Tallassee Tribune April 19 2023

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

“We

4 DEAD, 32 WOUNDED IN DADEVILLE SHOOTING

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

name will come up and she has been there for decades. Farrow was recently inducted into

Obituaries

MR. HAROLD

EUGENE SEARS

Mr. Harold Eugene Sears, a resident of Notasulga, Alabama, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the age of 72. He was born March 22, 1960 in Lagrange, Georgia to Mahlon Henry and Katie Connell Sears.

Harold is survived by his four children, Mahlan Sears (Jenny), Brett Sears, Katie Sears-Silas (Ste -

ven) and Robert Wayne Wood; one brother, Kenny Ray Sears (Lori); three sisters, Glenda Milling (John), his twin, Carol S. Huey and Cyndi Stearns (David); eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mahlon and Katie Sears; daughter, Tiffany Moore and two grandchildren, Austin Moore and Summer Paige Sears.

Harold was an avid fisherman and Auburn football fan. He was always full of life and loved his family. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 12:00PM until 1:00PM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 2:00PM at Sears Cemetery, Franklin, Alabama, Rev. Jay Woodall officiating.

Pet of the Week – Diamond

Diamond is a onetwo year old female Pit mix, about 55 lbs.

This girl is a doll! She is great with all dogs, male and female, cats and children and is housetrained. She adores attention, loves to give hugs and cuddle. Playful but happy to chill and get petted or brushed.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-yearold; cats over one-yearold can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations,

Elmore County Community Calendar

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 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 334-4920777 for more information.

de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Diamond or any of our pets, the first step is to complete our adoption application online. Once approved, someone will set up an appointment for you to meet & adopt.

The shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, our phone number is 334-567-3377 and our website is www. elmorehumane.org 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 service 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 Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact 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.

Honoring Animal Control Officers

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Last week was both National Animal Control Officer’s Week and National Dog Bite Prevention Week® and this week (and every week honestly) we want to honor our Animal Control Officers!

We ask everyone to thank and acknowledge the important job our animal control officers do for our communities. Here in Elmore County, we have animal control officers for the county, which covers Elmore Township, Coosada, Eclectic, Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee. These officers are dedicated to enforcing state and local animal related laws, helping animals in need, protecting the health and safety of people and resolving issues involving animals. Animal control officers are important to public safety as they interact with people and animals alike, often in risky situations involving injured, scared or aggressive animals.

Animal Control Officers deal

with far more than just stray dogs. They respond to animal bite or attack cases, mediate disputes between neighbors over animal issues, round up loose livestock, investigate animal cruelty and neglect cases, help injured animals get the care that they need and work with other law enforcement on larger criminal cases involving animals. All areas of Elmore County have a containment law for dogs and Wetumpka & Tallassee add to that with a “leash law” for cats. City noise ordinances and barking dogs often present challenges and some towns have limits on the number of pets in city zoning ordinances. Some, but not all, of our cities restrict livestock within city limits.

All of the above means that animal control officers must have a working knowledge of a myriad of laws, when they apply and when they do not apply depending on jurisdiction. They have to develop skills at animal handling as, very often, the animal needing help is scared, vicious or

injured. In addition to working with animals in distress, they are often confronted with a bit too much help from us humans who might actually make the situation more difficult.

Our Animal Control Officers are dedicated professionals who deserve respect from the public they serve. Some attend specialized animal control training at the state and national level to learn safe capture techniques, animal identification, disease control, legal issues, investigative techniques, court proceedings, rabies control, public education, wildlife and exotics, and so much more. Animal issues often put them in harm’s way from both animals and people. Due to high call volumes they must triage cases to deal with the most serious problems first. It is important that we understand that this call volume often greatly exceeds their ability to get to some calls immediately.

In recognition of the challenging work they do, please thank all of our Animal Control Officers as they work to help animals and people alike.

Tallassee High School will host area jazz bands for a night of entertainment

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Come get your jive on as the Tallassee Schools Band Programs host the 11th Annual Tallassee JazzFest this week.

The event features jazz bands of all experience and talent levels with bands from middle, junior and high schools, universities and community groups.

“This has been quite the tradition that Tallassee has had for quite some time,” Southside Middle School band director Melanie Skeen said. “We are continuing that and I’m very glad that we are getting to continue that.”

The variety of experience is perfect for music

lovers and to help students realize the potential of music. Skeen said she loves the annual Tallassee JazzFest for many reasons.

“For my little kids who are just getting to experience this kind of music, this is their first time to ever be in a jazz band; they are just learning about how it works,” Skeen said. “When they get to come see these really experienced groups, they get to see what they are working towards, what they can get to one day and how enjoyable this can be.”

The Capitol Sounds Lab Band and the Montgomery Recreators will be there as community groups. Alabama State University and Auburn University’s jazz bands will perform.

“Another thing I love about not just having college groups here but having community groups here is, it shows all our kids that music is something you can enjoy your entire life,” Skeen said. “It doesn’t stop when you get out of school.”

The jazz band at Southside Middle School will feature students in their second year of playing.

The Tallassee JazzFest starts at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Southside Middle School Gym. Admission is free.

“We are taking donations to go towards our Tallassee Schools band program,” Skeen said. SCHEDULE OF BANDS

3:30 p.m. BB Comer

Quick arrest in Tallassee robbery

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It didn’t take long for the Tallassee Police Department to make an arrest after a reported robbery last Wednesday.

As police officers were responding to a 911 call of a robbery near the intersection of Gilmer Avenue and Barnett Boulevard at 4:41 p.m. officers observed what appeared to be the suspect’s vehicle.

“We were able to respond quickly because it is only a couple of blocks from the police station,” Tallassee Police Department Lt. Jon Rawls said. “We attempted to stop it and they refused to.”

Rawls said officers chased the vehicle down Highway 229 to Interstate 85 and the suspect got on the interstate stopping just short of the Shorter exit.

“We didn’t do a pit maneuver or anything,” Rawls said. “He stopped on his own. He wrecked.”

The incident caused traffic on the interstate to back up.

Rawls said Alan Morales was taken into custody.

MORALES

High School

4:30 p.m. Prattville Junior High School

5 p.m. Alabama State University

5:30 p.m. Smiths Station High School

6 p.m. Auburn University

6:30 p.m. Wetumpka High School

7: p.m. Montgomery Recreators

7:30 p.m. Southside Middle School

8:00 p.m. Capitol Sounds

8:30

“There was nothing recovered from the robbery because he didn’t get anything,” Rawls said.

Morales is currently charged with third degree robbery, first-degree attempted theft of property, possession of burglary tools, felony attempting to elude, felony hit and run and felony failure to render aid.

But there may be more charges for Morales.

“We obtained information during the investigation he may be involved in other incidents that are similar in surrounding jurisdictions,” Rawls said.

Morales was transported to the Elmore County Jail with no bond available to him.

The Tallassee Police Department was aided in the incident by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Troopers, the Macon County Sheriff's Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.

Tallassee High School will host area jazz bands for a night of entertainment

Tallassee Talks

The shoes and the night I will never forget

WObituaries: 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.

hen I got a text at midnight Saturday saying there might have been a shooting in Dadeville, I never thought I’d be walking into the disaster I did.

I called our news reporter, Will Marlow, and told him I’d run up there and just to hang back, call Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett or Dadeville Police Chief Jonathan Floyd. “Just see if you can get a quick update, ask them what’s up,” I said.

When I turned the corner off Highway 280 a mere 14 minutes later, I was shocked. Blue lights blinded me. From every direction, the lights spun in their circles across the black night. I still had no idea what was happening, but I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

I immediately spoke to an officer on scene at 12:05 a.m. Sunday, and he said he couldn’t tell me anything but a press conference was coming soon. (Who knew “soon” meant 10 ½ hours later? But that’s a column for another day.) So I walked around, I

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

listened, I watched as people cried and screamed, begging for answers and for their children.

After about 30 minutes or so on scene, I found an officer who told me where the crime scene was and how to get closer. I walked down the alley next to Dadeville City Hall. There was almost no one there at this time; don’t forget. It wasn’t till hours later when the news media started arriving and people from around the area crowded in.

In that moment at 12:30 a.m. though, I was on my own, walking down a dark alley knowing I was coming up on a crime scene. Was this really my life? I couldn’t fully comprehend this was actually happening.

When I first saw the crime scene though, I knew. I texted my brother and said to him, “Friend, I think

we’ve had a mass shooting.”

My whole body felt deflated. I didn’t want it to be true. It couldn’t be true.

But as I saw the many pairs of abandoned shoes just outside the doorway of Mahogany Masterpiece, I knew. When I saw bullet holes in the windows, I knew. When I heard families in utter, raw, unfiltered grief, I knew.

I knew our town was never going to be the same again. Then I sat, and I waited. For hours and hours, I sat next to American Tax just across Broadnax Street from the dance studio. I watched as the Crime Scene Unit truck got there. I watched as they brought out those haunting yellow evidence markers.

Those yellow markers were everywhere. I watched as investigators put the markers all around the shoes — around the parking lot between Mahogany and PNC, even in the roadway of Broadnax Street not 30 feet from where I was sitting. I saw photographers

enter, and later the coroner. I’ve watched enough true crime to know what was happening almost every step of the way.

I kept my focus on those shoes, though. Then all of sudden, the investigators were done and they started bagging everything up. In brown paper bags like you’d take to school for lunch, the little yellow markers were put away. The evidence was gathered.

The shoes were bagged, and something about that felt so final to me. I had been watching those shoes for hours. Knowing they were on the feet of teenagers. The bright oranges and neon greens stood out like a flash of life amongst a scene of heartache. Those shoes were just the right fit for a bunch of youngsters, dressed to the nines and having a blast.

Then they were gone. And I don’t know if we’ll ever be the same again.

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

Our

national debt is unsustainable

As the first Regular Session of the Quadrennium evolves there are a myriad of complex issues arising. I am reminded of three simple truisms regarding the Alabama legislature and the governing of the state.

First of all, if anything significant or controversial or any major initiative is to be addressed then it is dealt with in the first year of the four-year quadrennium, giving legislators three years before their constituents vote again. The political pragmatism and expectation is voters will forget.

Secondly, there may seem to be an urge to deal with all the hundreds of bills thrown into the hopper and special interest groups or lobbyists are espousing a particular piece of legislation must be dealt with or it will be the downfall of the state.

This is not so. The only definitive legislation that has to be dealt with are the state budgets. That is the only constitutional mandate required of legislators in a session.

The third truism surrounds the second.

In regard to passage of the budget, our Constitution wisely has a sacrosanct conservative mandate that there must be a balanced budget. The Alabama Legislature cannot deficit spend or overspend the projected revenues for the year.

Our current super Republican majority legislature is so conservative, it not only adheres to the Constitutional prohibition against deficit spending, it does not even spend 100% of the year’s budget.

For the past decade the legislature has put state revenues away into a rainy day fund. It is truly budgeting conservatively.

If that were only true of our United States Congress.

Our U.S. congressmen and senators are simply printing money in Washington. They are recklessly spending our nation into an abysmal hole — one that we may never be able to get out of.

This tremendous federal deficit is our nation’s most acute problem. The United States cannot survive and keep spending money we do not have. Our national debt is so high we are basically nothing more than a third world country. Communist China will not take us over militarily or by flying balloons over our country; it will take us over without firing one bullet. It will defeat us economically.

Again, it is a serious problem that must be addressed if we are to survive as a nation.

The national debt is so devastating that within the next year it will be higher than our Gross National Product (GNP).

In fiscal year 2022 alone, the deficit was $1.4 trillion. The total national deficit is so high it is difficult for the treasury or economic analysts to accurately assess. It is between $400 trillion to $528 trillion.

To put it closer to home, the federal debt per person for every man, woman, and child and yes, that includes you and your children and grandchildren, is $96,403 per person. That is what your federal government

legislators have done to you. It is simply unsustainable. The United States cannot continue down this path of spending ourselves into oblivion. We cannot keep spending like drunken sailors. Our great conservative President Ronald Reagan made a legendary statement when facing a free spending Democratic Congress.

“You know people are saying that the Democratic Congress is spending money like drunken sailors,” he said. “That’s an insult to sailors; they don’t hold a candle to Congress.”

One of my wise readers wrote me this anecdote about the crisis.

She said, “Democrats are determined to bankrupt the country. Just paying interest on the debt is going to wreck the economy and very soon. What they are doing would be analogous to my going out and buying a luxurious ocean liner, a castle in Spain, and a Lamborghini and charging it all to my grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

She is not the only one of my readers who are concerned with this crisis.

Our United States Federal deficit and debt is our nation’s No. 1 problem.

Hopefully, one of the GOP presidential aspirants will make this his or her major political platform. They may be surprised at how many conservative Americans will follow them.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

Commission honors state champions

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

from Edgewood for sweeping the state championships in AISA 2A. Stanhope Elmore senior wrestler Conner Russo was also recognized

Government Day.

The commission honored the Prattville Christian girls team for winning the AHSAA Class 4A title and the boys and girls teams

March 27 meeting.

• Approved memorandum warrants for the period of March 18 to March 31 in the amount of $2,184,249.42.

• Approved a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Preventation Month.

• Approved a proclamation recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, April 24

the

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

The Elmore County Commission recognized the Prattville Christian Academy girls basketball team for winning the AHSAA Class 4A state title.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

The Elmore County Commission recognized the Edgewood girls basketball team for winning the AISA Class state championship.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

The Elmore County Commission recognized the Edgewood boys basketball team for winning the AISA Class state championship.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

The Elmore County Commission recognized Stanhope Elmore’s Connor Russo for winning the AHSAA Class 6A 170 pound wrestling state championship.

at Carville. I feel like if we require it at Carville we should at Rose Hill as well.”

The council approved the change to the city’s cemetery policy to require vaults for new burials. Hill said the city would work to fill in those gravesites that have sunk.

Tuesday was the first meeting of the Tallassee City Council since receiving a large grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for cast iron gas line replacement in the Elmore County portion of Tallassee. It was also the first meeting the council could accept the grant which it did.

“It was an amazing day on Friday to have all of our honored guests to accept our $9.7 million grant,” Hill said.

The council also heard from James Martin, who operates the non-profit non-emergency medical transportation company Medi Rides. The service provides transportation to help patients make appointments in Tallassee and Elmore County.

“We are a non-profit organization in need of funding,” Martin told the council. “We

are looking for space, office equipment, insurance for the vans and a few other items such as a website and mechanical work done on the vehicles.”

Hill said the council could consider funding requests during the budgeting process in June.

In other action the Tallassee City Council:

• Approved minutes of the March 28 meeting.

• Approved a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

• Approved changes to the consent decree with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management of the city’s wastewater treatment facility since renovations are underway.

• Accepted property near the boat ramp on the Tallapoosa River behind AES.

• Was told the city’s senior center would be closed on April 24.

• Appointed Terrell Brown as the voting delegate for an upcoming Alabama League of Municipalities meeting.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25.

We can help with most

the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride.

Farrow wouldn’t take credit for any of her accomplishments but thanked others for the support piled on her by recognizing her “prayer warriors” who have been by her side.

“I’m blessed to stand here and see all the support that I have,” Farrow said. “I love them so much. The people who affected my life are here. I’m going through them one by one.”

There were church members, family, neighbors, council members, friends, classmates and more — all there because Farrow influenced their lives.

Farrow was a Tallassee High School Class of 1972 graduate and was one of eight Black students to integrate the school in 1965 and 1966.

“There were teachers at Tallassee High School that showed care and concern for my growth as an African American student — Mrs. Inez Ashurst, Mrs. Monique Keahey, Ms. Betty Robinson and Mrs. Roton,” Farrow said. “These teachers really encouraged me to do my best.”

In high school, Farrow was on the student council, the pep squad, the volleyball team, and the civics squad while also serving as an FHA officer. She was also an office worker, library worker and homeroom officer, plus she gave the invocation for her graduating class at graduation.

“If you are a graduate of Tallassee you know how special it is to be asked to do something at graduation,” Suzannah Solomon Wilson said. “It’s a big deal.”

Farrow graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with a

degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education then a master’s in Educational Leadership. Farrow was also a certified reading specialist. Farrow spent nearly 25 years in Tallassee Schools as a teacher and reading coach.

Farrow’s first job was as an assistant to a teacher during summer school. It opened her eyes to her career as an educator.

“I loved helping the students discover their abilities to learn,” Farrow said. “I feel teaching is a calling, not just a fulfilling career. I have been blessed to be an Educator that lives in my community.”

Dr. Tenea Stanton met Farrow at Southside Middle School when Stanton was a first year teacher, and Farrow served as a mentor to Stanton.

“She offered an array of help to me as a teacher,” Stanton said. “[Farrow] stayed late with me to answer any questions. She offered her support to build my confidence about teaching and forming a rapport with the community. She is one of the most dedicated, hard working and community driven persons I know.”

Dr. Jessie Williams is deputy superintendent of Tallassee City Schools. Williams said Farrow’s encouragement of others went well beyond her classroom.

“An admirable quality of [Farrow] is her perseverance to improve the overall social well being of all citizens in the Tallassee community,” Williams said. “Over the course of years that I have worked with her, she has consistently shared opportunities for faculty members to become active in civic challenges.”

Even after retiring, Williams said Farrow was still advocating for children and other issues in the community.

“She continued such efforts while facing major health crises,” Williams said. “It is quite common

to receive an email or phone call from Mrs. Martin advocating for the needs whether they be academic, civic or economic of school age children and of other citizens in the community.”

Tallassee councilmember Terrell Brown has a special connection with Farrow and her family of 12 children, 27 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Brown was born on the same day as Farrow’s son and grew up across the street on Log Circle in the Jordanville community. Brown said she influenced him as a child and as a student and teacher at Tallassee schools.

“I think even my political career,” Brown said. “I owe her a lot. One of the things I remember her doing is being so active in the community. She was one of the ones that started the West Side Community Program. I was part of it as a kid. She has been very influential in my life.”

Brown said Farrow and her family led by example showing other Black families how to better themselves and the community.

“She was the only person I knew that had a family that worked and was going to school at the same time,” Brown said. “I did not see that anywhere else in my community. She was very influential on me wanting to be a teacher and get into political things.”

Farrow’s goal was to help everyone she could and the best way to do that was to welcome everyone.

“As teachers would come into Tallassee, I was able to get them into the community,” Farrow said. “We had a lot of children looking for role models.”

“I’m humbled and honored just to be here. The majority of the people here are my prayer partners. Can you tell me prayer doesn’t work? There is no way you can tell me prayer doesn’t work. You can’t tell me no different.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee High School Class of 1972 graduate Cynthia Martin Farrow speaks as she is inducted into the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride as family and friends look on.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill reads aloud a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at a Tallassee City Council work session. The council approved the proclamation in its regular meeting.

Together, we can

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. It is a beautiful spring morning as I write this week’s column. I can’t remember the last time we actually had spring weather in springtime.

Lord’s Day gatherings here at First Presbyterian yesterday were dominated by a communal prayer request. Yes, our Lord’s Day gatherings are always rooted in prayer, but Sunday was a little different. People came to this particular house of God with heavy hearts and troubled souls.

News of another mass shooting, this time in our neighboring community of Dadeville, was at the top of people’s prayer list. Numerous members vocalized their deep concern for the entire Dadeville community as it begins processing Saturday

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

night’s tragic turn of events. Those concerns spawned numerous conversations on a range of topics. One area of consensus in those conversations emerged. Some folks were distraught while others were incensed. Some folks were both at the same time. Almost every conversation ended with “There must be something we can do!”

The good news is there is something we can do — all of us. It is nothing new in the earthly kingdom. It is nothing new in these United States, or our own state, county, city or

News of another mass shooting, this time in our neighboring community of Dadeville, was at the top of people’s prayer list

even individual homes.

First, we can begin with sincere prayers for all people affected by senseless acts of violence. Every child of God should consistently lift up sisters and brothers processing the tragedies of the earthly kingdom in prayer. It is the first step in living as God intends.

Don’t get me wrong. I am one of many people who is fed up with people in positions of authority saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with (insert victims).” This is not because thoughts and prayers are not warranted or welcomed. It is because they are not enough when it

Tallassee Churches

comes to righting the wrongs of the earthly kingdom.

The second response does not eclipse the first, but it is equally necessary. We as children of God living in the world community God created must live in community. That means more than praying for others. It means knowing, listening to and finding common ground with others.

This may seem nearly impossible in our current culture, but it is not. Sunday, for instance, people with widely varying views on how to address the growing number of incidents of gun violence shared a common conviction. No one, regardless of person -

al philosophy or conviction, wants senseless acts of violence to continue. This common conviction was shared by the most ardent supporters of the Second Amendment and those who find its present applications ludicrous. It was shared by Republicans, Democrats and Independents. It was shared by conservatives, moderates and liberals.

Our nation has a rich history of coming together around shared convictions and/or values. Throughout its history, citizens of these United States have rallied around common cause and faced adversity together. It can happen again. Statistically, the number of people living in the earthly kingdom who truly do not value the lives of others is quite small. Doesn’t it make sense for the overwhelming majority of those who do to come together in the name of addressing adversity? Together, we can.

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Wetumpka’s Worrell setting the tone on offense

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Wetumpka junior captain Brody

Worrell set the tone in a big way last week.

In a 7-2 soccer win over rival Stanhope Elmore, Worrell scored a hat trick as the Indians clinched the AHSAA Class 6A, Area 3 championship. In the win, he scored his first goal and the team’s second goal on a free kick from the left side outside the box.

The shot was unblockable and wasn’t touched by another player before it found the back of the net. He followed that goal with two more in the second half, both off of penalty kicks. Worrell is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

Head coach Stephen Horn said he doesn’t usually score the majority of his goals off penalty kicks, but he knows Worrell will make it when given

TALL TASK AHEAD

Tallassee faces Valley in first round of Class 5A playoffs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee’s first playoff series in five years is going to be a tough one. Tallassee, which is the No. 2 seed out of Area 4 in the AHSAA Class 5A baseball playoffs, will travel to and take on Valley, the Area 6 winner. Valley (12-9) has won four straight games entering the postseason and has one of the nation’s top pitchers on the team.

Valley’s ace, Jackson Sanders, is the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2024 and is currently committed to Auburn University.

The entire series will be played at Valley, starting with a doubleheader at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by an as-needed game 1 p.m. Saturday.

“Well they have the No. 1 pitcher around here in the Sanders kid,” Tallassee coach John Goodman said. “When you have him, you’re just about guaran-

teed one victory. Other than that, they have a great hitting ball team. They have several other pitchers to go with him. It’s going to be a tough series.” Sanders has made six starts for Valley this season, second most on the Rams. In his six games, he’s pitched 29 ⅓ innings and allowed only 24 hits and 12 earned runs. The left-handed pitcher has an earned run average of 2.86 and 41

See PLAYOFFS, Page B2

Reeltown

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Reeltown baseball is headed to the playoffs after winning its area in a three-game series over Thorsby last weekend.

The Rebels, who won the first game of the series, lost the second before ultimately slamming the door in the decisive Game 3.

“This feels great,” first year baseball coach Matt Johnson said. “That is one of our goals. We have other goals too. We have to play really good ball this week.”

Game 1 of the area championship series was a lopsided affair, with the blue and white winning 12-2.

Pitcher Blake Smith went the distance, only allowing three hits while striking out six.

In Game 2 on Friday, three days after Reeltown’s first win, the Rebels could not get things to go their way.

Reeltown allowed five runs in the bottom of the fifth that the team could not come back from. The team also only managed one hit, a single by Smith.

“We struggled at the plate a little bit,” Johnson said.

In Johnson’s eyes, the game was a bit wacky for his team.

Pitcher Jake Hornsby threw well, striking out eight and allowing only four hits all game.

But it was incidents like an outfielder falling down while going after a ball, or a passed ball on strike three getting caught between the umpire and the catcher that Reeltown could not recover from.

“In the first inning, we dropped the third strike, and the ball got kicked to the backstop,” Johnson said.

“That runner got on and they scored four runs after that. It is not like we played that

bad, we just had some things happen that were just uncharacteristic. We just had some crazy things happen.”

Indicative of much of Reeltown’s season — winning a big game and following it by dropping the next — the Rebels had their backs against the wall with the top area seed on the line.

“When we play good ball, I feel like we can play with anyone,” Johnson said. “When we make crucial mistakes, and let people hang around, we are not good in those situations. We have to play a certain type of baseball with enthusiasm, excitement, and intensity. We have to be very aggressive on the bases, but also very smart. None of that happened in (Game 2).” Johnson’s team came out and channeled themselves from the first game, winning 11-1 and clinching home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

Hagan Lewis got the start on the mound, going the distance through five innings, only allowing four hits. Reeltown led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, where the Rebels exploded for nine runs. Lewis and Slade Carleton both went 2-3 with two RBIs each.

“The fifth inning we just opened it up,” Johnson said. “ Hagan (Lewis) pitched a heck of a ball game. That is the thing I hate about (Game 2) because we did not come away with the win but Jake Hornsby pitched a great game. He competed his tail off.”

The Rebels now draw the Ariton Purple Cats, runners up in their area behind G.W. Long.

The second place Purple Cats finished

Reeltown’s Jake Hornsby celebrates a hit during his team’s

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE Wetumpka’s Brody Worrell scores on a penalty kick against Stanhope Elmore.

Tallassee’s Brady Mason pitches against Elmore County last week.

strikeouts this year.

The southpaw sits in the high 80s to low 90s velocity with his fastball and has touched up to 93 mph before. He will face a Tallassee lineup that is littered with left-handed hitters.

Sanders has turned that velocity into easy strikeouts as he has struck out at least nine batters in each of his last three starts. During that stretch, he threw two complete games and pitched at least six innings all three games.

“He’s got a lot of velocity and he’s left-handed,” Goodman said. “When you put that together, it’s hard to hit. We have a lot of lefthanders in the lineup so it’s going to cause some problems for us.”

Tallassee (10-12) has faced its fair share

of left-handed pitchers this season, most recently Cooper Rogers and Brandon White of Elmore County.

The Tigers lost both games in which they faced those two pitchers last week but also led in both of them. In fact, Tallassee led by at least three runs in both games before eventually losing the game and series.

Tallassee’s overall record can be quite deceiving. The Tigers have lost six games where they led going into the sixth or seventh inning. Goodman hopes that will not be the case come playoffs.

“You take two innings away and we’re area champions,” Goodman said. “I wish I could put a finger on it. It seems to happen to us several times this year. It seems like every time we put together a great game, something happens late. So we have to get over that this weekend. Hope-

fully we can and make a series out of it.”

One reason for the early-game success for Tallassee is the starting pitching.

The Tigers have gotten good performances from all three of their main starting pitchers, especially as of late. In the series against Elmore County last week, Tallassee’s three starting pitchers all pitched well into their games.

In Game 1, Brody Goodman pitched four innings and left the game with a 5-4 lead. In Game 2, Jackson Rhodes pitched six innings and gave up five earned runs. Three of those five came in the top of the seventh before he was pulled.

To be able to compete with Valley’s pitching, Tallassee will need its starters to pitch deep in each game.

“I think we have three guys who can go out there and win games,” Goodman said. “They’ve got to finish. The team has to finish. The whole key to the situation is finishing games. At the beginning of the year, we couldn’t hardly start and now we can’t really finish. But we’re playing decent baseball. We’ve gotten better all year long so now it’s just a matter of putting the finishing touches on it.”

WORRELL

the opportunity.

“Brody knows how important he is to this team, and he would tell you that getting two penalty kicks is not the type of goals he likes to score,” Horn said. “He likes to score on shots like the free kick he made. We have the utmost confidence in Brody when he steps up and takes a penalty kick.”

Worrell’s offensive showcase wasn’t just in last week’s rivalry win. Worrell has been one of the team’s most important offensive players the entire season. In seventeen games this year, Worrell has scored 19 goals and added 11 assists, helping Wetumpka to a 14-3 record. His offensive production has helped the Indians win the Area 3 championship after going undefeated in area play. The Indians will now host a playoff game against Pike Road on April 27.

While Horn says Worrell is one of the most athletically gifted players, he’s also the leader of the midfield and has technical proficiency that is second to none. That was on full display as he scored all three of his goals on set pieces.

“Besides being one of the most athletically gifted players, Brody brings us unquestionable leadership,” Horn said. “He is the most physical player on the team, wins the most headers in the midfield, and is the most vocal player. He is always telling his midfield what to watch for, where and when to move and how to play.”

Tallassee’s Jackson Rhodes hits against Elmore County.The Tallassee hitters will have their hands full with Valley ace Jackson Sanders, an Auburn commit.

Elmore seniors attend 20th annual government day

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

In April 2007 Elmore County Commissioner Desirae Lewis-Jackson was sitting in the courtroom of the historic Elmore County Courthouse pondering life.

Lewis-Jackson was a student at Wetumpka High School taking part in the Elmore County Government Day — designed to help high school seniors understand what local government does.

“Sixteen years ago I sat in the same exact spot in the courthouse,” Lewis-Jackson told students gathered in the courtroom.

“I was a wide-eyed senior; graduation was next month. I got to see all that Elmore County offered.”

Now Lewis-Jackson serves on the Elmore County Commission. She and other commissioners as well as Elmore County leaders encouraged students to go ahead and get involved.

“You can do what the five of us are doing here today,” Lewis-Jackson said. “I didn’t realize what all Elmore County offered, but you too can sit in the same seat — get involved in county government.”

Commissioner Dennis Hill is retired law enforcement and told the students he had a regret.

“I waited until I was 64 years old to get involved with government,” Hill said.

Hill was appointed as commissioner in November to finish the term of Troy Stubbs who was elected to the Alabama State of Representatives. Hill explained he was like so many others who viewed government and public officials from the outside, not realizing all the work that goes on.

“I could sit and complain about government all day but I never took an active interest in it until this came up,” Hill said. “I looked at the nation and realized I needed to get involved.”

Hill might be the freshman of the Elmore County Commission but he now understands for the county, state and country to prosper, it will take the youth getting involved.

“I encourage everyone to get involved,” Hill said. “Nothing stops you now from coming to a commission meeting, board of education meeting, city council meeting. You need to start educating yourself now about how government works. Make up your mind now and get involved. You are the future. Without y’all there isn’t going to be a strong United States. I encourage you to get involved in government and make it work.”

Elmore County Commission Chairman Bart Mercer hopes the students understand it is no easy feat to make the government operate.

“It takes a large group of people and dedicated officials in Elmore County to make our county government function properly,” Mercer said. “We also have to make sure we have proper representation from Elmore County at a state level in the legislature.”

Mercer is proud of the relationship Elmore County officials have with state representatives and officials.

“I can tell you if you have been exposed to other government across the state and nation, they sometimes spend more time arguing than serving the citizens,” Mercer said. “We don’t have to deal with that in the county and are very proud of that.”

Students had the opportunity to visit elected officials and view demonstrations by the Wetumpka Fire Department, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Elmore County Public Works Department and the Elmore County EMA. They also had a chance to register to vote if they were eligible.

“It is important for every citizen to know how their local government operates and what local government does for them,”Mercer said. “Along with learning more about local government, in the future I hope you remember and look back to today and ask what you can do to serve your fellow citizens by seeking opportunities throughout the county serving on various boards and committees.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Area high school senior students filled the old courtroom of the historic Elmore County Courthouse for Elmore County Government Day.The annual event highlights various Elmore County agencies and the Elmore County Commission for the seniors.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Area high school senior students visited with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team who had a vehicle, weapons and a demonstration of an entry into a home for Elmore County Government Day.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Area high school senior students got hands on equipment used by the Wetumpka Fire Department to enter wreck vehicles for Elmore County Government Day. The annual event highlights various Elmore County agencies and the Elmore County Commission for the seniors.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Area high school senior students got hands on equipment used by the Wetumpka Fire Department to enter wreck vehicles for Elmore County Government Day.

Shamiyah Laney survives gunshot wound to jaw

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN

Managing Editor

Shamiyah Laney was just having fun with her friends, dancing the night away.

The 17-year-old from Alexander City was attending the Sweet 16 birthday party of a friend in downtown Dadeville when disaster struck in the late hours of Saturday night. She left the party with a gunshot wound to the jaw.

“It was fun, dancing, just a regular sweet 16 birthday party you would not expect to get shot up (at),” Shamiyah said via Facebook messenger.

In mere seconds, everything went from fun to the unthinkable.

Amidst loud music, Shamiyah said someone yelled, “Gun!” and everyone started running to the front door of Mahogany Masterpiece, a oneroom dance studio on the 200 block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville.

“We was running because it stared (sic) shooting,” Shamiyah said. “That’s what folks do yell gun and run … I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Upon hearing gunshots, Shamiyah said she started running and tripped.

Continued from A1

“As I tripped on the floor a bunch of people landed on me,” she said. “I ain’t even get to get out the door until the end. I didn’t know I was hit until I walked out the door tryna (sic) see what was going on. I was bleeding badly.”

According to Shamiyah, there is only a front entrance at Mahogany, so when the shooting started, everyone inside was running toward one door.

After exiting the building, Shamiyah made her way to the back of the building where her friend’s car was. She said she got into the vehicle with three other friends, two of whom had also been “hit twice, the other made it out completely safe” Shamiyah said.

From there, the group rushed in the friend’s vehicle to Lake Martin Community Hospital, where she was for more than two hours before being transferred to a hospital in Georgia for further treatment. On Sunday, Shamiyah was then transferred to the Grady Memorial Trauma Unit in Atlanta.

“Now I’m in a hospital in Atlanta with a fracture to one of my neck bones that connect (sic) to the spinal cord, a few missing teeth and the inside of my mouth fractured,” Shamiyah said. “These doctors in Atlanta

were both seniors at Dadeville; Dadeville Class of 2018’s Corbin Holston; and Opelika High School’s Marsiah Collins, who graduated last year.

PHILSTAVIOUS “PHIL” DOWDELL

Dowdell was a three-sport athlete for the Tigers, who was committed to play Division I football for Jacksonville State. He was also a decorated track athlete, and was a two-time state champion. He was well on his way to competing for a third title.

His speed and athleticism will certainly never be forgotten when it comes to all-timers who wore a Dadeville jersey.

But outside of sports, Dowdell will be remembered for his wide smile, and upbeat personality. No player nor coach ever remembered him having a bad day.

“I never saw him have a bad day,” Dadeville football and basketball coach Jesse Foster said. “He always put other people before himself. He was always putting the team first, and that was also in life. Never saw him have a bad day.”

SHAUNKIVIA “KEKE” NICOLE SMITH:

Smith was another prominent athlete for the Tigers, who was set to be a marquee player for Chris Tolbert’s 2022 volleyball team.

are taking care of me. They have been (doing) everything they need to do, but emotionally I’m traumatized.” When the confusion ended

and Shamiyah released she had been shot, she didn’t worry first about her safety. The only concern was calling her loved ones — in case it would be her

last chance.

She first FaceTimed with her mom, granny then her aunt.

Shamiyah said she wanted to tell them, “I had been shot and if I ain’t tell them before I left with all my heart.”

“I am 17 and lucky to be alive,” Shamiyah said. “Thank God for another day.”

Her family and friends have been her biggest support system since the shooting. Shamiyah said she is physically hurting, she’s sleepy, and she feels in and out of it a lot. Her friends have visited her in the hospital, and she said through her trauma, every little nice thing counts right now.

“I just wanna thank everyone who has been by my Side this whole time from that one friend driving to the hospital and didn’t leave until she knew I was ok or the friends that took off my wig yesterday and gave me a bath,” Shamiyah said. “It just be (sic) the small things that count and to those who have lost a family member, stay strong and remember everything happens for a reason. Maybe that was our wake-up call.

“Stay strong my beautiful people and just remember the times y’all shared with them before they want to a better place.”

SHOOTING

Continued from A1 LOST

An unfortunate injury took away most of her season, but she managed to come back by the end of the year to finish out her senior season.

She also was a manager for the basketball team, and much like Dowdell, will be remembered for the way she could turn a bad day into a happy one.

“Always smiling. Always upbeat,” Tolbert said. “When you saw her — and she had a beautiful smile — it would just light up a room. You could be having a bad day, and she would be smiling, and that smile would just be infectious. She lit up every room. Looking at her smiling makes you feel that much better.”

She was headed to the University of Alabama upon graduation.

CORBIN HOLSTON:

Holston was too an athlete at his time at Dadeville, playing wide receiver and defensive back in his senior season in 2017.

Former Dadeville counselor Mona Howard Patterson remembered Holston as a once quiet kid, who broke out of his shell as the years went on.

He often frequented Patterson’s office, for not much more than a friend to talk to.

“He just had an overall good personality,” Patterson said. “He got along well with others. He was always well liked by others. He came from a really good family.”

Former Dadeville football coach Richard White echoed Patterson’s sentiment, and said Holston was a player he never had to worry about.

“Good, polite young man,” White said. “Worked hard in athletics, always trying to please his coaches. I never had an ounce of trouble from him when he was in school. Comes from a good family.”

MARSIAH COLLINS:

Collins was a graduate of Opelika High, and after taking a year off, had plans on attending LSU this coming fall.

He was a musician in his spare time, and was an athlete during his years at Opelika.

Opelika coach Erik Speakman said that outside of Collins being a steady contributor to the Bulldogs’ football team, he was a well rounded kid.

“Always a hard worker,” Speakman said. “Always showed up and did what he was supposed to do. He was your typical high school kid that loved playing high school football. He made good grades. You hate to see a life ended that short.”

Officials have released very little information about the deceased, the other victims or the potential shooter or shooters. When asked at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Sunday if there was a public safety concern, Burkett said the area was secured and there were no public safety concerns. However, as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, he has not provided any comment since on the shooter or public safety.

Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. has confirmed the deaths of Dadeville High School seniors Phil Dowdell and KeKe Smith, 2018 Dadeville graduate Corbin Holston and 2022 Opelika High School graduate Marsiah Collins.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, there were 32 other wounded in the shooting; injuries included anyone that had medical treatment. That could range from a small medical treatment all the way to a critical medical condition. Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. has also confirmed Cara Johns, a Pike Road student, is in a medically induced coma, fighting for her life.

Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. is working to identify all 36 victims of Saturday’s mass shooting.

Lake Martin Community Hospital spokesperson Heidi Smith said the hospital had 15 teenage patients treated for gunshot wounds Saturday.

Smith said of those 15 patients, six were treated and discharged home. Nine victims were transferred to a higher level care at another hospital; of those nine, four were stable and five were in critical condition at the time of transfer. Smith said she does not have any information on those victims since their transfers.

According to Russell Medical marketing director Susan Foy, staff also received notification at approximately midnight Saturday that the hospital would need to provide care for several victims relating to the incident.

“At probably midnight, I was notified that we would be receiving patients into our hospital from an incident that occurred in Dadeville, and it would appear that we were going to have several patients coming. From what I understand, there were quite a few people involved,” she said.

Foy said she could not provide an exact number of victims at Russell Medical at this time but did confirm all victims have either been treated or discharged from RM or transferred to other hospitals for further treatment.

Dadeville Police Department chief Jonathan Floyd also spoke at the press conference and encouraged patience as the investigation into the shooting continues and requested the public keep his community in their prayers.

“The City of Dadeville is a tight-knit community full of won-

derful people. What we have dealt with is something no community should have to endure,” he said. When asked Monday afternoon, Floyd said he could not comment on the identity of any potential suspects.

Police from Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Jacksons Gap, Alexander City, New Site, Auburn, Opelika, Lee County and more responded to the scene Saturday night and into Sunday morning. ALEA’s Fusion Center has partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Mobile Office to provide a digital tip line for videos and photos related to the incident. Those files may be uploaded at https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/ 29fa2c127a79963.

If you have information for the 5th Circuit District Attorney’s Office concerning the incident or need to provide information to the individuals or families concerning victim services, please click https://5thcircuitda.org/ dadeville For any information concerning this incident, please contact ALEA private tip line at 1-800 392-8011.

LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN THE TRIBUNE

Jeremy Burkett, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) public affairs coordinator, held a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN THE TRIBUNE

The front of Mahogany Masterpiece after the shooting that occurred at a birthday party on April 15, 2023.

Shamiyah

DADEVILLE STRONG

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

The Dadeville community and surrounding areas continue to rally around being “Dadeville Strong” by hosting multiple community prayer vigils to honor victims of Saturday’s shooting.

ABOVE RIGHT: Dadeville mayor Frank Goodman speaks at an afternoon prayer vigil for shooting victims on Sunday, April 16.

ABOVE LEFT: Dadeville holds a prayer vigil for shooting victims on Sunday, April 16.

RIGHT AND BOTTOM: The First Baptist church holds a second prayer vigil for the community on Sunday, April 16.

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qp 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 EST/MITCHELL J.

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Tallassee Tribune: Apr. 12 and 19, 2023 FIRM PUBLIC NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Macon County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, hazard determinations within Macon County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These may include the addition or Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designa-way.

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The Tallassee Housing Authority will host a Public Hearing on May 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tallassee Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Board Room, 904 Hickory Street, Tallassee, Alabama, 36078. The purpose of the public hearing is to review and discuss the Annual PHA including attachments and supporting documents.

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PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Lower Alabama Heating Cooling and Refrigeration, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Improvement of HVAC at Tallassee Elementary School, Phase 2 for the State of Alabama and the City of Tallassee, Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Mckee and Associates, 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Lower Alabama Heating Cooling and Refrigeration, LLC 17115 Jordan Street Chatom, Alabama 36518

Tallassee Tribune: Mar. 29, Apr. 5, 12 and 19, 2023

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF TALLAPOOSA COUNTY NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE OF Floyd Bennett Childers, Deceased. Case No.: 20230040

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

PUBLIC NOTICE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Lee County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, hazard determinations within Lee County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These may include the addition or Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designa-way. Technical information or comments are solicitedard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/ or FIS report for Lee County, Alabama and Incorporatedterminations are the basis for measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qual-ticipation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review,

of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report,ard determinations within Tallapoosa County, Alabama and Incorporated Areas. These may include the addition orignations, or the regulatorytion or comments are solicited determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Tallapoosa County, Alabama and Incorporatedterminations are the basis for measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qual-ticipation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www. floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/ or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Tallassee Tribune: Apr. 12 and 19, 2023 FIRM

Elmore County promotes Nathan Taylor to lead varsity boys

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County boys basketball team will have a new face leading its program next season.

Nathan Taylor, who has been coaching the middle school programs, was promoted to head coach of the varsity boys next season. He will replace Rodney Taylor, who has been leading the girls and boys programs since 2018.

The varsity girls job is still open.

“Nathan has been involved with our middle school program for six years,” ECHS athletic director Kyle Caldwell said of the hire. “He has coached these kids and is familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. We also don’t have many teaching openings so it was a best-case scenario to promote from within our own program. He will bring a new energy and attitude back to our program.”

Taylor, who played at and graduated from Elmore County, is excited to join the varsity program. He has coached all of the kids currently on the team, and he has found plenty of success at the middle school level.

Just last season, Eclectic’s middle school girls team finished 11-1 and swept Wetumpka, Millbrook, Tallassee and

Holtville in two-game series. The boys team was right there as well, finishing 7-5 on the year.

“I’m excited to get back together with some of the guys that I’ve had at the middle school,”

Taylor said. “The seniors that I’ll have are actually the first group that I had for two years at the middle school. I’m excited to get back to work with them.”

Taylor will be inheriting the exact same situation he did when he took over the middle school.

After his first year at the middle school, Payton Stephenson, Garrett Allen and the rest of the 2023 graduating class moved on to high school.

Now as he takes over the varsity team, the same group of kids is leaving. Both Stephenson and Allen were All-County players each of the last two seasons, and Stephenson was the 2021-2022 Elmore County Player of the Year.

Despite both no longer being on the team, Taylor is confident he can replicate the same success he did when those same guys left the middle school program years ago.

“I talked to some of the guys and we’ve been in this situation before,”

Taylor said. “When those guys left, everyone asked what we would do without those guys. It’s really about having something

to prove. Payton and Garrett are great basketball players and they will be missed, but we will have enough to compete. I’m excited to get to work with these guys.”

Taylor doesn’t believe there will be much of a dropoff next season. He considers himself as a relationship coach, and he said the kids don’t

care about what you know as a coach if you don’t care about them.

So even after the kids have left the middle school program, he has had those players come back to open gyms and worked with the current teams.

He always knew if he worked hard enough and kept improving himself,

the relationships he has built would pay off. When the opportunity finally came, he was more than excited to take the job.

“In coaching, it’s relationship based and even though I haven’t coached them the last few years, they’ve always been around the program,” Taylor said.

“Anytime we had an open gym at the middle school, a lot of those guys came around. So even though I wasn’t their coach anymore, I was still coaching them. The kids are going to know that I care about them and will do anything for them, but I’m going to hold them to a standard.”

Elmore County’s Byrd reaches 100 career wins

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County baseball

coach Michael Byrd reached a career milestone last week.

Byrd, who has led the Panthers since 2018, earned his 100th career win as head coach at Elmore County. The win came in the Game 2 victory over rival Tallassee, a win that also clinched the area championship for the Panthers (17-8) for the first time since 2005.

“For me, the biggest thing is that we won the area championship with this win,” Byrd said. “It means a lot and it shows what we’ve done as a program, but it’s not about me. Ultimately, the kids win all these games.”

Despite being in coaching for over 25 years, Byrd has been a head coach only since he was promoted at Elmore County in the fall of 2017.

Byrd’s baseball journey began when he graduated from Robert E. Lee in Montgomery in 1991. He spent two years playing college baseball at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College before transferring to Warner Southern College. After graduating, Byrd immediately began his coaching career as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

He returned to LBWCC and coached from 1996-2000 before taking an assistant job at Auburn University in Montgomery from 2001-2003. After taking a small break to earn his master’s degree, he returned to baseball.

He coached at Brewbaker Tech, Robert E. Lee, Hoover Academy and Wetumpka

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE OBSERVER Elmore County’s Michael Byrd earned his 100th win as a head coach this week. The win also clinched the area championship for the first time since 2005.

before taking an assistant role at Elmore County for a single season. His one-year stint as an assistant turned into his first head coaching job. Once he took over the Elmore County job, there was an instant turnaround in the baseball program in Eclectic. The season before Byrd was hired, the Panthers went 3-21 and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. His first year in 2018, the Panthers went 13-14. That was the only season since his hiring they’ve had a losing record. Outside of the COVID-shortened season in 2020, Elmore County has had 19 or more wins each season since then and currently sits at

17 this year. “If you look back historically and see the records, it’s a pretty big turnaround to now,” Byrd said. “We’re proud of the turnaround and the consistency has been the biggest thing. We won three games the year before I got the job and we’re averaging around 20 wins a year since.”

Elmore County has just a few more regular season games before the Panthers turn their sights toward the playoffs. The Panthers will host Beauregard in the first round; the doubleheader is set for 4:30 and 7 p.m. Friday. A Game 3, if needed, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at ECHS.

SUBMITTED THE OBSERVER

New Elmore County varsity boys coach Nathan Taylor, left, with head football coach and athletic director Kyle Caldwell.