Tallassee Tribune April 5 2023

Elmore County still assessing storm damage

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County EMA

staff are working to determine the total damage from storms last Sunday and Monday after an EF1 tornado

struck the Elmore County portion of Lake Martin, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Damaged areas included Castaway Island and The Ridge.

“We don’t have any numbers on exactly what we have,” Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett said. “We are still out in all those areas going door to door doing our damage assessment.” Barnett said the Meadow Lane Drive neighborhood in Coosada was likely declared straight line winds by the NWS. It is important for damage to be correctly assessed as it affects possible state and federal declarations to help with

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL

New Tallassee High School to open in 2023

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

t’s

— the Class of 2024 will be the first to walk the halls of the new Tallassee High School, which will be complete before August.

The new school was to be built by January but issues arose during construction.

“We had all the materials in,” Tallassee City Schools Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said. “It has been a labor shortage and quality control issue.”

Nolin said work is currently being done to rectify subpar work while completing the rest of the construction.

“Some of the brick is coming off right now,” Nolin said. “There is a new mason crew on site correcting the issues.”

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Downtown Tallassee will soon be getting some upgrades to its lighting and sidewalks.

At its meeting last Tuesday, the Tallassee City Council approved funding for two inspections: one for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) TAP streetscape project.

“It is required by ALDOT for the TAP funded project,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “The inspector has to be onsite at all times during CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE Thurlow Dam almost looked normal last Wednesday. Only part of the spillway was in use allowing excess water down the Tallapoosa River.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Tom Crain is not a native of Tallassee but with 45 years of serving the community, he might as well be.

Crain grew up in Arkansas and Mississippi graduating in 1973 with a degree in physical therapy.

Now a business he started April 2, 1998, Tallassee Rehab is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“The community has been good to us,” Crain said. “It has been great, wonderful. It has been a great ride. Hopefully it will be another 25 or 30 or 50 years.”

Crain has been serving the physical therapy needs of his patients but not just at Tallassee Rehab.

“We cover Elmore County and Tallassee high school sports,” Crain said. “We help them with athletic training. We started that Day 1.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE

Obituaries

YVONNE

HOWARD SHELLEY

Mrs. Yvonne Howard Shelley, 91, of Eufaula, Alabama, died Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at her residence.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1 P.M., at Cross Baptist Church. The Rev. Alan Dodson and Rev. Richard Harvey officiated and burial followed in Fairview Cemetery Addition with Chapman Funeral Home directing. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to your fa -

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 2

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Marvin Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

vorite charity. Born November 13, 1931, Mrs. Shelley was the daughter of the late William Calvin and Effie Lee Lett Wilbanks. Mrs. Shelley was a graduate of Tallassee High School. She was a member of Cross Baptist Church. She retired from Alabama Power Company. She was preceded in death by her husband E.K. Howard, Jr. Survivors include her husband: Paul Shelley; 1 son: Earl Kenneth (Sharyn) Howard, Jr.; 1 daughter: Mona Howard (Joe) Mitchell; 2 step-daughters: Di -

dent with no injuries was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Redden Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Redden Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on HIllcrest Street. MARCH 31

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

ane (Richard) Havey, Marie (Joseph) Chism; 3 grandchildren: Blake (Candy) Mitchell, Brad (Crissy) Mitchell, Scott (Ashlee) Mitchell; 2 step-grandchildren: Melissa Havey, Cheryl Havey; 10 great grandchildren; 1 brother: Thomas N. (Judy) Wilbanks; 3 brothers-in-law: Edward Dale (Claudene) Howard, Dennis (Rhonda) Shelley, Phil (Ruth) Shelley. Active pallbearers were Blake Mitchell, Brad Mitchell, Scott Mitchell, Martin Mitchell, Tyler Mitchell and William Mitchell.

South Dubois Street. MARCH 29

• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hicky Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Ira Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Hickory Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Laurel Street.

• Harassment was reported on Sylvan Lane.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Alber Drive.

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on Kent Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• A prowler was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

APRIL 1

• Gunfire was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Laurel Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Ransom Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on East Patton Street.

• A motor vehicle acci -

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• Harassment was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Theft was reported on Thelma Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Lily Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on East Patton Street.

MARCH 30

• A welfare check was conducted on Friendship Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on

• A domestic dispute was reported on Joy Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Main Street.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Second Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Indian Trail.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Herren Hill Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on West Gantts Mill Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road. MARCH 28

• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on McKenzie Street.

• An arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.

• An arrest was made on Riverhills Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Lily Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Stewart Street. MARCH 27

• A welfare check was conducted in Tallassee.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Taylor Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Theft was reported on Adams Street.

• Harassment was reported on Kent Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• Debris was reported on Industrial Parkway.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Rifle Range Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Camelia Drive.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Cherokee Trail.

• A suspicious person was reported on Cherokee Trail.

MARCH 26

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Kent Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

WETUMPKA

POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 27

• Illegal breaking and entering a vehicle and theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 24

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Highway 229.

A heart healthy dog is a happy dog

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

April has many animal related awareness events and we will get started with Heartworm awareness month.

The bottom line is all dogs in Alabama and the entire South should be on heartworm prevention from your veterinarian throughout the year. Heartworms are transferred through mosquito bites and result in actual worms living in the heart of an affected dog or cat.

Heartworms cause damage to the heart and other organs so affected pets often die far too young from complications such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary inflammation, kidney

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. April 15. Featured will be different beers as well as live music. General admission tickets are $45, or $20 for non-drinkers; while VIP tickets are $85, or $30 for non-drinkers and includes one-hour early entry as well as a t-shirt and access to the VIP Tent, which will have specialty food and beer. CoosaPalooza will be held in Merchants Alley.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. April 15. Featured will be different beers as well as live music. General admission tickets are $45, or $20 for non-drinkers; while VIP tickets are $85, or $30 for non-drinkers and includes one-hour early entry as well as a t-shirt and access to the VIP Tent, which will have specialty food and beer. CoosaPalooza will be held in Merchants Alley.

issues, etc. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito for your unprotected pet to get heartworms.

Preventing heartworms is so easy and cheap compared to the danger and cost of trying to clear them after your dog has become infected. You cannot look at your dog and know if they are infected or not, which is why your dog must go to your veterinarian for an easy, annual blood test. Once your vet determines your dog does not have adult heartworms, they can then prescribe prevention to protect your pet. The drugs to prevent heartworms are completely different than what’s nec -

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

DOWNTOWN ART SHOW: Don Sawyer is hosting a Downtown Artists Art Show in downtown Wetumpka Saturday, April 22.

CRAWFISH BOIL: The rotary club will be hosting its first drive-thru crawfish boil from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22. It is $25 for dinner, which includes fresh Cajun crawfish, potatoes, sausage and corn. You can preorder at www.Facebook.com/ rotary and pick up at God’s Congregational Church fellowship hall in Tallassee. For more information, contact Stephanie Weldon at 334-306-1161.

ONGOING

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month

essary to treat a dog with heartworms, so it is important never to try to treat your pet without speaking to a veterinarian first.

The good news is heartworm prevention is safe, easy and relatively inexpensive.

There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including monthly tablets, chewables and topicals and a six-month or twelve-month injectable product (available only for dogs), all available from your veterinarian.

These products are not available for you to purchase at a pet supply store, your local feed store or online without a prescription – you must get these from a licensed vet.

at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

Please don’t purchase heartworm prevention from online sites that do not require a prescription as you may be purchasing potentially low-quality, poorly stored/shipped products or, worse, fake products.

Vet-approved preventatives are extremely effective and when administered properly will prevent heartworm infection by interrupting the life cycle so they cannot become adult heartworms. An added benefit from keeping your pet on heartworm preventative is many of them also prevent other parasites like roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and sometimes tapeworm. Some products even prevent fleas and ticks too.

Most of us think about

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are always welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General. Call 334-492-0777 for more information.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

only dogs when we think heartworm prevention, but more and more studies are finding our cats are also at great risk and there are preventives (oral and topical) for cats too. Please talk to your vet about heartworm prevention for your dogs and cats — and ferrets too. In the long run keeping your dog (and cat) on monthly heartworm prevention will not only keep your pet healthy it will save you a lot of money and heartache for a very expensive, lengthy and risky adult heartworm treatment.

Face it, here in the south, mosquitos can be yearround, so please, please, please keep your pets current on heartworm prevention all twelve months.

RES kindergarten registration begins soon

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

This month, kindergarten registration is coming up for Reeltown Elementary School (RES). Starting April 24 and 25, parents or guardians can enroll their children between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the RES’ front office.

Principal Lisa Hornsby said this also will provide time for families to meet school staff as well as fill out the necessary paperwork.

“Most importantly, we offer this experience to meet our new students and help them become familiar with their new school home,” Hornsby said.

To register, parents will need the child’s birth certificate, child’s social security card, driver’s license, two proofs of residency and their child present. Some of the proofs of residency include mortgage documents, property tax records, lease agreement or bills connected directly to the address such as utilities, water or trash disposal.

In order to enroll, the prospective student will need to be 5 years-old at least by Sept. 1, 2023. Students who are already enrolled in Reeltown’s Pre-K program will not need to go through the registration process.

Elmore County Community Calendar

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how difficult it was to make friends.

Now y’all know I have not been the most popular kid, so this was always sort of a battle for me. But as an adult, this seems to be a universal problem.

I recently saw someone comment in a Facebook group, asking how an adult can make friends in this area when moving here. Luckily, we live in a place that’s fairly accepting of newcomers. It can definitely be intimidating at first because it seems like everyone already knows everyone and they have their entire lives; how can you ever break in?

But it becomes easier and easier the more you put yourself out there in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties, because people are so welcoming. There are also some amazing “transplants” doing great work throughout our communities; Dadeville has really thrived recently on newcomers opening businesses, while Wetumpka has gone through a complete transformation

Tallassee Talks

Obituaries:

Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

under Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Shellie Whitfield — among others of course.

In Alex City, the Lake Martin Young Professionals are made up of tons of newcomers, and that’s something we strive to really provide — opportunities for young adults in our communities to meet and build their networks both professionally and personally.

But it’s still a challenge. Throw in getting sober at 29, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster when it comes to making friends, at least for me.

However, I’ve always been the kind of person who, if you were my friend, you became my best friend. My “inner circle,” so to speak, is incredibly small, and I do like to

keep it that way. Because of past experiences, it takes a long time for me to trust people and not a very long time for that trust to be broken. But the few true friends I’ve made along the way are more important than the 100 acquaintanc es I could have had.

know high school was not an easy place for me. It’s been about since then that I’ve really struggled with making friends. However, when I look back, I think, “Why did I care so so much what those people thought of me?” I can count on one finger how many people I speak to who I knew in high school. That was one best friend, Erica, is more like a sister at this point.

on my life of friendships — or lack thereof — as I get ready to watch my best friend walk

March was Music in Our Schools Month. The Alabama Music Educators Association asked people to post pictures and stories about their musical lives throughout the month. I always return to the story of how I was introduced to the world of school music in sixth grade.

My middle school band director, Tony Williams, died in 2020 — the same year as my college band director, Johnny Long. Both of them were from Guntersville.

Mr. Williams was 23 or 24 the first time I ever heard his voice over the telephone, when he coldcalled students to ask them to come to beginner band.

My parents had been in choir rather than band, and didn’t really understand nor have the need to buy a new instrument for me. Band instruments can be pricey so the sticker shock for parents is still a topic of discussion to this day for those of us who work in the business.

At the instrument tryouts in the Goodwyn Jr. High School lunchroom, I ended up on a schoolowned baritone horn. All we had to do was buy the mouthpiece and the beginner band book.

The bad thing about this baritone, at least to me as a 12 year old, was

it was spotty and smelly.

The case had been beaten up pretty good and was partially made of exposed cardboard. There was no handle to it, rather a rope affixed to the case with duct tape. Once you got to the actual instrument inside, it smelled and tasted really funky.

While I’ve heard many descriptions over the years of what a beginner musician sounds like, nothing really has come close to what emanated from my instrument: something akin to a donkey braying. I’d hit a high Bb before the F every time. Then because I was so scared to draw a breath on this thing, it took me a little longer than the people around me to make a sound. Every morning, getting this instrument out of my mom’s car in front of the whole world (well, it seemed that way, but it was all the students gathered out in front of the school) was nothing short of humiliating. Invariably, I would drop the busted instrument case and the spotty baritone would tumble out, leading the assembled horde of

mean middle schoolers to laugh out loud at this portly little pseudo-band geek.

Rather than take the abuse, I asked my mother to start dropping me off early — as in, before a soul arrived on campus. I just couldn’t take the embarrassment. So she started taking me earlier and it was just me and the lunchroom ladies and janitors on campus. My baritone and I would sit on the curb in the teachers’ parking lot.

Mr. Williams drove a mustard-colored Datsun he called the Honeybee. He’d somehow gotten it from an Iranian he knew who was deported. He arrived early each day and began to acknowledge me. One day, Mr. Williams said, “Want to come to the band room? I can maybe give you some extra help on that horn.”

Just those few words of encouragement — life changing.

So, each day now began with my dawn-breaking arrival to the school and Mr. Williams letting me in the building. I was now a private lesson student in the studio of Morris Anthony Williams, or Tony to all his friends. Several of these lessons went by, and all of a sudden one day, frustration boiled over. Mr. Williams asked me when I was going to start caring

The house that built me

about band and actually practice.

I did what any beginner would do. I started crying and trying to explain myself unintelligibly.

“I just try so hard, and this thing smells and tastes bad, and when I play I sound like a donkey, and people are laughing at me when I get out of my mom’s car, and I hate myself and want to die…”

Mr. Williams had this strange look on his face, but I noticed he was looking more at the horn and the case than at this overwrought preteen. He asked, “which school instrument is that?”

Through my tears: “No. 12, the one with the duct tape and the rope and the cardboard, and the…”

Mr. Williams interrupted, “I think that’s the one somebody urinated in last year. Let’s see if we can get you another one.”

Suddenly I snapped out of my desperation and the wheels started turning about what to do next — quit the band.

Mr. Williams checked his inventory. “We don’t have another baritone, but that mouthpiece also works on the trombone. Trombone is what I played in school.” I made it through that day, but when my mom

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Tallassee Chamber seeking golf teams for fundraiser

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual golf tournament at Wynlakes Country Club on Monday.

The golf tournament with cash prizes is one of the longest standing events for the chamber

“It is really our biggest fundraiser,” chamber executive director Jerry Cunningham said. “We

have a few smaller events but this is the largest. The funds help fund a multitude of community events throughout the year.”

One of the best parts of about Wynlakes and why the chamber uses it for its tournament is because there are multiple tee sets, meanings players of all abilities can enjoy a round.

The registration is $500 for a team of four, and it includes lunch, snacks and access to the range.

Individuals can register for $125.

“We prefer teams organize themselves,” Cunningham said. “It gets difficult placing individuals on teams. We have done it before.”

The Tallassee chamber golf tournament has always been well received.

“The golfers like our tournament,” Cunningham said. “We are told it is because it's one of the best

organized and on a good course.”

Registration for this event is open and the Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone with an interest in this event to sign up, regardless of skill level. The event format will be a four-man scramble with handicaps. For more information, contact the chamber at 334-2835151 or register online at chamber@tallasseechamber.com.

Pet of the Week – Katie

Katie is a 1-year-old female Pit looking mix, who weighs about 45 pounds. She is super sweet and great with both dogs and cats. Katie loves a tummy rub, is playful and loveable but not clingy, and happy to spend her own time checking out her domain.

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 Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.

together. Amy Passaretti (or Willis, later today) was the editor of Lake Martin Living for a few years. Although she moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, over two years ago, Amy and I have

BUILT

Continued from A4

continued to be the best of friends, setting up a “chat date” once a week to make sure we always get the latest updates from each other’s lives. Those are the kinds of friends you can truly count on — the ones who are always there, during the worst days and the best days, and who stand the length of time.

picked me up that afternoon sans baritone, I could barely contain myself: “Somebody peed on my baritone!”

We went to Art’s Music Shop that afternoon with the mouthpiece, and they took me to a little room where we could try out instruments.

There it was — a trombone, just like Mr. Williams’ horn. And when I put the mouthpiece in, I didn’t make the donkey sound! Because it had a slide, I could actually change notes for the first time. Thus began my journey, with Tony Williams as my trusted guide.

In my yearbook, he wrote: “You are really a special person and have a wonderful life ahead of you.” Imagine what that meant to this fat, pimply kid. In middle school, everybody hates everything. For a teacher to show kindness like that meant everything to me. And he demonstrated this to all of us. Musically speaking, we were a fine band program. We traveled to competitions in Nashville, Orlando and Atlanta during those years. During Tony’s third year at Goodwyn, our band was selected to perform at the Alabama Music

I recently heard someone say, “If you’ve been friends for 10 years then you’ll be friends forever.” I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know time is a true test of anything. So whenever you’re looking around, thinking, “I don’t have any friends,” or being envious of someone in the popular crowd, think about it in a different

Educators Association annual convention, which is about the highest honor for a band program in the state. All of the movers and shakers in the music education world took note of our band program at Goodwyn.

We earned Superior ratings –1’s – at every contest entered. Mr. Williams was the portal through which we all began to learn about other artsy events in our town, whether it was an off-Broadway show being performed or a college or military band playing a concert, he made sure we knew about it and even drove us to the performances.

Mr. Williams had an uncanny knack for identifying our strengths. An example would be the music department newspaper, which he called CRESCENDO. He chose students to put it together and unlocked the teachers’ lounge for us to use after school. Boy, oh boy, the thrill of hanging out where the dittos and mimeographs and ashtrays and Coke machines were — all while the faculty wasn’t there.

The last day of junior high, I distinctly recall several of us sitting around crying until he ran us off campus. Within a year, he was gone. It was always a mystery why Tony was in the profession for such a short time, even though he had experienced such massive

way. Someone else may have an overabundance of friends, but I’d take my handful — who I know are always going to be there — any day. In fact, I consider myself more lucky now.

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

success. Flash forward to 2010. My middle school band was playing a piece composed by John Kinyon called “Astro Overture.” It was special because it was the first piece Mr. Williams had taught us for competition all those years ago. It’s kind of a salute to the Space Age as it was written in 1969, the year people from this state put us on the moon. We earned a Superior rating. Brimming with pride, I tracked down Tony Williams and emailed him a recording of my band performing it.

“I’m really proud of you for all you have accomplished,” Mr. Williams wrote in reply. “One of these days I’m going to have to order a hot cross bun at a bakery, just to see what all the fuss is about.”

We began to email and Facebook one another every few months until his untimely passing in 2020.

Tony Williams may have worn different hats or had many different roles, and one was that his home in Nashville was used for Miranda Lambert’s music video, “The House That Built Me.” Somehow, that seems very appropriate.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

any assistance.

“For public assistance you have to have $8.9 million in uninsured damages in the state from one event,” Barnett said.

“For individual assistance they don’t set a hard number but they normally look for about 75 to 100 homes that have major damage or are destroyed with no insurance. If you have 75 homes destroyed and 30 don’t have insurance, you are not there. It makes it tough.”

Currently, Barnett’s staff is going door-to-door to find out if there are any needs.

“We have homes with significant damage and some that are major, probably a handful that are destroyed,” Barnett said.

Luckily, Barnett said there wasn’t any damage to public infrastructure.

From Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon the Coosa River rose 16.5 feet in Wetumpka to 37.55 feet according to the NWS. As of Wednesday afternoon the Coosa was at 33 feet and on its way down.

The highest the Coosa River has ever been in Wetumpka was 57.90 feet on April 8, 1938 when much of downtown Wetumpka was flooded.

The Tallapoosa River completely covered the spillways at Thurlow Dam last Monday afternoon. As of Wednesday afternoon the river was only on the main spillway.

According to the NWS

the Tallapoosa River at the Tallapoosa Water Plant rose from 11 feet last Sunday afternoon to a high of 33.59 feet Wednesday morning.

The highest recorded crest of the Tallapoosa River at the Tallapoosa Water Plant was recorded on March 18, 1990 at 42.13 feet.

“The Coosa is not any -

paving of downtown streets.

construction. It is funded by ALDOT.”

The other was for the

where close to flooding,” Barnett said last week. “It’s in action stage only. Tallapoosa got up to moderate stage. It has happened a couple of times in the last couple of years.”

Barnett said all the information is filed in reports passed on to the State of Alabama and FEMA.

“I hope to have final numbers and degree of damage based on FEMA standards in the next few days,” Barnett said. “There is a lot that has to be done before a disaster declaration can be made. We have to meet standards and numbers.”

One question arose about parking in downtown after the TAP project is complete — especially on Sistrunk Street where there is

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currently angular parking. CDG engineer Jeff Harrison said after the project is complete only parallel parking will be allowed on Sistrunk.

The reason is the sidewalks will widen to make them ADA compliant, leaving no room for angular parking.

SCHOOL Continued from A1

Property owners who haven’t yet reported damage from last weekend can do on the Elmore County EMA website at www.elmorecoema.com or through the Elmore County EMA app.

Harrison also asked the council to approve a change order for the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The change increases the cost by approximately $12,000 to rebuild a deteriorated part. It was taken out of the original contract in an effort to lower the project’s cost.

Hill thanked first

next few weeks,” Nolin said. “AC units are being tested and turned on. Some of the sitework is being completed.”

Cornice, the trim around the eave of the building is also currently being installed.

“We see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Nolin said. Every-

REHAB

Continued from A1

Tallassee Rehab and its staff have been providing more than physical therapy and athletic training for patients. There is EMG NBC studies.

“It is where we check for nerve and muscle dysfunction,” Crain said. “We also have a pool that

“Then we will verify everything,” Barnett said. “It is very convenient and very easy. If we don’t have it in our system we will come out and verify it.”

responders, city workers and Alabama Power for hard work after multiple tornados and storms.

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the March 14 meeting. • Hill informed the council the Alabama Department of Revenue had written the city seeking nominations for someone to serve on the council’s Board of Equalization.

thing should be done by the end of May or first of June. It is getting close.”

A ribbon cutting has been planned for the new school for Aug. 2, and it’ll be next school year when it officially opens.

The new performing arts center will allow Tallassee Schools to offer new programs for its student body and the community.

“It will be the first time we can sit our entire student body in one space at the same time inside,”

we do water aerobics in.”

After a stint in Memphis making less than $5 per hour, Crain moved east to Tallassee in 1978 and has never left.

Crain worked at the Tallassee Community Hospital 1986 before going to Rehab Associates in Montgomery.

“I learned a little about outpatient from the Rehab Associates guys,”

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11.

Nolin said. “We used the gymnasium and that was tight.”

Tallassee High School’s show choirs will use the space, including for competitions.

“We won’t be able to have the 40-plus choirs that we have at the Capital City Classic,” Nolin said. “We could have smaller events here like middle school events. There are several middle school show choirs around. It will also be a community space where things can be scheduled.”

Crain said. “I decided it would be a good opportunity to open up an outpatient clinic in Tallassee.”

With the help of his son Justin since 2012, Crain has been easing into retirement but not fully.

“I consider myself semi-retired,” Crain said. “We contract with the hospital to do some inpatient rehab over there. I help over with some

ENGs and stuff. I help out when needed.”

But Crain doesn’t have any plans of handing over the reigns fully — at least not until August.

“If I can make that long I can chalk up 50 years of physical therapy,” Crain said. “Regardless I’m confident Justin and the staff will continue to provide great service for the Tallassee community.”

CLIFF WILLIMAS THE TRIBUNE

The Tallapoosa River flows over Thurlow Dam after a day after storms and tornado created damage in Elmore County last week. Just a few days later, the river was back to normal at Thurlow Dam.

The Blessing of Holy Week

and died.

happened to the days when we had normal rain?

This column runs on Wednesday of Holy Week, which is the time on the Christian Calendar leading up to Easter. It begins with Palm Sunday and concludes with Holy Saturday.

Most Christian churches celebrate Palm Sunday by attending to one of the Gospel accounts of the day. Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. People who had witnessed or heard of all Jesus had been doing and teaching lined the streets waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord — the King of Israel!”

As Gospel accounts of the week proceed, we learn the religious authority of the day

ramped up its opposition to Jesus. It sought ways to discredit and destroy the Son of God. His witness and teachings challenged the systems of authority and power.

Thursday, Jesus and his disciples were looking for a place to observe the Feast of Passover. That evening in an upper room, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. The Son of God witnessed servant leadership in its finest fashion. Later during the meal, he shared a loaf of bread and a cup of wine, explaining the broken bread was the gift of his body broken and the cup was the cup of God’s new covenant of salvation, sealed in Christ’s blood.

Following the meal, Jesus was betrayed by one of the disciples. Judas Iscariot handed Jesus over to temple authorities. Jesus was bound, beaten and taken away in exchange for a bag of silver. His betrayer had just received the same gifts as the rest of the disciples.

The events of Good Friday begin with the trial of Jesus. Pontius Pilate, Governor of the province of Judea, found no fault with the man Jesus. Pilate offered to free the innocent man, but the crowd demanded crucifixion. Pilate washed his hands of the fate of the Son of God.

The day proceeds with detailed account of the march to the hill of Golgotha. Jesus endured tremendous suffering and humiliation on that journey. He was hung on a cross on that hill between two thieves and mocked for his inability to save himself. Jesus Christ, Son of Man, Son of God, hung his head

Tallassee Churches

Holy Saturday marks the time following Jesus’ death and placement into a tomb. Followers wept at his horrible death. Some remembered prophetic speak of a resurrection in three days’ time. Some eagerly awaited it. Others were unable to believe it to be possible. And that is where Holy Week ends. Of course, every child of God on the other side of Holy Saturday knows the rest of the story. Easter is the day to witness the resurrection of Christ and all it represents to the earthly kingdom.

Easter is indeed the grandest of all celebrations relating to the life, ministry and witness of Jesus Christ in the flesh. It is God’s ultimate truth. The things that do not come from God are powerless to defeat the things that come from God. Every child of God living in the earthly kingdom today, regardless of covenant

relationship with God, should pay attention to all that Holy Week represents. It clearly illustrates the limitations of the human condition. Our humanity makes it possible for us to move from shouts of “Hosanna” on Sunday to “Crucify!” On Friday, even though nothing about the subject of crucifixion warrants such a shift. What is more important is to focus on the activity of God during Holy Week. God’s good news does not change. God’s messenger remains humble and faithful. Despite myriad justifications for altering God’s outcome, Jesus resisted every temptation to respond according to human limitation. This is God’s example for living fully and honestly in the earthly kingdom.

Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.

JONATHON YARBORO Columnist

TALLASSEE BOYS, ECHS GIRLS WIN BIG AREA MATCHUPS

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County and Tallassee soccer teams split a big area matchup last week.

Elmore County’s girls earned a big 7-0 win, while the Tallassee boys picked up their first area win in the nightcap, 7-2.

The Panthers wasted no time with their blowout of the Tallassee girls, who are in their first season as a program. Elmore County coach Leslie Hinds knew Tallassee stacked the box, so she decided to adjust the team’s gameplan going in.

The Panthers focused on kicking straight at the goal to try to give more opportunities to gain possession and get extra shots off. The Panthers ran that game plan to near perfection as they controlled possession on Tallassee’s side of the field for seemingly the entire game.

That also led to plenty of shots, and plenty of goals.

With Elmore County on Tallassee’s side of the field, defender Emilie Shaw got scoring opportunities and opened the game with her first career goal. Emily Spears and

Kristina Elmore added one goal each, while senior Raney Jones scored four goals.

“Raney is an exceptional player that gives 100% every time she steps on the field and touches the ball for every minute of the game,” Hines said.

“She has a natural ability to move the ball up the field and take shots on goal from every angle on the field.”

Jones was nearly unstoppable in the game as she took shots from the middle, left and right side of the field. When she didn’t have the ball, she

was chasing down Tallassee players who did and stole it from them.

She’s been the team’s leading scorer all season, and that was on full display against Tallassee.

She currently has 14 goals and numerous assists on the year.

In the boy’s matchup, there was no stopping Tallassee once the Tigers were able to run freely. The Tigers scored four times in the first 20 minutes. Jonathan Wright scored twice, once by outrunning everyone on

Everson, Griffin visit the University of Florida

Two of the top football players in the county visited the University of Florida last week.

Tallassee rising senior Cade Everson and rising junior Josh Griffin were both invited to visit the UF to meet the Florida coaches, take pictures wearing football uniforms and tour the campus and facilities for the Gators. Both Everson and Griffin are seeing their college status rise with the play from the 2022 football season. Everson showed off his ability to be the area’s most versatile player this year as he played quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive back and

Tallassee wrestlers earn All-American awards

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Two of Tallassee’s wrestlers earned major awards this week.

Tallasee’s Caden Griffith and Corbin Grover both earned awards from the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the United States Marine Corps.

“Marines and wrestlers are warriors who share the same principles,” the award stated. “Your academic excellence, fighting spirit, mental toughness, and work ethic are unmatched and are an example to your teammates and student body.”

Griffith, a senior wrestler and football player, earned the Character and Leadership All-American Award. Griffith has

had a stellar senior year both on the football field and the wrestling mat.

In football, Griffith broke the Tallassee single-season tackle record while playing middle linebacker. He then took that momentum onto the mat and recorded a 47-6 overall record while wrestling at 182 pounds. He won the Julian McPhillips tournament while turning in a second-place finish in the AHSAA Class 5A sectionals and a fourthplace finish at states.

Grover, who wrestled in the heavyweight division in Class 5A, was given the High School Scholar All-American Award. Grover had a successful season as he qualified for the state championship tournament.

Reeltown playoff bound in first year under Johnson

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

It did not take long for Reeltown to punch its ticket to the playoffs.

Dominating its first four area games by a combined score of 77-2, the Rebels are heading to the playoffs in their first year under head coach Matt Johnson.

Reeltown’s year may have started out shaky, losing seven of its first 10 games, but the blue and white locked in during a two-game area series against Isabella in mid-March. It not only righted the Rebels’ record, but it planted it firmly in the playoff hunt.

After two wins over Coosa last Thursday, 27-0 and 22-0, the Rebels have now flipped their season on its head, winning seven

of their last 10 and sitting atop Class 2A Area 6.

“I think we have been doing OK lately,” Reeltown pitcher and infielder Blake Smith.

“We have not played our best games against some teams, but we have really improved in the last month.”

Reeltown’s success as of late can be attributed to any number of things, but most importantly it’s been their uptick in scoring and pitching.

During the last 10 games, Reeltown has eclipsed double-digit scoring five times while also pitching three shutouts. In its four area games, Reeltown has combined for a staggering 59 hits. In area play, Reeltown pitchers have combined to strike out

See REELTOWN, Page B2

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Irvin Delfin kicks the ball against Elmore County. He scored two goals as the Tigers raced past the Panthers.

returned kicks and punts on special teams. On offense, he recorded 13 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns as he also

tallied 55 rushes for 463 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 20

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Josh Griffin (left) and Cade Everson (right) were both invited to visit the University of Florida last week. The two Tallassee football stars are jumping onto college radars. See UNIVERSITY, Page B2 See ELMORE, Page B2

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNBE

Elmore County soccer player Raney Jones dribbles the ball down the field against Tallassee. The senior captain scored four goals in the matchup.

HENRY ZIMMER THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown pitcher Brodie Smith tosses five hitless innings in a 27-0 victory over Coosa on Thursday afternoon.

Stanhope Elmore’s McLeod delivers big home runs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore infielder Jada McLeod has been a consistent force at the plate all season, but she picked it up a notch last week.

McLeod, mainly a third baseman and shortstop, had a stellar week hitting. In three games against Elmore County, Carver and Prattville Christian, she finished 8-of-13 at the plate with three home runs, one triple, seven RBIs and 18 total bases.

For her play, she has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Jada has been consistently hitting all year,”

Stanhope coach Keith Jones said. “Some weeks have been better than others and this last week was definitely her best so far. She’s hitting .477 on the year and definitely turning it on here in the second half of the season. She’s starting to be a little more aggressive early in the count and it’s working to her favor. She’s bringing a lot to the team with timely big hits and great defense.”

Her biggest home run of the week came in the first game the Mustangs played.

Stanhope Elmore hosted county foe Elmore County

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Stanhope Elmore third baseman Jada McLeod had eight hits and three home runs this week as the Mustangs picked up two massive wins.

on Tuesday, and McLeod delivered in the biggest moment. McLeod already had two hits then stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and her team

trailing by one run. On a 1-1 pitch, she deposited a grand slam straight over the center field wall to give Stanhope its final lead of the game. Up 8-5, Stanhope held

the Panthers from making a comeback in the seventh and earned a massive non-area win.

“The grand slam was a huge hit in a close ballgame against a very talented

the blowout win.

the field and once on a header, while Will Blocker and Francisco Diego each scored once during that span. Wright ended up with another goal in the second half to complete his hat trick, while Irvin Delfin scored twice in

UNIVERSITY

Continued from B1

REELTOWN

“We played really well together tonight,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “We were able to connect and trust our teammates. We relied on each other and that led to four early goals. From there, it was pretty much out of hand. They have a really good team and really good players, but playing from behind is hard. We put our foot on

Continued from B1 tackles and added an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on special teams. He was named First-Team All-County for his play.

18 batters against Isabella and 23 versus Coosa. Smith said that much like the team as a whole, he too has undergone a recent transformation during the Rebels’ hot streak.

their neck and didn’t let up.”

Elmore County netted two goals, both off the foot of Tate McNeely. He scored once on a penalty kick and once on a header that came off the crossbar.

With the win, Tallassee moves to 1-2 in area play and has three games left. It will play all three games at home as it hopes to make a playoff

Griffin, who was also All-County, shared the backfield with four other Tallassee running backs but was still able to impress during the season. While fighting an injury that kept him out a few games, he was still able to be one of the team’s top rushers. He was especially effective in

push.

“This game was huge for us,” Tarpley said. “We knew we had dropped two area games to Brew Tech and Beauregard two weeks ago and we needed a win tonight to have a chance to stay in the area race. If we can win those three games we have left, we will win the area for the first time in the history of Tallassee soccer.”

October as he helped the Tigers get back in the playoffs race. In two games against Elmore County and Valley, he rushed for a combined 358 yards and five touchdowns.

As he begins his junior season, Griffin looks to continue making a massive impact in the Tigers’ backfield.

Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week now!

pitcher,” Jones said. “We were down by one in the bottom of the sixth and for Jada to be in that moment and deliver that hit was huge for her and our girls. It was definitely a confidence booster to beat a very good Elmore County team.”

Her second and third home runs of the week came the very next night. The Mustangs traveled to Montgomery Carver for an area matchup and blew out the host Wolverines, 25-1. In that matchup, McLeod went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, a triple and three RBIs. She totaled 11 bases in the matchup, five more than the next closest player. McLeod then wrapped up her week with a 2-for-4 day in a loss to Prattville Christian.

Reeltown’s Coleman sets school record

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Reeltown’s track and field team had another successful outing Friday, highlighted by junior Sandrea Coleman’s school record shot put.

Coleman set the girl’s school record with a distance of 37 feet, 1 inch, breaking the previous record by a staggering 3 feet. Her record also plants her at the top of 2A competition for the year.

Coleman’s big day was not nearly over after the shot put, as she also took home first in the discus and fourth in the long jump.

Delayna Tapley earned a first place of her own, winning the 300 hurdles, and Leeandra Hooks was also tops in the javelin.

As a team, the Reeltown girls scored enough to place their squad in third, just four points behind second place Benjamin Russell.

Drake Wood took home the only first for the boys in the 1,600.

Aside from just first-place finishes, there were plenty of Reeltown athletes on other parts of the podium for both the boys and girls.

Kalen Thompson placed second in the 3,200 for the boys, both boys relay teams secured third, Jay Jay Kendrick collected a third-place finish in the 110 hurdles, Alijah Love placed second in the 800, Jaedon Brooks and Kendrick took second and third respectively in the 300 hurdles and Tae Martin and Connor Spain took Nos. 2 and 3 spots in the 200. Martin also captured third in the long jump as Spain and Kendrick took home second and third respectively in the triple jump.

For the day, the boys finished second overall, finishing behind Benjamin Russell.

Leading the way for the girls, London O’Neal earned a third place finish in the 400m dash, Leah Reeves came in second in the 800m run and third in the 1600m and Ashley Flurry earned third in the javelin.

Reeltown next competes Friday at the fourth Sylacauga Meet.

In a non-area game against Highland Home, Smith led the Rebels by going 4-for-5.

“I am doing much better now,” Smith said. “I was struggling at the beginning of the season, but it all just counts on when you get hot.” Smith is just one of any

Appearing in three area games, Smith is hitting .444 while also tossing 11 strikeouts in a start over Isabella.

number of Rebels who are getting hot when it matters most.

Brodie Smith tossed a no hitter against Coosa on Thursday, striking out 11. Jake Hornsby threw seven strikeouts in a win over Isabella. Baylor Clayton hit a gram slam against Coosa and also accounted for four RBIs in a win over Lanett earlier in the year.

The only issue Blake Smith said he could see with his team was fielding. In the last three losses, Reeltown has eight combined errors. In its last four wins, it’s only seven combined.

“It all comes down to us fielding,” Smith said. “If we field any better, we will be 10 times as good as a team.”

Reeltown’s Tuesday contest with Coosa was canceled, so with only two area games against Thorsby left, the absolute worst Reeltown could finish is 4-2 in area play. Regardless of how those games turn out, the Rebels are postseason bound. “This feels great,” Smith said. “This feels really great.”

ELMORE Continued from B1

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Tate McNeely kicks the ball against Tallassee. He scored two goals in the game, one on a penalty kick and the other on a header.

Alabama farmers leave lasting impact on Capitol Hill

By MAGGIE EDWARDS Special to The Tribune

Agricultural advocacy took cen-

ter stage on Capitol Hill during the Washington Legislative Conference (WLC) last month, as passion and patriotism sent 140 Alabama Farmers Federation members to Washington, D.C.

It was Chambers County farmer Jason McKay’s first WLC. He’s a partner in RL&M Cattle and RL&M Ag Services in Cusseta.

“It was a great experience to meet congressional leaders and share the items of interest that are important to farmers across the state,” said McKay, Chambers County Farmers Federation president. “It was eye-opening to see the full operation of Washington, D.C.” McKay was joined by his daughter, Claire, a 15-year-old student at Lee-Scott Academy.

“I was proud for Claire to be there and meet with congressional staff at her age,” McKay said.

“She came back with a new perspective of Alfa and saw firsthand how important the Federation is in D.C.” Alabama farmers welcomed U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla-

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County farmers joined 140 fellow Alabama Farmers Federation members for the Washington Legislative Conference last month in Washington, D.C. Elmore County farmers Joe Lambrecht, Patty Lambrecht, Lark Edgar and Jonathan Edgar are pictured with U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Alabama) who represents the 2nd Congressional District.

homa) during the opening dinner, where conversation centered on the farm bill

“A farm bill is about creating a safety net so we can raise the food and fiber we need and meet our own needs,” said Lucas, the longest-serving member of the House Agriculture Committee. “There will be another farm bill because agriculture is fundamentally one of the most important things we do in this country.”

U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A new one-man pothole patcher is already on order, but it will paid for in the Elmore County Commission fiscal year 2024 budget.

Similar to the trucks and motor graders the commission approved last year, the pothole patcher will take a while for delivery.

“We are expecting delivery between September and November if we put an order in now,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer told the commission. “This is an item that is slated to be replaced in next year’s budget.”

Commissioner Henry Hines said a replacement for the machine is much needed.

“This has been a headache in our highway department’s side,” he said. “It is constantly breaking down.”

The commission also passed resolutions honoring county athletes and coaches for recent achievements.

“It is an ongoing basis the county commission recognizes youth that have won state titles in individual and team sports,” county commission chair Bart Mercer said.

The commission honored Stanhope Elmore’s Alyssa Ward for being named the AHSAA Girls’ Bowler of the Year and coach Bridget Wilson, who was named AHSAA 6A-7A Girls Bowling Coach of the Year.

“It is so fitting to honor you during this being Women's history month,” commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson said.

The commission also honored Elmore County High School’s Myles Eyerly for winning the 285-pound weight class AHSAA Class 5A Wrestling State Championship.

Hines said he wrestled in the lower weight classes in high school but would better fit in the heavier classes now.

“I wouldn’t be able to go against you,” Hines said.

In other action the Elmore County Commission:

• Approved minutes of the March 13 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants for March 4-17 in the amount of $2,744,980.82.

• Approved the reappointment of Jacqueline J.

Darnell and Ginger Henry to the Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority.

• Approved the

Tommy Tuberville, both of Alabama, met with members addressing concerns and questions. Britt and Tuberville said they were eager to be with fellow Alabamians and received standing ovations from Federation members.

Britt began her remarks with an emotional “thank you” to Alabama farmers.

“I would not be standing up here as your U.S. Senator without each and every one of you,” Britt said. “Your willingness to give me

reappointment of John Strickland to the Elmore County Economic Development Authority.

a chance and listen made all of the difference.”

Tuberville reiterated his appreciation for federation members and their work. He spoke about the 2023 Farm Bill and underscored its importance to farm profitability and potential to save family farms.

“At the start of my journey in the U.S. Senate, I told federation president Jimmy Parnell we need a representative on the ag committee,” said Tuberville, who now serves on the Senate’s agricultural governing body. “We are going to fight, and we are going to fight to win because we must have farmers.”

Attendees also received farm bill briefings from American Farm Bureau Federation and National Republican Senatorial Committee staff. As farmers crisscrossed the capital, they met with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and U.S. Grain Council to talk about inputs and inflation.

During one small group meeting, McKay met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi).

“She is one that is for the

• Heard from Alabama Department of Public Health’s Tim Hatch who spoke about some of the

farmers and behind the farm bill,” McKay said. “As a rancher, I am appreciative that our opinions and concerns of Waters of the United States and the 2023 Farm Bill were heard.”

Federation members also met with six Republican members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation during breakfast meetings — U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong and Gary Palmer. West Alabama farmers met with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) during small group sessions.

A perennial conference favorite, the Congressional Barbecue packed out American Legion Hall. This time of fellowship and oneon-one conversation with members of Congress and their staffers featured Bishop’s Barbecue from Colbert County and Priester’s Pecans in Lowndes County. U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pennsylvania), who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, joined to hear the voices of Alabama farmers.

“To know that we are being heard in Washington is important,” McKay said. “The results of that will allow us to continue to do what we love.”

services the department offers and the commission supports. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 13.

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Letters Testamentary on the estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 21st day of March, 2023, by the Honorable TALMADGE EAST, Judge of the Probate Court of Tallapoosa County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/Beverly Patel 528 Gammil’s Store Road Tallassee, Alabama 36078

Personal Representative of the Estate of Floyd Bennett Childers ROBIN F. REYNOLDS, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative

Tallassee Tribune: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023 EST/CHILDERS F. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOANN J. MITCHELL, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-044 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: ARTHUR H. MITCHELL, WILLIE H. JONES, JACQUELINE Y. SALTERS AND ANTHONY C. HAYNES, ALL NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF JOANN J. MITCHELL; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF JOANN J. MITCHELL, DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on February 22, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of JOANN J. MITCHELL, deceased, was Elmore County, Alabama, by MICHAEL C. MITCHELL, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of JOANN J. MITCHELL or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE P O BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548

Tallassee Tribune: Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023

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Elmore County baseball clinches playoff berth

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County baseball team is headed back to the playoffs.

After missing last year’s postseason, Elmore County returns for the first time since 2021 and only the second time since 2013.

The Panthers swept Brewbaker Tech, 12-4, 9-1 and 11-1 last week in Class 5A Area 4 action. With Area 4 being only a threeteam region, Elmore County holds the tiebreaker, which means it’s guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

“It really just takes the pressure off the guys when you know you’re in,” ECHS coach Michael Byrd said. “The goal all along was to win the area and host and make a run.

Once you know you’re in, a little pressure comes off. We know what we need to work on and we have some time to do it before the postseason.”

Elmore County (14-6, 3-0) lost its last two games of Spring Break before turning its sights towards the area series with Brew Tech. Those two losses lingered over into the first game, and Elmore County found itself tied with Brew Tech, 4-4, after three unearned runs in four innings in Game 1.

The bats then woke up and Elmore County walked away with a 12-4 win and a 1-0 lead in the series. In a doubleheader Thursday, the Panthers wasted no time, scoring seven runs in the first two innings.

Following the hot start, they went on to outscore Brew Tech 20-2 on the day.

“I thought we came out a little flat early in the first game,” Byrd said of the series. “We came out and tried to do a little too much and played with them. Then about the fourth or fifth inning, we changed strat -

egies and started playing well. We started rolling and got a little confidence. In the last two games, I thought we played well all day. Just getting a win changes our minds a little bit and makes us feel a little better about ourselves.”

While the offense scored 34 runs in the series, it was the pitching that really impressed Byrd.

The Elmore County skipper was confident in his main three starting pitchers entering the season, and all of the “Big 3” performed at the level they can this week.

Payton Hall took the mound in Game 1, allowing only one earned run (three unearned) as he struck out 13 batters and gave up four hits in 6 ⅔ innings.

Cooper Hall followed that performance with a complete game, allowing only two hits and one earned run while striking out eight batters in Game 2. In Game 3, Brandon White also tossed a complete game, fanning 12 of the 15 batters he got out and not allowing an earned run. It was the best threegame stretch for Byrd’s starting pitchers all season.

“It was good to see them pitch well,” Byrd said. “Brandon has dominating stuff and he believes in himself and he pitched with confidence in his game. That was really nice to see. The big thing is they all threw with confidence. Our defense is really good and they pitch knowing that. We’re eventually going to score some runs so just throwing strikes is the key to us.”

Elmore County now gets a week off from area play while Tallassee and Brew Tech play their area series. The Panthers will play some non-area games before hosting Tallassee on Tuesday.

Songwriter’s Festival becoming a real hit

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

The summer long days will soon bring music-filled nights with the Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival.

GETTING READY

While the festival won’t be here until July, the com

mittee members already start planning in January. Although according to Tallapoosa County Tourism director Sandra Fuller, they probably never stopped.

“When we get finished at the end of July, we're already trying to recruit songwriters and figure out what we need to do differently before we even start meeting,” Fuller said.

The first year of the festival, Fuller said there were about 12 applicants, the second year about 70 and this year there were 120 applications sent in, but only 20 or so slots are available.

“You're reading every bit of their bios, you're listening to their music, you listen to how they sing, to how they perform — and everybody on board is doing that,” Fuller said. “Then we're all getting together and we're going, ‘OK, now we got to pick 20 or 25 people.’ For me, the hardest part is replying back to all the ones that you didn’t pick, especially when there are some amazing artists.”

While they are going through the applications, committee members also are recruiting the headliners for the festival. However, once they figure out who all is performing they then have to set up lodging for the artists and plan out the venues.

This year, the festival has 12 venues around the lake including Bluff’s Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Point, Chuck’s, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, The Destination Southwind Stage, Lake Martin Pizza, Lakeside at Bay Pines, The Local at 41 Main, Niffer’s at Lake Martin, Russell Crossroads, The Social at Lake Martin, Wind Creek State Park and Zazu’s Verandah.

Fuller explained each songwriter will play at three different venues throughout the week. The venues also act as sponsors, or partners, because rather than the venue paying the songwriter directly, it goes to Tallapoosa Tourism, which then pays the songwriter the agreed upon fee.

Another part of the agreement is a radius clause, where the songwriter cannot play within a 100-mile radius 60 days before the event.

Fuller said this is done so

when the artist plays for the festival it is a special occasion. Unfortunately, this does deter local songwriters from participating.

So, this year there will be a local’s stage added, which Fuller said is something she has been wanting to include ever since the festival first started. The local’s application is currently open for any artist in a 50-mile radius of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse.

FROM GRASSROOTS TO WIDELY KNOWN

The idea of the songwriter’s festival came from one night listening to music at The Mitchell House as a part of a songwriter’s retreat.

Mitchell House owner Vivian Autry said she and Fuller were just listening to the music and they started talking about how cool it would be to have a songwriter’s festival like 30A or Key West.

Six months later, Fuller was pitching the idea to the Tallapoosa County Commissioners, Autry was recruiting people to be on the committee and before they knew it the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival was coming to life.

“We've gone from zero to 60 in three years and it's just a testament to how well our board works together,” Autry said. “We're taking everybody's strengths and using those strengths and making something really big — that not just Dadeville, not just Alex city (but) all of Lake Martin can be proud of.”

For 2023, the committee members of the Lake Martin Songwriter’s board is made up of seven individuals: Autry, Robert Gunn with Russell Lands; Steven Pace with The Pace Place; Trey

Fuller said on her end, the songwriter’s festival was part of the key she had been looking for. She said some places have cotton festivals, others have peanut festivals, but what was this area’s thing — turns out it was music.

“Last year, we figured out that we had roughly, going to venues, between 2,500 and 3,000 (attendees). We definitely hope that increases. Honestly, I probably couldn't even put a number on it but I will say that every venue was full,” Fuller said. “My goal always is also to bring in people that are not from here to spend their week here and let that be the vacation they pick.”

Fuller said the committee also sent out a survey in 2022 and estimated 12% of attendees responded to the survey. Of that 12%, more than half of the attendees were not from the Lake Martin area.

Fuller explained this helps drive the local economy because visitors are not just listening to music; they are staying in hotels, eating at restaurants and shopping in the area.

“The one thing that we wanted out of the Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival is that it wasn't a one location event,” Fuller said. “It happened across the county and the Lake Martin area.”

This year’s songwriter’s festival is set for July 26 - 30. Some of the artists announced so far include Keith Stegall, William Michael Morgan, Marla Cannon-Goodman and Kyle Wilson.

Foshee with Blackberry Breeze; Stacey Jeffcoat with The Local; Keith Hiett with Copper’s Grill; and Skip Courtney with The Destination.

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Singers and songwriters from around the South have already applied to be a part of this year’s Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival.

FILE THE TRIBUNE

The Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival soon returns to the area. For 2023, the dates will be July 26-30, but there is plenty of prep work to be done in the meantime.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

TOP: Elmore County shortstop makes a play to get a Brewbaker Tech base runner out. The star shortstop had three hits and scored five runs in the series.

ABOVE: Elmore County’s Cooper Rogers pitches against Brewbaker Tech.

The senior southpaw pitched a complete game and struck out eight batters in the matchup.