Tallassee Tribune April 12 2023

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Tallassee city leaders are breathing a little easier.

Thanks to a $9.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration work can begin replacing the 17.75 miles of cast iron gas lines remaining in the Elmore County portion of

Tallassee. Friday, Linda Daugherty left Washington D.C. to award $22 million of $200 million in grant funding available in the PHMSA Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grants. In Tallassee, Daugherty surprised officials from Tallassee, Graysville, Lanett, Cordova and Fultondale.

“It is not easy to navigate the

Investigation continues into fatal hit-and-run

By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter

Law enforcement is continuing to investigate a hit-and-run vehicle crash, which claimed the life of a Tallassee man last week.

According to Jeremy Burkett, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) public affairs coordinator, troopers with ALEA Highway Patrol Division are searching for the vehicle that left the scene of a crash

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

HDD Broadband wants to be ready for the future. Currently the small Tallassee based internet service provider has a fiber network in much of Tallassee and parts of western Elmore County. It also has fiber in East Tallassee thanks to a line stretched over the Tallapoosa River on the old bridge. But HDD’s Larry

federal grant process,” Daugherty said. “You took on the challenge and you were successful. It was designed to provide $200 million to communities like yours across the country, not all communities received a grant.”

The $200 million in grants will replace more than 1,000 miles of pipe across the country.

The City of Tallassee received

BURRUS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF PRIDE

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Three more Tallassee High School graduates have been welcomed into the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride.

Ret. Col. Mary Stonaker Burrus of the Class of 1982 was one of three recent inductees.

Burrus was part of a military family and moved to Tallasse in 1978; she graduated from Tallassee High School four years later. In

high school, Burrus was in the band, a manager for the volleyball team, on the yearbook staff, a member of the student council and a member of the National Honor Society. Burrus graduated from Alexander City Junior College, now Central Alabama Community College, and AUM earning a degree in mathematics and a master’s in mathematics education.

Burrus was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air National Guard in 1990 and taught math in Birmingham and near Atlanta before a lengthy full time career in the U.S. Air Force. Burrus, who now lives in Richmond, Virgina, retired from the Air Force in 2015 before starting her own business helping primarily military officers with leadership and performance.

Burrus’ brother Daniel Stonaker spoke highly of his sister at the induction.

“It is clear Mary is a very talented woman and has worked steadfastly to leverage her talents to help her students, her friends,

See INDUCTED, Page A6

Obituaries

JESSE HENRY WISENER

Jesse Henry Wisener, age 83, a longtime of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away April 3, 2023. He was born March 3, 1940 in the Beauregard Community of Lee County to Henry Jerome and Ida Eleanor Ledbetter Wisener of Opelika, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, Wednesday, April 5, 2023 with funeral service to follow at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Tallassee with Pastor Trey Waldrop and Pastor Ron Estes officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors. Pall bearers will be Tom Hilyer, Tommy Wisener, Phillip Bryant, Randy Hudmon, Tim Snyder and Lanier Gleaton. Honorary pall bearers will be Warren Bryant, James Hudmon, Jim Gower, Charles Mulder and Wayne Sykes. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gladys Patricia “Pat” Hudmon Wisener of Opelika, Alabama; sisters, Sarah Will Wisener Thrash and Bil-

PATRICIA M.

“MONY” SWINDALL

Mrs. Patricia M. “Mony” Swindall, a resident of Prattville, Alabama, and formerly of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the age of 72. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama, February 16, 1951 to Horace Edward and Ruth Bearden Martin.

lie Yvonne Wisener Meigs. He is survived by his children, Stanley Jerome (Janice) Wisener and Marvin Cary (Yvette) Wisener; grandsons, Colby Wisener and Ethan (Alena) Wisener; great-grandaughter, Eden Raylyn Wisener; great-grandson, Stance Callen Wisener; niece, Sarah Lee Thrash; stepgrandson, Eric Miller and family; sister, Dolores Wisener; sister-inlaw, Francis Hudmon Gleaton, as well as all his Hudmon in-laws; and many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Wisener, Ledbetter, Starr and Hudmon families. Jesse served his Lord as deacon first at Rock Springs Baptist Church and also at First Baptist Church of Tallassee until his health declined. He served his country in the U. S. Army for 4 years in Germany during the Berlin Wall Crisis. He was a civilian helicopter mechanic at Fort Rucker before returning home to Tallassee. For many years, he and Pat operated the Tall-

nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Phillip Swindall; her parents, Horace and Ruth Martin and her brother, Donnie Martin.

apoosa Farmers Service Gin. He formed a partnership with Penn Montgomery which was known as M & W Farms and he began farming. Later, he formed a partnership with his sons and he continued farming until he retired. The family would like to express deep appreciation to his church family and the many visits from people who knew and loved him, Haven Memory Care, Elmore County Respite Care Unit, Ivy Creek Hospice and Wetumpka Health and Rehabilitation. Flowers accepted or expressions of sympathy may be memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Tallassee, Alabama, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Share memories and condolences online at www.linvillememorial. com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

JUDY GAYLE WALL

Mrs. Swindall is survived by her daughters, Karen Beshears (Ron), Jennifer Dasher (John) and Jessica Locke (Jason); son, Larry Swindall (Dana); brothers, Randy Martin (Teresa) and James Martin (Ann); sisters, Wanda Hamilton (Jimmy) and Linda Mask (Tracy); sister-in-law, Lora Martin; grandchildren, Camron Dasher, Gracie Dasher, Sam Locke, Christa Schryvers, Colby Swindall and Hunter Swindall; two great grandchildren; several nieces and

RITA FINLAYSON

JONES

Mrs. Rita Finlayson Jones, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born February 18, 1937 in Bullock County, Alabama, to James Malcom and Daisy Cope Finlayson.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband of sixty years,

After raising her children, Mrs. Swindall attended nursing school and received her nursing degree. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her family.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at 1:00PM in Central Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Freddie Jones; sons, Jason Jones (Deidre) and Jared Jones; grandchildren, Collin Jones, Jace Jones, Evelyn Grace Jones (Michael Reeves) and Jade Jones; great grandson, Coltyn Reeves; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Judy Gayle Wall, a resident of Eclectic, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born November 14, 1945 in Tallassee, Alabama to Joseph Tucker and Montez Hale Gregory. She is survived by her sister, JoAnn G. Redden; brother, Jackie L. Gregory; nephews, Sam William Redden (Phyllis), Jason Scott Redden (Tammie) and David Andrew Redden; niece, Lauren G. Gantt (Angus) and several great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Mr. James Wall, and her parents, Joe and Montez Gregory. The family will re-

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Daisy Finlayson and seven brothers and two sisters.

OLIVIA G. HUMPHRIES

Mrs. Olivia G. Humphries, a resident of Dadeville, Alabama, passed away Friday, April 7, 2023, at the age of 78. She was born April 10, 1944. Mrs.Humphries survived by her husband of 59 years Edward V. Humphries; her daughter Deborah H. Norton (Barry Norton); her son E. Chris Humphries; her granddaughter Anna N. Ray (Ryan Ray); and her great grandchildren Baya Ray, Staxon Ray, and due in July, Mack

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE

DEPARTMENT

APRIL 10

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

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

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

APRIL 9

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Main Street.

• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on First Avenue.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Riverknolle Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gladys Street. APRIL 8

• Trespassing was reported on First Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Riverknolle Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on

ceive friends, Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Eclectic, Alabama, Pastor George Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery. Mrs. Wall worked for the State of Alabama for 55 years and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for many years. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences are available at: www. jeffcoatfuneralhome. com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Mrs. Jones was a teacher at Tallassee High School for 36 ½ years. She was a very active member of First Baptist Church, Tallassee. The family will receive friends, Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel, Dr. Trey Waldrop officiating. There will be a private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Tallassee. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

Ray. She is preceded in death by her parents Gladys and Oscar Gray, and brother Melvin Gray. Mrs. Humphries was a graduate of Tallassee High School, class of ‘62 and attended Massey Draughn Business School. She was a faithful member of Tallassee’s Elam Baptist Church where she served in WMU and led a G.A. program, and also loved being a Master Gardener. She served her family being an amazing and devoted homemaker, always making sure her family and friends were taken care of, loved, and knew the Lord. The family is celebrating her life at Elam Baptist Church in Tallassee, Tuesday April 11, 2023. Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M., and her funeral with begin at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Salem-Macon Baptist Church Cemetery in Notasulga.

Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A prowler was reported on Sunwood Court.

APRIL 7

• A noise complaint was reported on on Lakewater Drive.

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Public lewdness was reported on Preer Street.

• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Weldon Drive.

• Assistance was given to Tallassee city employees on North Ann Avenue.

APRIL 6

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Weldons Drive.

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

• Assistance was given to medics on Ashurst Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Drug activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane. APRIL 5

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Lilly Lane.

• A domestic incident was re-

ported on Third Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.

• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Davidson Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane. APRIL 4

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A prowler was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Recreation Center Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on James Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute on Washington Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Kent Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Poplar Street.

• Identity theft was reported on Hunters Ridge.

• Animal control was requested on Powers Extension.

• Harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Lee Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Salem Place.

• Trespassing was reported on Hudson Place.

APRIL 3

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male and white female were arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Softball Way.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Murphy Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gravel Pit Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on North McKenzie Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 3

• Harassment was reported on East Charles Avenue.

APRIL 2

• Burglary was reported in Wetumpka.

• Theft was reported on Wilson Street.

APRIL 1

• A dog bite was reported on Jackson Trace.

MARCH 30

• Theft was reported on Oulwatumkis Street. MARCH 29

• Burglary was reported on North Street.

HUMPHRIES

Dog bites can be prevented

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

This week is both National Animal Control Officer’s Week and National Dog Bite Prevention Week and they sadly go hand in hand because animal control officers spend a fair amount of their time responding to dog bite situations.

We will honor Animal Control Officer week in next week’s article but for all of us preventing dog bites is the goal as no one wants to see a child or adult injured, notwithstanding all of the medical, financial and legal issues that may also arise.

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, but most commonly as a reaction to something.

A dog may bite to defend itself or its territory to include its puppies, toys, food or treats or

Dogs might bite because they are sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone. Some dogs nip and bite during play which is one reason wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog is not advised.

because it is scared, feels threatened or has been startled.

Dogs might bite because they are sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone. Some dogs nip and bite during play which is one reason wrestling or playing tugof-war with your dog is not advised. So what can you do to prevent dog bites?

Socialize your dog: This will help your dog be more at ease and less reactive when confronted with new situations, people and activities.

Be a responsible pet owner by first selecting a

dog that is right for your family and living situation so it can get the exercise and mental stimulation it needs. Leash train your dog for its safety.

Having it spayed or neutered can go a long way to reducing conflicts with other dogs that might endanger others. Ensure your dog is healthy through routine veterinary visits so an issue can be diagnosed before your dog is in pain or distress and becomes reactive.

Understand your breed. Some breeds are very social with people and other animals where others are protective or guarded

in their interactions. Don’t try to make a shy or overly protective dog be a social butterfly; it was never meant to be.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT HOW TO REDUCE RISK BY AVOIDING RISKY SITUATIONS:

•If the dog is not with its owner

•If the dog is with its owner but the owner does not give permission to pet the dog

•If the dog is on the other side of a fence; don't reach through or over a fence to pet a dog

•If a dog is sleeping or eating

•If a dog is sick or injured

•If a dog is resting with her puppies or seems very protective of her puppies and anxious about your presence

•If a dog is playing with

a toy

•If a dog is growling or barking

•If a dog appears to be hiding or seeking time alone

•If the dog is clearly indicating to leave it alone

And if you get a new dog, don’t rush everything. Bring it home and let it explore, meet people and decompress on the dog’s schedule – not yours.

Definitely give your new puppy or dog time to get to know you, your family and home before subjecting it to the big scary world of dog parks, pet stores and public events.

Sadly dog bites do happen, and, if so, please seek medical attention and report to local authorities for everyone’s safety.

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

Tallassee man arrested for trafficking methamphetamines

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Monday evening traffic stop in Tallassee turned into a drug seizure for the Tallassee Police Department.

A patrol officer stopped Mark Shannon Langley, 60, of Tallassee, on Gilmer Avenue. Langley was found to be in possession of 42.3 grams of crystal meth and three firearms. Tallassee Police Lt. Jon Rawls said Tuesday it is one of the larger seizures of crystal meth the department has seen in some time.

“It’s a big deal

because it was a trafficking weight,” Rawls said. “It wasn’t for personal consumption.”

Langley was charged with trafficking in methamphetamines, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.

Alabama law describes trafficking methamphetamine as, “Any person who knowingly sells, manufac -

tures, delivers or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of [methamphetamine] or of any mixture containing [methamphetamine], is guilty of a felony.”

The mandatory sentence if found guilty of having more than 28 grams of methamphetamine but less than 500 grams is three years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

According to court records Langley pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in 1997.

Langley was transported to the Elmore County Jail and as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday has no bond available to him.

day.

LANGLEY

Tallassee Talks

Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, 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.

The art of the perfectly stale Peep

My dad has taught me a lot of lessons. He’s taught me how to be open-minded and non-judgemental of those around me. He’s shown me how to treat not just other people well, but also treat myself well. He introduced me to the wide world of sports and he taught me how to say please and thank you.

But one of the most important life lessons my dad has taught me is how to create the perfectly stale Peep.

Now, before you stop reading because you’re thinking, “Peeps are disgusting,” I know. I agree wholeheartedly.

But there is something fun about consuming a truly awful piece of food, especially if it’s only once in a blue moon. So don’t turn away just yet; grab some popcorn and settle in. Eat a Peep this year, using this recipe and you won’t regret it. And don’t worry — you don’t have to eat it for at least a month after reading this.

The art of the perfectly stale Peep is not something to be messed around with. There’s something beautifully vile about that gushy, marshmallowy inside that’s still somehow always soft with an extra crispy crust of deliciously stale sugar.

It’s a process though. You can’t just go buy some Peeps today and get them perfectly

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

stale by the next day. You’ve really gotta think ahead. The first step is to take your unwrapped box of Peeps and put it in the windowsill. You’re going to want to put them in your most sunny windowsill — the one you’d put some beautiful yellow roses on, just replace the roses with yellow Peep chicks.

(Oh yes, before I forget, the chicks are the best — preferably yellow — followed by the pink bunnies. There is a science here.)

like you’re cooking Stouffer’s mac and cheese.

the counter for another 1-2 weeks, the longer the better. Keep in mind, these are Peeps my friends. They are going to survive the Apocalypse; they’re not going to go bad.

However, some of you may be ready to dig into your masterpiece so at least one week will suffice. Following this, put your Peeps box into the win dowsill for another 1-2 days, almost like a final broil if you will.

Now that we are beyond the Holy Triduum of Easter, sometimes called the Paschal Triduum that stretches from Maundy (Holy) Thursday through Easter Sunday, we are into the Eastertide period of the liturgical calendar that includes holy days set aside for Divine Mercy, Ascension and Pentecost.

While this is an editorial page in this newspaper, it is also an opinion page – and for the purposes of this discussion of Eastertide, please allow this opinion to be shared and perhaps investigate some of this for yourself.

Everyone knows Jesus Christ died on a cross and Easter is a day that celebrates his resurrection. But for people who believe that He is present every time Holy Communion is offered, I would like to share the story of a modern miracle with you. It was 7 p.m. Aug. 18, 1996. Father Alejandro Pezet was distributing the Eucharist at a Catholic church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As he was finishing up, a woman came to tell him she’d found a discarded host, or piece of unleavened bread

Leave your wrapped box of Peeps in the windowsill for approximately 10-12 days. Once you hit that “not-quitetwo-weeks” mark, you’re going to want to take them out of the windowsill for at least three days. This ensures the Peeps have a chance to absorb all the sunshine and before they get truly mushy inside. From there, you’ll need to start working on your sugary, delightful crust. The Peeps already help you out with a solid base; now all you need to do is add air. This means cut a small slice in your Peeps box — just a little one though, not

you’ve nailed the original reci pe, you can totally extend these times and make them even more stale, more perfect and more objectionable. My grand mother would always get my dad Peeps for Christmas, but she lived so far away, some times we didn’t see her until February and even March. We always joked those Peeps were primed and ready to eat — or maybe we were serious, it’s always hard to tell.

used in communion, on a candle holder in the back of the church. The pastor went to the candle holder and, rather than eat it himself as is custom (because he wasn’t sure where it had been), he put it in a container of water and put it away in the tabernacle to dissolve and dispose of later.

On August 26, upon opening the tabernacle to distribute communion again, he saw to his amazement the host had turned into a bloody substance. He informed Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (now known as Pope Francis), who instructed him to get a professional photographer to take pictures. The photos were taken Sept. 6. By this time, this piece of communion had become a larger bloody substance. For over three years, it remained a secret of this particular church and diocese

Once your Peeps are ready, my recommendation is to eat just one, because they are pretty awful, but if you’re like my dad and actually enjoy the per fectly stale Peeps, then dig in! You won’t regret it (too much).

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

until, in 1999, Bergoglio decided to have it scientifically analyzed.

A sample of the bloody fragment was taken and sent to New York City for analysis. It is important to note the future Pope did not want to prejudice the study one way or the other, so when he had a doctor send it in, he did not say what it was.

A well-known cardiologist and forensic pathologist, Dr. Frederic Zugiba was called in to examine the material. Dr. Zugiba was the chief medical examiner for Rockland County, New York, from 1969-2002. Here is what was found.

“The analyzed material is a fragment of the heart muscle found in the wall of the left ventricle close to the valves…The heart muscle is in an inflammatory condition and contains a large number of white blood cells,” Dr. Zugiba wrote. “This indicates that the heart was alive at the time the sample was taken, since white blood cells die outside a living organism. They require a living organism to sustain them.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Elmore County Community Calendar

COOSAPALOOZA:

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

$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.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

CHURCH

HOMECOMING: Homecoming at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will be held at 10 a.m. April 16. Pleasant Hill is located at 1327 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Eclectic. Special guest pastors will be Vaughan and Virginia Gardner; Southern gospel group Spoken For will be featured as well.

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 334306-1161.

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 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. 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.

RED HILL COMMUNITY

CLUB MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON

CHURCH OF CHRIST:

Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship ser-

vice at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www. thekelly.org.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint. info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or con-

Pet of the Week – Simone

Simone is 7 ½ months old and she weighs about 50 pounds; she won’t get much bigger. She is an old soul — playful at times but more content to just chill out. She is a snuggle bug. She’s great with other dogs and cats and loves people.

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.

MIRACLES

Continued from A4

“Thus, their presence indicates that the heart was alive when the sample was taken. … What is more, these white blood cells had penetrated the tissue, which further indicates that the heart had been under severe stress, as if the owner had been beaten severely about the chest.”

White blood cells could not have survived more than a few minutes. And these had been in a container of water for three years.

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 334-567-3377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.

Miracles like these often go unnoticed or are underreported.

Miracles were not around only in the past or just happened to the holy men and women of the Old and New Testaments. They happen every day to regular people like the story told in this article.

During Holy Week, I finally got around to watching the series called “The Chosen.”

There are three seasons, and I’m just finishing the first. I wish I had started watching sooner. Perhaps it was serendipity that led me to finally watch during this Easter season. I was touched by the stories of how Jesus

tact jyates@santuckbaptist. org.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.

AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.

RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the

building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER

HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

selected his disciples and followers — seeing it dramatized so beautifully by this program, I was moved to tears more than once. If you haven’t seen this show, I highly recommend it. Whether the miracles happened 2,000 or 250 years ago or just this week, Eastertide is a time to turn off the negativity of the non-stop arguing and fussing on the news and turn on programming that might lead to a better understanding of positivity in miraculous happenings past and present.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

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in Macon County after fatally injuring Xavier C. Chappell, 30, of Tallassee. The incident initially

INDUCTED

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occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m April 2 on Macon County Road 10, 4 miles north of Hurtsboro, and the vehicle struck Chappell while he was walking in the roadway.

Macon County coroner Hal Bentley said Chappell

neighbors and family and nation,”

Stonaker said. “She has been a servant and a woman of character to everyone in her path. As a younger brother, she was that to me and so much more.”

Burrus did not want to speak much of her accomplishments as a military officer and at times supervising hundreds of personnel in very costly operations.

“I feel very humbled and honored to be recognized,” Burrus said. “I will tell you today is not about me. Today is about all the people who made me who I am today.”

Burrus recalled a story comparing life to the game of baseball. Despite all the practice, when the batter gets in the box, he or she still doesn’t know exactly what is ahead.

“That is how life is,” Burrus said. “You wake up everyday. You have been practicing, doing the best you could. But you don’t

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Rogers wants to ensure those in East Tallassee and beyond have even more reliable service by moving the line under the river.

Now Rogers and HDD are working through the permitting process with Alabama Power.

“We are just poised to do that,” Rogers said. “We have most of the details worked out with the power company. We will be able to drill there. We have to finish a couple other projects with the equipment and manpower that it will take to do that.”

The idea is to drill under the river and Rogers hopes more utilities will follow suit.

“I’m looking forward to being able to put a larger encasement under the river

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$9.7 million in grant monies.

was pronounced dead at the scene and has since been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine an official cause of death. The incident, however, has been classified as a hitand-run crash, according to

know what is coming. Sometimes you are on your game and it’s really good. Sometimes you strike out.” But it is those strikeouts can still make a difference.

“I can say the people that are the most successful are the people who know how to stand up, brush themselves off and get back up to bat,” Burrus said. “The people that are able to do that are the people who have a very strong support system that keeps making them amazing.”

Part of Burrus’ support system for success is in Tallassee, and it was her parents who really taught her to be compassionate.

“I can’t tell you how many times on holidays there would be some stranger at the house because they didn’t have anywhere else to go on the holiday,” Burrus said. “They also taught me I needed to be independent and I needed to be strong and to be able to stand on my own two feet. (My brothers) challenged me. They were my biggest fans and loved me unconditionally.”

Then came teachers such as

that will allow multiple conduits and maybe we could get some of the other utilities that have cabling on the poles along the old bridge,” Rogers said. “Hopefully they will have a desire to move into our conduit to clean up the old bridge so someone can do a beautification project there.”

Rogers himself has been on the bridge installing and maintaining HDD Broadband’s fiber. Beyond beautification, Rogers believes keeping utilities on the old bridge could lead to disruptions.

“It looks to me they would be very difficult to maintain with the current condition of the bridge,” Rogers said. “If something goes wrong, it is very hard to get out there to work on it. I feel like there would be advantages other than beautification.”

Moving HDD

Mayor Sarah Hill said the issue came to prominence in May 2021 as Tallassee High School was set to host senior awards day in the school’s gymnasium.

“The City of Tallassee narrowly avoided a catastrophe,” Hill said. “Seniors were there to receive scholarships and to be recognized for their hard work for 12 years.”

Seniors were joined by family, extended families and friends.

“There were multiple generations there,” Hill said. “Our school administration, our teachers and other guests were there when the smell of gas started permeating throughout the building.”

The awards ceremony was moved and nothing happened.

“But it brought forth to our city council and to our citizens what an issue this could be,” Hill said. “Over the last three years the city has spent over $650,000 to work on old cast iron gas pipes.”

But it wasn’t enough to replace the 35 miles of cast-iron gas lines in the city, nor was the 2020 $4.1 million bond issued to correct the problem.

“We knew we had to change our tactics because we couldn’t get as much done as we wanted,” Hill said.

The City of Tallassee has been working with engineering group CDG on many projects including gas lines for the last several years. CDG noticed a new grant program from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Last year I signed this grant application enthusiastically hoping we would be a recipient,” Hill said.

CDG’s Randy Spence compiled the necessary information for the grant and noticed Tallassee had more than half its gas system still using antiquated cast-

Bentley.

ALEA traffic homicide investigators have been assigned to conduct the investigation, Burkett said. If you have any information concerning this crash, please contact ALEA at 334-676-7250.

Mary Carol Banks and Glen Baggett.

“I absolutely loved (Banks),” Burrus said. “She had this unique ability that she could be teaching you a trig equation, not miss a beat and give you a look. That look was, ‘Don’t even think about it.’ Yet she loved us all. (Baggett) didn’t let us get away with anything. He was the one who ruined senior skip day for me. He truly believed in our development and growth.”

Burrus said most of those who helped influence her really let her learn her own life lessons, while calling her out from time to time.

“I have been blessed and fortunate to have a lot of wonderful people in my life,” Burrus said.

“They have supported me and steered me in different directions.”

Editor’s Note

Burrus is one of three inducted into the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride April 6. Other inductees Cynthia Martin Farrow and Arthur Ted Oliver will be highlighted in The Tribune over the next two weeks.

Broadband’s cabling under the river will not affect current customers but will allow future expansion and it “is the right way to do it — the permanent way,” according to Rogers.

“Technically it won’t change anything about the service we currently offer or could offer in the near future,” he said. “That temporary line across the bridge is the same type of cable we would use. The long term it would last the rest of our lives. We would have additional space to change or upgrade anything there. We won’t have just one conduit with one cable. We will always have something spare for us.”

Rogers hopes to complete the project by August. Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill hopes adding reliability to a fiber network in East Tallassee

iron, some installed almost a century ago.

“Based on my research, of the non-profit gas entities, they have the highest percentage of cast-iron gas lines still in use in the state,” Spence said.

“Spire has more cast-iron but nobody has more percentage wise.”

Daugherty said the grants were needed, especially in rural areas to help address safety issues.

“When you put a piece of pipe in the ground for a long period of time and you can’t see it — you have to wonder what is going on,” Daugherty said. “We know there are certain types of pipe that are prone to leak. When you leak natural gas, that can be very dangerous to a community. We wanted to create a first of its kind grant program that would assist communities in replacing some of this risky pipe.”

Alabama House of Representatives District 31 Rep. Troy Stubbs said he is proud to see the grant come to Elmore County.

“It’s wonderful to see bi-partisan legislation from the federal level that can benefit our people here in District 31 and Elmore County,” Stubbs said.

“This is just an example of hard work and effort put forth by a city council and mayor who saw a need to protect and provide safety for their citizens. They were successful in receiving this grant of $9.7 million which I think will go a long way in their projects.”

Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC) executive director Greg Clark has been working with Tallassee for years. He has helped Tallassee navigate the grant process for community development block grants from several organizations for current projects in Tallassee. While CARPDC didn’t help with the USDOT grant, Clark said Friday’s grant is very much a positive.

“For a community this size, it is big,” Clark said. “It is a very big boost for the town. Grants on this scale are

will lead to growth and jobs.

“Most businesses need good, quality access to the internet to not only market their business but to process payments for goods and services,” Hill said. “For East Tallassee, it will open up several buildings and areas for potential industrial options, especially with The Mill project, businesses will be able to have that fiber access. It puts us ahead of the game as far as rural communities in the South.”

Rogers is native to the area and believes the efforts of HDD Broadband moving its fiber under the Tallapoosa River will benefit generations to come.

“I hope it helps the community,” Rogers said. “Long term we will have much larger fiber under the river. What we will have will last for years.”

very competitive. The grant was awarded on a lot of different levels. They see promise and big returns for their investment.”

Clark said the grant addresses an issue state grants couldn’t begin to fix and now potentially makes the city more appealing for other grant funding.

“You are easing up and fixing an issue you know has been on the books for a while,” Clark said. “Tallassee is known for having a lot of infrastructure issues. Over several administrations they have all been trying to help, but this is a big boom. It opens options for other opportunities. There are a lot of things that can happen.”

Now city leaders, with help from engineers such as CDG’s Jeff Harrision, can begin to look at other issues that could be addressed with remaining $3 million of the 2020 bond issued for water, sewer and gas.

“It gets to prioritization now,” Harrison said. “There are several things it could go towards.” Harrison is currently helping the city through the renovation to the wastewater treatment lagoons. The water filter treatment is another project on the horizon for city leaders.

Hill is working with Harrison and other city employees including utilities supervisor James Gardner to reorganize the list of infrastructure needs.

“It is a water, gas and sewer bond,” Hill said. “We can allocate the funds to projects where there is a need. We are currently looking to see where our next greatest need is.”

Hill said the $9.7 million grant will help every citizen of Tallassee and those on city utilities.

“This will improve the lives of our residents so much because instead of continuously taking out bonds that will require us to pay them back for 20 years,” Hill said. “We will be able to get big chunks of this cast-iron pipe out to make sure we can put in the best and safest that we can.”

Jesus died for us all

Holy Week, the most sacred event of the year in the life of a Christian, is marked by the triumphal entry of Jesus into the City of Jerusalem, riding a donkey with palm leaves waving in celebration of the coming of a King.

As the week progresses into what is referred to as Spy Wednesday, we see the betrayal of Jesus. Maundy Thursday will follow.

Maundy is a term of Latin origin, “mandalum” or “command,” which refers to the instructions Jesus gave His disciples at the Last Supper and His washing of the disciples feet that day.

The command of Jesus was

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

given to the disciples, Luke 22, as Jesus breaks bread, saying, “This is my body,” pours wine saying, “This is my blood,” then asks the disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Thus, we have the sacrament of communion or Holy Eucharist. The Last Supper was a Passover Seder or “feast of unleavened bread”. Why the “washing of the

feet?” (John 13)

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, an act of teaching them to be servants. It is the “ultimate act of servant leadership.” Jesus gave the instructions to love and to serve.

Maundy Thursday has a very dark side as well! Jesus not only foretells His death to the twelve disciples, but it also marks an act of betrayal.

“One of you will betray me”, and Judas Iscariot is pointed out!

Friday brings about the physical and emotional beating of Jesus, the torture as He hung on that “old rugged cross,” the grief His mother

Tallassee Churches

experienced as her Son gave His life so you and I might live eternally. As a Christian, we can marvel at His life for His obedience until death. Jesus could have called “10,000 angels” to come down but instead, He died for ALL.

Friday was a time of grief for those who loved Jesus and truly did not understand.

“It is finished!”

Saturday ends the period of Lent, the observance commemorates the final day of Christ’s death. Holy Saturday is not merely a day between Good Friday and Easter, but it is a day to observe in consecration of what He did for us.

It should be a day we can all be still and rest in His presence and quiet our hearts. Let each of us not be so hurried in our own lives we forget the glory You brought forth. Easter morning is coming!

Resurrection Day — Jesus arose from the grave! At Easter, the Son of God took on the sin of the world and defeated the devil, death, and the grave. He arose, a victor! He lives forever! Will you live for Him?

Jackie Wilbourn, a member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a Chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.

Tigers, Panthers face off for area baseball title

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County and Tallassee rivalry runs deeper than normal this week.

The Panthers and Tigers will meet on the baseball diamond with big implications at stake. The AHSAA Class 5A Area 4 championship will be crowned. Both teams are 2-0 in the area and have already clinched a

playoff berth, but playoff seeding is crucial this time of year.

The winner of the three-game series will be the No. 1 seed in the playoffs while the loser will be No. 2 and have to travel in Round 1.

The first game of the series was Tuesday at Elmore County, while the two teams will wrap up the series with a doubleheader today at Tallassee.

“You don’t have to

worry about getting the teams ready this week,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said. “They’re going to be ready to play each other. You just don’t want them to get so pumped up that you feel like they’ll press a little bit. Don’t let them overdo it or let them do too much. You have to still play your style of game.”

The Panthers (15-7) are starting to find their

rhythm. They’ve won six of their last seven games, and they’ve done so in dominant fashion. During their 6-1 stretch, they outscored opponents 68-25.

They’re led by their big three pitchers — Payton Hall, Cooper Rogers and Brandon White. The three have combined for a 10-5 record and all have a

TALLASSEE BASEBALL CLINCHES PLAYOFF BERTH

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the first time since 2018, the Tallassee baseball team is headed to the playoffs.

Tallassee clinched an AHSAA Class 5A Area 4 playoff berth with a sweep over Brewbaker Tech last week. The Tigers (9-9) beat Brew Tech, 11-1, in five innings in Game 1 before clinching the series with a 9-3 win in Game 2.

Tallassee, which is in its first year under “new” head coach John Goodman, is not used to missing the playoffs as often as the Tigers have in recent years. Before 2018, the Tigers had missed the postseason only five times since 1985.

“I told the seniors the

Rebels use late score to beat Valley

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Behind a Baylor Clayton single in the top of the seventh, Reeltown won yet again, besting Valley 5-4.

Reeltown trailed 1-0 until the top of the fifth, where Clayton scored his first two runners of the day, followed by Slade Carleton scoring one.

Clayton was a monster at the plate for the blue and white, with a teambest 4-for-4 outing and three RBIs.

Blake Smith did most of the day’s work on the mound, getting the start and going 5 ⅔ innings, giving up eight total hits.

Valley tied things up in the sixth behind a tworun frame, but it was the big bat of Clayton who pushed Reeltown ahead, giving his team its 12th win of the season. The win also pushed Reeltown (12-11) above .500 ahead of a Tuesday doubleheader with Thorsby.

LOCAL TEAMS MATCH UP

Anna Casas’ three-hit day against Reeltown was not enough for Central Coosa in a 10-0 loss. Casas was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, tallying three of her team’s five hits.

She also started the day on the mound, strik -

ing out a pair. The Rebels were very consistent at the plate as five players had two hits apiece. Crisdan Dunn did work on the mound striking out six in a shutout. Ashley Flurry and Meg Ledbetter had a team-leading two RBIs. Both Reeltown and Coosa suffered losses throughout the rest of the week though. Against B.B. Comer on Thursday, only three Cougars managed a hit in a 13-1 loss. Reese Lee, Emma Whatley and Abigail Hyatt each had singles. For Reeltown’s part, it went on to face area foe Horseshoe Bend, which earned a walk-off victory, 7-6. Tied 6-6, in the bottom of ninth, HBS eighth grader Madison Smith hit a walk-off RBI to score fellow eighth grader Lina Tidwell and earn the win.

Smith also pitched well, striking out five batters in a complete game. At the plate, her 3-for-5 batting was best on the team.

Reagan Taylor and Carolina Tidwell each recorded two hits.

For the Rebels, Flurry and Ledbetter had three combined hits, but Amelia Nicholas took the lead, going 3-for-5 on the day. Flurry went 2-for-3.

Barrett finding his power swing STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Holtville second baseman Drey Barrett is starting to find his swing. Barrett, a junior infielder and Southern Miss commit, had a stellar week at the plate as the Bulldogs swept Jemison and clinched the area championship. In three wins over Jemison, Barrett finished the week 6-of-9 at the plate with two doubles, one home run, seven RBIs, and six runs scored. He is the

Elmore County Player of the Week.

“He’s lighting it up right now and he’s starting to see the ball well,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “You know you’re doing things well when you’re hitting home runs to right field. When you’re hitting the ball that hard the other way, you’re seeing it well. He’s making some adjustments and we’re seeing that at the plate as he swings it well.” Barrett is one of the catalysts of Holtville’s offense, and as he gets better, so do the Bull -

dogs. He’s shown he’s capable of leading the offense as the year has gone on. Since area play began, Barrett has been seemingly impossible get out and almost every ball he hits is going for extra bases.

He’s had at least one hit in each of his last seven games while accumulating a .650 batting average during that stretch. Of his 13 hits, he’s had four doubles, two triples and a home run with 12 RBIs. He’s currently on an eight-game hit streak. “When he’s hitting

the ball, we’re vastly better as a team,” Tubbs said. “With him swinging it well, it changes the dynamic of the game. When he gets hot, everyone around him in the lineup gets

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Chase Webster (11) looks to get the out at first against Brew Tech.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNBE

Tallassee’s Jackson Rhodes pitches against Brew Tech.

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown honored the teams’ combined four seniors on Friday during a 7-6 area win by the Generals.The seniors honored were, from left to right, Meg Ledbetter, Allyson Crittenden, Nadia Brooks and Ashley Flurry.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

Holtville’s Drey Barrett has 13 hits during his last 20 at-bats with seven extra-base hits and 12 RBIs. The Bulldogs are 6-1 during that stretch.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Jackson Rhodes gets a hit against Brew Tech. The Tigers are averaging 7.5 runs per game this season.

See BASEBALL, Page B5

See TALLASSEE, Page B2

sub-5.00 earned run average.

“They’re good, and I mean really, really good,” Tallassee coach John Goodman said. “They’re where we are trying to get to. We just hope to go in there and give them a couple of good ball games. That’s where we’re at right now. They’re polished and we’re trying to get polished.”

Tallassee (9-9) has won two straight games: both wins over Brew Tech last week. Before that series, the Tigers had lost five of their last six.

But now with a playoff berth already clinched, Goodman is hoping to see his team play relaxed baseball for the first time all season.

“I told them they can just relax and have fun,” Goodman said.

“We don’t have to worry about beating them to get in the playoffs. They can relax and play baseball and have fun with the rivalry. Hopefully they can take that message and we can have fun this week. None of these guys have ever been in the playoffs before, so this is huge for us.

That’s why it was so important for us to get where we are at.”

Tallassee’s team may be young and inexperienced when it comes to playoffs, but that hasn’t stopped the Tigers from playing good baseball — especially at the plate.

Tallassee’s offense will test Elmore County’s three pitchers in a big way. The Tigers have scored 135 runs this season, good for 7.5 runs per game. They’ve scored in double digits six times.

“They’re a younger team and there aren’t a whole lot of upperclassmen, but they’re a scrappy bunch and very competitive,” Byrd said. “They’re going to

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hot too and then they have to continue to pitch to him. For him, it’s like a breath of fresh air that we’re finally starting to swing it well enough.”

That’s certainly been the case since Barrett has found his stride.

During the last seven games when he’s recorded 13 hits, Holtville is 6-1 and currently on a five-game win streak.

The Bulldogs are 5-1 in area play and already clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The Bulldogs are now 16-9 overall and are getting hot alongside Barrett after a tough first half of their schedule.

Holtville is done with its area schedule, and now the Bulldogs turn their heads to wrapping up the rest of the regular season before the playoffs begin. Holtville has four games left before the postseason and will face Elmore County, Beauregard twice, and St. James during that stretch.

“We’re starting to find ourselves a little bit,” Tubbs said. “I think we’re good enough to make another run, we just have to get hot and do the little things right. The gauntlet of the playoffs is going to be very similar to how tough the first half our schedule was. It won’t be easy by any means.”

get after us. It’s going to be a fun series.”

Byrd’s offense will welcome back two injured players into the lineup.

Shea Darnell and Austin Davis, both of whom have played just combined 25 games, are back in the lineup.

Darnell is the

team’s two-hole hitter, and he’s hitting .458 this season, second best on the season. Davis, who usually hits No. 6, is

batting .444 with 11 hits this year. Both players have over a .500 on-base percentage and are welcome additions back into the

Panthers’ lineup.

Editor’s Note: Tuesday’s Game 1 ended after The Tribune’s press deadline.

TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Brandon White hits against Brewbaker Tech. The Panthers have won six of their last seven games entering the series.

Lake River & Classi eds

Job Opportunities

The Greenville Advocate, located in beautiful and historic Greenville, Alabama, has an opening for a general assignment reporter to assist in covering a variety of news topics. Applicants must have experience in producing community journalism or experience in a candidate must be organized, have an optimistic personality, enjoy meeting new people, and understand what makes a community newspaper important to its readers. They must also enjoy small town life, getting involved in the community they serve while practicing true community journalism. Known as “Alabama’s Mayberry,” Greenville is centrally located in Alabama along Interstate 65, where residents enjoy small town living with easy access to larger cities like Montgomery, Birmingham, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. It’s also home to Cambrian Ridge, one of the stops on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The position offers an excellent income, with health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and vacation. There’s also advancement opportunities within our parent company, Boone Newsmedia, Inc., which publishes more than 90 newspapers in 12 states. Applicants should contact Dennis Palmer, Publisher, at dennis.palmer@greenvilleadvocate.com or by calling 334-410-1712 for more information

City Branch at 256-329-3477 for more information or apply online at www.allegiancestaffing.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

•Floral designer needed for Montgomery •Local delivery driver, full or part-time Apply at CCC Associates, 3601 Wetumpka Hwy in Montgomery, send resume to reginad@caffco.com, or fax to 334-386-4016. Please history. Hiring experienced Vet Assistant and Receptionist for

CHAMBER HOSTS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

other day that at this point in time, getting to the playoffs means just as much as winning the state championship did back in the day,” Goodman said. “It’s a huge moment for us. It makes everything that we’ve gone through and all the hard work that we’ve done pay off.”

The Tigers have had their ups and downs this season, which was completely expected after Good -

man took back over a program that won only four games a season ago. The Tigers were 6-4 through 10 games then lost five of their next six.

But they have come back with a vengeance with the two area wins last week to punch their playoff ticket, and now the Tigers are facing Elmore County this week for the area championship.

While the season has been a roller coaster, one of the steady aspects has been the Tigers’

offense. Tallassee has scored 135 runs in 18 games, good for 7.5 runs per game. The Tigers have scored 20 the last two games and are seeing the ball well.

“Cade (Everson) is swinging the bat really well right now, but pretty much everybody in the lineup is seeing the ball right now,” Goodman said. “Whether or not that holds true against Elmore County’s great pitching, we’ll see. But right now, I’m pleased with the way we’re coming about.”

TALLASSEE Continued from B1

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Cade Everson bats against Brew Tech last week.

The Tigers swept Brew Tech and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.

SHERYL JENNINGS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jerry Cunningham poses for a photograph at the annual chamber golf tournament.

Golfers warm up at the annual Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Wynlakes. The annual outing is one of the largest fundraisers for the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce.

Golfers at the annual Tallassee chamber golf tournament eat lunch during the event.

PANTHERS EARN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Elmore County’s Ray battles grief in everyday life

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Nobody can be fully pre-

pared for the grief that comes with losing a parent, but Elmore County senior Addi Ray was as prepared as possible when she lost her mom in December.

Ray’s mom, LaKeisha Tucker Ray, died December 31 after a nine-month battle with stomach cancer. While it certainly hasn’t been easy for Addi dealing with the loss the last four months, LaKeisha prepared Addi and her brother, MJ, the best she could given the circumstances.

LaKeisha lost her father when she was 15 and wasn’t able to say goodbye due to him drowning unexpectedly while on a beach trip.

So as she was battling her cancer, LaKeisha made sure to express to Addi and MJ exactly how she dealt with the grief of losing a parent so young.

“She taught us the true reality of grief and she taught us how she coped with losing a parent young,” Addi Ray said. “She always prayed that we would never lose a parent young, but when we did, I made sure that I told her she prepared us more than any other person could be prepared for it. She taught us what it was like and how to handle it and how to not lose ourselves in the process. She was the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”

Dealing with the loss of her mom hasn’t come easy.

Ray, who has a 4.22 gradepoint average and is ranked in the top five of the senior class at Elmore County, has had to balance her grief with her academics, her senior season on the soccer team and her therapy.

She was honored for her achievements though, as she was named one of 52 regional winners in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, which honors senior student-athletes who have overcome personal

adversity to excel.

All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship and could win more when statewide winners are announced at the annual Bryant-Jordan banquet Monday in Birmingham.

She will take that scholarship money to Auburn University, where she has been accepted into the honors program.

Ray never expected to win any kind of scholarship for being an athlete, as she says she hasn’t been an athlete her entire life.

She’s danced and played softball throughout her life, but she’s been on the soccer team for only her junior and senior seasons. She also participated with the Maroon Machine band this fall, serving as an actor in their show.

“My brother has always been more of an athlete than me, so winning something based on athletics was really cool,” Ray said.

“For me, the impact the award really had on everybody who got it meant a lot because I really did go through something hard with my life. When you go through something like that, it’s hard to see the good in it but this is kind of like the Lord is showing me that there will be good in everything.”

While Ray has continued to work hard and credits the study habits she’s developed over the last few years to her success, she said the school has also been extremely helpful. LaKeisha was a teacher at ECHS and was loved by the community. When she died in December, the school was patient with Addi and MJ about their school work as they dealt with her passing.

The school put Addi’s mental health before anything, which she was appreciative for. If she missed any class work due to therapy or things like driving her mom to the hospital during her cancer battle, the school would make sure she got all the work she missed.

It made it more of a challenge, especially with Ray having soccer practice and games all

Elmore County’s Sides puts God, academics first

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The “student” portion of student-athlete has always come first for Elmore County High School senior Courtney Sides, and her hard work is paying off in a big way.

Sides, who currently has a 4.35 grade-point average and a 33 super score on the ACT, has been named one of 52 finalists in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Scholar-Athlete category.

All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship and could win more when statewide winners are announced at the annual Bryant-Jordan banquet Monday in Birmingham.

“This is really just a true honor to even be considered for such a prestigious award,” Sides said. “All of the glory really belongs to God because He’s blessed me with so many opportunities which have led me to where I am today. This scholarship just opens doors to enable me to go to college and pursue the education and career he’s called me to do.”

While academics has always come first for Sides, she is involved in many extracurricular activities at ECHS.

Sides played for the Elmore County volleyball

team, where she helped lead the Panthers to their 13th consecutive area title this past fall. She also ran track as a sophomore but was forced to quit after an injury limited her.

When she isn’t on the court, she shines on the speech and debate teams.

She recently placed first in the Rotary Speech Competition, at which she earned another $1,000 scholarship.

She’s also the president of the National Beta Club and of First Priority, a student led devotional organization.

She also helped start a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the school and was selected as a representative with the AHSAA student leadership team.

While serving in that role, she was selected to represent the entire state of Alabama in a national leadership summit.

“The student part of the student-athlete phrase comes first in my life,” Sides said.

“I make sure I’m studying and able to excel in my school work. As a Christian, I believe I should do everything to the best of my ability to honor God. So I do that in my academics and my sports. I enjoy being the best student and best person I can be.”

It’s tough to balance all of the extracurricular activities

Sides has with her relation-

throughout the spring, but she has taken advantage of senior free periods.

“It’s definitely been a challenge,” Ray said. “But I spend a lot of my free periods working on missed school work. The school has been extremely helpful with making sure I get what I need and am still able to excel. They’ve been nothing short of great with me.”

While LaKeisha prepared Addi about the grief of losing a parent, Addi didn’t know the full extent of feeling grief until after her mom’s death.

She’s coped with the grief with therapy, which her dad, Mike, put her and MJ in back in August. Along with therapy, she’s relied on Mike and MJ as her rocks and has grown closer than ever with both of them.

More importantly, she’s developed a deeper relationship with Christ.

When people ask what keeps her going, the only firm answer

she can give them is her relationship with Christ. She developed a really close relationship with Jesus about a month before her mom died, and she knows that was the Lord’s timing and she would not get through this without him.

As she enters her last month of senior year, she is taking her grief day by day. She knows she will never get over it, but she will find better ways to deal with it. For now, however, her main frustration is the fact that her mom isn’t here to spend her senior events like this past weekend’s prom with her.

“You never really think these events like prom, Senior Night or graduation would ever be sad times of your life but now they are,” Ray said. “But it’s even smaller things like a fight with a friend or something. My dad understands, but I want my mom’s perspective on them. There was nobody like her. The

biggest challenge is the fact that she’s just not here and I have to come to terms with that.” Ray wants people to know her story and know her struggle with grief. She says a lot of people have gone through similar experiences and don’t know what to do. They may not have lost a parent, but they go through an experience and feel alone like she has at times the last few months.

Many student-athletes with similar experiences will be honored during Monday night’s banquet in Birmingham. All 52 regional winners will be honored and will be eligible to earn more scholarship money.

Each individual region winner is eligible to compete within their class (eight finalists in Class 5A) for an additional $3,500 scholarship. The winner of each class, from 1A to 7A, is eligible to win the Overall Scholar-Athlete Award which wields an additional $4,000 scholarship.

ship with Christ and her schoolwork, but she has a prioritized list.

First and foremost, her first priority is her relationship with Christ. She said her relationship with Christ is everything she has and is everything she is. Second is her family, who come before anything to do with school.

Third on her priority list is her schoolwork, and she makes sure every afternoon she gets her studies done.

Sides wants to excel in the classroom before she even

thinks about athletics. When she feels she is in a good spot academically, she turns her sights to the volleyball court.

“I don’t want to be distracted because I’m not doing well in class,” Sides said. “Once my academics are lined up, I can be the best athlete I can be. In athletics, we aren’t really competing with the person beside us. We are trying to be better than the person we were before. So I really just make sure my academics are

in-line so I can be the best athlete I can be.”

Sides’ hard work has paid off, and she will be taking her scholarship money to the University of Mobile to major in nursing. Her plan is to achieve a bachelor’s degree then study to be a nurse anesthetist.

“I want to be in the waiting room with patients and able to talk to them and pray with them before their procedures,” Sides said. “I want to deal with pharmacology and chemistry, but I love connec-

tions and relationships so I want to deal with people.” Sides will have the chance to earn more scholarship money during Monday night’s banquet in Birmingham.

Each individual region winner is eligible to compete in his or her class (eight finalists) for an additional $3,500 scholarship. The winners of each class, from 1A to 7A, are eligible to win the Overall Scholar-Athlete Award which wields an additional $4,000 scholarship.

Elmore County senior Addi Ray, right, poses with her late mother, LaKeisha Tucker Ray. Addi has been selected as a regional winner of a Bryant-Jordan Scholarship.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Courtney Sides, who is one of 52 regional winners for the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Scholar-Athlete category, was also named Alfa’s 2022 Female Athlete of the Year at the World Games in Birmingham.