
First, one might think I am a hippy holdover. I am, but that has nothing to do with my hair. Second, one might think I wear my hair long as some act of rebellion against societal norms. I don’t. Third, one might assume that, since I have long hair, I obviously smoke marijuana. Many people in the community are certain I do just because I have long hair.
My point is a simple one. Only people who actually
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
interact with me know anything about me. I only know things about people I interact with. I am not special. This is a universal of the human condition. It is something we all share. Another thing we all share is the human temptation to think we know things about people that we actually do not. It happens all the time. Most of our human systems and structures rely on assumptions, but that doesn’t make it right. We are best served to rely first and foremost on the name given to all by God: child of God. Only interactions with others will reveal that name.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Rivalry hits home
Reeltown legend trades in dress blues
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Jackie O’Neal won’t be coaching Tallassee with his son, but the Reeltown legend may be caught wearing purple and gold this fall.
Tallassee head coach
Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal, the son of Jackie, is preparing for his first season as the Tigers head coach.
He wrapped up his first summer at the Fox Sports High School Media Day held at the Bottling Plant Event Center in Opelika,
where he discussed whether his father would help him coach Tallassee this season or not.
Jackie won’t be helping L.A. with the Tigers as he ended his coaching career as an assistant for L.A.’s
‘IT
FEELS GOOD’
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
Football is seemingly a 12-month sport nowadays.
If teams make it far in the playof fs, they are playing into November and even December. Then there’s weight lifting, spring ball, 7-on-7 tournaments. The list goes on and on.
But there’s something different about that first day of official practice.
“Oh, it feels good,” Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal said. “It feels really good. We’ve had a really good summer, but to be out here actually preparing for another team, that feels good.”
Like other teams across Alabama, Tallasee is preparing to open the season in just a few short weeks and while the Tigers have prepared throughout the summer and have high
expectations after falling short last year, now is the time to put things into high gear.
After some intense warmups, the Tigers, dressed in shoulder pads and helmets, got right into the trenches, working their first team offense against the first team defense.
Because Tallassee did not play a spring game, players got to start practice a week early but Monday was the first day the Tigers could get into their pads.
“We’re really retooling what we’ve been doing this summer and we’re ready to see how physical we are,” O’Neal said. “You don’ t have any pads on in the summertime, so you don’t really get a chance to see how physical you’re going to be but this gives us an opportunity to gauge that.”
While this is O’Neal’s
first year at the helm in Tallassee, he brings three years of coaching experience with him from Booker T. Washington.
At BTW, his teams went 19-17 and had two playoff experiences. He also knows what it takes to turn a program around. Prior to O’Neal taking the head coaching job at BTW, the Eagles had had three straight one-win seasons.
Tallassee is coming off a 1-9 season, the worst in recent memory, and O’Neal knows it’s going to take a lot to turn the program around. While his teams typically play a spring game and he would’ve liked to go into the summer with a depth chart, O’Neal’s confident the Tigers have had a strong enough summer to carry them through.
Now, it’ll just be about
Tallassee’s Hooks sees expanded role on defense
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Joseph Hooks has been a mainstay on both sides of the ball during his football career.
The Tallassee senior has played multiple years as both a linebacker and running back, but he is seeing his role shift to mainly defense this season.
Hooks is listed as the STAR linebacker entering the season, which is a hybrid position that serves as a combination of outside linebacker and safety.
“I’m staying mostly on defense to help out on that side of the ball,” Hooks said. “I like the defensive side of the ball more. The defense is a momentum changer and I like being physical. This year, our defense is going to be physical. We’re putting in the work.”
Hooks will continue to take reps at running back, but the Tigers have an abundance of skill players and return Josh Griffin to the backfield.
Griffin is back on Tallassee’s roster after a one-year stint at Mont -
gomery Catholic where he rushed for 1,824 yards and 25 touchdowns.
With that talent in the backfield, Hooks is now focusing on stopping opposing running backs and turning big plays back towards the middle of the field.
“We’re really improving in practice,” Hooks said. “Our outside linebackers and middle linebackers are working together. We’ve been squeezing guys back inside and our middle linebackers are getting stops.”
Stopping the run was one of the biggest issues in Tallassee’s defense last year when the Tigers went 1-9. Hooks said the Tigers failed to contain opposing players from getting outside, and they failed to hit the running backs in the holes.
“We were playing hard, but we’ve worked hard to improve on not giving up the yards and touchdowns like we did then,” Hooks said.
Tallassee’s defense was one of the worst in program history last season.
Tallassee
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
fishing duo shines in Nationals
Carter Davidson and Michael Markham ended their high school careers in a big way. The Tallassee fishing duo graduated from high school in May, but the college signees had one last tournament to participate in this summer. The two traveled to Dayton, Tennessee to fish in the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship. This was the second season
in a row the duo qualified for Nationals. They were one of 272 total teams to qualify and participate in the event. The duo caught six fish for a total weight of 19 pounds, 14 ounces. The total weight was good enough for 18th place in the tournament.
The Top 12 teams after Day 2 advance to the championship match. Davidson and Markham were one pound and 11 ounces away from reaching the Top 12, thus ending their tournament run after two days. After Day 1, they were in
40th place and nearly jumped up enough to extend their trip to Saturday. The championship event wrapped up the high school careers for the Tallassee stars. The duo proved to be one of the best in the entire state of Alabama this season as they won seven tournaments together. They qualified for the state championship earlier this summer. The duo finished in third place on Lake Eufaula in the Alabama Bass Nation High
FILE TPI Reeltown
coach legend Jackie O’Neal, right, enjoys a Reeltown football game a few years ago. O’Neal may be seen in Tallassee purple this season as his son, Lawrence O’Neal, is entering his first year as Tallassee’s head coach.
Tallassee’s football players donned shoulder pads and helmets for the first day of practice Monday morning.
Tallassee returns to fall camp
Tallassee anglers Michael Markham, left, and Carter Davidson show off their catches.The fishing duo placed 18th in the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship.
Because Tallassee did not play a spring game, players got to start practice a week early but Monday was the first day the Tigers could get into their pads.
See CAMP, Page B3
Rebels pick up where they left off
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
It was just another day for the Reeltown Rebels football team.
The squad, which has high expectations for the 2024 season, has been working hard all spring and summer and the first day of official practice was no different.
The Rebels were in T-shirts and helmets for the first day and continued to install what they’ve been working on all summer.
“The kids are excited, and we had a great summer,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “Our numbers are good, and we’ve got a lot of guys returning. But we’ve got a lot of spots open too. These kids have worked really hard, and I’m excited to see what that looks like now.”
Building off what they’ve already done throughout the last several months, Reeltown continued its installs during Monday’s practice. One of the main focuses for the first day was special teams as the Rebels got right to kicking and returning early on Monday. Wednesday is when Reeltown can finally put on its shoulder pads, and the Rebels are ready.
“We’ll finally get to do some hitting,” Johnson said with a laugh. “That’s what we like to do.”
Reeltown faces a tough opponent in Week 1 foe T.R. Miller, and it will visit a big stadium in the Cramton Bowl.
But the Rebels are familiar with being in the spotlight, coming off an appearance in the state championship game. With defending state champion Fyffe making the jump to Class 3A, the Rebels are a clear favorite to win it all in 2A. But they aren’t getting too big for their britches.
Facing off against T.R. Miller in Week 1 will simply be the first test of many.
“We’re treating them the same as any other opponent,” Johnson said. “The kids understand (how important the game is). There’s enough social media, and they understand how big the game is and the expectations being high, but they earned that.”
Reeltown’s Tae Martin to take his talents to North Alabama
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Two-way star Tae Martin took the next step in his athletic career after he announced his commitment to North Alabama, a Division I program.
The Reeltown athlete broke out his junior season on the offensive side of the ball, totaling over 1,300 total yards and 20 touchdowns on offense. Whatever way the team could scheme a way to get him the ball, they did. Whether it was out wide, in the slot or in the backfield, Martin got the ball. However, it was on defense that he first made an impact for the Rebels. As a sophomore in 2022, he totaled 73 total tackles at the safety position but was a true ball-hawk with six interceptions. He followed his junior year with a team-high 120 tackles and an additional six interceptions. His dominance on both sides of the ball is ultimately what drew the attention of North Alabama, who Martin said will allow him to continue to be a two-way player. He discussed the moment he got the call from the university back in December.
“That's when coach
(Morgan) Cruce from North Alabama had called coach (Matt) Johnson and told him that he was gonna offer me during practice,” Martin said. “I got called out then coach Johnson had told me the news.”
Martin did not let the offer slow him down for still competing across the country in multiple camps held at different colleges. He appreciated the effort from the coaching staff at Reeltown for driving him to these camps,
even going as far as the next day after Friday night lights. “Coaches at Reeltown, they'll take me to camps far away, like Marshall,” Martin said. “I went there after a football game.”
Despite having one
more year until he arrives on campus, Martin mentioned the coaching staff at North Alabama being one of the reasons he chose to commit. Still, he got the chance to take the next step from being a dom -
inant two-way player in high school to doing the same at the college level, something that holds major significance to the senior. “It means a lot,” Martin said. “That was my biggest dream ever since I was 5.”
Reeltown’s Tae Martin (12) has found his next home at North Alabama
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | TPI
ABOVE: Reeltown coach Matt Johnson walks his players through installations during the first day of official practice Monday afternoon.
BELOW: Special teams was the name of the game for Reeltown during the first day of football practice Monday.
Booker T. Washington squad last fall.
But don’t be surprised to see the winningest coach in Reeltown history donning Tallassee colors this fall.
“He (Jackie) tells everybody that his first color was purple,” L.A. said. “Wall Street High School was purple and gold, so purple was his first color. He doesn’t have any problem with wearing purple.”
The Wall Street Community Learning Center is located between Reeltown and East Tallassee. Jackie attended school there before integration.
According to L.A., Jackie integrated to Reeltown when he was in seventh grade then wore the Rebels’ blue and white for almost his entire playing and coaching career.
After graduating from Reeltown, he returned in 1978 as an assistant and was promoted to head coach in 1988. He then spent the next 28 seasons as the head coach of Reeltown where he led the Rebels to 241 wins and two state championships.
He is now one third of Reeltown’s stadium namesake: Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium.
During media days, Jackie was mistakenly referred to as the longtime Tallassee head coach.
L.A. quickly corrected the reporter
“I know he won’t let me live it down if I don’t correct you,” O’Neal said with a laugh. “He was the longtime winningest coach at Reeltown. You said Tallassee. He would never let me live that down.”
O’Neal knew his father wouldn’t be coaching with him this season. Before the 2023 season at BTW Tuskegee, Jackie told L.A. that would be his last year.
The two then led BTW to its best season in school history, going 9-5 and reaching the Class 4A semifinals for the first time in school history.
In their three-year stint at BTW, the O’Neals reached the playoffs twice and earned the first playoff win in school history. The Golden Eagles went 3-1 in last season’s playoffs, beating ACA, Handley and an undefeated Jackson team before losing to eventual state champion Montgomery Catholic.
For the O’Neals, it was the perfect way to go out together.
“That was our last run together,” L.A. said. “It was special because we were right there on the doorstep of playing for a state championship. We got to the semifinals and then ran into a really good Montgomery Catholic team. Just the amount of time we were able to spend together throughout practices and conversations around the house, you can’t replace that.”
Jackie may not officially be a coach anymore, but coaching runs in his blood.
And L.A. knows he’ll never stop coaching, even from the couch, any time soon.
“He still pops up every now and then and critiques my coaching,” L.A. said. “He calls me down to the house and tells me what I’m doing right and what I need to do a little bit better. We still have those conversations. He still watches film as much as I watch film. We get to talk a lot and still spend a lot of time together.”
doing it in football pads.
“With us not having
FISHING
Continued from B1
School State Championship. This was the last event for the duo together They are both headed to college on fishing scholarships, but not together. Davidson will not travel far as he attends Faulkner alongside Tallassee teammate Grant McCraney, while Markham makes the short trip up to Montevallo for his college career
a spring, it’s been about six months since we put the equipment on,” O’Neal said. “I like to have a spring evaluation to get a handle on things going into the summer, but I don’t
HOOKS Continued from B1
The Tigers set a new program record last year allowing 397 total points in 10 games. They allowed at least 34 points in nine of their 10 games, while allowing 40 or more in five games.
Tallassee’s average margin of defeat last season was 22.6 points, but first-year coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal is not going to allow that this year. In fact, the biggest thing Tallassee has worked on since he got the job was its tackling
think it really changed anything for us.” But the next three weeks getting ready for Aug. 23 against Montgomery Academy will be all about building that physicality that’s
skills. “We are focusing on tackling every practice,” O’Neal said. “We get the dummies out and we’re tackling them every day. We’re getting used to our bodies hitting those dummies and getting back up. We’re working on wrapping up. We’re going to be a well-tackling team and we’re committing it to muscle memory.” With the influx of skill players who have returned or transferred to Tallassee this spring, it allows players like Hooks to focus on playing one position instead of both ways every single drive.
going to be needed throughout the season. “We really want to see how we do in the trenches,” O’Neal said. “I think especially Week 1 is won or lost in the trenches.”
Nearly every single one of Tallassee’s starters last year played every snap on both sides of the ball. That isn’t the case this year, and that’s going to allow Hooks and his teammates to flourish in their positions in 2024.
“Not playing them both ways is going to help us out later in the game, especially early in the season in this heat,” O’Neal said. “We’re doing a really good job of conditioning, but not having guys playing both ways will help us stay fresh in the second half of games. That will go a long way.”
CAMP Continued from B1
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | TPI
Tallassee’s football team was focused on physicality the first day of practice Monday.
AlaScans
DirecTV Satellite TV Service
Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today schedule a FREE inhome estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-568-2248
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials!
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. power move.
Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175
GoGo. Live and age your way. Get help with rides, groceries, meals and more. Memberships start as low as $1 per day. Available 24/7 nationwide. BBB Rated A+ Business. Call GoGo to get started. 1-844-952-3266
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-817-4697 www.dental50plus.com/ alabama #6258
AlaScans
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-724-3049 today!
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 6/30/24. Call 1-877-205-0836 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163
ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS Needing Siding, Window or Roofs. We are opening a these homes for advertising. SAVE HUNDREDS. 100% Financing*.SR/Military discounts. $1000 OFF with this ad. ENDS SOON *wac 800-350-0591 AUTOMOTIVE GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans business. Call 24/7: 1-855-405-8927 AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943
Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NADINE P. TOTTY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-194 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of NADINE P. TOTTY, deceased, having been granted to JOHN MATTHEW TOTTY on July 31, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JOHN MATTHEW TOTTY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF NADINE P. TOTTY, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE PO BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548
Tallassee Tribune: Aug. 7, 14 and 21, 2024 EST/TOTTY, N.
Looking for a home?
Look in our classifieds section and learn of great deals for you and your family.
Town of Eclectic seeking grant for sewer system upgrade
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Town of Eclectic is trying to stay ahead of growth. Only six years ago a new package plant for wastewater treatment began operation.
Today town leaders are seeking funding to double the plant’s treatment capacity
“With the housing developments coming in we are getting ahead of the game,”
Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “With the schools, homes and businesses we currently have, we are operating at about 75% capacity.”
When the new package plant was installed, it was done in such a way to be easily added onto.
“The reason we did that at that plant is we are good for the next 100 years,” Davenport said. “We can expand
there to continue to serve the community.”
The older sewage lagoons were left usable to have a suitable backup in case of an emergency. They are still in place and will remain after the capacity of the treatment facility has been increased as a backup to any additions to the system.
The town has applied for a grant to fund the upgrade; it is one of about 35 applications statewide.
“It is a true grant,” Davenport said. “I got confirmation the other day We are currently ranked in the top 10.”
The grant requires just a 10% match from the town. The estimate for the project is $440,000. If awarded the grant, the town would supply $40,000.
“We are not replacing the current plant,” Davenport said. “We are just wanting
to put in another tank so that when flow comes in over our current maximum, it doubles our capacity without us having to file with the government.”
If funded by the grant, sewage treatment capacity won’t be the only project.
“It will allow us to do the infrastructure to get ready for a second spray field,” Davenport said. “The spray field will likely be done by ourselves. The estimate is about $75,000. We can do that almost any time. Right now, our spray fields are fantastic due to the new sewer plant.”
It is better to go ahead and get ready for the anticipated growth in the area, according to Davenport.
“We are set for the future,” he said. “All we have to do is be sure our infrastructure keeps up with
it.”
Davenport estimates about 100 new homes will be serviced by town utilities in the next 10 years.
“We have two developments that are projected over the next 10 years to construct about 75 rooftops,”
Davenport said. “There is another development that is projected over the next five years to construct 12 to 15 rooftops. An additional 200 rooftops could come in just about a decade. It depends on how they sell and everything else.”
Knighton taking leadership role at center
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County football coach Kyle Caldwell needed a leader to step up on the offensive line.
Senior Drew Knight was the perfect candidate.
Knight, who played fullback for the Panthers last season, happily made the move and is now playing center for an offensive line that is replacing four starters. He has some of the most experience of any offensive starter. He played center during his sophomore season in 2022, and playing fullback last season wasn’t much different than the
offensive line in his eyes.
“Fullback was basically just me playing as a lineman while wearing a skill position number,” Knighton said. “It’s really nothing new to me. I imagine I’ll probably stick to the center spot all year and try to be a leader for the rest of the offensive line and underclassmen.”
Elmore County had four senior offensive linemen last season in Jonathan Thames, Myles Eyerly, Trevor Brown and Hunter Collins. All
four have graduated, and junior Colby Blackwell is the only returner from that starting group. For Knighton, however, it doesn’t matter if the team lost four starters or 40.
He is confident in the group Elmore County runs out there in 2024.
“I know personally that we have the guys,” Knighton said. “I can sit here and say we do, but we’re going to have to go out there and show you. We have new guys ready to work every day up front. We’re coming to work and our goal is to get a little bit better every day at practice. If we can achieve that, we’ll be fine.”
Knighton doesn’t
look like the prototypical high school center. He stands at 6-foot-2, but he weighs only 170 pounds. He is much lighter than most players on the offensive line, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in intelligence.
“Drew is special and he’s super smart,” Caldwell said. “He knows what everyone is doing on the field. He even knows what the quarterback is supposed to do. He’s able to tell everybody up front what’s going on, and he can make checks from center. He’s basically a second quarterback on the field.”
For Knighton, it didn’t matter what posi -
tion he played at in 2024. His only goal for his senior season is to win a playoff game.
In Knighton's first year in high school, the Panthers went 0-10. The last two years, however, Elmore County has gone 7-4 and 8-3, respectively, and made the playoffs both seasons. Both seasons, however, ended on the road in the playoffs.
Even despite an abundance of new faces in the starting lineup, Knighton knows this team has what it takes to win a playoff game for the first time since 2011.
“We just have to come to work every single day and get a little
bit better,” Knighton said. “That’s going to take us there. The last two years have been disappointing because we’ve been better than that. We’re better than that this year. We just have to come to work everyday and have folks buy in.”
While Knighton and his senior teammates try to reach that goal, he will also try to set a standard for the younger players going forward.
“You have to realize every day that the younger kids are watching you,” Knighton said. “If I take a play off, what does that look like for them? I have to work hard and be a leader for us.”
KNIGHTON
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
TOP: The current waste water treatment plant in Eclectic could be expanded if the town receives a $400,000 grant.
ABOVE: The Town of Eclectic still maintains its old sewage treatment lagoons in case of an emergency. The town is currently using a package plant system installed in 2017 and is being used at 75% of capacity.