Elmore County leads state in voter turnout
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore
‘TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK’
New Elmore County commissioner wants to see all succeed
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
took off from there. Not only did home health and hospice patients get gifts through McKee’s Santa for Seniors last year but others did as well. The program was able to supply
Santa for Seniors seeking donations
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It was a personal experience that inspired Lei McKee to seek small gifts for seniors during the holiday season. Now, Santa for Seniors is entering its third year in Tallassee.
“My father-inlaw was in hospice,” McKee said. “He enjoyed when the nurses brought a present for the holiday. I thought we would do it for the seniors here since they get very little.”
McKee works for
Gulf Packaging and SupplyOne Company in Tallassee but reached out to Community Health and Hospice to see if there was a need locally.
It took off from there. Not only did home health and hospice patients get gifts through McKee’s Santa for Seniors last year but others did as well. The program was able to supply small items for clients at senior centers in Tallassee and Notasulga and area nursing homes.
“We even had some
to assist more in medical calls
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Qualified members of the Tallassee Fire Department will soon be able to do more on medical calls thanks to a grant.
Tallassee Mayor
“You don’t have to always get along with someone on a personal level,” Davis said.
“You can have very different
Newly sworn in Elmore County Commissioner District 2 member Brad Davis wants to bring a partner type of leadership approach — one he learned in the Marine Corps — to his new position as he replaces the retiring Mack Daugherty. Davis wants to focus on the mission of making Elmore County better and setting aside personal differences.
Sarah Hill said the city received a grant to purchase equipment for the department.
“It’s like a monitor for our paramedics and advanced EMTs at the fire department to start some care when they arrive at a call,” Hill said.
Soon some firefighters will be able to start IVs and start some medicine until an ambulance arrives on scene.
Hill asked the council to approve a measure for the fire department to apply for an ALS II non-transport license. Under the license, ambulances would still need to transport patients to hospitals and emergency rooms for further care.
The council finalized the paperwork for financing the new lights at sports fields across the city. The MUSCO lights are being leased through Capital One but the city will own them
See VOTER, Page A5
SUBMITTED TPI Brad Davis, center, is sworn in as Elmore County Commission District 2 member by Elmore County Probate Judge John Thornton, left.
Obituaries
JOANN JONES
Mrs. Joann Jones, age 52 of Tallassee, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at UAB Hospital. There are no public services planned at this time. Mrs. Jones was born and raised around Tuckerton, New Jersey, attended Pinelands Regional High School, and had worked several jobs over her lifetime, but was primarily a stay home wife and mother. Mrs. Jones was an amazing Mother to her two daughters, and devoted grandmother to her grandson, Grayson. She enjoyed going thrift store shopping with her family, and knew how to find a great deal while also saving money. Mrs. Jones was an avid animal lover, especially to her cats and dogs. She was extremely passionate about her family, could
FRANCES MARIE NELSON FANCHER
Frances Marie Nelson Fancher, beloved wife, mother & friend, passed Oct 24, 2024 at the age of 92. Marie was born to Dr. Byron (B.B.) Nelson and Frances Nelson in Tallassee, Alabama. Marie’s father was superintendent of schools in Tallassee for over 50 years and education strongly influenced Marie’s life. She met her future husband Al at a state-wide meeting for high school student-body presidents . She earned her undergraduate degree in Education at Auburn Alabama and her master’s degree at Peabody Teachers’ College (now part of Vanderbuilt University). Al later transferred from University of Alabama to Auburn University be with Marie. As a UofA alumnae once said to me, “Boy, your
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT NOV. 17
• Assistance was given to another agency on Second Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue. NOV. 16
• A noise complaint was reported on Peachwood Drive, Charles CC Blalock Drive, Whatley Drive, Gilmer Avenue and Redden Avenue.
• A white female was arrested on Birch Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Poplar Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Second Avenue and Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A civil dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Weldon Road.
• Harassment was reported on Willow Street.
be the voice of reason when she needed to be, and loved cooking and providing a nice meal for her family. Even though she was not able to visit New Jersey as often as she liked, her last longing memory was visiting the Barnegat New Jersey Lighthouse. Mrs. Jones also loved spending time at the pool, going to the beach, and just spending time with her family.
Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband of 35 years, Kevin Jones of Tallassee; two daughters: Sarah Kathrine Mann (Brenden) of Tallassee and Amber Lynn Jones (Tyler Ray Brown) of Lineville; her grandson, Grayson Mann of Tallassee; her mother, Loretta Kay Bornhardt of Barnegat, NJ; her siblings: Dora Marin Sanchez (Jamie), Arthur Bornhardt (Diane), both of Barnegat, NJ, John Wyck-
mom must have been real pretty”. And, yes, she was.
Marie taught middle school in Pensacola, Florida before marrying Al two days after he finished flight school.
They moved too many times to count and eventually had Lyn in Guam, Scott in Monterrey, California and Julie in their first brief stop in Virginia Beach.
Marie cherished her life in the Navy, making life-long friendships. She excelled in her responsibilities as a Navy spouse. She worked at Navy
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue. NOV. 15
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue. NOV. 14
• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Main Street. NOV. 13
• A domestic incident was reported on Friendship Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on Florence Street.
• A fight in progress was reported on Hickory Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Third Avenue.
• Harassment was
off (Kara) of Rougemont, NC, and Matthew Black (Amy) of Audubon, NJ; sister in law, Kristie Treadwell of Camp Hill; her nieces and nephews: Kristopher Reid, Dora Ray (Ted), and Emma Puglia; her Aunts and Uncles: Rosa Lee Hamilton, Freddie Taylor Jr., Howard Taylor, and Tim Hamilton; and her fur babies: Monster, Kona, Duck, Bella, Dragon, Bootsy, and Rascal. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, or “Ganny”, Sara Catherine Hamilton; her brother, Robert “Jim Bob” Hamilton, and her Aunt, Violet Hamilton. Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of arrangements.
Relief, was a commanding officer’s wife, was a true friend to all and party-hostess extraordinaire.
Mom welcomed anyone into their home - at the holidays and any other day to watch football or have a glass of wine.
After Al retired, Marie started her next career in real estate. Her friendliness, math-whiz abilities and her countless home moves came together to create a successful 30-year career! She made life-long friends at Marshall-Ewald and Prudential.
Marie leaves behind her daughters, Lyn Marie Fancher Davidson (Steve), Julie Nelson Fancher Deese (Mark). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren from her daughter Lyn : Dalton Davidson, Tucker Davidson (wife Brittany and son Caden) and Tyler Marie
reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Main Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue. NOV. 12
• A domestic incident was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Poplar Street.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Muskogee Trail.
• Trespassing was reported on Powers Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
Cioffoletti (husband Chris and newborn daughter Mia Marie). Marie also leaves behind her beloved sister-in-law, Carolyn Nelson. Marie is pre-deceased by her husband, Allen Prude Fancher, son Scott, and her brother, Dr. Byron Nelson,Jr. Marie also leaves behind two cherished special friends and companions who were true angels in her life on earth: Jean Sheilds and Lorna Walker Bond. A service will be held at Wycliffe Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach at 3pm on December 21st, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marie’s honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Organization now know as Breakthrough T1D. Make a Memorial Donation - BreakthroughT1D or PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5021.
• A disorderly person was reported on Wood Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Main Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A verbal fight was reported on Stewart Street. NOV. 11
• A Black male was arrested during a domestic incident on Paxton Drive.
• Menacing was reported on James Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Macedonia Road.
• Reckless driving was reported on Whiteoak Lane.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Paxton Drive.
FANCHER
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Watch out for pet poisoning this holiday season
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
What is one of the busiest days of the year in many veterinary hospitals?
If you guessed the Friday after Thanksgiving, then give yourself a high five. While Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to get together and enjoy bountiful food, that same food can be harmful to some of our pets if they eat too much or the wrong foods. Fatty foods are hard for many animals to digest, turkey (and other) bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract, and holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
For many pets, eating turkey or turkey skin, sometimes even a small amount, can cause a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. And many foods that we humans love are poisonous to pets including onions,
raisins, grapes, chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts and items sweetened with Xylitol. Those yeast dough rolls we love can cause painful gas or potentially deadly bloat in some dogs. Of course, prevention is the best medicine so educate children and guests as well to not give your pets treats you have not approved. And just like us, moderation can go a long way to having a happy and healthy pet. But what do you do if you think your pet has ingested something dangerous? Or what if your pet gets into the garbage while everyone is watching football and you realize that the entire turkey carcass is gone? First — don’t panic as keeping a calm and clear head will go a long way to helping your pet survive. If your pet is having seizures, in severe distress, vomiting, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having
difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and take your pet immediately to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If at all possible, take a few minutes to safely collect the food or product ingested, or any resulting vomit in a sealable plastic bag or other clean container and take it along to the vet.
If you or your vet wants to talk to animal poison experts, there are two resources available 24-hours/day for consultation and advice: One is the Pet Poison Helpline™ at 855-764-7661 (www.petpoisonhelpline.com) which has a $85 per incident fee. Another is the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (Animal Poison Control) and they may also have a consultation fee.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week - Annabelle
Annabelle is a 1-year-old female Shepherd/Border Collie looking mix who weighs about 50 pounds. She loves attention and being close and she also loves to talk to you. Annabelle knows how to play fetch and likes squeaky toys. She is good with dogs her size or larger, but a big NO to cats. 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 Annabelle 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.
New state prison in Elmore County to be named after governor
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
The new Alabama Department of Corrections 4,000-bed male prison in Elmore County will be named the Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. ADOC issued a press release with the news this week.
“The State of Alabama and the (ADOC) are committed to the state’s prison modernization plan, authorized by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ivey in 2021,” the release states.
“The plan is for bed replacement — not the addition of new beds into the state’s prison system.”
Construction of the facility is estimated to be 47% completed with construction of the $1.25 billion project finishing in May 2026.
The Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority (ACIFA) recently passed a resolution naming the facility in I vey’s honor.
The 54 building, state-of-the-art corrections complex is designed to house 4,000 inmates. There will be 1,168 minimum security beds, 1,536 medium security beds, 192 maximum security beds, 720 medical or mental health beds and 384 intake beds.
The complex is on more than 335 acres and will be just over 1.4 million square feet.
The new prison will offer enhanced medical and mental health services including substance abuse treatment, rehabilitative programming and vocational training. The 720 medical complex beds will include acute medical, general infirmary, nursing home/memory care, mental health, and stabilization along with
REPORTS
Continued from A2
confidential treatme nt space for mental healthcare.
There will be programming space for structured out-of-cell activities such as dayrooms, classroom space and outdoor recreation areas.
“Bed space in the complex is designed for maximum flexibility and additional beds may be used for mental health capacity if needed,” ADOC said. “Current programming includes designation of 256 medium custody beds for mental health purposes.”
The utility requirements for a facility this large are extensive.
Substantial construction has been completed on the 1 million gallon water tank, which will provide an independent water source. It will also have a conditioned air environment, a sanitary sewer lift station and emergency power generation sufficient to run the basic operations of the complex.
“Staffing is a critical piece of the modernization plan and the design of this correc -
• Trespassing was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Debris was reported in the road-
tions complex will support a reduction of burden on staff resources,” the release stated.
“For example, the new facility will have 71% cells to 29% dorms, which controls inmate movement. The current state facility cell-todorm ratio is 18% cells to 82% dorms. Additionally, sight lines are maximized for inmate observation and overall building functionality will be more efficient. This new Corrections Complex will create a safer, more secure environment for inmates and security personnel allowing the ADOC to better recruit and retain professional staff.”
A facility in Escambia County is also authorized in Phase One of the legislation and is in the planning stage. A design services agreement, recently approved by ACIFA, will allow design of the 4,000 bed Escambia County facility to progress in two parts. ACIFA approval of project fund expenditures of up to $150M will further allow advancement of early
way on Highway 229.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard. NOV. 10
• A noise complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue.
sitework construction and related activities.
Site work to date for the new Escambia Men’s Facility has included limited demolition of structures on the new site, which is adjacent to Fountain Correctional Facility (CF). Consistent with the bed-replacement intent of the legislation, Fountain CF will be demolished and removed from service in connection with the construction and opening of the new Escambia facility.
The legislation also includes provisions supporting the participation of minority business enterprises in all phases of the work. The ADOC has established a Minority Vendor Program to support minority businesses in competing for various parts of the overall project.
The new state prison in Elmore County has been named after Gov. Kay Ivey. It will house about 4,000 inmates when it opens in 2026.
Our View Opinion
Take advantage of local businesses this holiday season
It’s certainly not beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, but whether the temperatures stay in the
or not, the holiday season is quickly approaching.
So much so, the shopping deals and specials are already out on the shelf. All the chambers of commerce in Elmore County do a fantastic job of promoting local businesses each holiday season, and this is our time to take advantage of some great deals. Not only will you be getting your holiday shopping out of the way early, but you’ll also be supporting local businesses.
There’s something so touching about a gift from somewhere local. Whether it’s something homemade like jams or arts and crafts or it’s something unique that you can only buy in Wetumpka, it’s always a little more heartfelt when it comes from a local business.
These are also the businesses that are supporting the community throughout the year. These are the businesses that have the names on the backs of Little League jerseys and businesses you see sponsoring all kinds of town events. They support us through the entire year, and it’s important to remember them when doing our Christmas shopping.
Yes, it may be tempting to do everything online. It’s so easy these days to just hit “Add to Cart” and have something delivered to your home for Christmas, but take a little bit of extra time. You might just find yourself getting in the holiday spirit early too.
or The Observer.
Before anyone takes this column personally, I want to say this is not meant to call anyone out. This is a common theme I witnessed throughout the football season, both from local players and those from out of the area.
It’s something that’s been outlawed in the NFL for many years, and it needs to be discussed at the high school level.
Finger guns have no place in football celebrations. Period.
I could end the column there because I think it’s fairly self explanatory, but let me expand on this notion.
Earlier this season, one of our sports editors took a brilliant photo of a local football player. It was during a celebration and the smile on his face told 1,000 words. The photo never ran in the newspaper or on TPI’s websites. The player was making what resembled a finger gun.
As an editor, these are the types of calls I have to make. I went back and forth between running the photo or not because it was the perfect
Stop making finger guns as part of celebrations
shot of pure joy that football brings, but the question that kept running through my head was, “What will people think of that kid for making a finger gun?”
This was early in the season, and we made a call then that we wouldn’t run any type of finger gun or anything resembling a violent notion.
However, as the season went on, I realized how difficult this was going to be. So many celebrations involved hand guns or some type of violence.
finger gun.
is ultimately a representation of the school, shouldn’t be allowed either. These high schoolers, who are the representatives of what’s on the front of their jerseys, should be held to a higher standard.
have a policy against these types of celebrations, especially when it’s banned in the NFL and even the NCAA is cracking down on these hand gestures.
I even witnessed one player pulling his fake gun out of his pants pocket and blowing it off.
This wouldn’t be acceptable in the classroom, so why is it acceptable on the football field? Just last year, a 6-year-old in Jefferson County was suspended for making a
high school football like the pros, the more these types of celebrations need to go by the wayside. Not only are they inappropriate, but people are watching. College scouts are watching every move made by their prospective recruits and to plaster finger guns all over the football field feels like the wrong thing to do.
ing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-9629420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alex cityoutlook.com.
The following column ran as “Bird’s Eye View” in the Tallassee Tribune in November, 2009. At the time, Super Foods was in its original location on Gilmer Avenue across the street from its current location.
A perfect storm occurred last week, when Tallassee was without water for most of the day.
School let out early, so I decided to head over to Super Foods and clock in ahead of my scheduled start time. When I arrived, customers were buying every bit of bottled water we had. The store parking lot was packed with shopping carts.
Employees shouldn’t have to chase shopping carts all over creation. People are asked to put them in the cart corral or bring them back into the store. That is a rarity these days. On that evening, there were buggies from Bonner’s all the way to what we call Moccasin Manor – the snake abode between the shopping center and Emfinger subdivision. But I digress.
While rounding up the buggies, I spotted the WSFA-TV 12 news van in the parking lot. I thought it might be especially masculine to line up 12 buggies and push them across the lot like the Sasquatch lumbering through the woods in the famous Patterson film.
I stopped to introduce myself to Cody Holyoke, the reporter from Channel 12, as he closed the door to the van. “I’m Michael Bird, from Southside Middle School,” I
said as the buggies started to slip from my grasp.
“Oh, you’re that band director,” he said. (I guess he’s received the numerous emails inviting him to hear the band on numerous occasions.)
He said he was there to do a story on the water shortage, and wondered if a member of management was present. Our owner, Gene Lawrence, was standing on the front porch of the store, so I pointed Mr. Holyoke in his direction before trying to get my buggies back under control.
The cameraman set up on the sidewalk of Super Foods and recorded customers going in and out. Mr. Lawrence invited the WSFA team inside the store, where they conducted an interview.
And here’s where the perfect storm began churning.
While Gene was on camera talking to Channel 12, an Asian man speaking broken English hurriedly rushed into the store and accosted me. Grabbing my arm and shaking me, he said, “I need your help!”
His cell phone had somehow gone silent, and he said that the store on the other end of the shopping center wouldn’t help him.
“Are you smart enough to fix this?” he asked impatiently as he handed the phone over. I promised to try. The phone had the speaker with the line across it, so I knew his phone was somehow muted.
Before I could press any buttons, he was shaking me again. “My girlfriend tried to call me and I missed her call. Please help!” It was hard to press any buttons with the man being so impatient. We tried calling my phone, I called his phone, and no sound. No vibration. “So you aren’t smart enough to fix my phone,” the man said. He shook my arm again and said, “show me someone who can fix it.” I gave it to Mr. Lawrence. Because as the perfect storm continued, I had to bust a shoplifter who was stealing candy. And as all this was happening, I heard the unmistakable sound of a recorder being played in the store. Our fifth graders took them home this month to practice for the Veterans Day assembly. I had instructed the students never to play them in public, including the school bus. This student had obviously ignored that request and was blowing as hard as she could on the recorder. I ran over to her and reached to take the recorder away. “Young lady, I’ve told you about playing that recorder,” I began. Just then, her mom turned around. “Who are YOU?” her mother said, and I began to feel very
VOTER
Continued from A1
highest percentage out of every county in the state. And it’s not the highest turnout in Elmore County. In 2020, 67.59% turnout to the polls in Elmore County and in 2016 71.47%.
“I was hoping with a presidential election we would have higher turnout,” Elmore County Probate Judge John Thornton said. Weather did not cause any issues and law enforcement aided with traffic around some polling stations such as at Mulder Church.
At the same time voter turnout has been slipping during presidential elections, the number of registered voters has been increasing. In 2016 there were 52,408 registered voters. In 2020 there were 60,672 registered voters, 41,007 of whom cast ballots. In 2024 there were 63,582 registered voters with 41,681 casting ballots.
In the March 2024 primaries, a combined 15,795 voters cast ballots for a 25.6% turnout.
Of Elmore County’s 29 polling places, three polling places had more than 70% of registered voters cast ballots — Weoka Community Center 75.03%, Titus Community Center 74.34%, Kowaliga Fire Department 73.22%. All were heavy Republican voters.
Elmore County had one polling place with less than 50% turnout.
God’s Congregational Church saw 35.56% of its registered voters cast ballots. Seven polling locations had between 50.3% and 59.81 % turnout and 18 with
ASSIST
Continued from A1
between 60% and 60.99%.
Only two of the 29 polling locations in Elmore County voted primarily Democrat — God’s Congregational Church and Crenshaw Park.
According to the Alabama Secretary of State Election data, of the 41,214 ballots cast in Elmore County, 5,013 ballots were cast by voters age 18 to 29, 5,817 ballots cast by voters age 30 to 39, 6,446 ballots cast by voters age 40 to 49, 8,053 ballots cast by voters age 50 to 59, 8,248 ballots by voters age 60 to 69, 5,478 ballots cast by voters age 70 to 79, 1,893 ballots cast by voters age 80 to 89, 255 ballots cast by voters age 90 to 99 and 11 ballots were cast by those 100 or older.
ABSENTEE
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,943
72.16% who cast straight tickets did so for the Republican Party.
69.07% voted for Trump. Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
ASBURY KENT
COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 1,614
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,121
• Voter Turnout:
69.45% Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 1,364
• Total Ballots Cast: 949
• Voter Turnout:
69.57% Seven didn’t cast a ballot for president
CAINS CHAPEL
• Total Registered Voters: 3,611
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,379
after 10 years. The lights come
STORM
Continued from A4
small.
Stepping back, I said, “Ma’am, I am the music teacher, and …” Mama then said, “so it’s you who sent that
SANTA Continued from A1
• Voter Turnout:
65.88% Four didn’t cast a ballot for president
COOSADA TOWN HALL
• Total Registered Voters: 1,217
• Total Ballots Cast: 712
• Voter Turnout: 58.5% One didn’t cast a ballot for president
CRENSHAW PARK
• Total Registered Voters: 1,014
• Total Ballots Cast: 510
• Voter Turnout: 50.3% Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
DEATSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Total Registered Voters: 2,083
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,294
• Voter Turnout: 62.12% Everyone cast a ballot for president
ECLECTIC METHODIST
• Total Registered Voters: 1,414
• Total Ballots Cast: 917
• Voter Turnout: 64.85% All who voted cast a ballot for president
FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 940
• Total Ballots Cast: 641
• Voter Turnout: 68.19% One didn’t cast a ballot for president
GOD’S CONGREGATIONAL
• Total Registered Voters: 315
• Total Ballots Cast: 112
• Voter Turnout: 35.56% Every voter cast a ballot for president
KOWALIGA FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Total Registered Vot-
with an extensive 25 year warranty. The council approved rezoning property on Charles CC Blalock Street from Highway Commercial to General Business.
thing home!”
Before things got out of hand, I tried to explain that some people have sensitive hearing and the high pitch of the recorder might disturb the customers. Beyond that, Channel 12 was in the store doing a news
go to a nursing home in Alex City,” McKee said. McKee said the program
views about things, but ultimately the only thing that matters is what is the mission before you.”
For Davis, the current mission is to create a better environment for Elmore County and the citizens of District 2. It’s not because he believes Elmore County is on the wrong track, but because he believes leaders should always be looking forward.
story about the water shortage.
The girl stopped playing for a moment, but before she left the store, she blew it as hard as she could, with a squealing pitch that reverberated throughout all of Super Foods!
is mainly for shut ins, hospice patients, senior centers and nursing homes. McKee and others are now seeking donations of blankets, pillows, small stocking stuffers, fuzzy socks, adult color books,
After the campaign a friendship between Davis and Daugherty formed and Tallassee reaped the benefits from it.
“We communicated well over the last four years,” Davis said. “We were able to get some projects where the city and the county worked together.”
ers: 1,318
• Total Ballots Cast: 965
• Voter Turnout: 73.22%
Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
MARTIN LUTHER KING REC CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 3,682
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,011
• Voter Turnout: 54.62%
Five didn’t cast a ballot for president
MILLBROOK CIVIC CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 5,152
• Total Ballots Cast: 2,753
• Voter Turnout: 53.44%
10 didn’t cast a ballot for president
MULDER MEMORIAL
• Total Registered Voters: 7,528
• Total Ballots Cast: 4,803
• Voter Turnout: 63.8%
Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
NEW HOME
BAPTIST WETUMPKA
• Total Registered Voters: 1,946
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,055
• Voter Turnout: 54.21%
Everyone who voted cast a ballot for president
NEW HOME BAPTIST TITUS
• Total Registered Voters: 1,492
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,024
• Voter Turnout: 68.63%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
NEW HOPE BAPTIST
• Total Registered Voters: 1,283
• Total Ballots Cast: 892
• Voter Turnout: 69.52%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:
REDHILL COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 852
• Total Ballots Cast: 605
• Voter Turnout: 71.01%
Two didn’t cast a ballot for president
RIVER REGION CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 4,964
• Total Ballots Cast: 3,120
• Voter Turnout: 62.85%
Six didn’t cast a ballot for president
ROCK SPRINGS
• Total Registered Voters: 762
• Total Ballots Cast: 508
• Voter Turnout: 66.67%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
RUSHENVILLE
BAPTIST CHURCH
• Total Registered Voters: 1,287
• Total Ballots Cast: 860
• Voter Turnout: 66.82%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
SANTUCK COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 2,034
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,329
• Voter Turnout: 65.34%
Everyone cast a ballot for president
SEMAN CONGRESSIONAL
CHRISTIAN
• Total Registered Voters: 1,454
• Total Ballots Cast: 977
• Voter Turnout: 67.19%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
TALLAWEKA BAPTIST
• Total Registered Voters: 2,721
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 22 meeting.
• Reappointed David Rogers to the Elmore County EMS board.
Cody Holyoke was out on the sidewalk interviewing customers on camera, and I thought I might still stand a chance for a moment of televised glory. I said to myself, “Self, if you time it just right, you can push those buggies right behind the
baby/bath wipes, adult pullups, travel size hygiene items and non-perishable food items that will be given to area seniors.
Drop off locations for the items are at The Book Nook, The Scoop, The
creating a team where success comes from everyone working together.
“There is an easy elementary school saying, ‘Teamwork makes the dreamwork,’” Davis said. “If we want to be a better county, we have to be able to work together. We have to understand our differences don’t define us.”
• Total Ballots Cast: 1,640
• Voter Turnout: 60.27%
Three didn’t cast a ballot for president
TITUS COMMUNITY CENTER
• Total Registered Voters: 534
• Total Ballots Cast: 397
• Voter Turnout: 74.34%
One didn’t cast a ballot for president
TRI-CITY BAPTIST
• Total Registered Voters: 3,170 • Total Ballots Cast: 1,896 • Voter Turnout: 59.81%
Eight didn’t cast a ballot for president
VICTORY BAPTIST • Total Registered Voters: 3,577 • Total Ballots Cast: 2,106
Vot-
lot for president
• Approved a Hospice Home Health Proclamation.
• Was asked to begin to review redistricting for council wards because of the latest census.
• Approved a pavement project for Noble Road.
subject of the interview and be on T.V.”
Out I went to gather the buggies spread to the four winds, and racked them up. Just as I approached the front porch of Super Foods, ready for my big television appearance on
Mill Collective, Tallassee Nutrition, Restoration 49, Tractor Supply, McCall & Company, Studio B and Gulf Packing in Tallassee.
In Eclectic, 63 Nutrition, Original Grace Boutique and Little Rippys have
WSFA, the camera light turned off and Mr. Holyoke began packing up his gear.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University and is still a night manager for Tallassee Super Foods.
boxes for donations.
McKee said she will start to collect the boxes Dec. 9. “We want to make sure we have time to get to them,” McKee said. “I want them to feel wanted and loved for the holidays.”
It’s a mission that has been developing for years as more than four years ago Davis campaigned for the same position against then incumbent Daugherty. Davis offered himself up as an option to the public and not a better alternative to Daugherty.
The Elmore County Commission helped refurbish the downtown Tallassee water tank, add more drinking water along Little Road and bring the quality of life projects to Tallassee through artificial turf at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium and a planned recreational center.
Davis believes being a good leader requires cultivating partnerships with others rather than being an authoritarian. For Davis, being a leader means
Davis believes leaders let those around them have ownership in accomplishing the mission. It may mean letting someone work towards a goal along a different path than what he suggests, but it gives that person or entity ownership. Davis wants to be by their side in the process so that if things go astray he can suggest another way to success.
“Most people get hung up on differences,” Davis said. “If we have the
same objective, the plans or ways to go about getting there will be similar. There will usually only be minor differences. Leaders don’t always have to be out front getting the credit. Leaders are those who allow people to be a better version of themselves by coming alongside and helping.”
As the commission and the county work to get better, Davis said questions about what is next for Elmore County have come up as he travels his district and Elmore County.
“They want to know what is next,” Davis said. “We will constantly work to identify issues and ideas for addressing them. We are not waiting around for Christmas but planning for it for when the next round of money or partnership comes.” TEAMWORK Continued from A1
The to-do list
has only two items. The second item is a direct consequence of the first: “Seek me and live.”
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with what I need to do in a day, I make a list. Sometimes my wife makes a list for me. A list is helpful. It makes the nebulous concept of too much to do more manageable, and helps you remember and stay on task.
Israel’s spiritual problem was deep and wide. The nation was steeped in idolatry and had forgotten God. Amos was sent to the people with warnings and threats about the disaster they were bringing upon themselves, and a call to repentance.
In today’s text, the call to repentance comes in the middle of a recounting of their sins and warnings of coming judgment. The call could be read as a simple to do list for a people who had wandered far from God. It
If the people persisted in idolatry and disobedience, they were going to die, as a nation and many individuals as well. So God called them to seek him, and live instead of die. God simplifies what might have seem complicated to people who were so far from God and had forgotten him for generations. He clarified the outcome of the decision. And he offered to dignify and add value to their lives by offering a powerful incentive to make a better choice.
To live instead of die, the Israelites needed to focus on God, not their idols, not themselves. They needed to seek to please their Maker and not themselves. They needed to fear God more than they feared what the neighbors might think or do if they forsook the
Canaanite idols. He repeated the “Seek” in verse 6, “Seek the LORD and live.” In verse 14, it’s “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live.”
“Seek the Lord and live” is a good list for us when we are distracted by fleshly desires and worldly priorities. We may never even think of bowing down to a rock or pole. Our idols are not Baalim, the fertility gods of the Canaanites that were such a snare to the Israelites. But we may bow down to greed or sensuality (Colossians 3:5). We may come to love something or someone more than God, putting whatever or whoever it is in God’s rightful place in our hearts and lives. Such choices would be as lethal to us as theirs proved to be. We all want to live. We want to be well and enjoy life here, and want to live and die with confidence that we can live forever with the Lord. If we
Tallassee Churches
want that outcome, we need to be seekers, seeking the Lord. We should be active in seeking his will, that is always for our good. We should be seeking his mercy, because of our frequent stumbles and failures. We should be seeking his power, confident that he has strength over all that disturbs us. We ought to be hungry seekers of his promises, and embrace them with full confidence in God’s faithfulness. And we should seek his presence, to believe and live like we believe that he is with us. If we are such seekers, we will live to honor and serve God instead of ignoring him and disregarding his will. Israel came to a bitter and tragic end because they would not do what God lovingly, simply encouraged them to do. They did not seek God, and they did not live. Multiplied thousands of them died or were
MIKE MCELROY Pastor
carried away into captivity. I hope we can learn from their awful example. Whatever the distraction or temptation, let’s resolve to “Seek the LORD and live.” God’s grace invites us to come to him or return to him. That same grace will empower us to live to honor him and his will for us. And by that grace, we will live with him forever.
Mike McElroy recently retired after preaching almost 27 years at East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide to Your Journey Through the New Testament and Christmas Pilgrims: A Journey to See Jesus. In retirement, Mike plans to continue writing and publishing books in his Abiding Companion series of essays about each chapter of the Bible. He can be reached at mbmcelroy@ gmail.com.
Tigers roar to victory on the road against Selma
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
The Tallassee Tigers hit the road to take on the Selma Saints in a hard fought contest which saw them finish victorious by a score of 14-6. The Tigers relied on what has become their identity this postseason, defense. With neither team able to find the endzone in the first quarter, it was
very apparent that both well coached teams were going to have to assert themselves in another fashion.
Cheyann Easterling, much like she has done all year, set the tone in the second quarter with an interception setting up shop for Tallassee to score in the redzone. However, the stubbornness of the Saint’s defense would not allow it easily. The first points of the
game would not come until the last few seconds of the first half were ticking down. Quarterback and leader of this stout Tigers team, Regan Easterwood heaved a hail-mary jump ball which was hauled in by receiver Kam Tate. This put the Tigers up by a possession going into halftime.
“Regan made some passes
QUARTERFINAL CLASH
Tigers look to tame Aggies in third round of playoffs
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
It’s going to be a battle between Tallassee and Jackson in the AHSAA Class 4A football quarterfinals this Friday. After a dominating win over the Yellowjackets last week, the Tigers know the Aggies will not make it easy. Offensively Jackson (11-1) is led by four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth who has thrown for 2,370 passing yards and 27 touchdowns this year, but he is not the only playmaker on the offensive side. Running back Ezavier Crowell is rated the No. 6 overall recruit and No. 1 player in the state for the Class of 2027. He has rushed for 1,344 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 233 receiving yards and two more scores.
“(Jackson is) one of the best teams in the state,” Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal said. “They got guys all over the field; they got size up front; they got an explosive guy at the quarterback position. The running back is one of the best running backs I’ve seen all year.”
It’ll be a tough task for the Tallassee defense, which will need to play fundamentally sound football if it hopes to limit Jackson from gaining any momentum against them.
“We just got to play unselfish ball, and we got to make sure we tackle well,” O’Neal said. “The biggest thing is we got to get as many guys as we can around the ball and just make sure we gang tackle.”
Although one of the main focuses for the Tigers (9-2) is to limit points, they
still have to score points. Quarterback Trent Morris’ play will be vital if they hope to outscore an Aggie offense who averages 45 points a game this season. Morris will need to lean on his receivers Jordan King and Chase Chumley, but running back Tiny Green will also need to step up in the rushing game. However, the biggest thing for the Tigers’ offense will be their play in the trenches.
“We got to be able to apply some pressure by putting points on the board,” O’Neal said.
“It’s not going to be a (low-scoring) game. They’re going to score a touchdown, so we’re going to have to score to keep up with them and apply pressure to them. But the biggest thing is we’ve got
Two
top
dogs in 2A battle in the quarterfinals
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
As the pool gets smaller, the teams get better. That could not be truer than this Friday when Reeltown faces off against an undefeated Cottonwood team in the quarterfinals of the AHSAA Class 2A playoffs. Although the teams are separated by more than two hours, they are separated by only one spot in the Alabama Sports Writers Association rankings with the Bears and Rebels at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively — providing the Rebels with their biggest test since Week 1 against T.R. Miller.
Tallassee’s Chase Chumley dominates on both sides
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
It’s already hard enough to make an impact on one side of the ball in playoff football, but when you’re able to do it on both sides you are a true difference-maker.
Tallassee’s Chase Chumley did that on Friday against Ashford in the second round of the AHSAA Class 4A playoffs; earning the Elmore County Player of the Week title.
His performance last Friday night is ultimately what turned the tide of the Tigers program by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. However, according to coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal, this is nothing out of the ordinary for his senior playmaker.
“Chase has been doing that pretty much all year,” O’Neal said.
“It’s just magnified right now in the playoffs, because Jordan (King) is commanding such attention with the double teams that Chase is getting one-on-one coverage, and he’s winning. He’s winning 90% of those matchups with one-on-one coverage.”
On the offensive side he accounted for a receiving touchdown following an onside kick to start the second
half, but where he truly cemented himself was on the defensive side of the ball. In total, he accounted for eight total tackles and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns except one was called back for a block in the back.
“Chase is a gamer,” O’Neal said. “He shows up at practice each and every week and he performs in practice. When he goes out and has a game like that, I kind of expected that.”
His performance will be key for Tallassee this Friday in the AHSAA Class 6A quarterfinals against Jackson. His impact on the defensive side of the ball will be important, but offensively he is going to need to take advantage of all the opportunities given with how much attention his teammate King receives.
“I’m just expecting him to have a really good game, a solid ball game, and just continue to be a leader of this team and just will his team to a victory,” O’Neal said.
As the lights get brighter and the teams in the playoffs get tougher, Chumley will be leaned on to keep up his production to keep Tallassee’s state championship dream alive against a tough Jackson team.
AUSTIN ELLIOTT TPI
Tallassee’s Regan Easterwood throws the ball against Selma last week in the second round of the Class 1A-5A playoffs.
Tallassee’s Tiny Green (0) will need to step up for the offense if it hope to match Jackson’s firepower.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
SAMUEL HIGGS | TPI
Reeltown linebackers Cruise Johnson (7) and Harrison Renfroe (19) will be two players on the defense who will need to step up against Cottonwood.
Tallassee takes care of business
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
The Tallassee Tigers left absolutely no doubt on the field Friday night as they protected their turf in a lopsided victory against the Ashford Yellow Jackets, 40-14, in the second round of the AHSAA Class 4A football playoffs.
Holding steady in the same approach that got them there, the Tigers did not press the issue and instead capitalized on every opportunity.
“This is such an unselfish ball club and they believe in something along with the community,” Tiger coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal said.
Tallassee opted to receive the opening kick, which
they quickly capitalized off of. After a quick drive, the Tigers capped it off with a 6-yard rushing touchdown courtesy of Tiny Green.
On their first offensive possession, the Yellow Jackets answered with a score of their own finishing a five-
play drive with a rushing score.
But defensively, the Tigers found their identity as the game inched closer to halftime, as they did not allow Ashford to reach the end zone again before half. This provided time for
the Tigers offense to start expanding the playbook. As a result, Jordan King found paydirt via a beautiful pass from his play caller, Trent Morris.
With its trademark aggressive second-half performance, the Tigers wasted
no time changing the close score to a more lopsided one after getting the ball on a recovered kickoff to start the second half.
Chase Chumlee seemingly touched the sky to come down with a red zone jump ball, making the score 20-7.
Chumlee was not done putting his mark on the game, as he would snag an interception on the very next defensive possession.
Once again, it was a chance for the Tigers to capitalize on their defense.
Following the Ashford turnover, Tallassee padded its lead with a Tiny Green rushing score. The Tigers defense established themselves for the remainder of the second half, as they were stingy with positive yardage. Tallassee receiver
Cortland Roberts, iced the cake with an end around rushing touchdown with about five minutes remaining in the game. Ashford scored on a desperation drive in the final seconds of the game, but the Tigers captured victory.
“Emotions are high after a game like that, but we are still taking it one game at a time,” Chumlee said. “I love this program and I would give it all to this place.”
With the win, Tallassee advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs and will hit the road to face Jackson in Round 3. This is the first time the Tigers have reached the quarterfinals since 2016, and they’re doing so after going just 1-9 a year ago.
Robert, Lockhart carry the load for Reeltown
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
It really wasn’t even a challenge for Reeltown.
In the second round of the AHSAA Class 2A playoffs, Reeltown was clicking on all cylinders but one facet stood out among the rest — the rushing game.
The Rebels obliterated the Tigers, 57-14, advancing to the quarterfinals. Running backs Traylen Roberts and Rell Lockhart seemingly picked up a first down on every one of their carries and it shows in their stat lines. Roberts ended the night with 12 carries for 112 yards for one touchdown while Lockhart finished with six carries for 67 and two
touchdowns. Those two were not alone.
Tae Martin added 124 rushing yards on five carries with a touchdown, quarterback JaMarkius Smith scored on one of his only two carries and in the fourth quarter Hudson Wood scampered in for the final Rebel touchdown. That all brought the grand total to 394 rushing yards, with Reeltown coach Matt Johnson crediting not just his backs but the guys blocking for them.
“We’ve been very blessed and fortunate to have been really good up front,” Johnson said. “Our backs are blocking. Backs are running hard, seeing the holes, being patient and protecting the
football. It was wet out here tonight and I don’t think we had a turnover.”
Reeltown won the turnover battle, 3-0. In addition to what he did on offense, Lockhart forced a fumble which was recovered by Martin; Dee Brown caught himself a pick off a batted pass attempt; and Alijah Woods closed the first half with an interception of his own.
Woods also returned one of his kick return attempts for 85 yards following Luverne’s first touchdown of the night.
Although almost everything the Rebels did was successful, the only thing holding them back was penalties. On what seemed like
every play, either offense or defense, a flag was flying with most of the Rebels’ crowd knowing who it was against. Some flags were warranted, while others were questionable, to say the least. However, Johnson stressed to his team it should focus only on what it can control.
“Control the controllables,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of (penalties) we can (control) and some of them you can’t (control), but you gotta play for things that you can control. I was proud of them for doing that.”
Next up for Reeltown is undefeated Cottonwood, which is coming off a 52-24 victory over Goshen tonight. Although Johnson was
focused on the game against Luverne, he is aware of what’s to come next week.
“We just have to continue to get better,” Johnson said. “I hadn’t looked at Cottonwood. I know they had a really good team. We played them last year, and they were young, so I know
Coach (Dustin) Harrison does a remarkable job, so I know they’ll be coached; they’ll have a really good team.”
Until then, Reeltown will celebrate its dominating second-round victory and will be back to action next Friday.
CLASH
Continued from A8
to do a really good job of blocking their front. Because they got three
DOGS Continued from A8
“They’re a really good football team; they’re very well coached,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “They were a really young team last year when we played them. They’ve got most all of those guys back, including their quarterback and running back and most of their offensive line. So they’re a really good team, and I know all I’ve been talking about their offense, but I mean, defensively, they’re extremely, extremely fundamental. They blitz a lot, they send multiple different kinds of pressure. This will be a really big test.
TIGERS
Continued from A8
guys up front that are tough, and that linebacker they got is tough too.”
It’ll be a tough game for Tallasse, but O’Neal knows if his guys step up to the challenge then it should
It’s one of the better teams we’ve played all year.”
Cottonwood’s offense revolves around quarterback Braylon Morris who has accounted for 2,354 total yards and 26 touchdowns while running back King Campbell accounts for 1,625 and 30 touchdowns—stressing the importance of Reeltown’s defense stepping up to the challenge and not letting Cottonwood’s “unique” offense fool them.
“I think the biggest challenge defensively for us will be having extreme eye discipline, focus on your keys, being able to line up correctly, getting our checks in and not getting caught watching the smoke and mirrors of their offense,” Johnson said. “The motions and
and timely decisions,” coach Pat Love said. “We really have relied on her all year to be big
the shifts and the postsnap movement with guys going in various ways that can give you false reads.
You’ve really got to lock in on what your key is and play very disciplined, because there’s two guys back there, (Morris and Campbell), they’re standing right next to each other. So it’s really you’re defending two quarterbacks. (Campbell) can throw the ball a little bit, but they’re snapping it to either one. It’s a unique system where you can’t zone in and say, ‘Hey, (Morris) is the quarterback every single play.’ Because that’s just not how it’s set up.”
The Bears may have some offensive firepower, but so do the Rebels. Through two playoff
for us when it counts.”
The first play of the second half was a tipped ball interception by Easterling for her second on the night. This momentum carried over to the other side of the ball as Easterwood marched her unit
make for an exciting game come Friday as Tallasee travels to Jackson in the quarterfinals.
“Trent’s got to make really good decisions at the quarterback position,” O’Neal said. “Offensive line,
games, the Rebels offense is averaging 61 points and 296 rushing yards per game in that span. What also is not taken into account is the success JaMarkius Smith has had as a passer in that span tossing five touchdowns through two playoff games.
“It’s actually very similar from the defensive side up front, we’ve got to have good eye discipline, because they do send so much pressure and so much movement from slanting to linebackers blitzing to safety blitzing,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to keep our head up and see that movement and make sure we’re blocking the right guys. The main thing is we’ve got to protect the football, we did a
down the field and eventually found Marlee Osborne in the endzone, to make it 14-0 in favor of the Tigers. Despite a final second desperate touchdown by the Saints, Tallassee’s defense was once again a calling card. Abbi Carwile
if we’re able to block and we’re able to make tackles on the defensive line and Trent makes good decisions with the ball in his hand, and we protect the ball, then it should be a good night for us.”
good job of that last week. We’ve got to stay in front of the chains. We can’t have big chunks of loss yardage throughout the game, whether penalties or them getting pressure on our quarterback, we’ve got to stay in front of the sticks and sustain drives. It’s gonna be difficult to get big plays on them. They’re gonna make you earn your points and sustain drives.”
What plays to Reeltown’s benefit is homefield advantage in such a high-stakes game. Johnson knows having the crowd could play to their advantage but is more so thankful for the aspect of the team’s pregame routine.
“Playing at home is just better from the men-
had her hands all over the stat sheet by the end of regulation, finishing with 6 stops.
The Tigers will look to play a familiar foe in Marbury next week during round three of the AHSAA playoffs.
“It is going to be a good
tal standpoint, it’s your home crowd,” Johnson said. “The logistics are different from planning and travel, we get to have the same routine.
That’s something that our guys are used to.
We’ve done it all year long, there’s less opportunity for distractions when you’re able to do that, instead of loading up on a bus and having to travel three hours. Our guys should be able to focus on the game instead of the adjustment of a routine.”
All eyes will be on the matchup between Reeltown and Cottonwood as two of the best teams in the entire classification face off to keep each of its state championship dreams alive.
game, they are a good team, but we have already beat them at their place in a game that really could have went either way. It’s going to be a battle,” Love said.
AUSTIN ELLIOTT | TPI
Tallassee’s Trent Morris (16) runs with the ball against Ashford.
SAMUEL HIGGS TPI
Reeltown’s Rell Lockhart (10) cuts up field after catching a pass.
SPORTS CALENDAR
Tonight: Check your nances.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This morning is a classic time for arguments. Not good. Instead, use this as your chance to demonstrate grace under pressure. This is a wise choice, because you are high-viz now, creating a great impression on everyone. Tonight: Cooperate.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Don’t get caught up in work-related squabbles or tension about a pet this morning. This will pass quickly. Instead, look for ways to be helpful to others. This will be personally rewarding. Relations with friends are warm and cozy. A friendship could turn romantic. Tonight: Work.
Employment
Job Opportunities
Full-Time Grade I
Outside Water Operator
Wall Street Water Authority Requirements: •Current Alabama Grade I •Extensive knowledge of
Mail Resumes/References:
Wall Street Water Authority 5059 Notasulga Road Tallassee, AL 36078 Attention:Wanda Ingram,
Need to find the right employee? WE CAN HELP.
Reach the Tallapoosa and Elmore County market for less using The Tallapoosa and Elmore County classifieds. Need a quick quote? Submit your ad online at www.tallasseetribune.com. Call 256.277.4219
Job Opportunities
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org\ 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.
Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.277.4219. Do you have
256-414-4250
Clinic Overview:
Alabama Vascular Specialists, PC in Montgomery, AL. has an advanced Vascular and Endovascular private practice. The practice offers a full-service vascular ultrasound lab as well as an office based endovascular suite. Alabama Vascular Specialists is committed to offering state of the art compassionate vascular surgical care to their patients. Job overview: We seek a skilled vascular surgeon who will be responsible for diagnosing and treating both arterial and venous vascular conditions and with expertise in both open vascular and percutaneous endovascular surgical interventions. Responsibilities: Perform open vascular and endovascular procedures on patients with vascular diseases and disorders. Diagnosis and treat both surgical and nonsurgical conditions related to the circulatory system. Take and evaluate medical histories and perform physical examination on patients with vascular disease
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic vascular studies such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MR angiograms, and catheter-based angiograms. Develop appropriate treatment plans and follow-up for patients with vascular disease and disorders. Collaborate with other healthcare providers to contribute to the Comprehensive Care of patients. Stay current with neurovascular technologies and techniques to best serve the patients in our region. Contribute positively to a cordial, respectful, and compassionate office and hospital environment
Experience and Qualifications:
Completion of a U.S. accredited vascular surgery fellowship or residency program. Board certified or board eligible for Vascular Surgery. Proficiency in the performance of open vascular and endovascular procedures. Proficiency and experience in interpreting diagnostic vascular ultrasound, CT scans, and catheter-based angiograms
HOW TO APPLY Send your resume to melissabrown@alabamavasc.com
AlaScans
NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Our publishing staff will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-877-567-9754
LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to Our trusted professionals dry out the wet
1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials! Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
(M-F 8am-6pm ET). HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover
Highest Honor
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
There’s people who are anti-littering, and then there’s John Thompson.
Thompson has been known as the anti-litter man around Lake Martin for many, many years and he was honored at the recent Alabama People Against A Littered State Governor’s Awards dinner.
Thompson is used to winning awards for his environmental efforts, but winning the Don Hines Memorial Award was on a whole new level.
Much like a lifetime achievement award, the Don Hines Memorial Award is the highest annual honor given by Alabama PALS every year.
“It’s really given to people who have been kind of lifelong stewards of the environment,”
PALS executive director Jamie Mitchell said. “When you think of whoever is going to get this award, you think of longevity. You really think about somebody who’s given years of their life to this work, and John is exactly that.”
To win the award, Thompson had to be nominated, which was done by Alexander City Chamber of Commerce president and Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson.
Robinson has been a longtime friend and supporter of Thompson and his environmental efforts. The two even teamed up for the second Saturday cleanup in Alexander City to start awarding prize money to nonprofit organizations that joined the cleanup.
In addition to his work for the second Saturday cleanup, Thompson was the longtime president of Lake Martin Resource Association where he helped LMRA get involved with Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers cleanup. That lakewide cleanup celebrated 20
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
Having an end goal in mind can put you on the path to success, but receiving the tools can put you in motion toward that goal.
Alexander City locals Josh and Bailey Williams have put the gears in motion toward running two farms — one in Eclectic and one in Alex City.
After setting up both of their farms for more than a year, the couple received a $10,000 grant from Alabama Ag Credit’s 2024 JumpStart Grants.
According to a release from Alabama Ag Credit, the initiative is designed to empower aspiring farms and cultivate the future of agriculture in Alabama.
Out of 67 applications, the Williams were one of five families who were selected as recipients of the grant.
Since 2023, the Williams purchased a property in Eclectic and have been renting a property in Alex City. The couple already knows what they have in mind for both locations.
“In Eclectic, the property is 30 acres,” Josh said. “An older couple used to live there, and since the 2000s, it has kind of grown up. We bought it last year, and we’ve been slowly working away at it for the past year or so.”
On their Eclectic farm, the Williams plan to run a reg-
years in 2024 with LMRA’s partnership.
“Beyond just cleaning up, there’s environmental education that he’s been a part of and the clean water initiatives,” Robinson said. “He’s done that for decades.”
In addition to being a bootson-the-ground volunteer, Thompson has also donated financially toward helping purchase cleanup materials and in getting a third Saturday cleanup started in Alex City in the minority community, according to Robinson.
Thompson’s time in anti-littering spans back to the 1970s with the Crying Indian ad, which was a public service announcement on TV discussing keeping America beautiful. It wasn’t only the PSA that touched Thompson’s heart but a poster his son created in art class with a Crying Indian on it.
“It all went from there,” Thompson said. “I think both (my son) and I both have had this passion for just keeping our roadsides clean, and then when I moved to the lake, there were some areas that hadn’t been touched for 20 years. It just turned my stomach to the point where I said we cannot leave this stuff building up like this.”
Thompson started a small neighborhood cleanup near the Sturdivant area and just started, quite literally, tackling the trash. From there, that developed into larger cleanups and involvement in LMRA.
“I think what John has done has just been great,” Robinson said. “He is a very humble person, very focused, but he’s a leader. He’s helped engage many others. So the strength of what John has done is really a legacy thing. There are other people that he’s engaged that are now involved in doing what he’s done, and he really carries that torch.”
istered Nigerian dwarf goat business where the couple will have goats available for purchase. Josh is currently working on getting bred female goats to kickstart on the business.
“We’re going to get those next week,” Josh said. “We’ll start off with about four of five females. They’re all bred, so we’ll be having babies sometime between now and January
— we’ll have babies running around everywhere.”
In Alex City, the Williams have been renting a farm property where they plan to cultivate beef and cattle products for the local area and beyond.
“It’s going to be a diversified livestock operation,” Josh said. “We’re going to put cows to raise on the land in Alex City and start that operation.” With the money received
from the grant, the Williams will be able to kickstart the various cattle operations they have planned for the farm in Alex City. The first operation being a cow-calf operation.
Josh said this operation will require having a mother cow raise its calf then selling the calf at weaning age each year.
“The next one is a stocker operation,” Josh said. “It’s where you buy weaning age
calves from other farms and raise them until they’re about a year old. Those are the ones that will go into beef production.”
Josh said once the cows reach weaning age, they will be sent out west for beef production.
Their final cattle operation is to sell local freezer beef. Josh said people can purchase portions of the animal, individual cuts or the whole animal.
“The grant gives us a chance to get started,” Josh said. “Instead of having to wait and invest that money ourselves, it gives us a chance to roll right into going ahead and getting livestock and not having the burden of trying to pay those loans off. To start it, everything will be paid and we can just slowly grow it from there.”
The Williams’ long-term goal is to run a farm store on their property in Eclectic.
“These grants represent more than financial assistance — they are an investment in the future of agriculture,” Alabama Ag Credit CEO Dough Thiessen said in the release. “It’s inspiring to see these individuals take the first steps to JumpStart their farms, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll have on their communities and agriculture in Alabama.”
SUBMITTED TPI
Lake Martin’s own John Thompson, right, was honored with the Don Himes Memorial Award last week at the Alabama PALS Governor’s Awards dinner.
Thompson wins Don Hines Memorial Award