Tallassee Tribune Nov. 13 2024 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Alabama

James

Success Breeds Success

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

visits Tallassee on book tour

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Tallassee’s

One

Long lost, but now found

THS class ring returned to thankful owner almost two decades later

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

a person who loves, strongly supports or fights for his or her country.

It also goes beyond participating in school and community programs, he said.

“It’s important to remember that patriotism isn’t just reserved for men and women in the uniform,” Burdette said.

“Although it’s very important to remember and recognize those on the front lines defending and upholding our

See PATRIOTISM, Page A5

meteorologist

Spann, right, was surprised

6-year old twins James and Thomas Smith who along with their father Bradley dressed like the famed weatherman and brought Hattie, 8, Eleanor, 4 and wife and and mother Jamie to a book signing held by Spann.

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOV. 10

• A suspicious person was reported on Herd Street.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Log Circle.

• Trespassing was reported on Rifle Range Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Kresge Center.

• A domestic incident was reported on West Patton Street.

NOV. 9

• A welfare check was conducted on Greenwood Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hicks Store Road.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunshots were reported on Adams Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic incident call on Redden Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident

was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic incident was reported on Second Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on James Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Wall Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Riley Road. NOV. 8

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Log Circle and Thompson Avenue. NOV. 7

• A verbal altercation was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Caldwell Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Wall Street. NOV. 6

• A domestic incident was reported on Friendship Road.

Avenue. NOV. 5

• Suspicious activity was reported on Floyd Lane.

• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Thelma Drive.

• A Black male was arrested during a forgery call on Gilmer Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Hanil Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on Rickey Lane.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A missing juvenile was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Noble Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan

• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road. NOV. 4

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue and Highway 229.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assisted the Tallassee Fire Department on Thelma Drive.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Third Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance as given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue. NOV. 3

• A noise complaint was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Oak Heights Road and Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

ANIMAL FRIENDS

RES visits local vet, learns about rural animals

Reeltown’s Four Daughters Veterinary Services hosted a field trip for Reeltown Elementary’s kindergarten classes. The field trip offered handson learning experience with the help of Auburn Cooperative Extension service, Macon County Conservation, Belle’s Farmyard and farriers Sage Flurry and Ron Sorrells as well as the 4D staff. The field trip was 8 to 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday.

PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL MURPHY | TPI

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Shelter volunteers deserve appreciation

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

In the spirit of better late than never, last week was National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and certainly deserves recognition, albeit a tad late.

On a daily basis, animal shelter staffs are working tirelessly helping the never-ending flood of homeless and unwanted pets, 365 days/year. Shelters provide a place for homeless and unwanted animals to go when no one else can take them in — the young ones, old ones, nice pets, vicious & scared, diseased, injured, starved, healthy. Shelters see them all.

So please thank the staffs of Shelters in your area any day of the year, as besides helping

animals in need they are also helping people, often with very little appreciation.

The No. 1 thing every pet owner can do to support shelters is to be a responsible pet

owner:

1. Responsible owners keeping their pet safely at home so it does not get lost or injured adding to the load for Animal Control Officers, citizens and Shelters alike.

2. Responsible owners see to their pet’s physical and mental well-being so that they will live long and happy lives with the same family.

3. Responsible owners see to the medical needs of their pet, especially preventive Veterinary Care (vaccinations, parasite prevention to include heartworm prevention) to keep them healthy

4. Responsible owners will spay or neuter their pet to prevent yet more unwanted litters – 60% of our Shelter’s intake is under six-months old so we know well the impact of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

5. Responsible owners do their homework before getting a pet so that it will be a good ‘fit’ for their family and lifestyle and not end up needing to be rehomed due to a spur of the moment or ill-informed decision.

6. Responsible owners educate their children on interacting with pets and helping in their care. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s pet owners/advocates.

Responsible pet owners keep pets from coming into shelters in the first place

High school students attend college and career fair

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Juniors and seniors at Tallassee High School

got a chance to look into the future Friday.

Students visited with area businesses, industries and colleges about opportunities for future education and careers.

“It’s just an opportunity for the students to explore multiple options for their future,” THS career coach Phillip Nelson said. “My goal and my job is to broaden the kids’ minds of the opportunities that are out there.”

Nelson and THS hosted education institutions such as Auburn University, Alabama State University, Central Alabama Communi-

ty College, Southern Union, Troy Faulkner, Tuskegee and more and businesses such as HDD, Hyundai and Community Hospital.

There were city and state agencies there too such as the Tallassee fire and police departments, AIDT and the Alabama Department of Labor

The event provided students the chance to speak with the representatives about job opportunities and degrees.

“A lot of times we get so honed in and so focused on one thing,” Nelson said. “We forget that there’s a lot of opportunities out there that really fit us, but we never explored.”

Students spoke with educators, some of

whom left the field and came to the classroom to teach the next generation of trade workers.

“Let’s sit down and talk about what your plans are in life. How do we get there? is one of the conversations we like to have,” Nelson said.

The career fair also opens the door to paying for higher education. Nelson noted Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.

“They have so many scholarship opportunities,” Nelson said. “Students may think ag is not their thing but there are so many different things under the umbrella they can likely find something of interest. It just takes conversation and some research.”

which needs to be the primary goal of our communities. True success in the animal sheltering world would be less need of our services, not more.

Shelters also need your moral support as what they deal with every day is very often overwhelming, heartbreaking and extremely frustrating. Shelter staff live the reality of far more animals coming in than are going out but not for their lack of trying.

Unsocialized, scared, injured, diseased and dangerous animals are sadly a daily occurrence making Shelter work also quite hazardous for the staff. Shelter work is a field very often taken for granted by the public and all but ignored too often by community leadership. Since most shelters are

non-profit organizations, of course they can also use your financial support whether that be by donating money, food, supplies, your time, and your advocacy. Just like every home and business, costs for utilities, pet food and supplies, wages, facility upkeep, insurance, vehicles, fuel costs and more keep going up.

Your support helps ensure that your community will have a Shelter as adopting and rescuing many pets starts with them having a place to go in the first place.

If your community did not have a shelter, then where would all of those animals go?

Think about that.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Tallassee woman proud of Trump win

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Dale Hilyer has voted for Kennedy for president and George Wallace for governor of Alabama.

Now the 88-year-old Tallassee native has cast ballots in two presidential elections for Donald Trump.

“I’m so excited he won,” Hilyer said. “I think he did a good job the first time and will do a good job this time.”

Hilyer didn’t visit the polls to vote this year.

Multiple falls and a walker forced her to vote by absentee ballot.

Hilyer said economics and immigration are the primary reasons she voted for Trump.

“I recently paid my homeowner’s insurance,” Hilyer said. “It was basically one month’s of Social Security. I’m against the illegal immigrants. I think he will get them out quickly.”

Hilyer is also concerned about Medicare. She believes Trump will protect the measure though understands his message it may have to be cut back some.

Hilyer loved the idea of Trump serving as president when he announced before the 2016 campaign.

She was worried Trump would give up or something would happen before the election. Hilyer was also worried the former president wouldn’t win.

“I stayed up to about 1:30 Tuesday night want-

Pet of the Week - Ricki

Ricki is a female Shepherd/Border Collie type mix who is 1 year old and weighs 41 pounds. She came in with three other dogs as strays so we know is good with other dogs. She is very sweet, playful, active and loves attention. Ricki would love to learn what life is like with a family to call her own. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Ricki 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.

ing to see,” Hilyer said. “I recorded his speech and watched it the next day. I’m so happy he won.”

Last summer for her 87th birthday, Hilyer visited her sister Alice Hilyer Beam near Nashville. The family took her to eat at a country club Trump frequents. The former president paused to take a photo with Hilyer.

“I heard him tell the Secret Service, ‘I’m going to take a picture with this lady in the red shirt,’” Hilyer said.

Hilyer has had a chance to meet other Trump family members and other politicians through fundraising efforts at Faulkner University.

“I believe he has a nice

family,” Hilyer said. The Trumps are not the first politicians Hilyer has been impressed by in person. She made arrangements when she worked at the Tallassee Mt. Vernon Mills to go to rallies for George Wallace as he campaigned for governor and president.

“I loved to hear him speak,” Hilyer said. “I thought he was such a good person. I feel like if he hadn’t got shot, almost assassinated he would have been president. I love George Wallace.”

Hilyer wants to meet another politician — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.

“I think she is a great lady,” Hilyer said. “I’d love to talk with her.”

SUBMITTED | TPI

Tallassee native and resident Dale Hilyer met former President Donald Trump while visiting family near Nashville last summer. HIlyer said she voted for Trump and believes he will make America great again.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Tallassee High School juniors and seniors visited with representatives of area businesses, industries and colleges at the school’s college and career fair Friday. It was intended to let students see what options for a future in the workforce are available.

Remember to thank your veterans

On Monday, we honored those who fought for this country — those who are still with us and those who have passed on. It is important to take time this Veterans Day and not only thank those who risk their lives, but also to reflect on what they risked their lives for.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day began during the aftermath of the war to end all wars — World War I and coincided with Armistice Day. After World War II it officially became Veterans Day, a day to honor those who fought in all wars.

“On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom,” President Dwight Eisenhower said in his proclamation. Since then, the country has continued to fight for freedom throughout the Vietnam War, Korean War and Gulf War — to name a few. Last year, President Joe Biden released his proclamation for Veterans Day for those who fought for our nation and its values.

“Today, I am thinking of all our Nation’s veterans, who put their lives on the line to protect our democracy, values, and freedom around the world,” he said. “We honor our wounded warriors, so many of whom the First Lady and I have met over the years, who are bound by a common sense of duty, courage, and optimism, and we remember those who are still missing in action or prisoners of war and renew my pledge to bring them home. Our military families, caregivers and survivors also answer the call to serve.”

And so this Veterans Day thank your veterans, their families and loved ones. Remember the sacrifice they have made, and continue to make, for all of us to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

With every presidential cycle comes a lot of emotion.

There is tons of buildup on both sides. From rallies with thousands of supporters to seemingly endless emails and texts about backing both candidates, voters are inundated with information for months leading up to the big day.

Then comes the night of the election.

Voters swarm the polls and poll workers are pressured to count quickly but accurately. For years, it was an obvious winner. With the way the electoral college is set up, there hasn’t always been a need to wait until the wee hours of the morning. But the past few presidential elections haven’t been that way.

It’s taken nearly every state to be decided before a winner has been named, and more and more states are becoming battlegrounds.

And of course with every election, there is a winner and there is a loser. That in and of itself makes for emotions to fly freely. Parties pour resources, time, energy and more into a campaign, and someone comes out victorious of course, but someone always loses.

For the past few presidential

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

elections, there has been a lot of divisiveness. People have been extreme on both sides of the table, and even violence has ensued.

There was no foretelling of President Donald Trump’s win this year. The likelihood of someone coming back from a presidential election defeat is so slim. It hasn’t happened since Grover Cleveland did so in the 1800s.

But the former president and now-president elect has an undeniable charisma. He also has name recognition on his side. But most importantly, the Democrats have a larger problem on their hands.

After inflation went through the roof and prices skyrocketed during President Joe Biden’s tenure thus far, the Democrats have become more and more detached from the everyday American.

understand the nuances of what’s happening in Israel and they know what makes the gas prices rise and lower.

But most people aren’t affect ed as much by political views specifically. Many voters aren’t necessarily concerned about gay marriage or immigration policies. Instead, they are worried about what affects them most. They are worried about how far their paycheck takes them and if they’ll be able to afford food for their families.

being a party of the elite if they are trying to connect with real people. They can’t be surprised when people are feeling left out of the party if they’re not doing enough to reach everyday voters. broken hearts last week but a lot of people who also became very hopeful about their futures. What needs to happen now is a sense of moving forward together. on both sides of the political spec trum has gone on long enough.

There are plenty of people who are politically aware. They

For all of Trump’s faults, he has a way of connecting with people.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Should Wetumpka have the Indians as its mascot?

There’s a level of nuance to this.

The American Indian experience is far from a monolith with various different tribes, personal beliefs and life experiences. I, as a white person, cannot speak to what it is like being an American Indian in this country. And I don’t claim to.

From the American Indian voices, I have listened to, both in person and through media, I side with the opinion that says, Indians as a mascot is dehumanizing. Speaking to my own bias, we, non-Native people, have a tendency to not think of American Indians as people of today, but people of the past. Alongside that we don’t think of tribes as nations within a nation, with sovereignty and rights.

Because of this bias, there’s a certain level of cognitive dissonance that makes it feel like it’s ok to have Indians be a mascot. And half the time Indian mascots aren’t showing appreciation but are a collection of stereotypes.

Yet again, there’s nuance to this.

Tulalip Tribes member Dr. Stephanie Fryberg on the All My Relations Podcast noted some American Indians would rather be visible in some way than be completely invisible. While others do see it solely as discrimination.

Fryberg’s research has found data that shows how mascots, such as Chief Wahoo, can actually lower self-esteem in Native youth, and she, herself, voiced how uncomfortable she felt with her school’s tomahawk mascot.

Along with Fryberg on the podcast was also activist Amanda Blackhorse. Unlike Fryberg, she grew up on a reservation and was shocked when she saw how school

mascots were using and misrepresenting Native culture.

“For a lot of people, they don’t truly understand the issue until they’ve actually experienced it, or seen it, or have been affected by stereotypes in some sort of negative way,” Blackhorse said. “And for me, I think it was a combination of me growing up on the Navajo rez really sheltered, and then leaving and then going to a completely different state and experiencing what I experienced with seeing what happens at these games, the type of culture that is there.”

Meanwhile, Oglala Lakota Nation citizen Tamee Livermont wrote about her experience going to high school with an Indian mascot on WeRNative. She explained in many ways the mascot depicts American Indians as not an existing population.

“It’s difficult to see ‘honor’ when you watch a sports game and see fake headdresses, ‘war paint’ and offensive chants,” Livermont states. “They mock our traditions and cultures as if we no longer exist. Whatever the intention is, we are more than a mascot. We are people. We are still here, and we deserve respect.”

Wetumpka may have an intention of honoring the past, but it is hurting the present and the future. Because at the end of the day, using an entire group of people as a mascot is inhumane. Especially when we consider, historically, all

that white people have taken from American Indians.

And I’m not just talking about the Trail of Tears, but also the assimilation efforts that Native people were forced to participate in. In Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass, she discusses how assimilation has left many American Indian populations without a connection to their own cultures, and some have languages that are on the verge of extinction. And now we want to take what’s left, or at least the stereotypes of what’s left, and use it for our own gain again.

But the point of this column and me voicing my opinion isn’t to advocate for immediately stripping Wetumpka as the Indians. It’s to start a conversation. While I believe there needs to be changes, my opinion is just one out of thousands.

I weaved in some American Indian creators and writers because as a white person I have my limitations in providing a well-rounded perspective on the issue and, to be fair, not every American Indian is going to agree with me or the people I quoted. My hope is that us, non-native people, will start engaging with American Indian books, podcasts, videos and again start a conversation. It is Native American Heritage Month after all, and we need to learn about other’s experiences if we want any chance of being compassionate individuals. We are all works in progress and forever growing, including myself and the Wetumpka Indians.

Abigail Murphy is the Dadeville beat reporter for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

SUCCESS

Continued from A1

Dorley has been associated with the Tallassee IDB for more than two decades. Most of that time has been spent as either chairman of the board or the executive director. He has seen his fair share of industry expansion in Tallassee, and some new industries, such as Velocity, is now working on six projects to bring even more to town.

“I’ve never been this busy,” Dorley said. “Some do this and never see six projects in a career, much less at the same time.”

They all have code names — Steelers, Lighting Bug, Mustang, Postal, Fairwinds and Olaf. If all six come to fruition it means about 290 jobs created along the Highway 229 corridor between Tallassee and Interstate 85. All have been worked by the IDB for two years or less.

Dorley said three of the projects — Steelers, Lighting Bur and Mustang are currently in the planning stages of construction to begin building and will bring about 130 jobs to the area, though he said he can’t say much about the companies. The companies are in aerospace, construction, automotive, technology and distribution.

“It’s up to the companies to make the announcements,” Dorley said. “They are the ones who say what they are doing and when.”

Dorley is currently negotiating with the industry code named Project Postal competing with two other Southeastern towns. Two other companies have made verbal commitments to come to Tallassee in the next 16 months.

Dorley said Tallassee’s location is the prime reason for being on the radar of so many companies.

“We are close to Kia and Hyundai,” Dorley said. “So we have interests in Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. We are also close to Auburn, Atlanta and Lagrange.”

The location near the interstate means the plants are less than two hours to the major manufacturing hubs.

Being near the interstate also gives a larger footprint for drawing a workforce. Within 45 minutes is most of Elmore County, some Lee, Montgomery and Tallapoosa counties. To aid in the travel of the workforce, the Tallassee IDB is encouraging starting wages of at least $18 per hour.

Dorley said starting the process with a new industry is relatively easy.

“They come to us,” Dorley said. “In retail, you have to go to them. I only do industrial recruitment.”

Dorley said the Tallassee IDB helps connect the dots between the industry and incentives. Sometimes it’s providing land with the help of local governments or temporary space in the IDB’s business incubator until the company’s building is serviceable.

“We can provide a temporary office for a company that’s building in the industrial park,” Dorley said. Other incentives come from the state. Recently Gov. Kay Ivey announced $792,000 in grant funding for the IDB. Some of the funds will be used to recertify some of its building sites. The idea is to make it easy for companies to have access to current surveys and testing including geotechnical to speed projects up.

Incentives such as property tax abatements are in state law. Dorley’s and the IDB’s job is to help connect industry representatives with the appropriate state contacts to ensure things go smoothly.

Aid also comes from the Elmore County Economic Development Authority and its director Lisa VanWager.

“They are great partners,” Dorley said. “They are always willing to help.”

Dorley also works with local manufacturing companies to help with expansion. Sometimes it’s incentives and again mostly helping connect the companies with the appropriate state personnel.

About 80% of the work is with those companies already here,” Dorley said. In the last two decades GKN and Neptune have expanded. Since arriving following the Kia announcement in the early 2000s, Hanil has expanded at least four times. The expansions help bridge the gap between new industries coming to Tallassee.

“The last small part of the drive for some of these projects is the longest,” Dorley said. “You can get all the way down the field and not get them. We have to keep working though.”

But one thing greatly aids Tallassee in the landing industry.

“We have been successful over the years,” Dorley said. “Nothing creates success like success.”

PATRIOTISM

Continued from A1

freedoms, everyone is supposed to be patriots.”

According to Burdette, nurses, farmers, pastors, assembly plant workers, power company linemen, doctors, lawyers, policemen, firemen, landscapers and more can be patriots.

“There’s this gold mine of patriotism, and these intellectual creatures lead in patriotism,” Burdette said. “It is something that not only happened in the past. It is alive and well today.”

There are opportunities for patriotism all around, according to Burdette. There are ways to be patriotic beyond standing for the pledge of allegiance and signing the national anthem.

“Citizenship in this great country comes with great responsibility,” Burdette said. “We must encourage and lead by example.”

Burdette said an act as simple as putting down a cellphone to listen and participate in a conversation can be patriotic.

“Flying a flag at home can be patri-

POLYGON

Continued from A1

tie and suspenders just like Spann. It was like a three funnel tornado had swept into the room at 1220, only far less destructive.

“We come as a package deal,” Bradley said.

Bradley’s wife Jamie said the family, which also includes 8-year-old Hattie and 4-year-old Eleanor, are massive Spann fans.

“We have his book ‘Prepared, Not Scared’,” Jamie

FOUND

Continued from A1

otic too,” Burdette said. Patriotism should be expressed in prayers, attitudes and in reference to the nation’s leaders. Burdette referenced a President Ronald Regan quote about freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

“Our freedom requires a great first question of appreciation,” Burdette said. “We don’t pass it to our children in the legislature. It must be

said. “It’s our family motto. Before they could say (the word) ‘prepared’, they would say, ‘Repair, Not Scared.’”

Jamie said after they purchased a copy on preorder in 2021, the family reads the book when they go to a safe place to ride out storm warnings. The book was brought to Saturday’s book signing for Spann to sign. The family is originally from Birmingham and is very familiar with Spann,. They know what to watch for when his sleeves are

Tiffany Goodman Rawlinson was in school at Southern Union in Wadley a year after graduating from Tallassee. She and friends went to nearby Oxford to go shopping. In the crowded restroom she took off the class ring and a True Love Waits ring and placed them on the back of the sink as she washed her hands. She turned around to dry her hands and turned around seconds later to find the rings missing.

“We looked everywhere,” Rawlinson said. “We couldn’t find anything and couldn’t pinpoint who could have taken them. The mall was just completely full with lots and lots of people.”

Rawlinson went to the mall office to report the missing or stolen rings.

fought for, protected and handed on to them.”

Burdette was part of the program organized by students. It included the band playing patriotic music including the Armed Services Medley where veterans in attendance were recognized. Students also set a table for the soldiers who have not returned home such as Prisoners of War or those Missing in Action.

rolled up, or when his tie is sometimes removed.

“We have also downloaded all the weather apps from James Spann,” Bradley said. “He is our guy.” Spann was signing his books and children’s books by his wife and son. He also had stickers and shirts with his famous “Respect the Polygon” saying referencing how storm warnings are marked on maps that he frequently reports on. Noah Griggs, owner of 1220 Cafe didn’t go out seeking a visit from the

“They said they would keep an eye out for them,” Rawlinson said. “But they were never found.”

Rawlinson had given up hope that the ring would ever be found. She thought the rings, especially the class ring would be pawned or sold for the diamond in it and the gold. She went about life and moved on.

About a month ago, Bill Yohe of Oxford was going through a filing cabinet he acquired in the purchase of a delinquent storage unit. He found the two rings together and noticed it was a Tallassee High School class ring with Tiffany Goodman inscribed on it. Yohe called the school and spoke with secretary Christina Baker. It didn’t take long to make the connection.

“Christina and I have known each other for a long time,” Rawlinson said. “When he asked if she knew me, she was like, ‘oh yes.’” Baker called Rawlinson, letting

meteorologist. Instead Spann called up the restaurant seeking a place to visit on his book tour.

“I have passed by this place many times,” Spann said.

It didn’t take Griggs long to agree to allowing 1220 to be on Spann’s book tour.

“There is not one like him,” Griggs said. “There are some good ones but this guy is so colorful and entertaining while he tells you the weather. He is kind of the wow factor.”

know of the discovery in Oxford. Yohe sent the rings to Tallassee High School and included a note.

“Here is the class ring for Tiffany Lois Goodman,” the letter states. “There is another ring that was with it and that is with it as well. I know what class rings mean to some and I am happy to get it back to her. Thank you for helping me with that. I hope she will be happy in getting it back. Thank you” Rawlinson said the rings are covered in dirt and more. She is unsure of the journey they have been on but she plans to have the rings cleaned and then put in the safe.

“I’ll pull them back out,” Rawlinson said. “We have a bunch of stuff we’re gonna pull out for the reunion next year, so I’ll probably pull it out for that. I think there is some special reason I don’t know of that the rings showed almost 20 years later.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Tallassee native and resident retired Lt. Col. Joey Burdette speaks at the Southside Middle School Veterans Day Program.

What the holy Trinity truly means

The greatest mystery of Christianity is the holy Trinity. The word “Trinity” comes from the Latin word “Trinitas,” meaning “threefold,” and was first used by Tertullian in the middle of the second century to describe the concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God in three divine Persons. The reason that it is the greatest Christian mystery is because it is about the eternal and infinite nature of God!

There are intimations of this reality in the Old Testament, but it was never explicitly stated. A few of these examples are from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. In the first chapter, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen 1:26). Some other passages that indicate that there is a plurality in God are: Genesis 3:22 & 11:7 along with Isaiah 6:8. Though Jesus spoke of the Father and the Holy Spirit, He never explained the relationship in detail. That led to

a number of early heresies in the Church, among them was Arianism, Modalism, Docetism, Adoptionism, Partialism, Tritheism, Ebionism and Macedonianism. Arianism (named after Arius, the priest who championed it) was the most popular of them and taught that Jesus Christ was the first of all created beings, but not of the same divine nature as God. It took the First Ecumenical Council (Nicaea in 325 A.D.) to definitively refute it, which is cemented in the Nicene Creed, which is much more detailed than the earlier written Apostles’ Creed when speaking about Jesus Christ. An Ecumenical (meaning “general”) Council is a worldwide meeting of all of

the bishops of the Catholic Church, presided over by the pope, to (usually) discuss particular doctrine(s) of the faith that are being disputed and unsettling the faithful. There have been 21 such Councils in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church from Nicaea (in 325 A.D.) to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The latter one was a pastoral council, not issuing any new clarifications of dogmas as the previous 20 Councils had done.

The holy Trinity is an inti-

Tallassee Churches

mate part of the Christian life. St. John wrote that “God is love” (1 John 4:16) and to have love there must be more than a singularity. We have come to understand, in our limited human intellect, that the Son (or Word) of God was eternally generated (begotten) of the Father and the eternal love between the Father and the Son is so powerful, real and awesome, that it is a distinct divine Person, the Holy Spirit. Yes, this is mysterious and inadequate, but that is what you get when you try to

fit the infinite into the finite human mind.

Why is this important and relevant? Because we are created in the image of God and the better we understand God, the more we will find our dignity and identity, our call and mission – in this life and eternity! Stay tuned as I will try to flesh this out in my future columns.

Father James Dean is the pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wetumpka.

Former region foes Reeltown, Luverne face off in playoffs

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Reeltown knows not to let the opposing team’s record fool them.

Reeltown (10-1) meets a familiar foe in former region opponent Luverne (6-5) in the second round of the playoffs. Although the two teams no longer share a region, Reeltown

coach Matt Johnson knows Luverne is much better than its record displays.

“They went on the road last week as a three seed and knocked off a two seed,” Johnson said.

“Which tells me that they’re playing pretty good ball right now. If you go back and look, not comparing records and whatnot, but just looking

TIGERS LOOKING TO STAY HOT IN SECOND ROUND

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

The Tallassee Tigers defeated Mobile Christian last week in the first round of the AHSAA Class 4A playoffs, making them the winners of seven straight football games. They will look to carry that momentum into Round 2 as Tallassee welcomes in the Ashford Yellow Jackets.

“We are one of the hottest teams in the state right now and with that comes some internal belief which is what we are using to propel us through this important back

half of the season,” Tiger coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal said.

Coming off last week’s match against a much larger Mobile Christian roster, O’Neal said he will continue to use a physical approach on defense.

“We are looking to disrupt every single play no matter if it’s a pass or a run,” O’Neal said. “We will keep the box stacked and try to throw the first punch right out of the gate.”

The Tigers have seen much of their success on offense come from their prized all purpose back, Jordan King.

King added two more touchdowns to his already clustered season stat sheet.

Tallassee will also look to guys like Tiny Green and a number of outside weapons to stretch the field.

“We usually like every single matchup we have on offense, because we feel as if we can always adjust to a defensive scheme based on our athletes and alignment.”

O’Neal said. “One thing that has been key for us all year is preparation leading up to Friday night. Our practices are always going to be game-like and get us where we need to be.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Tallassee’s Tiny Green (0) will play a big factor for the offense against Ashford.

Player of the Week

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

You would be hard pressed to find a box score from any Tallassee game that did not have Jordan King’s fingerprints all over it this season. He has been the catalyst for a surging hot Tallassee football team. His performance from Round 1 of the AHSAA Class 4A playoffs was no different, and he is the Elmore County Player of the

at opponents, I think all of their losses are against the top 10 teams, so they’ve played an extremely tough schedule. Their record is not indicative of the type team that they are and their region losses were to Highland Home, who’s ranked top in 2A, and Goshen, who was a powerhouse in 2A for the past few years, and including this year. They’ve got a good team.” In the first round against Houston County everything from offense, defense to special teams were clicking on all cylinders. The balanced rushing and passing game each totaled 200 yards each while the return game of

Tiger girls basketball creating their own narrative this season

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Alfonzo Johnson’s squad has had this girls basketball season on their mind since last year’s end, due to the warranted excitement based on a talented and experienced roster.

Despite the gauntlet of area teams Tallassee will play this season, there is reason to believe the Tigers will compete in every single game — no matter who is across the floor. With dynamic playmakers returning such as Cheyann Easterling and Reese Gough, Johnson’s optimism for this year’s team is through the roof.

“The mentality with our athletic program is we are trying to make the playoffs,” Johnson said. “We have established ourselves as a department with every other sport experiencing some success so we believe it is our time to start adapting those winning ways as well.”

Having traveled around the state and even making a trip down to Florida to play in some summer games, Johnson feels like he’s gotten to know his

Week. King finished his night with close to 80 rushing yards, adding two rushing touchdowns and a forced fumble on the defensive side of the ball.

Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal said King is simply just “ that guy” for this Tiger’s team. “We go as he goes, he is always around the ball and a real knack for the big play,” O’Neal said. “We

team well.

“We have grown together, because if you look at my roster we are young on paper, but I have coached these girls at the varsity level for a few years now,” Johnson said.

It is very clear the next wave of athletic accolades lies in the hands of the current group.

The Tigers’ style of play on both fronts will utilize their athleticism in every key spot. They are going to be fast and conditioned as most of the players are involved with other sports year round.

“We will look to push the floor on offense and be aggravating on defense playing mostly a man to man attack,” Johnson said. “Our girls come into the season already in shape so we won’t have to worry about getting them prepared for a season on that front.”

Although Tallassee has not seen the playoffs in almost 10 years, it is this team the program feels will ignite the spark and return back to where it belongs — the postseason. The Tigers opened their season on the road at Prattville on Tuesday night.

trust him to do the right things and provide the big play when we need it, which he does.”

King has a very unique role on this team as he is used in many different ways. He will line up at half back and wideout and will even take direct snaps in a formation that is strategically designed to put the ball in his hands. He is also a vital piece in the Tallassee

Reeltown’s Traylen Roberts (2) set to run through Luverne in the second round of the playoffs.

FILE TPI

Tallassee girls basketball season tips off against Prattville.

Reeltown Elementary students honored

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Students at Reeltown Elementary School were recently honored for accomplishments for the first nine weeks of school. Accomplishments included perfect attendance, making all As or making all As or Bs.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

KINDERGARTEN

Emi Kate Cosby, Hunter Davis, James Holt, Thomas Holt, Wiley Jones, Jude Mask and Logan Ray

FIRST GRADE

Ace King, Lilly Martin, Lucas McLain, Parker Poole, Jamison Russaw, Carter Taylor and A’Ziya Thurman

SECOND GRADE

Ellie Betts, Caeleigh Cheek, Ashlyn Epstein, Emma Grice, Aria Holden, Beckham Owens andJD Watts

THIRD GRADE

Kollins Coan, Chesney Crumpton, Kartier Holland, Asher Jacks, Alana King, Heze-

kiah Osborne, Garrett Spraggins and Ryleigh Veasey

FOURTH GRADE

Townes Barham, Brantley Cardwell, Finlan Grover, Lawson Hodge, Charli Hood, Asher King, Dylan McLain, Brooks Owens, Zoey Sanders, Cooper Taylor and Avery Ware FIFTH GRADE

Weston Cardwell, Jack Conradson, Marley Lowe, Ana Nelson and Peyton Russaw

A HONOR ROLL

FIRST GRADE

Landon Bailey, Chloe Birdwell, Reagan Broach, Emma Carleton, Preston Chandler, Mary Anna Corbitt, Amelia Glass, Lili Jane Mason and Mia Moore

SECOND GRADE

Avery Alexander, Alison Carter, Sawyer Coan, Emanuel Fortson, Josie Golden, Wheaton Gunn, Talor Hammonds, Coralai Harris, Olivia Hatchett, Aubrey Horton, Jack Johnson, Landon Johnson, Jaxon Lunceford, Ah’Lijah McNeely, Beckham Owens, Hudson Rodgers, Arrya Sands, Melody Trejo and

Landree Webster

THIRD GRADE

Greyson Creamer, Chesney Crumpton, Emily Foster, Amelia Johnson, Maci McDonald, Gracen Pargo, JP Rollins, Garrett Spraggins, Ava Stanfield, Anna Carson Tapley, Christian Waver and Leila Williams

FOUTH GRADE

Zaid AlQahtani, Mason Bailey, Townes Barham, Kyleigh Burton, Maryann Fuller, Reagan Garner, Finlan Grover, Lawson Hodge, Charli Hood, Dylan McLain, Brooks Owens and Cooper Taylor

FIFTH GRADE

Emma Betts, Jack Conradson, Gracelyn Haley, Knox Hood, AJ McNeely, Zain Moore, Easton Rodgers, Luke Sessions and Celestine Wilson

A/B HONOR ROLL

FIRST GRADE

Madden Bell, Brooklynn Broach, Asher Ceman, Greyson Floyd, Kirsten Holland, Ace King, Haven King, Kinley Lee, Lilly Martin, Christian Moore, London Newman, Hartley Phil-

lips, Mary Jane Pierce, Parker Poole, Baker Rollins, Samantha Suella, Carter Taylor, Jacob Williams, Logan Williams and Euriyonna Wilson

SECOND GRADE

Nicholas Abrams, Kaiden Adams, Layan AlQahtani, Stella Barden, Frank Cannon, Arroney Cardwell, Caeleigh Cheek, Emma Grice, Jesse Haynes, Aria Holden, Hattie Holt, Olivia Ingram, Ava Knight, Isaiah Mathews, Odessarose McCormack, Lainey Navarre, Hunter Norris, Charlie Peeples, Caleb Sanders, Matthew Sessions, Tydreauna Thomas, Harmoni Turner, Jade Walker, JD Watts, Macy Welch, Emma Worley and Isabella Young

THIRD GRADE

Parker Bedford, Walden Berry, Christopher Butler, Hunter Cheek, Mason Cobb, Kathryn Floyd, Lyric Godbolt, Kartier Holland, Avery Holt, Bailey Johnson, Haley Johnston, Alaina Kent, Alana King, Kathryn Ledbetter, Skylar Matthews, Hezekiah Osborne, Jameson Phillabaum, Jayla Richardson, Kayleigh

Reeltown honors local veterans

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With Veterans Day on Monday, both Reeltown elementary and high schools held a Veterans Day program last Thursday morning.

The program started at the elementary school with a veteran’s parade, where veterans would line up with their branch and walk down the hallway as the students waved American flags. The parade ended in the cafeteria, where the veterans and their families were treated to a breakfast buffet.

The veterans and their families then went across the way to the high school for the rest of the program. The program included a welcoming statement from SGA senior president Cruise Johnson, an invocation by veteran Dawn Smith, a patriotic medley performed by the school band, pledge of allegiance led by SGA secretary Christian Jackson and the history of Veterans Day read by SGA treasurer Megan Giles.

The keynote speaker for the program was Reeltown alum and active marine Cole Flurry.

“I want to recognize the veterans; it’s their day,” Flurry said. “It’s

their day to be thanked. With that I express great gratitude for all the service and sacrifices you all have made for this great country. And it still is a great country as long as we keep God first.”

Before ending the program, two poems were recited by SGA

Tae Martin and Alijah Woods kept the team from being pinned in bad field position. Reeltown’s main goal will be to replicate that success for a consecutive week, but Luverne won’t make it easy

“We’re not going to deviate from anything,” Johnson said. “We’re going to take what we do and just try to continue to get better at it and adjust it to what we see schematically, defensively and offensively. Every week continues to get tougher. This jump in toughness is pretty big, this is a much better opponent, just because they’ve got weapons in multiple places. We

really got to hone in and have a really good week of practice and preparation this week and just continue to improve on our craft.” Johnson knows the biggest challenge will be on his defense considering the playmakers on the other side. It has been a tough task for any team to move the ball against the Rebels defense, which allows just a tad over six points per game. However, the offensive scheme the Lions run could present the Rebels with some challenges.

“Our defense has to really step up this week, it’s a new challenge,” Johnson said. “What (Luverne) does from a scheme perspective, offensively is something we hadn’t seen much of.

secondary as one of the top defenders on the team.

“Two guys on our offense that we always try to get the ball to in space are Chase Chumlee and Jordan King,” O’Neal said. “Those guys make things happen when they have the ball with room to

vice president Ryleigh Whitaker, SGA junior class president Maddie Stockdale invited the present veterans up for a roll call, trumpet soloist Will Cox performed Taps and principal Audrey Stockdale gave closing remarks — thanking the veterans for their service.

They’re going to line up and they’re going to just run right downhill, right at you, and you’ve got to stop it, and then there’s some play action off of that. Not only do you have to be disciplined, you got to be extremely physical, you got to play low and unselfish football from a defensive perspective.”

Although Reeltown had the benefit of playing at home last week, there is a slight adjustment it will have to make having to travel to Luverne. Although the routine might differ, this trip is not something new to the squad.

“This is a team who we’ve been in the region with for a few years now,” Johnson said. “There is actually a routine in

operate.”

King’s success both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball have been key to the revitalization of Tallassee’s football team. There is no better platform for him to continue his success than in the playoffs.

Tallassee will look for him to continue his success in the second round of the playoffs as the Tigers host Ashford on Friday.

Sanders, Destiny Self, Journey Self, Kobe Shepherd, Ryder Stephenson, Sophia Suella, Tripp Taunton, Bella Thomas, Ryleigh Veasey, Tori Willbanks, Alexa Willis, Logan Willis and Benny Winslett

FOURTH GRADE Collins Bonifay, A’Lajah Bouie, Cayson Bunn, Addie Chamness, Remy Dillard, Reighlyn Floyd, Tristen Gardner, Jett Golden, Riley Heflin, Jordyn Johnson, Liberty Johnson, Asher King, Carlin Ledyard, Asia Levett, China Levett, Aaron Lockard, Roman Maddox, Bentley Mask, Stan Peeples, Zoey Sanders, Kylie Schwartz, Eli Smith, Jazyah Terry, Avery Ware and Wyatt Young

FIFTH GRADE Zoe Bentley, Ava Grace Blackwell, Daylen Bouie, Ketch Burdette, Vivi Anne Coan, Jaylynn Floyd-Worley, Blake Foster, Cam Hill, Jayce Johnson, Emmy Lovelady, Marley Lowe, Ana Nelson, Ha’Mya Peavy, Lily Pyrlik, Peyton Russaw, Drew Spraggins and Kaitlyn Williams

there, this isn’t a two to three-hour trip. This is a trip that’s very familiar to us and very familiar to these guys on this team. That’s what’s great about it, is that this is something very familiar for them. Obviously, there are some adjustments from a home routine to an away routine, but it’s a familiar adjustment.”

Reeltown looks to keep its postseason push alive against Luverne in search of another appearance at the state championship, but right now the focus is on the game in front of them.

ABIGAIL MURPHY | TPI

Reeltown Elementary hosts a Veterans Day parade with veterans lining up with their miliary branch.

101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org\

Administrative Controller is sought by automotive parts manufacturer in Alexander City, AL. Min. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related AND 2 years of experience in administrative management are required. Send resume to C&J Tech Alabama, Inc. @ 145 Plant 10 Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. ASK US ABOUT OUR DIGITAL ADVERTISING SPECIAL! 256-414-4250

Job Opportunities

Executive Driver Needed Must be reliable and dependable. Customer service oriented. Arrive at appointments on time. Must be polite, courteous and possess great interpersonal skills while remaining professional. Excellent communication skills. Professional appearance. Email ( Evercoretrustcompany@ gmail.com ) with resumes and cover letters.

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-

Multiple Grounds Maintenance Workers needed for Rotolo Consultants, Inc.: Operate vehicles/powered equipment for landscaping/ Lawncare; Use hand tools; Prune/trim trees, shrubs, or hedges; Gather/remove litter; Rake/mulch/compost leaves; Follow landscape designs; Use garden tools. Haul/spread topsoil/pine straw; Create forms, mix/pour cement for garden borders, and bulkheads. Monitor/adjust water consumption using irrigation methods; Monitor/maintain seasonal irrigation systems; Install rock gardens, ponds, decks, drainage systems, irrigation systems, retaining walls, fences, planters, or playground equipment. 3 mos. exp req’d. Work in Alexander City, AL Contact at LJURADO@rotoloconsultants. com.

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.

Construction Company at Lake Martin and surrounding area looking for skilled carpenters and construction equipment operators. Top pay based on experience. Serious inquiries only. ofﬁce.ppbinc@yahoo.com

Pets & Livestock

Domestic Pets

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Public Notices

The Owner will receive Bids until 10:00 AM on the 6th day of December, 2024. The bid opening will be held at the Authority, located at 5059 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078.

The Project is generally described as follows:

The Owner requires the Project to be completed in 210 calendar days from date of Notice to Proceed. The Contractor will be allowed to choose a start date to commence no later than May 1, 2025. Details regarding the Notice to Proceed timing and are included in Section 02000 of the Project Manual. Bidding Documents may be obInc., 100 North Gay Street, Suite 350, Auburn, Alabama 36830, louie.arvelo@cdge.com. Paper copies are available upon receipt of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $175.00] for one set. PDF electronic copies are available via email at no cost to the bidder. Bidders will be required to provide Bid security in the form of a Bid Bond or cashier’s check in the amount of a sum the Bid Price but not more than $10,000.00. The requirements of Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act as well as the American Iron and Steel compliance with 2014 Appropriations Act must be adhered to for this project and appropriate documentation as required must be provided. All bidders must comply with the President’s Executive Order Number 11246 which prohibits discrimination in employment regarding race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Anti-Kickback Act and the Contract

Public Notices

Workhours Act. The attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract, and compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all bids, and to award the contract to the lowest and most responsible bidder. All bidders must comply with the requirements of the Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State the type of work on which the proposal is submitted. Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form, and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders.

All nonresident contractors preparing bids shall submit with the bid documents evidence of a current Alabama General Contractor’s License, evidence (with original seal of the State of Alabama) of proper registration with the Alabama Secretary of State as a foreign corporation, anding as a Foreign Corporation from the State of Alabama Department of Revenue. Bids submitted by a non-resident contractor without these documents included will be rejected. No bidder may withdraw his bid opening thereof. Bids may be held by the Owner for a period from the date of opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualto awarding the contract. This project is being funded by local funds.

All bids must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, address, and name of the project: “Interconnection with Walnut Hill Water Authority, ARPA/DWSRF Project No. FS010546-01.” Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows and delivered to: Chairman Steve P. East, Jr., Wall Street Water Authority, 5059 Notasulga Road, Tallassee, Alabama 36078. Each Bidder, and each Sub-

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contractor, is required to complete and submit Docu-migration Compliance along with their E-Verify Program Memorandum of Understanding at the time of the Bid. No Contract will be awarded to any Bidder who does not submit the required Immigration Compliance documents. Contractor will be required to provide two (2) Owner’s Protective Liability Policies. Named Insured shall be as follows: 1.Wall Street Water Authority 2.CDG, Inc. See

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Eclectic receives grant for sewer system upgrade

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A $400,000 grant to expand wastewater treatment will aid in growth in Eclectic.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced last week the Town of Eclectic received a $400,000 Community Block Development Grant to aid in growth. Eclectic’s grant was part of $17 million in funding the governor announced. In Eclectic, the funding will allow the town to double the wastewater treat-

ment center ’s capacity just six years after a new package plant for sewage was made operational.

“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 grant requires just a 10% match from the town.

The estimate for the project is $440,000. The town will fund $40,000. The six year old facility will still be operational.

“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.”

Town leaders believe it is better to go ahead and get ready for the anticipated growth in the area.

Elmore County basketball plans to turn the tides

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT

Sports Editor

Nathan Taylor is at the forefront of the Elmore County boys basketball program and he is ready to see his guys excel on the hardwood.

With some key returning players to his starting rotation, the Panthers feel optimistic about the product they will see this season.

“We have a great mix of veteran leadership and some young guys who have seen some varsity minutes for us,” Taylor said.

The Panthers will return most of their point production this year as Jadon Eason and Gage Davis are both coming off huge seasons last

year

“Having Jaden and Gage come back is going to be huge for us in multiple ways this year,” Taylor said. “Jaden is our scoring leader from last season and Gage is a floor general for us.”

This is sure to aid the Panthers team as they embark on a highly talented area matchup tree including Beauregard and Valley.

“We like where we are at right now,” Taylor said. “I believe that we will compete with this area this year looking at what we have on the roster.”

The Panthers have been short of their goals in previous seasons by not making it into the postseason,

but it feels as if this is the team to turn it around.

Taylor’s coaching philosophy is sure to be evident in the style of play his team will show this year.

“We talk about margins every single day and what it means to be great on a consistent basis,” Taylor said. “We are looking to out rebound and out shoot every team that we play. I don’t want us hesitating to take a shot, if our guys have open looks then we will take it.”

The Panthers will pursue an up tempo pace and look to cash in on transition baskets. Elmore County will start its season Friday at Dadeville.

“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.”

A new area and a new mindset has the Panthers feeling optimistic about what is on the road ahead this season. At the head of the operation will be coach Kyle Caldwell, who believes all the ingredients are in place for his squad to make a strong statement this year.

New season means new opportunities for Elmore County hoops

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

The Elmore County girls basketball team is in high anticipation for this upcoming season and for good reason.

“Even though we’re losing our top two scorers from last year and only returning three seniors, I still feel like this team we have coming back is the foundation we need for major success,” Caldwell said.

The Panthers are a part of the Class 5A Area 7 which includes the likes of Valley and Beauregard.

“We are well aware that the route we have is tough and our work will be laid out for us,” Caldwell said. “That is why we took the approach of beefing up the regular season schedule as much as possible in order to feel as prepared as possible

when we get into the meaningful games later on in the season.”

The bulk of the ball handling will be done by Kayden Edwards, who is primed for a monster year offensively after a very productive season last year. Another key piece returning for the Panthers will be guard Raevyn Barris, who will see big minutes in her junior season.

“One of our biggest strengths this year will be our ability to play defense on and off the ball, because of our athleticism,” Caldwell said.

“We have some speed that will allow us to stretch the floor at times and control the pace of play when we want to.”

With only one win necessary in the area tournament to advance in the postseason, Caldwell is very well aware of just how important the front half of the schedule is for his team.

“The tougher the games are leading up to our area opponents, the better we will feel about the back half of those meaningful games,” Caldwell said.

The Panthers will begin their season on the road in Dadeville on Friday.

The Elmore County girls basketball team is ready to begin

season against Dadeville.

The Elmore County boys basketball team has been hard at work this offseason.