By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
NEW
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
an intense camp was before we got into the new building,” Espinoza said. New choral teacher Becca Jones is new to the teaching side of things and brought a face familiar to her to help with the three-day camp in the choir’s practice space at the
4
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Law enforcement and Elmore County Schools are investigating multiple threats from the last two days. Schools of two different Elmore County communities received threats Sunday evening. On Tuesday morning a student on a school bus in Millbrook called 911 to report a gun on the bus. None
Hammocks to semi-retire and sell Urban Tails building
South Carolina and his son is in Chicago. Boarding and doggie daycare will come to a hiatus as the Hammocks move the grooming business to a barn on their more than four acres in the Tallassee city limits. The husband and wife team understand the move comes with some
Obituaries
ARTHUR RAY LAMBERTH
Arthur Ray Lamberth, affectionately known as Art, passed away September 5, 2024. He was 77. Born on March 21, 1947, in Tallassee, Alabama, Art dedicated his life to serving his community and cherishing his loved ones.
A proud veteran, Art served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a distinguished career in law enforcement as an Opelika police officer and a state trooper. He later transitioned into the automotive industry, where he became a respected car salesman, a career that spanned over 50 years. Before he retired from the former Ben Atkinson Motors, he was consistently salesman of the month for years. He also served many years representing East Tallas-
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT SEPT. 8
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white female was arrested on South Central Boulevard.
• Reckless driving was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• Burglary was reported on Poplar Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Third Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Potts Drive and Clay Street.
SEPT. 7
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Quail Crossing and Friendship Road.
• A noise complaint was reported on West Patterson Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A noise complaint was reported on Herren Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on Second Avenue.
• A white male was
see on the Tallassee City Council. Art was a devoted fan of Alabama Football. His leisure time often found him fishing with friends and family, a testament to his love for nature and the joy he found in sharing the outdoors with others. He also took great pride in watching his grandchildren compete in various athletic events, always offering his enthusiastic support from the sidelines.
He was preceded in death by his father, James (Jim) Lamberth and his mother, Marie K. Lamberth. He is survived by his loving, caring wife of 24 years, Mary Love Lamberth; son, Ray Lamberth (Susan); daughter, Brandi McDonald (David); stepsons, Chris Brown (Jolleen) and Erik Brown
(Jennifer); sister, Sue Allen; nephew, Charles Allen; grandchildren, JT Lamberth, Bentley Lamberth, Ryan Davis, Daniel Lamberth; step-grandchildren, Brooke Brenner, Sydney Brown, Dade McDonald, and Lettie McDonald. Visitation will begin at 9 AM, Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 10 AM. Charles Blalock will officiate. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Memories and messages of condolences for the family may be shared at www.linvillememorial.com.
Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama
arrested on Indian Trail.
• A white female was arrested on West Valley Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.
SEPT. 6
• A domestic complaint was made on West Patton Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Potts Drive.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Rushing Circle.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Upper River Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229. SEPT. 5
• A noise complaint was reported on Azalea Street.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Theft was reported on Quail Run Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A white male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Third Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic
stop on Golden Drive.
• Trespassing was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane and Godwin Road.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Executive Park Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a criminal mischief call on Second Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Macedonia Road.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard. SEPT. 4
• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard, Friendship Road and Gilmer Avenue.
• A white female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Jordan Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.
• Theft by deception was reported on Sunwood Court.
• Animal control was requested on Bass Street.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Twin Creeks Drive.
• Animal control was
requested on Riverside Avenue and Bass Street
• Theft was reported on Second Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229. Sept. 3
• Theft was reported on Second Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A noise complaint was reported on Polar Street.
• A Black female was arrested on Rickey Lane.
• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft by deception was reported on Godwin Road.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue and Ashurst Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on McNeal Street.
• Gunfire was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
SEPT. 2
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Poplar Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Industrial Parkway.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.
• Harassment was reported on John Street. Sept. 1
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Rickey Lane.
• A noise complaint was reported on Hornsby Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
Our View Opinion
We need to talk about it
Editor’s Note: This story contains information about suicide and may be triggering to some readers. If you are suicidal or having suicidal ideations, please call 988 immediately.
In 2022, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States and 13.2 million Americans reported having serious suicidal thoughts according to the CDC.
Suicide is a leading cause of death and is also preventable. But this is not about blaming the victim. There are many factors that can lead to suicide, and some can make a person more susceptible such as chronic illness, mental health disorders, abuse, trauma, relationship issues, bullying and poverty.
In many cases, individuals die by suicide when it is seen as the only way out. Most victims are grappling with trying to cope with pain, feelings of hopelessness and feelings of isolation.
On top of that the stigma around mental health and suicide can make it difficult to seek help. However, spending time with others can be a reminder that you are not alone, and therapy can get to the root of the problem, as suicidal thoughts are generally symptoms of a larger issue.
Breaking down stigmas is vital to preventing suicide, which is why it is so important to engage with suicide prevention month. It cannot only save lives but also alleviate a lot of suffering.
Most of us have been touched by suicide in one way or another, whether it be through loved ones or fighting off suicidal thoughts ourselves. It affects so many of us and yet we rarely talk about it.
Start small, have those difficult conversations with loved ones, learn more about suicide prevention and don’t be afraid to seek help. There is no shame in leaning on one another.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Let’s leave hustle culture behind
For most of my schooling, I saw being a hard worker akin to godliness.
And I should probably say this at the start, I’m not against hard work. But even a “good thing” can be toxic when we go too far.
The 2010s saw the rise of hustle culture, which is all about being as productive as possible. A “busier the better” kind of motto. Hustle culture was not new to American culture; it just happened to be the buzzword of the decade.
But now that we have fully entered the 2020s, we might need to unpack some of the bad habits hustle culture instilled in us. And one of the big ones is how we have gone so far into praising productivity that resting is seen as laziness.
There is value in breaks, just as there is value in working. Humans aren’t machines; we can’t go nonstop, no breaks. And it’s unreasonable to expect that of ourselves. But that is a lot easier said than done. I mean have you ever been working on a project and you get annoyed that you have to go to the bathroom? That’s toxic productivity right there. And it’s all so ingrained in American culture.
A book I read from time to time is “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff. In the chapter “Bisy Backson,” Hoff talks about how other cultures have third spaces designed for breaks and these spaces allow people to forget about time as a
commodity.
For example, in France there are sidewalk cafes, which are all about eating, relaxing and people watching. In China, there are the teahouses, but we have no American equivalent to these cultural spaces.
Well, Hoff points out we have fast food joints (or hamburger stands to be more accurate), which communicate the exact opposite of rest and take your time. And yet, even in our coffee shops people are doing work on their laptops, and it’s like a second office for many of us.
More recently, Dr. Devon Price wrote a fantastic book called “Laziness Does Not Exist” which really dissects the relationship between productivity, morality and our fears of laziness.
In it, he points out, “We live in a world where hard work is rewarded and having needs and limitations is seen as a source of shame. It’s no wonder so many of us are constantly overexerting ourselves, saying yes out of fear of how we’ll be perceived for saying no.”
We rely on each other. But overworking creates apathy. Our self-
worth isn’t tied to productivity.
It’s tied to how we show up, for ourselves and others.
Sometimes that means setting boundaries. Sometimes that means taking a break. Culturally, we need to start valuing that just as much as we value hard work, or it’s going to be harder and harder to come together locally or nationally if we continue to overwork ourselves and let apathy fester.
I’m not a trendsetter by any means so I don’t know if I have a catchy little term to replace hustle culture. But overall, part of the solution is resting and accepting things as they happen. So, the next time you don’t cross everything off your to-do list, remember that doesn’t define you as a person and it doesn’t make you immoral by any means. There is so much more to ourselves and the human experience than how productive we were for x, y and z. It’s spending time with others. It’s staring out the window and just letting your mind wander. It’s drinking that cup of coffee and taking the time to smell it before taking the first sip.
Time is always turning, and yet, we hem and haw over what is a waste of time. What if everything is worthy of time. Even “being lazy.”
Abigail Murphy is the Dadeville beat reporter for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
The Summer of Streaming, Part II
L.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
ast week in this space, we highlighted some of the streaming offerings that were screened over the wild summer just past – really, three months ago, we hadn’t had a President decide to retire or a former President survive an assassination attempt, and neither party had yet held their nominating conventions. We also had not yet seen the championship American athletes winning gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Olympics in Paris – which almost became a side story to the controversial, some would say blasphemous, opening ceremonies. Somehow that seems like an eternity ago. Back to the streaming reviews, to cleanse the palate for another week.
IN RESTLESS DREAMS: THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON (Amazon Prime) Paul Simon is still producing interesting music of value. This documentary on Amazon Prime is a must-see for the creative process shown as Paul recorded his 2022 LP, Seven Psalms, at his home studio in Texas. That isn’t the whole story, of course: this documentary goes all the way back to elementary school, where Paul met classmate Art Garfunkel in first grade and began harmonizing with him. Paul and Art’s lifelong, on-again, offagain musical collaboration is key to the story told here, but there is just as much emphasis on Paul’s eternal quest to learn more about the music of the
world.
While a large portion of the film is dedicated to the Simon & Garfunkel era, just as much tells the stories of how Paul gave each album its own designated feel: the Caribbean and reggae sounds on his first solo record; the Muscle Shoals studio players heard on There Goes Rhymin’ Simon; the controversial South African musicians who helped make Graceland. Paul’s quest for perfection along with his curiosity about how music is made by other cultures and peoples makes for a fine documentary, and is highly recommended.
FROM WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z-100 NEW YORK (Amazon Prime) It was one of the last radio sensations in New York broadcasting history, and it wasn’t even in New York! “Worst to First” tells the tale of Z-100, owned by Cleveland-based Malrite Communications and based in Secaucus, New Jersey. They were able to say they were broadcasting from high atop the Empire State Building because . . . well, every radio station tower was up there. In the mid-1980s,
free-form FM radio and Album Oriented Rock (AOR) formats were on life support, while AM radio had fully embraced the Rush Limbaughs and G. Gordon Liddys of the talk radio format and left Top 40 behind. Florida disc jockey and self-styled gonzo radio man Scott Shannon was hired to come to New York to shake things up, and that’s exactly what he did. Some viewers may not be interested in the nerdy parts of the story, such as how the chief engineer found ways to make Z-100 louder than the other stations on the dial using trickery in the audio processing. Most folks will love the tales from the rock and pop stars of the era who appear in the documentary. For a radio fan like myself, I enjoyed hearing Scott Shannon’s take on the era with his own words. He was determined to make the Top 40 format successful again in the #1 market in the country, and he did it. Stations all over the nation copied the morning zoo format pioneered by Shannon in the 1980s and 1990s, and to an extent there are elements that persist to the present day even though Top 40 as a format has pretty much ceased to exist.
LACI PETERSON (Netflix) I wasn’t sure I could take it, having spent five gory and gruesome episodes following O.J. Simpson earlier this year. But I decided to take the risk
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Gearing up for Bark in the Park
Barring mama nature throwing bad weather at us this coming weekend, this coming Sunday starting at noon will be our 18th annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka. Let’s all have some fun with our dogs while enjoying a nice afternoon in the park.
Two things we are still in need of from our wonderful supporters are canned sodas for our drink wagon and baked goods for our sales table. If you can help, please contact Charline Pope at 334-202-1381 on how you can help.
There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, Microchip Clinic, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Parade, Pet & Owner Contests, Paw Painting, Bark in the Park T-Shirts, some great raffle baskets, Pet Photo Booth and more.
We have numerous vendors set up under the trees and around the pavilion area and there’s still time for more vendors to join us – check our Vendor application online or email us at the shelter at hselco@bellsouth.net.
Thrilled to have Crepe Magic and Venice Gelato back with us to please taste buds and tummies. See the Buffalo Rock Pepsi Trailer/Tent for sodas and water for sale. And thanks to our baking expert supporters, homemade baked goodies are not to be missed!
Our Blessing of the Pets will happen approximately 2-2:15 pm followed by our always popular Parade of Pets
as who doesn’t like showing off their beloved pet? The Pet Contests will be for Biggest, Smallest, Best Costume, Owner/Pet look-alike, Best Handmade/ Original Costume and Judge’s Choice. Winners will get a Gift Certificate for purchases at For Healthy Pets in downtown Wetumpka!
Make sure to get your tickets for the some super cool gift baskets – coffee, wine, dog and cat baskets will be featured.
Microchips work wonderfully to help us reunite lost pets so what better way to show how much you love them than to have them microchipped. From 1– 3 and for only $25 (which includes the registration) you can get your pet microchipped thanks to the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Make sure to purchase your bright, lime green, “Pets Make Life Better” 2024 Bark in the Park T-Shirt for $15.
Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/ person 13 years old and older (having cash at the gate will help immensely please). 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.
Just in case our rain date is Sunday, Sept. 22 still at Ft. Toulouse.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week — Phantom
Phantom is 9 months old as of mid September and he weighs about 45 pounds. He is a happy boy, who is great with other dogs, loves to go for walks and just wants a family to call his own. He came to us in a litter found dumped in the woods.
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,
and commit to this three-part docuseries on the murder of Laci Peterson, which happened 22 years ago last winter.
American Murder: Laci Peterson takes the viewer back to Christmas Eve 2002, when eight-months-pregnant Laci’s disappearance became a media circus focused on her husband Scott, who was in an adulterous relationship with a woman named Amber Frey. New interviews with Frey, as well as the investigators who worked on the case and especially Laci’s mother, give new insight to an old story. As we now know, the bodies of Laci and her baby, Conner, were discovered in San Francisco Bay several months later. Scott Peterson, now in prison, continues to proclaim his innocence. This documentary leaves that decision up to you.
LADY BLUE (Amazon Prime)
My junior high school band director gave me my first Joni Mitchell record. I’d never heard of her, but he was a huge fan. Before long, so was I. She is a poet, a painter, and a songwriter of the highest order. Her curiosity and willingness to leap into unknown musical territory on every album or performance is not only amazing, but encouraging to other artists.
Lady Blue is a stellar documentary film that uses both archival footage and newly recorded interviews with Joni Mitchell, whose instinct to follow her muse was so powerful that she ran away from her small town, left her husband, gave up her baby for adoption, and went to New York City to start a career on the folk scene of the 1960s. Her urge for going, to quote one of her early songs, landed her in the laid-back countercultural epicenter of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, where she mixed and mingled with the Byrds, the Mamas & the
GKN’s Hornsby wins Rotary Paul Harris award
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Editor’s Note: The Tallassee Rotary Club recently recognized Clay Hornsby, Jeff Mask, Carmen Rodgers and Logan Steers as Paul Harris Award winners. They are most often given to a member of the club who has served as president or gone above and beyond in supporting the club. A story will be published about each award winner.
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 meeting Phantom 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 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Papas, the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, and more. Getting to hobnob with the brightest lights in the music of that era led her to her greatest successes in the early 1970s, but the restless Mitchell felt confined and, with every release, pushed back against what she called “the star-making machinery” (a line from her song Free Man in Paris) and chased after jazz, blues, and world music before cycling back around to folk, where it all began. A fascinating story and a beautiful film.
M*A*S*H: THE COMEDY THAT CHANGED TELEVISION (Hulu)
The Korean War lasted three years, but the television series about the 4077th M.A.S.H. unit in Korea lasted for eleven seasons! Add in the longevity of the 1968 book and 1970 film on which the TV show was based, and you have a cultural phenomenon.
M*A*S*H ran from 1972 until 1983 and won 14 well-deserved Emmy Awards over the course of those years. This documentary is the definitive look at this classic show, featuring never-before-seen interviews, some new and some archival, with Alan Alda (Hawkeye), Gary Burghoff (Radar), William Christopher (Fr. Mulcahy), Jamie Farr (Klinger), Mike Farrell (B.J.), Wayne Rogers (Trapper), Loretta Swit (Margaret), David Ogden Stiers (Charles), Harry Morgan (Col. Potter), Larry Linville (Frank), and McLean Stevenson (Col. Blake) as well as series producers Gene Reynolds and Burt Metcalfe. This team of legendary writers, producers, directors, and actors made a program that was more than a sitcom, and more than a dramedy or any other label people have tried to put on it: M*A*S*H is simply in a class by itself for how great television can be when it wants to.
Michael Bird is a member of the music faculty at Faulkner University.
Clay Hornsby came to the Tallassee Rotary Club a little over a year ago. As he was learning the ropes didn’t mean he was sitting idly by.
Hornsby was constantly willing to give of his time and seek help from his employer as the Tallassee Rotary Club served the community. For his efforts the club named him a Paul Harris Award winner recently. “Everytime we needed a volunteer, he was there,” current Tallassee Rotary Club president Stephanie Weldon said. “His service got his award. He was always willing to help both in volunteering and in fundraising.”
Weldon said Hornsby’s efforts especially at his job made one of the club’s fundraisers a huge success last year
“He got GKN to sponsor the ball drop,” Weldon said. “They were our largest supporter.”
Grove Station introduces social media for bakery
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Grove Station has been a staple in downtown Tallassee for three years. It has brought diners in for events and meals. So has its pastries, cookies and treats.
The sweets have been on the menu but owner Corrie Sid has created the Grove Station Bakery page to let customers know what’s happening with the daily baked goods.
“We are wanting everyone to see we have options for almost every occasion,” Sid said. The Grove Station Bakery Facebook page is a place customers can follow along and see what the bakers are up to.
“We bake everyday here in Tallassee,” Sid said. “We always have a wonderful selection of treats.” Sid had to change the hours for Grove Station recently. The store is open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. From Thursday through Saturday, it opens at 10 a.m. with dinner service starting at 4:30 p.m. A variety of goods are available at the Grove Station Bakery. There are cheesecakes, brownies, cookies and more.
“We are happy to offer our bakery items for pre-order,” Sid said. “If you are ordering sweet treats for your family, friends or business meeting, we can handle it all. We also have the desserts available as an option to finish at a meal here at Grove Station.”
Clay Hornsby, right, poses with Tallassee Rotary Club president Stephanie Weldon after Hornsby was given the Paul Harris Award. Hornsby has been instrumental in fundraising and volunteering his time.
SUBMITTED TPI
Grove Station has created a new Facebook page highlighting its bakery options.
in savings will go towards a new recreation/community center. In Eclectic that is work
between the football and baseball fields. The savings there will go to funds from the Elmore County Board of Education.”
Elmore County Schools
superintendent Richard Dennis said the work would include
an entrance and press box.
The Tallassee savings will create a total of $7.8 million in county funds for a new recreation center.
The artificial turf fields will be installed first on the baseball and softball fields in the Eclectic and Holtville communities. As football seasons end, fields in Holtville, Eclectic and Tallassee will be replaced. It means some spring high school soccer games will be played at 17 Springs for Holtville and in Wetumpka for Elmore County High School and Tallassee High School.
The commission also approved hiring the design firm Dalhoff Thomas to come
new Tallassee High School.
Jones recruited Mike Weaver who she last worked with as a student at Tift County Georgia.
“I thought it would be cool to try and bring in some energy and try something different for at least this year to see what happens,” Jones said.
Jones said several show choirs in Georgia use Weaver and are successful, but not many in Alabama use his talents. She said it was great to partner with Weaver
HAMMOCKS
Continued from A1
up with plans to replace some of the grass baseball and softball fields at the Wetumpka Sports Complex with artificial turf.
“That is the next phase of quality of life projects in Wetumpka,” Beyer said.
The commission receives most of the lodging tax from Elmore County short term rentals including hotels. It will be used to purchase $37.5 million bonds over the next year, $12 million is for cash previously authorized in the 17 Springs project.
IN OTHER ACTION
THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes from
on the creative side as they installed the choreography for four and half of the winter show choir six song set.
“Usually as a member we don’t have too much say in things,” Jones said. “It was cool to have him bounce ideas off of us really quickly.”
Weaver was given the songs ahead of time. Jones and the rest of the show choir are holding onto them until closer to competition.
Weaver took notice of the skills of the members of Voltage.
“One of his strengths is making anyone look good,” Jones said. “He was able to see what they are capable
received.”
restrictions. They will operate under home occupation regulations already in place through City of Tallassee ordinances.
“We are wanting to convert a metal shop so she can groom small dogs, but not board or daycare,” John said. “We can’t have any signs, any posted hours or any advertising.”
They plan to groom dogs by appointment only. It will allow more freedom for the couple to visit and take care of family if the need arises.
The Hammocks opened Urban Tails in December 2018 on South Ann Avenue in a much smaller building. They quickly realized there was a greater need and bought the building on Barnett Boulevard that was originally the Tallassee Post Office.
“It’s grown exponentially,” Kim said. “It has been fantastic the support and love from the community we have
THREATS
Continued from A1
involved in investigating the matter. As of 6 a.m. Monday Elmore County Schools were following a regular schedule for schools on Monday.
Before he went to bed Sunday, Dennis said he
the Aug. 12 meeting.
• Approved a memorandum of warrants for the period of Aug. 3 to Aug. 30 in the amount of $8, 411,800.98.
• Authorized the commission chair to execute a memorandum of agreement for management services of 911 communications.
• Appointed chairman Bart Mercer to the ACCA legislative committee.
• Approved a detention agreement with Montgomery for two youth detention beds.
• Approved a long-term detention subsidy contract with the Alabama Depart-
of doing and bring in some challenging aspects and play off their strengths.”
The three-day intensive camp wasn’t easy.
“We were all tired, but it was a good weekend,” junior Gaines Nolin said. “It was good to have a change in a new face and some new choreography.”
The weekend was long and Weaver and Jones challenged the students to do more. Some of the struggles of the weekend and exhaustion led to inside jokes and laughter
“It was the laughs that got us through it,” Nolin said.
“It is what got us through it.”
The building has housed other businesses in the past. Kim said it was an ABC store when she and her husband were younger The building was vacant a few years when the Hammocks purchased it. They renovated it, turning the adjacent warehouse into the Urban Tails boarding facility Urban Tails serves more than 2,500 customers, some of which drive from Auburn, Lake Martin and Tuskegee to have their dogs groomed. Many of the daycare customers work in local industries.
“Sometimes I see them more than their parents do,” Kim said. “This is similar to a child’s daycare or school. These babies are my family.”
Most days the daycare has more than 20 dogs under John and Kim’s care. John believes there is an opportunity for another entrepreneur to open a business.
“It is a very needed service,” John said. “Somebody could come in and open a daycare and boarding facility in
was aware of the threats in Montgomery.
“I got a call from my staff (Sunday night) about the situation in Millbrook,” Dennis said. “I think a girl is now regretting what she did. To my knowledge, she has never been a discipline issue before.”
Dennis said many precautions were being taken Monday to help ensure students were safe but could not disclose them. He said all threats were being taken seriously, though Dennis believes Sunday night’s threats were not serious.
“We do not believe the threat made on Sept. 8 to be credible, but law enforcement is still working to investigate the matter,” Dennis said in a statement.
Retired Elmore County deputy sheriff Rickey Lowery is over the Elmore County Schools school resource officer program. He has been involved in
ment of Youth Services for one detention bed.
• Approved American Rescue Plan reallocations.
• Approved a three-year contract with Johnson Controls for preventative maintenance of systems at the county’s judicial and jail facilities.
• Awarded bids for materials needed throughout the year by the county’s public works department.
• Approved proclamations for Constitution Week and Extentision Week.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23.
Espinoza said being around familiar faces they see in the halls added to the experience.
“It was all fun no matter what happened,” Espinoza said. “You were with friends pretty much the entire day.”
Jones is hoping the experience pays off. She hopes getting in the show early helps for a more successful competition season because Voltage can practice it so much. Nolin sees the advantage as well.
“It’s a relief, because now we know it,” Nolin said. “We can perfect it and have it ready for when the competition season starts.”
the area and do well.”
The Hammocks originally put the entire business up for sale. The opportunity came to sell the building to an undisclosed buyer and the couple changed their plans slightly, but are sure the new owner’s ideas will work out.
In the meantime, the Hammocks will board the last dogs this week on Barnett Boulevard. Some of the dog owners have already found other daycares.
“We are grateful our customers have trusted us,” John said. “We are heartbroken we can’t keep serving them the way we have over the last six years.”
The couple looks forward to having the ability to spend more time with their families; however, they will miss serving the dogs and their families.
Kim said, “It has been hard. I have been so emotional. I have been saying goodbye this week to some of my daycare that won’t be coming next week. I’m grateful for the support we have received here.”
looking into the threats over the weekend across the state and in particular in Elmore County since Sunday afternoon.
“We are working with other agencies on (monitoring social media) posts from yesterday,” Lowery said.
Dennis said the Elmore County Board of Education intends to prosecute those responsible for the threats.
Lowery said law enforcement are working to protect and make sure schools are safe.
“The SROs, deputies and local law enforcement agencies are providing extra patrols Monday,” Lowery said.
Dennis added, “We are following our safety protocols with law enforcement on every campus, locked doors and heightened security measures in front offices. We are following all our state approved safety plans.”
At 9:30 a.m. Dennis said all campuses were clear of any incident despite social media reports.
Dennis said students who were absent from school due to the threat will be excused and not count against the board’s exemption or truancy policy By 11 a.m. about 4,000 of 11,000 students were reported absent from class.
“We have more students checking out now,” Dennis said at 11 a.m.
The absences forced Dennis to cancel all extracurricular activities for Monday
“With all the absences, we can’t field teams,” Dennis said.
Elmore County High School volleyball was set to host Horseshoe Bend and the Percy Julian at Wetumpka volleyball game has been canceled.
I’m with the band
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge!
I do hope everyone is doing well as this latest edition of the Herald comes out. We certainly have not seen the last of summer heat, but the mornings and evenings have given a slight indication of things to come. A little rain would surely be nice!
I did not come up in the tradition of Friday Night Lights. I did not become exposed to the tradition until our daughters made the school dance team at Wetumpka Middle School. There are three basic reasons for this.
First is my age. I was born in 1966, which means, among many things, that sports was not as significant in the lives of young people as it is now. Yes, there were little league and
school sports, but there were fewer overall participants then as opposed to recently.
Second, my family’s main source of leisure activity and time was music. We attended concerts and performances regularly. Most of our closest friends were involved in music in one way or another and we supported them and the arts in general.
Third, I attended Ramsay High School in Birmingham, a magnet school in the Birmingham City School system. During my tenure, Ramsay did not have a football team. We simply did not have the human or financial resources to pull it off. Alicia graduated from Niceville High School in Florida. She was in the marching band in middle and high school. Friday Night Lights was a monumental
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
element of those school years for her and her family. I enjoyed her stories but confessed I had no frame of reference for them.
I must admit that when I first got introduced to the concept in the flesh, I was a bit bewildered. I remember asking my wife, “So, we do this every weekend during football season?” She looked at me like I had three heads and said, “Yes. We do.”
It did not take long for me to get into the whole vibe. There was something magical about sitting in the stadium with the
Tallassee Churches
families and friends of student participants. The band laid the foundation for keeping everyone excited and engaged. The dancers and cheerleaders played off the band and the crowd, and it made an obvious difference to everyone present. The pre-game music on the sound system helped set the tone. Over time, I noticed something changing. The sounds coming from the press box began to intensify. The blaring music that got people fired up as they entered the stadium started to appear during the game itself. The addition of video screens in stadiums quickly led to bright, flashing images to accompany the sound clips.
I do not have any issue with using video clips or prerecorded music, save one. For the life
of me, I cannot figure out why the sights and sounds from the press box overlap the sights and sounds of the bands in the stands and the dancers and cheerleaders on the field. Both serve a purpose, but why do they have to be running at the same time?
I have noticed this taking place on the high school and college levels of football. Have we become so universally ADD that we all need more than one thing happening at once? I, for one, would prefer to go to a game and get lost in the sights and sounds of students sharing their talents collectively in the name of promoting their respective school. How about you?
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Tallassee athletics to implement clear bag policy
Following a gun threat at one of its recent football games, Tallassee City Schools is implementing a new policy at all of its sporting events. Starting Monday, Sept. 9, a
clear bag policy is being implemented. It will be for all home athletic events hosted by Southside Middle School and Tallassee High School, including indoor and outdoor events. All bags must be clear and no larger than 12”x6”x12”. No backpacks, duffle bags, large
purses or solid color bags will be allowed. Small purses and clutches no larger than 6.5”x4” are still allowed. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following guidelines must also be followed. Students in eighth grade or
below that attend any home sports event must have a ticket and be accompanied by a paying adult. Gathering around the concession stand or under/around the bleachers is prohibited. Please find a seat and enjoy the game, and do not stand in walkways or stairwells.
Playing football or any other games in the grassy areas, walkways, gravel areas, etc. will be prohibited. If caught playing, the ball will be confiscated. Failure to follow these procedures will result in you being asked to leave the game by the Tallassee Police Department.
TALLASSEE, O’NEAL MAKE ROAD TRIP TO
BTW TUSKEGEE
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal is set to face his former team.
O’Neal and Tallassee are making the short trip to Booker T. Washington Tuskegee on Friday night in an AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 matchup. This will be O’Neal’s first matchup against his former team. The Tallassee skipper coached BTW the last three seasons, leading the Golden Eagles to a 19-17 overall record and four playoff wins in three seasons.
“It’s going to be fun,” O’Neal said. “The atmosphere should be really good. I imagine they’ll have a packed house with me coming back and especially since we got a win on Friday and are both 1-0 in region play. It should be a fun atmosphere to play in.”
There’s not a coach in the
state of Alabama, outside of the current BTW staff, that knows more about the Golden Eagles than O’Neal.
BTW Tuskegee is fast and physical, and that has shown in their first two games of the season.
The Golden Eagles have been balanced on offense as the team has 302 passing yards and 236 yards with six total touchdowns in two games.
Quarterback Brandon Smith has passed for four touchdowns, two of which have gone to Marquez Daniel, while running back Javis Floy has rushed for 169 yards and the team’s two rushing touchdowns.
The defense is where BTW is making a name for itself, however.
The team has allowed just 22 total points this year, including 12 last week in the team’s region opening win over Talladega. The Golden Eagles have
12 tackles for loss in two weeks, as well as five sacks. The team’s pressure has equated to BTW recording four interceptions, one each from four different players, in the secondary.
“They make a lot of big plays on offense,” O’Neal said. “We have to limit those and play our style of ball. On defense, they get after it. They send pressure on the quarterback and do a really good job of tackling. We just have to do what we do.”
After going 1-9 last season and moving to Class 4A during the offseason, Tallassee has seen its team improve every week under O’Neal.
The team lost its opener to Montgomery Academy, 22-16, after turning the ball over five times. In the second game, the team was down 14-0 before storming back to tie Elmore County, 14-14, in the third
County teams look for region wins
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
I’ll cut straight to the chase – I’m leaving Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
This is my last week with the company
After three years of serving as the Elmore County sports editor, running the sports operation at the Wetumpka Herald, Tallassee Tribune and Eclectic Observer, I’m hanging up my cleats as the athletes say.
Or as it’s going nowadays, I guess entering the transfer portal is the better way to say it.
I’ve taken a state job doing public relations. It will be a big change, but it was a much-needed one for me and my family.
Before I start talking about myself, I just want to say thank you.
That goes to every single player who talked to me, every coach that dealt with my countless calls on Sunday afternoons or when they really didn’t want to talk to me, and every parent who thanked me and allowed me to cover their kid’s accomplishments during the last three years.
When I took this job in 2021, I was coming from an SEC beat and had just covered Mississippi State sports. Now that I look back on that, the one thing that sticks out to me is how much more important covering the Elmore County community was.
There are only a few people who are telling the stories of kids in these communities, and that number gets smaller every year as newspaper staffs get smaller, or people just stop their photography and blogging hobbies.
As I went out to 95% of my games, I would be the only reporter there. I was the only one telling those stories. That’s something I cherished. I wanted to tell the best story I could. I wanted to make it positive, even when it wasn’t. I want those kids and parents to look back 10 years from now and be happy with what was written about them.
I think I accomplished that. At least you guys made me feel like I did. There were complaints, and that will never change.
But more often than not, you guys made me feel good. You thanked me and gave me food out of the concession stand and talked to me and made me feel like I was part of the community
That is something I’ll hold dear to my heart for a long time. Thank you.
I hope you all feel I did as good of a job as you’ve made me feel I did.
I’ll get out of my feelings now. I just wanted to make sure I thanked everyone.
When it comes to the paper and how coverage was handled, I want to brag on myself a little bit. When I took the job in 2021, the Herald sports coverage was in a rough spot. With three sports editors in a calendar year, there was no stability.
The All-County teams were a mess, if there were even one. Nobody knew the players and nobody cared enough to find out the top athletes. I think I helped stabilize that for The Herald and The Tribune. I have brought some consistency to the paper, whether that be just from Players of the Week to All-County teams to football capsules. I also helped start an All-County Wrestling Team and an All-County Soccer Team, both of which hadn’t been done in recent years. This year, I was planning to start an All-County Cross Country team. That probably would’ve needed a better name. But I think I did a good job here. In three years, I was able to bring the paper from not even in the top sports sections in the state to winning the Best Sports Coverage in our division. I take pride in that.
But it wasn’t because of me. It was because of the fantastic stories and opportunities I was given while I worked here. I was lucky to cover multiple state championships. I got to watch Wetumpka and Holtville dogpile in Oxford in 2023, which was one of the best overall days I’ve ever had covering sports in Elmore County.
I got to watch Edgewood Academy absolutely dominate volleyball and basketball while I was here. On the flip side, I also covered teams that lost in the state championship and saw their hearts break when they came up just short.
I covered teams that won (Wetumpka, 2021) and lost (Elmore County, 2023) on Hail Mary attempts at the end of football games. I watched Irvin Delfin score 65 goals in a season. I got to watch Mya Holt just absolutely rewrite history at Wetumpka. I watched Land Bell and Willie Cox dominate wrestling matches, as well as others.
I could go on and on about every special athlete I’ve covered in my time here, but that article would be too long to run in the paper. Whether it was a team winning or losing state, a player breaking a record or hitting a game winner, those special moments were what allowed myself and the paper to garner the accolades it has over the last few years.
Me leaving this job was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I’ve been doing this, in Mississippi and here, for a decade now. I’ve only missed two Friday night football games
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Tallassee’s Tra’Mel McCoy (26), Joseph Hooks (2) and Kaiden Peters (10) swarm an Elmore County ball carrier. The Tallassee defense allowed just 14 points last week, its lowest since 2022.
Chunn feasts on Sylacauga backfield
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Anthony Chunn took out
a mortgage in Sylacauga’s backfield on Friday night. Chunn, a senior defensive end and linebacker for the Holtville football team, helped lead the Bulldogs to their first win of the season.
Chunn and the Bulldogs beat visiting Sylacauga, 35-13, in the AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 opener at Boykin Chapman Field.
In the win, Chunn recorded eight total tackles to go with four tackles for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery that helped Holtville keep its momentum.
Because of his presence in the Sylacauga backfield, Chunn is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“I was really motivated this week,” Chunn said. “Coach (Cory) Lee really motivated me. He dug deep and I realized that maybe I wasn’t giving my all the last two weeks. This week I was motivated. He picked me and our team up and drew up some good defensive plays. It helped me a lot.”
Last season, Chunn had his hand in the dirt most of the time he was on the field, playing defensive end.
This season, he has seen a slight change. While he is still pursuing the quarterback and rushing the backfield, he is doing so while standing up.
That gives him the ability to better time the snap and get a head start while also being able to step back into coverage or shift slightly.
For Chunn and coach Cory Lee, it’s a welcome change.
“I absolutely love it and so does Anthony,” Lee said of Chunn standing up. “When we can get him moving and disguise him by doing different things, that’s when he’s super dangerous.
He’s so fast and so long. I challenge him every week to be unblockable. He answered that call tonight.”
Chunn made a massive impact in the game.
When Holtville was up, 7-0, Sylacauga was driving to attempt to tie the game. Chunn, however, was able to record a tackle for a loss and
a sack on back-to-back plays to keep Holtville up, and the Bulldogs then quickly went up two touchdowns on another run.
To start the second half, Sylacauga was in Holtville territory down 21-13 and trying to tie the game on its first drive of the half.
Chunn, however, blitzed
from the left side and quickly saw the football on the ground after Sylacauga’s quarterback had trouble with the snap. Chunn was the first player from either team to jump on the ball and recover the turnover.
A few plays later, Holtville went up 28-13 and put the game away for Holtville’s first win of the season. “We have to keep picking up the pace next week,” Chunn said. “We’re ready. I had a good week and coach Lee has helped me out too much. I don’t know how I can thank him.”
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Stanhope Elmore lost to Percy Julian, 22-20; Park Crossing did not play.
… DE Luke Reinert has recorded 14 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks.
HOLTVILLE: QB Jacob Burgess has thrown 2 touchdown passes this season. … DE Anthony Chunn has recorded 17 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries the last two weeks. … RB Hunter Chavis rushed for 93 yards, 2 TDs last week.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Holtville beat Sylacauga 35-13; Elmore County beat Carroll Ozark 31-7. Elmore County beat Holtville 28-21 last season and holds a 44-265 series lead.
Elmore County’s defense has allowed just two touchdowns this season.
Holtville is 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 4 play; This is Elmore County’s first region game.
NEXT UP: Holtville has a bye week; Elmore County at Beauregard.
STANHOPE ELMORE (1-2) AT PARK CROSSING (0-2) THE PLAYERS
STANHOPE ELMORE: RB Arthur McQueen has rushed for over 600 yards and 6 TDs this season. … SS Joidaden Carter-Stone has forced a turnover in every game this year; he has 2 INTs and 1 FF. … DE Kam Anderson has 6 sacks this season.
DALTON Continued from B1
in a decade, and that was because of my wedding and my honeymoon.
This week will be my first Friday night off with nothing important to do in a long time.
I don’t know what Gillian and I will do, but it will certainly be a welcomed change.
I’ll end the ramble here with another thank you.
This has been a great stop in my career, and I’ve been lucky to do this job the last three years.
Don’t worry – Gillian and I will still be around. I like to think we’re a part of this community now. I don’t want that to change even if I’m no longer working at the paper.
But hey, who knows.
Maybe you’ll see my name on a few bylines covering games in the future.
Dalton Middleton is the sports editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers.
Stanhope Elmore is 0-1 in Class 6A, Region 2; Park Crossing is 0-0.
Stanhope Elmore defeated Park Crossing, 56-14, last season, and holds a 4-3 series lead.
Park Crossing is averaging just 10 points per game this season.
NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore has a bye week; Park Crossing at Russell County.
TALLASSEE (1-1)
AT BTW TUSKEGEE (2-0) THE PLAYERS
TALLASSEE: QB Trent Morris has thrown five touchdowns and rushed for one this season. … RB Tiny Green scored three touchdowns in the win over Munford last week. … WR Jordan King has 4 touchdown catches this year.
BTW TUSKEGEE: QB Brandon Smith has completed 28 of 50 passes for 302 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs. … RB Javis Floyd has 31 carries for 169 yards, 2 TDs. … WR/DB Marquez Daniel has 8 catches for 134 yards, 2 TDs; has 3 tackles and 2 passes defended on defense.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Tallassee beat Munford, 35-14; BTW Tuskegee beat Talladega, 32-12.
BTW Tuskegee beat Tallassee, 44-0, last year; Tallassee holds a 10-4 series lead.
This is Tallassee head coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal’s first game against his former team. BTW’s defense is allowing just 11 points per game through two games.
NEXT UP: Tallassee hosts Bullock County; BTW Tuskegee hosts Cleburne County.
WETUMPKA (1-2) AT PIKE ROAD (1-2)
THE PLAYERS
WETUMPKA: QB Tyler Johnson has completed 34 of 70 passes for 436 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs. … LB Logan Gaare has recorded 33 tackles and 1-0 tackles for a loss. … LB/SS Kelby Walker has recorded 30 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks and 1 defensive TD.
PIKE ROAD: QB Cason Myers has completed 25 of 58 passes for 280 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs. … RB Mike Jones has rushed 45 times for 223 yards, 1 TD. … LB Braylon Outlaw has recorded 27 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss.
FOUR DOWNS Last week, Wetumpka lost to Russell County, 21-17; Pike Road beat Rehobeth, 40-19. Pike Road beat Wetumpka last year, 41-18, and holds a 3-2 series lead. Wetumpka’s defense is allowing just 16 points per game this season. Wetumpka has not started region play 0-2 since 2012.
NEXT UP: Wetumpka hosts Rehobeth; Pike Road hosts Percy Julian.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
■ Submissions accepted in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, photography and mixed media. (3D works are accepted as long as they can be hung on the wall. )
■ No free-standing sculptures.
■ Entries must reflect the nature, beauty or lifestyle of Alabama.
■ All entries must be ready to hang.
■ Entry fee is $25 per piece. Children’s entry fee is $10 per piece.
Clearly mark each entry with the artist’s name, address, phone number and email. Deliver entries to the Lake Martin Living magazine office on or before 5 p.m. September 17. The office is located at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City.
quarter. That game was not finished due to a gun threat. Last week, Tallassee opened region play with a 35-14 win over Munford, which finished fifth in the region last year.
Over its last six quarters, Tallassee has outscored its opponents 49-14. In the process, Trent Morris passed for four touch-
downs, three of which went to Jordan King, while Tiny Green emerged in the run game with three rushing touchdowns last week.
“We are improving every week and that’s our goal,” O’Neal said. “As long as we limit turnovers, we can win the game. We’ve done that the last two weeks and we’re protecting the ball. We didn’t turn it over last week and actually got our first turnover. If we do that, we have a good shot at winning the game.”
First place winners receive $200; Second place winners receive $150; and third place winners receive $100. People’s Choice winner also receives $100. A children’s division is open to eighth grade and younger. Children’s division winner receives $50.
All submitting artists will be featured in the October issue of Lake Martin Living, with one of the first place works featured on the cover. Call magazine editor-in-chief Betsy Iler at 256-234-4282 with questions or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.
The reception will be on September 26 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Exhibit reception tickets are $20 and available at eventbrite.com.
256-234-4281
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Tallassee’s Tiny Green rushes the ball against Elmore County. Green scored three touchdowns in Tallassee’s first win of the season over Munford last week.
and with
Starting $14.00+, commensurate with experience, review for increase in 6 months. Email resume to fireguard.protect@gmail.com or call 334-541-3000 for an interview.
The Town of Eclectic Paramedic position in the EMS division of the Eclectic Fire Department. Apply in person at Eclectic Town Hall, 145 Main Street, Eclectic.
Job Opportunities
Full-Time Grade I Outside Water Operator Wall Street Water Authority Requirements: •Current Alabama Grade I Operator Certificate. •Extensive knowledge of Surface Water Distribution. •Work weekends/nights and holidays, if necessary.
•Lifting/shoveling/climbing ladders required. •Backhoe/mini-track operating experience.
•Pass drug test. •Have valid driver’s license. Mail Resumes/References: Wall Street Water Authority 5059 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL 36078 Attention:Wanda Ingram, Office Manager 334-283-5002 -EOE-
Opening for deg’d & exp’d candidates for Quality Engineer (Job Code: 1027) in Tallassee, AL; Send resume via US mail & include above job code & salary req’ts to: Alexis Ellis TI Fluid Systems 2020 Taylor Road Auburn Hills MI 48326 Cotton Lakes HOA Wetumpka, AL 334-478-4965 cottonlakeshoa@yahoo.com
Public Notices
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TALLASSEE MUNICIPAL GAS SYSTEM “NOTICE”
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
That distinctive odor is the harmless chemical we add to natural gas so you can detect even the smallest amount that might escape. It smells bad... but that’s good! Natural gas has no odor on its own. Everyone should be able to recognize our built-in system safety signal. If you ever detect faint whiffs of this odor, INVESTIGATE. If possible, “follow your nose” to the source. It may be only a pilot light that’s out, or a burner valve partially turned on. Something easily and safely corrected. If the source of the gas cannot be located or the odor persists, call Tallassee City Hall, 283-4298, during normal hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. At night or on weekends or for any emergency reporting of gas line breaks, call Tallassee Police Department 283-6586. Please give adequate directions as to the location of the leak.
Sarah Hill, Mayor City of Tallassee
ECLECTIC THE BEAUTIFUL GETS HELP WITH PANTHER PAWS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
An Elmore County High School parent noticed the faded panther paws leading to the school and stepped into action. In the last two weeks, they have been refreshed thanks to the efforts of Heather Spence.
“It had been several years since they had been repainted,” Spence said. “None of us who helped repaint them are a part of Eclectic The Beauti-
ful. The ladies are a little too old to do the hard work. But they provided the supplies.”
Eclectic The Beautiful president Marlo Wilks said the organization painted the paws on College Avenue and College Street about three years ago.
“The first time we painted, the average age of those painting was 75,” Wilks said.
Teachers and parents gather with Spence to paint College Street. One teacher was ECHS family and consumer
science teacher Natasha McMillian. After completing the one street, she got a couple students and her son to help complete the second street.
“We have tried to get others involved,” Wilks said. “Thank God for Heather.”
Spence knew of the Eclectic The Beautiful’s other efforts as her family owns a downtown Eclectic business. The organization has sponsored murals on the side of the Eclectic Community
Library and Stricklands.
“We hired artists to do those,” Wilks said. “We can master the stenciled paw prints but nothing like that.”
Eclectic The Beautiful also takes care of the American flags in downtown and at the cemetery.
“We also sponsor quite a bit of the Christmas decorations,” Wilks said. “As the town needs them we purchase them.”
The organization’s largest fundraiser used to be Taste of
Eclectic.
“We did it for 24 years as the annual fundraiser,” Wilks said. “COVID put an end to it. Now we host the May Market and the Bingo Night in August. Those are our two main fundraisers every year.”
Eclectic The Beautiful isn’t stopping. It’s looking at more ideas to dress up the town.
“We hope to redo the Veterans Memorial,” Wilks said. “We want to do another mural, we haven’t figured out where and what it will be.”
SUBMITTED | TPI
From left, Tranum Blackwell, left, Kelly Pike, Heather Spence, Rett Hawk and Natasha McMillian teamed up to paint some of the Panther Paws near Elmore County High School. They were originally painted by Eclectic The Beautiful and the group donated the supplies to do it again.
ECHS freshmen ‘plugging in’ with Get Involved Fair
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It can be daunting to be a freshman stepping into the halls of a new school for the first time. Lockers seem to be on the other side of the school, same for classrooms at times. Students are likely more concerned about making sure they get off to a good start academically than figure out if there are other students with similar interests. At Elmore County there are clubs for chess and robotics, honor societies, JROTC and soccer has yet to hold tryouts. And there are even more opportunities for students at Elmore County High School. The school held the Get Involved Fair last week to help students, especially freshmen, find out the multitude of clubs and organizations they can be involved with beyond the classroom.
help the students develop time management skills along with soft skills desired in the workplace.
At ECHS’ Get Involved Fair, community partners are also involved. Powell said area churches such as Eclectic First Baptist Church, Good Hope Baptist Church and Vessel Church were in attendance. Representatives from Elmore County Technical Center were on hand to let students learn about programs there.
“We love having the community partners here,” Powell said. “It gives students a way to see what else is out there they may be interested in.”
The event wasn’t just for freshmen and new students.
“We still focus on 10th graders too,” Powell said. “Some of them are too shy to join something, or they just kind of overlook it their ninth grade year.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
The Elmore County High School robotics club had a display at the Get Involved Fair. It brought out Legos and asked
they wanted to play with them or the VEX robot.