Tallassee Tribune April 26 2023

Six suspects in total charged in Dadeville mass shooting

By WILL MARLOW & LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN

Staff

Six arrests have occurred in connection with the mass shooting that occurred Saturday, April 15, in Dadeville, leaving four dead and 32 wounded.

At about 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, Tyreese “Ty Reik” McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of Tuskegee were initially arrested and formally charged with four counts of reckless murder, according to a press conference on the steps of the Tallapoosa County Courthouse on Wednesday. Then approximately 2:30 p.m Wednesday, law enforcement also arrested and formally charged Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, of Auburn with four counts of reckless murder.

Law enforcement arrested three additional individuals in relation to the shooting Thursday, bringing the total number charged to a combined six suspects.

At around noon Thursday, both Johnny Letron Brown, 20, and Willie George Brown Jr., 19, were arrested and formally charged with four counts of reckless murder in connection

with the Dadeville mass shooting on Sunday night, according to a press release from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

5th Circuit District Attorney Mike Segrest announced Thursday evening an additional arrest had been made of a 15-year-old male juvenile. Like the other five who have been arrested so far, the 15-year-old, of Tuskegee, has been charged with four counts of reckless murder, Segrest said, and he is being held at a juvenile facility with no bond.

He cannot release the juvenile’s name due to his age; Segrest said the threshold for being able to release the name is 16. In regards to if there will be more arrests coming in connection with the shooting, Segrest said likely not.

See CHARGED, Page A6

MARCHING TO HIS OWN BEAT

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

rthur Oliver is a highly successful costume designer and now a Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride. Getting inducted into the Hall of Pride was a proud moment for Oliver.

“The reason I really wanted to be here, my mother Vicki Adkins Oliver Baker was the first inductee to the Hall of Pride,” Oliver said. “To know that my picture is going to be hanging there with my mother,

that’s really meaningful. Not surprisingly enough, it was jumping through hoops and fire to get to stand here.” Oliver graduated in 1989 and went on to design costumes for the Moscow Ballet, American Repertory Theater, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare and Company and Berkshire Theater Group to name a few.

“I can almost say look at his designs and I wouldn’t have to say anything else,” Suzannah Solomon Wilson said. “But there is a whole lot more to say about him.”

From the start Oliver recognized his artist talents.

“I had a very interesting relationship growing up in the Tallassee schools — I did not fit in,” Oliver said. “However, from kindergarten and up through my senior year in high school, my artistic talents were always supported by not just my peers but the administrators who recognized the importance of having an artist, not just exist in the community but in the world.” While in high school, Oliver sought further support of his See MARCHING, Page A6

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

The board of directors of the Joe Sewell Memorial Award and John Sewell Memorial Scholarship have released the names of its 2023 senior finalists. The award was established in 2005 to recognize outstanding high school senior athletes in Elmore County who have consistently represented the highest ideals of Christian leadership. Each year, one

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee High School Class of 1989 graduate Arthur Ted Oliver, center, poses with Noah Griggs, left, and Suzannah Solomon Wilson after Oliver was inducted into the Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride.

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 18

was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

APRIL 21

was reported on Friendship Road.

APRIL 17

• A juvenile complaint was reported on West Butler Street.

• Burglary and theft was reported on Alabama Street.

APRIL 17

• Criminal mischief was reported on Jackson Trace Road.

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

APRIL 14

• Domestic violence was reported on Hollowood Court.

APRIL 13

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 26

• Domestic violence was reported on Brookside Drive.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 23

• A noise complaint was reported on Caldwell Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Third Street.

• Gunfire was reported on First Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on East Patton Street.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on James Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

APRIL 20

• Assistance was given during a medical call on North Ann Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Quail Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Redden Avene.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Identity theft was reported on Ingram Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Poplar Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Carr Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on West Butler Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on East Patton Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Benson Avenue.

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

• An intoxicated subject was reported on Sims Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Griffith Lane. APRIL 22

• A subject was reported shot on Friendship Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a domestic violence call on Indian Trail.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on First Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

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

• A suspicious person

• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

APRIL 19

• A verbal fight was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A verbal fight was reported on Hickory Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Little Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on West Butler Street.

APRIL 18

• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Gun shots were reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident

• A white female was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.

• Criminal trespassing was reported on Herd Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Washington Street.

• A private property accident was reported on Friendship Road.

• A private property accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white female was arrested during a burglary call on Burt Mill Road.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on New Quarters Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

APRIL 16

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A prowler was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Laurel Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on West Gantts Mill Road.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• A runaway juvenile was reported on Davidson Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Herd Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

APRIL 15

• Assistance was given to another agency in Dadeville.

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Theft was reported on Highway 229.

APRIL 14

• A domestic incident was reported on Delta Road.

• Gunfire was reported on John Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.

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

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Pemberton Lane.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on South Ann Street.

• An abandoned boat was reported on Venable Street.

• An abandoned boat was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverside Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Jefferson Street.

• A white female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Jefferson Street.

• A Black female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place. APRIL 13

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• An animal bite was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Laurel Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on James Street.

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

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• An animal complaint was reported on Dixie Circle.

• Assistance was given to a City of Tallassee employee on Comer Lane.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

APRIL 12

• A domestic incident was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Whiteoak Lane.

• A hispanic male was arrested during a robbery call on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Identity theft was reported on Cannon Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Main Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Muskogee Trail.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Dixie Circle.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Menacing was reported on South Tallassee Drive. APRIL 11

• An animal complaint was reported on Dixie Circle.

• Abuse was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Freeman Avenue.

April 10

• A domestic dispute was reported on Clover Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Identity theft was reported on Washington Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on North Ann Avenue.

Orphaned wildlife — here’s what to do

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Spring is a time of new beginnings and with that comes lots of wildlife babies. Moms and babies out in the wild face many challenges and sometimes natural events result in orphaned wildlife.

This time of year we start fielding increased calls for what to do with orphaned wildlife babies, or injured wildlife so here is what you need to know.

First – no traditional animal shelter or rescue in Alabama is allowed to take in wildlife so please do not take wildlife to your local shelter. All wildlife rehabilitators in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and “dog/cat” shelters are not built, staffed or equipped to handle wildlife.

This means the best we can do is to give callers contact information for currently licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

So, how many wild -

life rehab facilities are there in Alabama?

Currently there are only nine licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities/individuals in Alabama. It is also important to know these rehabilitators are licensed for very specific species/circumstances so you have to consult the list on www.outdooralabama. com to see where a certain species might be able to go.

Especially for our area you will find rehab facilities for the most frequent calls (squirrels, possums, raptors) are nowhere close.

These facilities/ individuals also do not come and get the animal in need so you will have to be able to transport it. Then there will be times the facility or rehab person in question is simply full and won’t be able to help.

We have been told currently the Auburn Raptor center is closed to intake due to Avian Influenza concerns that could endanger the existing population.

Outdoor Alabama’s website said, “Avian Influenza has been detected in Alabama.

The public should avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with domestic poultry and other birds. Please call (334) 2423469 to report dead or dying birds for potential collection and disease testing.”

Further, virtually all native birds are federally protected which places even more regulations on who can help them.

What this all means is there may be times when there is simply no one to help and we realize that’s sad to say.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website says, “It is always best to leave wildlife where it was found and trust that your intervention is not required. Human interference and involvement often causes more harm than good and should be avoided. In most cases, rescue is not required.

“In almost all instances, the best thing to do is to leave the animal alone. Most young wildlife that are

Reeltown teacher takes up state level job

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

After 21 years of teaching at Reeltown High School, Stacy Monroe is stepping into the educator certification section of the teaching and leading unit at the Alabama Department of Education.

Monroe said in this new role, she is shifting from helping students to helping teachers. Monroe first saw the job posting through a newsletter the Alabama Department of Education sends out to teachers. She said she applied, not thinking she would get the job, but when she did, it was nothing short of a surprise.

“I’m a teacher. I don’t know how not to be a teacher,” she said. “However, in this move, I’m going to be able to help educators and helping educators is going to trickle down and help the students. It will be a different arena, but I’ll still be a teacher.”

Monroe has taught at Reeltown High School for all her teaching years, primarily in English language arts. She has worked with all the grades from seventh through 12th as well as taught an art history class, poet speaking class and an ACT prep course.

Before moving into her new position, she taught dual enrollment as well as English for 11th and 12th graders. Monroe said she enjoys teaching English in particular because it’s constantly evolving. She not only taught novels or short stories, but also podcasts and videos. Plus, she got to constantly read literature critically.

“I love words, the power that words have,” she said. “I’m also a grammar cop. So grading essays, it gives me the opportunity to use my red pen and correct grammar mistakes.” Monroe believes teach-

ing is about making a student better than they were, before they leave the classroom. To help do that,

Monroe surveyed all of her students for a semester — getting to know their likes, interests and sense of who they are. From there, she would design the course for that semester.

“Don’t be their friend, be their mentor,” she said.

“There’s a fine line there between the two. We are mentors. We got to help them get where they are going.”

Another important aspect of teaching is keeping students active. On the third day of her teaching career, a coworker told her, “Idle hands are the devil's workshop.”

Monroe reflected on that and found if students don’t have something to do, they will find something, and it may not always be what is best for the learning environment. That’s why she believes it’s important to keep students busy and keep learning engaging.

“Teaching offered me the opportunity to share my love of learning, to help people and to have a guaranteed different day every day of the week.”

The week before leaving Reeltown, Monroe packed up about four boxes worth of personal items a day and drove home — slowly cleaning out her classroom.

She said she’s going to miss her students, their conversations, seeing them finish a good book and even listening to them complain about having to do work for the whole class period. However, she will also miss her colleagues.

“They are the best group of people to work with and I wouldn’t have made it 21 years without them,” Monroe said. “Everything about this place I’m going to miss. It’s like leaving

alone are not orphans at all. Birds and mammals are left alone by their parents for long periods of time even when they are very young. When given the chance to remain undisturbed, the

parents will typically return.”

For questions about whether or not wildlife is truly in need of assistance, how to capture for transport to a rehabilitator, or to inquire

about wildlife rehabilitation in general, contact the DCNR.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the

County Humane Society.

family.”

On her last day, she felt the tears boiling up behind her eyes. Monroe said it was hard to walk away, but everyone must grow and learn.

“Things change, the world changes and if you don’t change with it, you are no longer effective,” she said. “But that, to me, is what makes it exciting. I get to learn new things.”

Elmore

Tallassee Talks

Camp Hill is stronger than you can imagine

As crowds of family, friends, students and more flocked to Mt. Lovely

Baptist Church for Phil Dowdell’s candlelight vigil on Thursday in Camp Hill, they were met with a field full of divots. The divots were caused by a massive hailstorm on Jan. 12.

Since that storm, Camp Hill has been reeling. Officials have been working to obtain FEMA assistance but haven’t gotten any yet. According to sources, three-quarters of homes in the Town of Camp Hill suffered some type of hail damage. Families have been displaced to different communities around Tallapoosa County.

Obituaries:

(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.

WHill.

It seemed like the worst disaster Camp Hill had ever been through.

Then three months and three days later, Camp Hill residents suffered a whole different kind of storm — one that was so unimaginable, so unfathomable, it still doesn’t seem quite real.

Camp Hill is just minutes away from Dadeville, where a mass shooting took place Saturday night and left four dead, one of whom was Phil Dowdell, a bright-eyed, 18-year-old young man from Camp

“Phil Dowdell represented more than just Phil Dowdell,” Camp Hill Mayor Messiah Williams-Cole said. “He represented more than just Camp Hill, and he represented more than even Dadeville and Tallapoosa County. He represented more than Alabama.

“Phil represented all that was right in the world.”

A lot of people look at Camp Hill and want to look away. Camp Hill is an old, but very historic, town; it is impoverished; and it is a town that’s struggling. However, I would never want to look away from Camp Hill.

The focus, of course, right now is on Dadeville.

We can’t go back

e know we aren’t exempt from heartache but I don’t think anyone was prepared for so much sadness in such a short amount of time. In less than 20 days I’ve seen too many people in pure, tormenting pain from tragically losing a loved one. Considering how I’ve felt, I can’t even imagine what others are going through.

It seems like yesterday and at the same time months ago I got the call on Palm Sunday that a medical helicopter had crashed in Shelby County and our very own Adam Russell was killed. Not Adam. No way. So many people still need him here.

Adam was the epitome of goodness. Like real, true goodness. The kind people say to your face when you’re alive, and not just in death. Adam loved God and he loved people. He loved my brother like no

The world of streaming television and a multiverse of channels can sometimes surprise viewers with suggested titles long forgotten. I recently happened upon a television series I hadn’t seen in maybe 40 years: “Family.”

The simple, unassuming title isn’t even capitalized in the opening credits. This show is an overlooked gem from the 1970s, and once I found it, I started binge-watching it. The program is even better than I remembered.

What is astounding is to consider what surrounded it on the ABC programming grid of the era: jiggle TV (“Three’s Company,” “Charlie’s Angels”); escapist fare (“Fantasy Island,” “The Love Boat”); nostalgia (“Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley”); sitcoms (“Barney Miller,” “Welcome Back Kotter”); and cop shows (“Starsky and Hutch,” “Baretta”).

“Family” stood out as prestige programming in its day, and I would argue it has aged remarkably well despite people forgetting it existed.

GWIN Managing Editor MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

other, and from what I hear, that’s how he treated everyone. I’m not sure where my family would be without Adam’s compassion. It’s been two weeks and here we are again. A phone call followed by indescribable, permanent sadness. A massacre in Dadeville where multiple people were killed or injured, most of whom were children. Not in Dadeville. No way. They were only there to celebrate a child’s sweet 16. That’s all.

I did not personally know the children who lost their lives, but I know enough to know they too are leaving a void that will never be

That is where the massacre occurred. That is where two of the fatal victims were going to school and another had graduated from not too long ago.

“Dadeville, Alabama” is a name that’s heard ’round the world right now.

But this mass shooting affected much more than Dadeville. It affected Alexander City, Opelika, New Site, Reeltown, and especially Camp Hill. It affected this entire county, and beyond.

The strength that I see pouring out from every far reaching place in this county is amazing, but what I heard and saw, and more importantly felt, in Camp Hill on

filled.

Phil with the dazzling smile whose athletic talents were unmatched and who, by all accounts, died a hero as he pushed others to safety.

Ke Nicole was someone you want your kids to grow up to be like. Is there a bigger compliment than that?

Corbin, the polite, hard working child that never gave coaches an ounce of trouble. Isn’t that how we should all live?

Marsiah (Si) who had dreams and was following the right path to make those dreams come true by starting LSU in the fall, focusing on a music career and being a great son and big brother.

I wish my brother never had to make the ride from Sylacauga to Hanover on top of a firetruck with his best friend resting on the platform below. I wish Adam’s family had one more hug. I wish the parents of the children who were

See BACK, Page A5

A television outlier: ‘Family’

“Family” was assembled by a who’s who of well-known producers: Mike Nichols, Aaron Spelling, and Leonard Goldberg. They utilized A-list directors and, along with a stellar cast and powerful writing, created something truly unique.

The show focuses on the upper middle class Lawrence family of Pasadena, California. The father, Doug (James Broderick – father of actor Matthew Broderick), is a lawyer. The mother, portrayed by theater actress Sada Thompson, is a homemaker.

As a kid, I didn’t care about these grown-ups, but as an adult they strike me as relatable and realistic characters.

The Lawrence children were, in order: Nancy (Elayne Heilveil in season 1, then Meredith Baxter Birney in seasons 2-5); Willie (Gary Frank); and Leticia, known as Buddy

(Kristy McNichol). The show raised the profile of Baxter Birney, heretofore known as a sitcom actress (“Bridget Loves Bernie”), and certainly McNichol, who became a teen idol and movie star around the time this show was airing.

As the series begins, Nancy’s marriage to Jeff (John Rubinstein, who is also the composer of the show’s theme and incidental music, also music director of the series) is on the rocks because of his constant cheating. Nancy and the couple’s son, Timmy, move back home to the Lawrence house after being away for several years. Early on, Nancy is seen as a daddy’s girl and is written as being somewhat spoiled.

Son Willie has disappointed parents Doug and Kate by dropping out of high school to become a screenwriter, photographer or a filmmaker; he’s adrift and doing different odd jobs in every episode, it seems. Willie is also unlucky in love and finds himself in several difficult relationships over the course of the series.

Buddy is the tomboyish youngest child and is a middle schooler as the series begins. Many of the stories are told from Buddy’s point of view, and McNichol is quite a performer. It’s rare to see a teenager written and performed as well as this one, and Buddy gets some of the better storylines — certainly the more topical ones. The adults didn’t interest me as much 40 years ago. I was into whatever Willie and Buddy were doing. But watching this show today, I am overwhelmed by the understated acting of Thompson and Broderick as the parents, and Baxter Birney as the eldest daughter. This show is so incredibly different from everything else. These characters randomly quote Shakespeare or the New Testament in their discussions and reference popular culture of the 1970s just as easily as the 1930s or any time before. Later on, prestige dramas on television would promote a lot of this content as a ‘very

LIZI

Cavanaugh speaks at Tallassee Lion Club

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Twinkle Cavanaugh, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC), addressed the state’s energy policies at a recent Tallassee Lions Club meeting.

Cavanaugh said she believes for APSC to have no mandates and to support the most reliable and cost effective power source for the state.

“If you have reliable, inexpensive power, you can have great jobs for the mommas and daddies across our state and our economy can boom,” Cavanaugh said.

Oil prices affect nearly all aspects of the economy, including fuel cost. She knows people are concerned about the rate of Alabama Power going up, but in reality, it’s the cost of fuel that has gone up. While the prices may have increased, the profit has not, and for the same reason, electricity prices have gone up across the country — not just Alabama.

However, oil prices affect more than the cost of fuel.

“If you got up this morning and you took a shower. Guess what, that bar of soap, it’s a by-product of oil,” she said. “If you put contacts in your eyes or do you have some glasses on the top of your head like I usually have, that plastic that they make it with; that’s a by-product of oil.”

Cavanaugh said energy policies impact the

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Continued from A4

price of oil, and inflation is not helping the issue either. Additionally, she said green policies aren’t as effective as people may hope.

For instance, with the keystone pipeline shutdown, the oil is coming down and back on a truck or train, which is adding to the use of fossil fuels. Plus, there is a safety concern because sometimes trucks have accidents and trains derail.

“A pipeline very

firetruck with his best friend resting on the platform below. I wish Adam’s family had one more hug. I wish the parents of the children who were killed in Dadeville didn’t have to make arrangements for their child’s final resting place. I wish the survivors and friends could have lived the rest of their lives not knowing this feeling of fear and pain. I wish we all weren’t under the illusion that our children

Continued from A4

beyond.

The strength that I see pouring out from every far reaching place in this county is amazing, but what I heard and saw, and more importantly felt, in Camp Hill on Thursday night was a thing of beauty amongst a mountain of darkness. I saw a community — really, a family — come together in the worst

Continued from A4

from everything else. These characters randomly quote Shakespeare or the New Testament in their discussions and reference popular culture of the 1970s just as easily as the 1930s or any time before. Later on, prestige dramas on television would promote a lot of this content as a ‘very special

rarely has an accident,” she said. “The other thing about a pipeline is it is less expensive because you only have it going one way.”

Cavanaugh said the other issue with green policies is the emphasis on solar power, which is not a reliable energy source for Alabama.

The state uses largely heat pumps to heat homes, which relies on electricity rather than other resources like natural gas. Due

are safe at an innocent birthday party in our small town. Can we go back? Can we make the last few weeks disappear? Not a chance. What we can do is look for ways to honor our loved ones who left us too soon. Whether it be in the way we carry ourselves going forward, in the way we give back to our community, by being there for the heartbroken families and friends that are healing or just by simply doing better in their honor. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be sad. It’s absolutely necessary. I lost an amazing friend

possible moment and just fill each other with love, grace and comfort. Students hugged teachers, mothers held their children. Boyfriends held the hands of their girlfriends, and kids cried into each other’s arms.

But at the end, we were all reminded of one thing: The best of us was taken, and that’s something we can never forget.

Phil Dowdell was truly the best of us. He was polite and respectful; he said please and

episode’ of a series. “Family” tackled many controversial topics that include but are not limited to: homosexuality; dementia; extramarital affairs; divorce; the right to die; breast cancer; premarital sex; and many more. But it’s the moments between the characters, not so much the plots, I have found so enthralling — the conversations between a parent and child or between siblings, and the glacial pace of the

to this, Cavanaugh said it would be difficult to heat homes on an early winter morning with solar energy.

Cavanaugh said she believes to be successful Alabama needs to use all of its energy resources from electricity to natural gas to coal to hydroelectric power to wind to solar.

“We are going to do everything we can at APSC to keep prices down,” she said.

Cavanaugh visited

days before we were moving to college. Her name was Leigh Anne and she too had a smile that would literally light up a room. I remember in the weeks following her death loved ones asked us to please not forget her. I have not forgotten, and you won’t either if you commit to living your life in honor of these beautiful souls that, according to everything I’ve read this week, would want nothing more than for you to smile again.

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

thank you. He was a leader, a friend, a baller and more. But he never lost sight of who he was and where he was from, and he represented Camp Hill in the best of ways. This is a community that has been through the worst nightmare, just to realize an even more horrible dream was coming. And all of it was an unfortunate reality.

But when the pastor (I wish I knew his name) started singing “I don’t believe He brought me this far to

editing that evokes a bygone era when life moved more slowly.

The parents are the voices of reason and behave with such maturity in dealing with the problem of the week. There is a noticeable absence of sarcasm, disdain and cynicism that is so prevalent in modern television.

If there’s a putdown, a few scenes later somebody will say, “I’m sorry.” Whenever there is an argument, the charac -

leave me,” the light breeze started, the sunlight was at its perfect moment and tears began rushing down my face.

And I just thought to myself, “If we could all be a little bit more like Phil Dowdell and if we could all treat each other a little bit more like the folks in Camp Hill do, maybe this world would be a much better place.”

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

ters are seen talking it out respectfully. In other words, “Family” is as much of an outlier today as it was during its five-season run in the 1970s and early 1980s. I have found it to be an excellent departure from other things I’ve been watching lately, and highly recommend checking it out again while it is available on Tubi.

Michael Bird is a teacher at Tallassee City Schools.

the Tallassee Lions

on April 18. This day was also Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day, and she ended by

encouraging everyone to thank a lineman if they see one for all the hard work they do for the community.

FAMILY

HILL

Club

ABIGAIL MURPHY THE TRIBUNE

Twinkle Cavanaugh, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission, speaks at the Tallassee Lion Club last week.

“There are no more anticipated arrests coming, but the investigation is still ongoing,” Segrest said Thursday.

Court dates for Hill as well as Johnny and Willie Brown are currently scheduled for May 23 at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse, according to court records. Tallapoosa County District Judge Kim Taylor is assigned as the presiding judge in the three cases. All six individuals were charged after a complex and thorough investigation was conducted with assistance from a multitude of law enforcement agencies, following the shooting that occurred on Saturday, April 15, near the 200 Block of Broadnax Street in Dadeville.

According to Alabama law, reckless murder is defined as a murder “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, he/she recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to a person

safely inside but no sign of Kegley.

Kegley’s mother Linda Pittman said it was unlike her daughter to just go missing.

“She was the most caring and sweetest person ever,” Pittman said. “She was always wanting to help others.”

Twenty five years later and it is still hard for Pittman to speak about her daughter, especially not

other than himself/herself, and thereby causes the death of another person,” reads alabama.gov’s website.

ALEA public liaison Jeremy Burkett said this is still the early stages and they appreciate the community’s support, and they

knowing what happened.

“We miss her something terrible and hope one day we will find answers,” Pittman said.

According to court records Kegley filed for a divorce in February 1998 after a separation that started in December 1997. The divorce was final on April 11, 1998. Kegley was seen alive 15 days later.

The Herald reported in the spring of 1998, shortly after Kegley disappeared, Elmore County authorities dragged a gravel quarry

Blind Boys of Alabama

John Paul White  Elley Duhé  Eric Essix

GATES OPEN AT 2 P.M. · ALL-DAY MUSIC

will need more going forward. Burkett urged for those who were at the venue the night of the shooting and have not yet come forward to do so.

“We need you to come forward for these families and these victims,” he said.

and drained a pond in an area adjacent to the Old Georgia Road near where Kegley’s abandoned car was found, but to no avail.

Five years ago law enforcement converged on the Friendship community bringing cadaver dogs, drones, mapping technology, walking searchers and dive teams — some from as far away as California. A news release from the district attorney’s office at the time of the search said agencies involved in the search included Autauga, Blount, Chilton, Elmore, Lee and Tallapoosa County sheriff’s offices, SW Panhandle Search & Rescue K9, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

AWARD

Continued from A1

He said law enforcement is ultimately concerned about pursuing justice above all else.

“This is Alabama, and when you pull out a gun and you start shooting people, we are going to put you in jail,” he said.

The shooting initially occurred around 10:34 p.m. Saturday, according to officials, at Mahogany Masterpiece in downtown Dadeville. Jeremy Burkett, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) public affairs coordinator, said the shooting took place at a birthday party and it remains an ongoing investigation.

According to the ALEA, the incident resulted in four fatalities and 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.

The Outlook has confirmed the deaths of Dadeville High School seniors Phil Dowdell and KeKe Smith, Dadeville graduate Corbin Holston and Opelika High School graduate Marsiah Collins. The Record continues to search for the identities of all 32 wounded.

Dadeville police chief Johna-

State Bureau of Investigation, Auburn, Opelika, Prattville and Wetumpka police departments, Prattville Fire Department, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, ESRI, Haynes Ambulance and Crimestoppers. At the time officials told The Herald a dive team found forensic evidence in a pond. Authorities have been tight lipped about the missing person case but said the investigation continues.

“It is not closed by any means, shape or form,” 19th Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson said. “I feel like we got really close a couple years ago. We couldn’t quite

and character, with each category winner receiving a $1,000 scholarship. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award is the only program of its kind in the River Region.

Additionally, the award serves to honor the legacy of Joe Sewell, a native of the Titus community who established a very successful baseball career in the Majors from 1920-1933 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

Sewell’s athletic skill was apparent as he holds two of Major League Baseball’s records including the lifetime record for fewest strikeouts in his 14-year career with only 114 in 7,132 at-bats. His outstanding character and leadership are qualities that serve as the foundation of this award.

His cousin John Sewell, for

MARCHING

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talents beyond Tallassee.

It was a decision that still influences his career today.

“My collaboration with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival was one of the benchmarks of my entrance into the arts,” Oliver said. “The story goes we had a program in Tallassee called FFA — Future Farmers of America. Clearly that was a valuable skill but not one for me.”

Oliver had been invited to intern at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) working under UCLA costume professor Alan Armstrong.

“The school had at first put up resistance to go to ASF and intern there in the costume shop and accept credits for that instead of going to the FFA,” Oliver said.

Eventually Oliver interned at ASF and launched a career.

“Without that I have no idea where I would have

than Floyd asked for the community to be patient throughout this process because they have one opportunity to get this right. He said the Dadeville Police Department will do everything they can to ensure a successful prosecution.

“We have one chance to get this right. As the police chief, we owe it to every person affected to make sure we are very methodical,” he said.

Mike Segrest for District Attorney in the 5th Judicial Circuit said this is still just the beginning, and the four counts are only accounting for the four reported deaths. More charges are likely to come.

“I know there has been some frustration among our community about the lack of information, but this is a very complicated case,” he said. “There will be pending charges. We have got a lot more victims.”

After the press conference, Segrest told The Outlook he knows of at least two still in critical condition but said due to the age of the victims, most of whom were juveniles, law enforcement is not releasing their names at this time.

get to where we needed to get to.”

Pittman said she still hears from law enforcement from time to time.

“The cold case detective [from SBI] calls every once in a while letting me know that he is still working on the case,” Pittman said.

Robinson is relatively new to the case. He was introduced to Kegley’s family five years ago by then-district attorney Randall Houstonwhen a search warrant was executed in the Friendship community. Robinson said Kegley’s disappearance is “still an open case.”

“Some say it is cold — it is not closed — it

whom the top scholarship is named, loved sports and spent much of his free time coaching and helping young people. Both men left a legacy in Elmore County that youth and adults alike can emulate.

This year’s 19th Annual Joe Sewell Memorial Award banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 2 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The ninth-grade certificate winners will be recognized at a 4 p.m. ceremony with their families.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Abby Lutzenkirchen Forristall, who is the director of events and opportunities with the Lutzie 43 Foundation.

Created to honor the memory of Abby’s older brother Philip Lutzenkirchen, the foundation exists to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents. Prior to joining the Lutzie 43 Foundation, Forristall was a program officer at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation where she managed the work of associate-led grant making for the Atlanta Falcons

gone,” Oliver said. “The doors that place opened for me lead to a lot of open doors and there are more that are still opening.”

Oliver said growing up in Tallassee in the 1980s was interesting.

“I was always unique,” Oliver said. “I was always the weirdo. I was always the different one. However, I have a community of friends who supported me and didn’t judge me for anything. They encouraged me to continue being an individual with a unique personality — not just by the way I dressed or the way I thought, but also in the way I loved and the way I believed.”

Oliver said he had strong support from his family, especially the females such as his grandmothers, great-grandmother and aunts.

“I picked something up from each of those women that I still carry with me today,” Oliver said. “It still informs me. It informs my work. It informs my eye.”

Oliver said his journey has taken many turns along

is certainly open,” Robinson said. “Routinely we have communications with ALEA officers about information that may come in to see if there is anything we can do with that information.”

Robinson said his office and law enforcement are always looking at new ways to investigate the case and the evidence they have.

“Anything we can do, we do — going over old steps or create new ones,” Robinson said. “We constantly try to do that. I can tell you that a couple weeks ago there was an ALEA officer in our office and we were discussing any potential new things we could do.”

Youth Foundation, Atlanta United Foundation and the PGA TOUR Superstore Community Fund. Forristall graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. A four-year starter and member of the Crimson Tide women’s soccer team, she was named captain her senior year and was named the 2015 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She is married to Miller Forristall, former UA tight end and current New Orleans Saint.

A limited number of advance banquet tickets are available for sale to the public at Eventbrite. com, an online ticketing website. Tickets will not be available at the door. The Joe Sewell board of directors expresses its appreciation for the consistent generosity of the sponsors whose contributions allow the awarding of the program’s scholarships as well as the opportunity to celebrate these students’ accomplishments with a formal award event each year.

the way and one of the first was as a student at the University of Montevallo where he received a scholarship.

“I was very grateful,” Oliver said. “After one year and making a venture out for another internship in 1990 at the Berkshire Theater Festival, I came back to school and thought this is not right. This is not what I have seen in the real world. I called my mom one day and said, ‘I don’t want to be here.’” Oliver moved back to Tallassee to work as ASF.

“I met even more people,” Oliver said. “My career has taken me to places so far off in the world.”

His career took him to St. Petersburg, Russia 13 years ago.

“I knew maybe one or two words of Russian,” Oliver said. “I won’t say it was easy but by the time I left I developed great friendships. Friendships that last to this day despite the war between Ukraine and Russia.”

Currently Oliver’s cos-

tumes are traveling the U.S. with Bill Barclay’s Secret Byrd after touring Europe. Oliver said the design is of the vision of William Byrd, England’s prominent composer during the period of Elizabeth I where protestantism was the only way to go.

“Bird was a secret Catholic,” Oliver said. “He continued to compose in spite of the potential of being killed because of his choice of religion. It is not about Catholicism, it is about how all religions, all choices of belief or nonbelief should be embraced and not forced by government or anyone. Everyone makes their own choice.”

Oliver is a deacon at Church on the Hill United Church of Christ in Lenox, Massachusetts. His pastor Rev. Liz Goodman said Oliver is very kind like the story of Byrd living a great life outside his career as a costume designer.

“He has an open mind and gentle heart,” Goodmansaid. “He seeks to live in such a way to bring joy and hope to others.”

featuring

James Cameron Nichols, brother of Christopher Smith, attends New Life Christian Academy and East Memorial Baptist Church. Nichols is on the football team as the offensive/ defensive line and the student football coach. He is also on the basketball and baseball teams. Nichols is also involved with Strength to Stand Conferences, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts and Book Club. Additionally, he volunteers with Food Drives and Bible Drives, is a peer tutor, is Beta Club chaplain and vice president, is Student Council vice president and chaplain and is Drama Club president. He is the recipient of the Heart of a Champion Award, Foundation in Excellence Scholarship with University of Alabama and Troy University Chancellor’s Scholarship and Scholars Award.

Kenneth Paul Rogers, son of Ben and Carol Rogers, goes to Stanhope Elmore High School and Millbrook Presbyterian Church. He is involved with church youth group, Beta Club, SkillsUSA, Cyberpatriot Cyber Security Club, JROTC Academic Team and Student Eagle Program. Along with being on the cross country and track teams, Rogers is a JROTC Company Commander, is 1st Officer Trail Life USA (Christian Boys Scouts), is a chief writer for the student newsletter, YMCA lifeguard and ran in the cross country state meet. He also made the top 50 on CLT10 (Liberal Arts College Entrance Exam) and has attended Auburn University Montgomery dual enrollment classes. Rogers will attend Wheaton College or The Citadel.

Samuel Allen Silas attends Holtville High School and Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He volunteers with Christmas Community Store and food drives as well as a youth group mentor for Freshman Grow Trip. He is on the baseball team and has been named to All State, All County and All Metro. Silas is the recipient of the Golden Glove Award. He also has involvement with the AHSAA All-Star Game, Coaches Association All-Star Game, Perfect Game All American, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Leader of the Pack and is a Bulldog ambassador. Son of Robbie and Audra Silas, Silas is the recipient of Jacksonville State University Athletic Baseball and Academic Scholarships.

Matthew Payton Stephenson attends Elmore County High School and First Baptist Church Eclectic where he did mission work in Florida and Kentucky. In baseball, basketball and football, Stephenson has been named All County, All Metro and All State. He also is the county player of the year in both basketball and football as well as set a record for ECHS. He is a WSFA Fever Star Athlete and set school records for most touchdowns in a game, most career touchdowns and in basketball most points in a game. He is also Beta Club Executive Officer and was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. He is involved with Area Disaster Relief, Mu Alpha Theta, English Honor Society and ECHS Academic Elite. Son of Ricky and Joy Stephenson, he is a recipient of University of Montevallo’s Baseball and Academic Scholarships.

Mason Stewart, the son of Jackie and Allison Stewart, attends Tallassee High School. He too shines as both a student and athlete in both football and baseball. He is among the Top 5 of his class, serves as the head chemistry lab assistant and Chamber of Commerce ambassador. In football, he has won the Bengal Award, Best Hustle Award, Butch Davis Scholar Athlete Award, Burlsworth Character Award, and Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Award. In addition, he attends First Baptist Church Tallassee and has been a member of the Association of Christians in Tallassee for Service (ACTS), participated in Winter Extreme and TRIBES and volunteered for VBS, Fall Festival and the church nursery. He will attend Southern Union State Community College with a Technical Scholarship in the hopes of pursuing a career as an electrician.

Colton Wayne Wheeler is the ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner and the son of Todd and Kim Wheeler. A Prattville Church of Christ member, he volunteers with Field of Dreams, Community Christmas Store, Elmore County Food Pantry and Stuff the Bus. He plays soccer and football and is a team captain for both sports and a Boys State Representative. In his free time, he participates in Jr. Civitan Club and is president of Leaders of the Pack, SGA Vice President and Senior Class Secretary. He also participates in Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Club. His accolades also include the I Dare You Award. He is enlisted in the Alabama National Guard and will receive basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the summer of 2023 then will attend Auburn University for aerospace engineering.

Becca Worrell is a student at Wetumpka High School and attends Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. She enjoys soccer, track, volleyball and has volunteered with Humane Shelter and Disaster Relief. In soccer, she is a team captain and has won an area championship. In track participated in state relay races. Worrell is also a JV volleyball team captain, a Girls State Delegate, Beta Club president and a Key Club webmaster. She is an AP Scholar with Honors Award, a member of the National Honor Society, a FCA Group Leader and a member of the Robotics Club, during which she earned Awards as the South’s Best Robotics. She also will attend Auburn University Honors College with a Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship, Bazemore Scholarship, Blount Scholarship and Alabama Electric Coop Scholarship. She is the daughter of Leslie Worrell and granddaughter of Pat Hall.

Wesley Cooper Rogers attends Elmore County High School and Good Hope Baptist Church. He is on the basketball, football and baseball teams. For baseball he is the team leader and was named to all-county. Rogers is involved with Beta Club executive board, State Beta Convention Agriculture Competition, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a Vacation Bible School recreation leader, “An Eclectic Christmas” cast member and volunteer for the Summer Child Nutrition Program. Son of Wes and Karen Rogers, he is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner and is the recipient of the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Baseball Athletic and Academic Scholarships.

The daughter of Scott and Kim Sides, Courtney Sides attends Elmore County High School and is on the track and volleyball teams, which she was all-county for. She goes to Good Hope Baptist Church and has attended a mission trip, VBS and is a part of the praise band. Sides is president of the senior class, Beta Club, Key Club and student council. She is the founder ECHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle and won ALFA’s Outstanding Female Athlete. She attended the AHSAA Student Leadership Summit, is ranked first in ECHS Senior Class and is Elmore County Distinguished Young Woman first runner up. Sides is a Girls State Treasurer and volunteer with Hope for Houston, “An Eclectic Christmas” and Operation Christmas Child. She is the recipient of Bryant-Jordan Regional Scholar Athlete, University of Mobile’s Presidential and William Weaver Full Scholarship and is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Kiley Sisson, daughter of Weston and Mary Sisson, attends Wetumpka High School and Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. She went on a mission trip to North Carolina, volunteers with the Elmore County Food Pantry and has 100+ community service hours. Through volleyball, she is JV Defensive Player of the Year, in tennis is second seed and is on the soccer team. Through DECA Club, she won third place in a state marketing competition going on to the DECA National competition. Sisson is the yearbook editor, Government Club vice president and is a senior class representative. She is also involved with the Tribal Council, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Beta Club. Sisson is the recipient of Auburn University’s Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship, Ever to Conquer Scholarship and C.S.& Louise Bazemore Scholarship.

Marlee Stewart attends Tallassee High School and is the daughter of Jackie and Allison Stewart. She is Senior Class President and ranks Top 5 in her class in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the FCA. She was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. Stewart also excels in volleyball, softball and track. She was named all-county in volleyball as she was team captain and had the most kills, blocks and attacks her senior year. In addition, she is also in the softball state playoffs and is a member of the AHSAA Leadership Team. She attends First Baptist Church Tallassee where she has participated in RENEW Weekends and Strength to Stand Conference as well as served in the church nursery and as a VBS volunteer. She serves as a Chamber of Commerce ambassador and plans to attend Southern Union State Community College with a Presidential Scholarship.

A member of Centerpoint Fellowship Church, Reagan Mckenzie Thorn is the daughter of Kimberly and Rick Thorn and Kevin Maze. She dedicates her time as a Kid’s Ministry volunteer and plays softball and volleyball. In volleyball, she has achieved a Defensive Award, Most Digs, Serving Award, a Coach’s Award and All County Honorable Mention. In softball, she is a member of the Softball Leadership Team, and the first player at HHS to hit a Full Cycle. She was also a Wetumpka Herald Fan’s Choice Player of the Week. Among her other extracurricular activities include Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Priority, and book club. She has been awarded an ACT Bronze Medal and a University of South Alabama Jaguar Achievement Scholarship and Jaguar Dream Scholarship.

Colin Bryant Woodham attends Stanhope Elmore High School and enjoys playing baseball and basketball. He is a member of Coosada Baptist Church and has volunteered with Horizon Camp, Vacation Bible School, the Easter Egg Hunt, Millbrook Men’s Club, and Stuff the Bus. As an athlete, he is an Elmore County Cy Young Award Winner and was named Rookie of the Year in baseball. He also has been recognized in All County, All State and All Metro and the Baseball Coaches Association All Star Game. Outside of sports, he is a member of the Beta Club, the Science National Honor Society and has been awarded a Jacksonville State University Baseball Athletic Scholarship. He is the son of Lance and Michelle Woodham.

2023 JOE SEWELL AWARD FINALISTS

Elena Adams, daughter of Phil and Kimberley Adams, goes to Edgewood Academy and is on the volleyball team. Additionally, Adams is a YMCA volleyball coach, a nursery worker, VBS volunteer, class officer and SGA vice president. Adams is involved with UAB Sleep Study, FDA Drug and Tobacco Study, Genesis Project Outreach, Wednesday Night Food Service, Beta Club, Mathletes and National Honor Society. Adams also goes to The River of Life Church and is the recipient of Cottey College (Missouri) Merit and Volleyball scholarships as well as subject awards for precalculus and anatomy and top 10% award.

Bella Marie Barfoot, daughter of Austin and Sandy Barfoot, goes to Stanhope Elmore High School and attends Coosada Baptist Church. She is the varsity cheer captain and won the UCA All-Star Cheer Award. She is in the top 10% of the senior class and is a part of National Science, English, Computer Science Mu Alpha Theta-Math Honor Societies. Barfoot is a Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete representative, as well as a church preschool Teacher, Junior Civitan secretary, Senior Senate, SGA vice president and is the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce junior ambassador. Additionally, she is involved with MissionFuge Camps and was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. Barfoot received Early Nursing School Acceptance and was awarded the University of South Alabama-USA Jaguar Achievement Admission Scholarship.

Bradley Boone, son of Michael and Sherrie Boone, attends Edgewood Academy and Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. Boone is on the football, baseball, track and basketball teams. In football he has been named All-State, All-Metro and All-County as well as 2022 Central Alabama Top 22 in Football and AISA Football All-Star. For baseball, he has been an All-County selection. Boone is also a part of Beta Club, National Honor Society, is a Field of Dreams and Tornado Relief volunteer. He won the chemistry highest average award and Mr. Edgewood. Boone has been accepted into Troy University and Southern Union.

BRADLEY BROWN

Daughter of Steve and Kelley Brown, Bradley Brown goes to Edgewood Academy and Brush Poppers Cowboy Church. She is an UCA All-American cheerleader, AISA All-Star cheerleader and is on the softball team. Brown is a Pin It Forward Recipient and won Outstanding Shop Class Student. She also volunteers at an Elmore County Food Pantry Thrift Store and Junior Cheer Clinic. Brown is also involved with Beta Club and Prom Committee. She has been accepted with scholarships to the University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, University of South Alabama, Ole Miss, Jacksonville State University and Huntingdon College. Brown has also completed courses at Troy University and was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Son of Kerry and Michelle Cole, Micah Cole attends Tallassee High School and is on the football, wrestling, basketball and track teams. Cole is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner and won the Big Cat and Iron Man Award. For football he has been named to All-Metro, Region, County, Area as well as a wrestling MVP and won a basketball coaches award. He is also involved with the Jr. MANNERS Professional Development Program, National Honor Society, Alabama Boys State, FCA and is a Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador. Cole attends Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church and operates the PA system. He has received multiple scholarships including Marion Military, Belhaven, Montevallo, South Alabama as well as football and academic scholarships to Morehouse College.

Taylor Gunn, son of Wes and Amanda Gunn, attends Wetumpka High School and Redland Hills Baptist Church as a youth group leadership team member. He is also involved with church tech team, Community Yard Work, National Honor Society and is Beta Club president, SGA president and SkillsUSA vice president. Being on the cross country, soccer and track team, he won the record for fastest WHS cross country team and qualified for Junior Olympics of the USATF Soccer Playoffs. Gunn is also a Tribal Talk host and editor, Central Alabama Electric Youth Tour member and AGAPE of Central Alabama volunteer. Gunn has been accepted into the Auburn University Honors College with Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship. Gunn was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Allye Justiss, daughter of Josh and Tiffany Pack and Wesley Justiss, attends Elmore County High School and Good Hope Baptist Church. She is a VBS Worship Leader, volunteer for Operation Christmas Child, Life South Blood Bank, Elmore County Humane Shelter and the food pantry. Additionally, she is the president of the National English Honor Society and is involved with Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Elmore County High School Academic Elite and is a ECHS Panther Ambassador. She also is vice president for the First Priority Fellowship Christian Athletes and is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. Justiss is on the basketball and volleyball teams and won the Heart of a Panther Award in volleyball. She is a recipient of a Linley Heflin Scholarship, Elk Lodge National Scholarship and has been accepted into University of South Alabama Honors College with the Jaguar Achievement and Freshman Leadership Scholarships.

ELIZABETH

Madison Elizabeth Bailey attends New Life Christian Academy and Grace Pointe Church of Christ. She also is on the cheer, golf and softball teams. Within her teams, she won the golf team state championship and won the Softball Heart of Champion Award. Additionally, Bailey was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. Bailey is also involved in Alpha Omega Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, volunteers for Cops4Kids, the humane shelter and VBS/ Nursery/Children’s Church. She is enlisted in the Army National Guard: Basic Training Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri for July 2023. The daughter of Brad and Amy Holmgren, she will attend AUM and Auburn University with the AUM Counselor Scholarship.

Gavan Baxley attends Wetumpka High School and Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. As part of cross country and track, he is the cross country team captain and an All-Metro and Sectional Champion. He was the Wetumpka Herald Player of the Week, Alabama State Games Male Athlete of the Year and in 2019 was a USATF Jr Olympic National Finalist. Seven times he has been a cross country and track state finalist. Baxley was also a Heisman Scholarship school winner and won the Troy University Leadership Scholarship / Troy Track Team member. He is also involved with DECA, National Honor Society, Tribal Talk and is WHS Athletics social media manager as well as is the play-by-play announcer for WHS athletics. Son of Ben and Nacole Baxley, Baxley is also a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Bryson Boone attends Edgewood Academy and Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. He is on the baseball and football teams. In football, Bonne has been to All-State, All-Metro, All-County and 2022 Central Alabama Top 22 in Football. He also volunteers at Tega Wanogho Youth Football Camp and is a Field of Dreams, baseball camp and tornado relief volunteer. Boone is involved with Beta Club and National Honor Society. Son of Michael and Sherrie Boone, he is a recipient of an Auburn University Air Force ROTC Scholarship and was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

Emma Renee Chavers attends New Life Christian Academy and Millbrook First United Methodist Church. She also won volleyball and softball’s most valuable player as well as been named to the volleyball and softball allstate teams. She also plays basketball. Chavers volunteers for Vacation Bible School and Children’s Church, Elmore County Food Pantry, YMCA youth volleyball and volleyball camp. She is also involved with Beta Club, Student Council and Bible Drive for Inmates. Daughter of Brian and Sonya Chavers, she was a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner. Chavers received a volleyball scholarship to Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.

ABBIE DAVIS

Abbie Davis attends Tallassee High School and First Baptist Church Tallassee, where she is also a First Baptist youth group leader. Davis is also a two-time UCA All American cheerleader, won Highest GPA on the dance and cheer teams, was a cross country regional qualifier, throws javelin and is softball team prayer leader. She is also a Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador, Fellowship of Christian Athletes president, Future Business Leaders of America vice president, member of the Key Club and Lions Club as well as involved with the National Honor Society. Daughter of Bradley and Catherine Davis, she won a softball athletic scholarship at Coastal Alabama Community College and is a ninth-grade Joe Sewell Certificate Winner.

KHLOE GRACE JONES

Khloe Grace Jones attends Stanhope Elmore High School and Elmore Church of Christ, where she is a youth group leader, Children’s Bible Class teacher and is involved with Girls for God. Jones is involved with the Elmore Youth In Action, Beta Club and National Science Honor Society. In softball she won Most Improved, All County and was a Wetumpka Herald Player of the Week. She is also vice president of Mu Alpha Theta and through DECA is credentialed in marketing, personal finance and business technology as of 2022. Jones also is a Tornado Relief volunteer and assists elderly and shut-ins in her community. Daughter of Kevin and Stephanie Jones, she is the recipient of an Enterprise State Community College softball scholarship.

Carlie Shea Lanier attends Holtville High School and Shoal Creek Baptist Church, where she has involvement with a Brazil mission trip, is a VBS Bible story teacher and is a Children’s Ministry volunteer. Lanier is president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is vice president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She is the soccer team captain, has been the player of the game and involved with the Wetumpka United and Alabama FC soccer club. Lanier is also on the cross country and cheer team as well as involved with National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Daughter of Charlie and Jessica Lanier, she has been accepted into Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Huntington College, Troy University, Central Alabama Community College and Southern Union.

GAVAN BAXLEY WETUMPKA HIGH SCHOOL

MADISON

BAILEY NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

CARLIE SHEA LANIER HOLTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

BRYSON BOONE EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

EMMA RENEE CHAVERS NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL

TAYLOR GUNN WETUMPKA HIGH SCHOOL

STANHOPE ELMORE HIGH SCHOOL

BELLA MARIE BARFOOT STANHOPE ELMORE HIGH SCHOOL

ELENA ADAMS EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

ALLYE JUSTISS ELMORE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BRADLEY BOONE EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

MICAH COLE TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL

Do not fear, God is with us

Just as the treasured hymn of many years ago proclaims, “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.” The “shadow of death” passed over the City of Dadeville this past week. It struck fear throughout the area, it broke hearts and it caused each of us to ask, “Why?”

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

Psalm 23 uses the language of a shepherd and his sheep to describe our relationship with God. “The Lord is my Shepherd, … even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” What comforting words, but yet to the fleshly body, these words are difficult to humanely digest. We know He is here with us but why? We don’t understand in death, why God takes one and leaves the other or why He takes a child that has a bright future ahead of him or her and He leaves the aged individual that has already lived their life.

Let’s be honest, sheep are cute, but they are not very smart and have no concept of death. They like to be in open areas of pretty green pastures but let darkness fall, they become fearful, closed-in and seemingly in dangerous valleys. Sheep do not understand the concept of death. The point is, even though we might have reason to be afraid, we do not need to fear, because God is with us, and He comforts us. He will take care of us. God, like a good shepherd, knows what He is doing and has our best interests in mind. Many people fear death, and those facing death certainly feel as if they

Tallassee Churches

are in a “dark valley.” But … God. Tragedy, for much loved family and friends, tragedy for my hometown “scars” that will never completely heal. But God has given us a precious promise to cling to. He is constantly with us, gently leading us and forever faithful in every valley and over every mountain. His Word says “to lift our eyes unto the hills, from whence comes our help and our helps comes from Him.”

A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help

others. At the recent prayer vigils, we experienced love that reached across barriers of education, barriers of prejudices, barriers of age, barriers of color. We hugged and loved; we comforted each other; we shed tears together, but mostly we prayed together. In the next few days, months, and even years — “give your brother a hand and let’s remove our blinders.” We are ALL this together, we are Dadeville Strong.

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Sports

Rivals Holtville, Elmore County clash in Round 2

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Holtville and Elmore County baseball rivalry is always intense, but the intensity is heightened this weekend.

Elmore County and Holtville will meet in the second round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs at Smart-Collier Field. Holtville will host all three games in the series. Game 1 is 5 p.m. Friday with Game 2 to follow. Game 3, if needed, is scheduled for noon Saturday

The two teams are plenty familiar with each other as they’ve already played twice this season and have been area opponents in recent years. The rivalry reached new heights already last year when Holtville swept Elmore County in the regular season to keep the Panthers out of the playoffs.

This season, however, both teams won their area championships, have 20 or more wins and hosted the first round of the playoffs.

“Anytime you can face a rival in the playoffs, it’s just going to magnify the situation,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “I’m expecting a wild, semi-finals or championship-like atmosphere because it’s such a big game. They’re playing well and there’s a lot of excitement around their program and our guys are playing well. It should be a pretty great series.”

Unlike some playoff series against teams from across the state, there are no secrets when it comes to this playoff matchup.

In the two matchups against each other this season, Holtville has thrown both Tanner Potts and Drey Barrett, its Game 2 and Game 3 starters. Elmore County has thrown Brandon White and Cooper Rogers, likely its Game 2 and Game 3 starters. The two teams have seen each other five times over the last two seasons and know every in-and-out about each other’s teams.

That means, according to both Tubbs and ECHS coach Michael

Byrd, it all comes down to execution.

“It’s going to be a fun, competitive series,” Byrd said. “Our guys know them really well and they know us really well. There’s a lot of familiarity. We just have to go have fun and play. This series is just going to be about who executes the best. There’s no secrets and no advanced scouting. We have all the information on each other that we need.”

This series hasn’t been one-sided in recent history.

In the last three seasons, Holtville and Elmore County have met eight total times. Holtville leads 5-3 in that span and there aren’t many blowout games.

Four of the eight matchups have been decided by one run, and only three have been by more than three runs.

Last season, Holtville swept Elmore County and won two games by one run. One of them even went to nine innings. This year, it’s been Elmore County on the winning side of the box score.

The Panthers beat Holtville, 13-8, on March 4 and then won, 8-2, on April 14. That doesn’t change anything for either team, but it does let the Panthers know they actually can win.

“It does ease our kid’s minds because they know we can beat them, and now we just have to show up and play like we’re capable of playing like and we’ll be fine,” Byrd said.

HUEYTOWN AT STANHOPE ELMORE

The Stanhope Elmore baseball team keeps on rolling, but the Mustangs face a tough task this week in Hueytown ace John Michael Pickens. Pickens is a left-handed pitcher who is committed to Shelton State. He will sit in the high 80s with his fastball and can cause problems for hitters on either side of the plate. Stanhope Elmore will counter with their own left-handed ace, Jacksonville State signee Colin Woodham,

TALLASSEE BASEBALL HOSTS ST. PAUL’S IN SECOND ROUND

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

One week after facing one of the top pitchers in the country, the Tallassee baseball team is set to do it again. Tallassee, which won its first playoff series since 2017, will host St. Paul’s Episcopal this weekend in the second round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs.

Barring any setbacks due to weather, Game 1 is currently set for 5 p.m. Friday with Game 2 to follow. Game 3, if needed, is set for noon Saturday.

St. Paul’s Episcopal (218) is coming off a sweep of Marbury in the first round. The Saints are led by Auburn commit John Stowers, the No. 3-ranked player in the state in the Class of 2026. Stowers will be the second Auburn commit Tallassee has faced on the mound in the first two rounds.

“They’re really good,” Tiger coach John Goodman said. “They’re young like us, but they’re good. The difference between us and them is their young ones have played. This is their second year and ours are just now getting started. They’re a little more polished. They’re good and it’s going to be tough.”

Stowers is coming off a solid performance against

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy senior pitcher Walker Hall had a first round for the ages Friday afternoon.

Hall, who threw in the doubleheader sweep over Lakeside School in the first round of the AISA Class AA playoffs, allowed only one hit all day as he pitched two complete games and one no-hitter.

Hall is the Elmore County Player of the Week for his performances on the mound.

“We got from him what we normally get from him,” Edgewood coach Justin Jones said. “He’s going to fill up the strike zone and throw strikes and give us a chance. That’s exactly what he did on Friday.”

Hall started Game 1 in

ABOVE: Tallassee’s Jackson Rhodes pitches against Valley last week in the first round of the playoffs. He allowed only one run in six innings of work.

Marbury where he gave up only one run and five hits in five innings of work. He struck out nine Bulldogs in that game. His last performance before the playoffs was against Citronelle, during which he gave up nine runs, four earned, in five innings of work.

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

dominant fashion as he allowed only one baserunner in three innings of work. He hit the second batter of the game but struck out the side around him, ensuring he didn’t even advance to scoring position. Following his three strikeouts in the first, he blanked

Tallassee will counter with southpaw Jackson Rhodes, who has been stellar his last few outings. Against Valley last week, he went toe-to-toe with Auburn commit Jackson Sanders. Despite taking the

TOP: The Tallassee baseball team celebrates in their Game 3 victory over Valley on Saturday afternoon. See BASEBALL, Page B2

two batters each in the second and third innings. The only two batters to put the ball in play popped out to first base and flew out to right field. He threw only 34 pitches in the no-hitter, 26 of which were strikes. With the low pitch count, he was sent back out thirty minutes later for Game 2. He pitched another three innings in the game and allowed one hit and only three base runners. In the first inning, he forced two groundouts and struck out a runner around a walk, then struck out two more in the second inning. The only hit he allowed on the day came in the second inning on a bloop infield single that landed in front of shortstop Ethan Evans.

THOMAS STABLER THE HERALD Holtville’s Drey Barrett celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against Mobile Christian last weekend.

faced once already this season early in the year.

who is coming off a complete-game onehit shutout where he struck out nine batters in the first round against Chilton County.

The Mustangs enter the second round with a 25-5 overall record and have won eight straight games and 14 of their last 15.

Hueytown enters the series with a 27-10 overall record. The two teams have

Stanhope Elmore beat Hueytown, 9-4, in the opening weekend of the year. In that game, the younger Woodham brother, Tyler, pitched four innings and allowed no earned runs.

Game 1 is 4:30 p.m.

Friday Furlow Field with Game 2 to follow. If needed, Game 3 is 1 p.m. Saturday.

Edgewood Academy at Pickens Academy The Edgewood

Academy Wildcats are hoping to ride their momentum to another series win this weekend. Edgewood travels west to Pickens Academy for a doubleheader on Thursday afternoon, with Game 3 on Friday if needed.

Edgewood is 17-16 entering the series and has won four straight. In those four games, Edgewood has outscored opponents 39-10 and has scored over nine runs three times.

Walker Hall pitched two complete game

shutouts during that stretch, including a no-hitter.

Hall and the rest of the Edgewood pitching staff will have its hands full.

The Pirates (19-6) feature eight batters in their lineup who are hitting over .300, with three of them hitting over .450.

Aidan Johnson and Trey Woods are a formidable duo in the lineup as the two have combined for 52 hits, eight doubles, two triples, and three home runs.

PLAYOFFS

Continued from B1

Overall, Hall threw two complete games

BASEBALL

Continued from B1

including a no-hitter on 77 total pitches and struck out 11 batters.

Hall has been an integral part of Edgewood’s success this

loss, he threw a stellar game.

In the 1-0 loss, he pitched six innings and struck out five batters while giving up only five hits.

Rhodes was also impressive against Elmore County two weeks ago. In the matchup, he pitched 6+ innings and gave up five runs in the game. He held the Panthers to only two runs through six innings before giving up three runs in the top of the seventh. Goodman knows they need

year. In his last five starts for the Wildcats (17-16), Hall has allowed only four earned runs in 22 innings pitched. He

another repeat performance from Rhodes if the Tigers are to compete.

“We’re basically getting everything he’s got,” Goodman said.

“He’s leaving it on the field and he’s giving us a chance. That’s all we can really ask of him. We just came up one run short last week, but he had a great performance and got out of several jams. We’re going to have to ask him to do it again. You face those types of guys in the playoffs, and we just have to have someone be able to compete.”

Last week’s 2-1 series win over Valley was the first playoff win since 2017 and the first play -

will take the mound again this week as Edgewood travels to Pickens Academy in the second round on Thursday.

off appearance since 2018. This week will also be the first home playoff game since 2017 when Tallassee hosted Escambia County and Trinity in the first two rounds. The Tigers won both of those series.

As Goodman and the Tigers have gotten back to their winning ways, the fans have shown up and showed out at the Tallassee home ballpark. Goodman is expecting that same type of environment again.

“It’s going to be unbelievable over here,” Goodman said. “This is the buzz of the town right now. We expect a huge crowd if the weather cooperates.”

For Edgewood, Hall has allowed only four earned runs in his last five appearances.

CLASH

Continued from B1

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

Edgewood Academy’s Walker Hall pitched two complete games against Lakeside School in the first round of the playoffs on Friday.

BRIAN TANNEHILL THE HERALD Elmore County’s Payton Hall pitches against Beauregard in the first round of the playoffs last weekend.

A return to sport

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

to think of something

The Yankees got back to playing two weeks after 9/11, nut they lost 4-0 to Tampa Bay. In all of the hallowed history of the Yankees, that was probably the most meaningful shutout the team has ever played in.

Just two days after the Boston Marathon bombing, the Boston Bruins played host to the Buffalo Sabres. The Bruins, much like the Yankees, lost but again it was a time of unity. I do not think any baseball fan could ever

forget David Ortiz’s speech before a Red Sox game five days after the bombing.

“This is our F-ing city,” Big Papí said. That team won the World Series.

As sports begin to trickle back into our daily routines, many of which already have, I remember sports is the great unifier. Through thick and thin, there is nothing like the cracking sound of a bat in spring or a touchdown celebration in fall. We all know the feel -

ing and want to get back to feeling as soon as possible.

Sports will bring us together. If prayer vigils can bridge gaps, then playoff baseball, softball and soccer certainly can. Whether you have a team in the race or not, take a second to breathe and return to sports. These are our f-ing cities. We are all one. We are all Dadeville Strong.

Henry Zimmer is a sports editor for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Jazzing it up

Annual

JazzFest

featured a variety of bands

Phil Dowdell brought people together

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

More than 1,000 people crowded Dadeville High School in hopes of getting a seat at Phil Dowdell’s memorial service on Monday afternoon.

There were Black people and white people, old people and young people. There were Dadeville students and Benjamin Russell football players. People dressed in their Sunday best and others in shorts and t-shirts. Who knows what political leanings each person had? It didn’t even matter.

Women and men, babies and grandparents, pastors from all over the area. Some people laughed as they remembered Phil, while others grabbed tissues to wipe their tears.

Just hundreds and hundreds of people with a wide range of emotions, but all grieving

over the same thing: Phil Dowdell’s death. Pastors, coaches, family and friends all spoke about Phil during the celebration of life,

but there was one overarching theme not only discussed but also felt in the room: Phil’s death had a bigger purpose.

A lot of people say sports is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter what color or political party you are on the sports field. And

sports always seems to be a way people come together after a tragedy. The Super Bowl is watched around the entire country.

But the message of Phil’s memorial service wasn’t about coming together because of Phil; it was about staying together in Phil’s honor.

With mass shootings happening every day, sometimes multiple times per day, Phil Dowdell’s memory cannot be forgotten in a week or a month. Phil represented respect, humility and unselfishness; he was a role model for both young and old.

In the coming months and even years, we need to remember how Phil was and try to emulate him as much as possible. We need to remember what it’s like to come together, to hug your neighbor, to support your community.

We can’t let Phil’s death be in vain.

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

Memorial service held for shooting victim Holston

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

This weekend, loved ones came together in memory of Corbin D. Holston — one of the victims of the Dadeville mass shooting on Saturday, April 15.

The memorial service began in song, praising the Lord, as family members and close friends processioned into God’s House of Prayer in Auburn. Wearing red and black attire, tissues were passed to loved ones as they filed in.

With the room filled, two scriptures were read. Isaiah 41:10 and 41:13 was read by Elder Sistrunk. Reading the last line, he said, “for I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand. It is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

Evangelist Kennedy read the second scripture John 14:1-14:14 of the New Testament. Following the readings, Rev. Richard Jacobs then stood to give a prayer of comfort.

“Father our hearts are breaking, our minds are perplexed and troubled, our spirits feel crushed,” Jacobs said. “But Father, we are gathered here in your name — realizing that our only strength comes from you.”

Amidst prayer, Jacob continued with thanking God for the years Holston did live and the impact he had on others’ lives. Bishop Frank McLeod came to the lectern with the eulogy. He extended his gratitude to the collection of Holston’s former classmates, who came to the service and the choir who prepared the requested music in four days.

“Let me tell you something, this family is going through a hard process,” McLeod said. “But today, today I have come to encourage

you with the word of God.”

Leading into the benediction, he urged all to rely on Jesus as their inside power for these outside pressures the world presents.

As the recession began, the choir lifted their voices, loved ones carried out the gifted flowers and the casket adorned in red roses followed. Outside the house of prayer, attendees embraced one another with tissues in hand.

Holston was born Jan. 15, 2000 and was survived by his mother Janett Heard and his father Douglas Holston. A 2018 Dadeville High School graduate, he died on April 15, 2023.

HENRY ZIMMER THE TRIBUNE

The community continues to support Dadeville and the lives lost in the mass shooting April 15.

Performing

Wetumpka High School, Montgomery Recreators, Southside Middle School, Capitol Sounds Lab Band and Tallassee High School.

ABIGAIL MURPHY THE TRIBUNE

ABOVE: Corbin D. Holston’s memorial service was held on Saturday in the God’s House of Prayer in Auburn. Holston was one of the victims of the mass shooting in Dadeville on April 15.

BEWLOW: Family and friends gather outside Corbin Holston’s funeral on Saturday.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Dan Seaborn, right, leads the the B.B. Comer High School Jazz Band as the Tallassee Tallassee Schools Band Programs hosted the 11th Annual Tallassee JazzFest last week.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Dr. Mike Pendowski led the Auburn University Jazz Band at the Tallassee Tallassee Schools Band Programs hosted the 11th Annual Tallassee JazzFest last week.

Opportunities

CLASSIFIEDS

SUDOKU ANSWERS

April 12, 2023

Public Notice Hearing

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.

The draft plans will be available for review and inspection by the public at 904 Hickory Street, Tallassee, Alabama, 36078.

If you have any questions please write to us at 904 Hickory Street, Tallassee, Alabama, 36078 or call us at 334.283.2801

ABOVE: Ella Grace Downs, of Elmore County, exhibited

Livestock Expo Breeding Heifer Show in Montgomery

Angus. The show is sponsored by the

Southeastern Livestock Exposition. She is pictured with judge Chad Holtkamp of Iowa and

eration President Jimmy Parnell.

BELOW: Bryar Downs of Elmore County exhibited the reserve champion Percent Simmental.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

ABOVE: Bryce Guy, of Elmore County, exhibited the reserve champion Market Heifer.

BELOW: Megan Crittenden of Elmore County exhibited the champion Performance Documented Steer.

Share The Road

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Raymond Butler was all things outdoors from cycling to running to canoeing. At age 74, he still rode his bike every day in the summer, averaging 100 miles a week. One day, biking home from his part-time job, he was hit by a car. He was 0.3 miles from home. Raymond sustained multiple injuries and died the following day.

That was eight months ago and now family members are keeping his memory alive through the inaugural 5K run/walk race — “Share The Road, Remembering Raymond Butler.”

“It was bittersweet to know that he died doing something that he loved, but to know he didn’t get to live as long as we all hoped he would,” said Rebecca Gilbert Butler, Raymond’s sister.

Rebecca and Raymond

were close throughout their lives with both keeping active. Rebecca said Raymond gave her her love of running 40 years ago. Before his death, they ran together during the winter when the days were too short for Raymond to bike.

She said she knows many people would also call Raymond a forever encourager. After every race, Rebecca would give him a ring.

“I’d call and say, ‘Well this is how I did.’ He’d say, ‘You did great. You see, that's what that training does for you,’” Rebecca recalled.

“Next week if it wasn’t so good, he’d say, ‘That’s OK. Get back out there, keep training, do better next time.’”

Raymond touched many lives. When the family held

a memorial service after the initial accident, the church was filled with people, some spilling out the door. Rebecca said it was amazing to see how many people cared for Raymond.

Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After getting multiple degrees, he worked as a counselor and taught school before working at Russell Athletic. After 23 years, he retired and started part time at Eclectic’s Do It Center for 12 years.

Raymond’s time was cut short. Four days before he was hit, Rebecca and Raymond were in the woods working on one of Raymond's other hobbies, landscaping. They were digging up rocks when Raymond commented they were going to grow well into their old age.

“He said, ‘We’re going to live a long time.’ God had other plans,” Rebecca said.

Family members organize run in memory of avid cyclist

Part of this race is also to spread more awareness about cyclists’ safety. Rebecca said her brother was one of the safest cyclists she knew. If a car wasn’t paying attention, he would jump into the ditch and he stayed as close to the grass as he could. This car was just too fast before he had the chance to react.

“Cyclists are everywhere. People need to watch for them, and they have a legal right to be on the road,” Rebecca said. “So, we would love to be able to purchase the signs that say, ‘Share the road’ with a little tag line under it about remembering Raymond. It only takes a second of not being attentive to your driving to take a life.”

As part of the awareness, the family is also hoping to partner with Bike Friendly ATL, which places ghost bikes, or white-painted bikes, by roadsides where a biking accident occurred.

The goal is to have the ghost bike ceremony following the race.

The “Share The Road” race is at 8 a.m. June 10 at Elmore County High School. Registration is now open, and participants can sign up at RunSignUp.com. Registration costs $30 and includes a “Share The Road” t-shirt if registered before June 2. There also is sameday registration starting at 6:30 a.m. and T-shirts will be provided based on availability.

There also will be a winner for overall male and female finishers as well as winners for each age group. For those who wish to support, but can’t come out that day, individuals can also donate to the cause on the registration website. Sponsorships are also available.

“We really encourage people to come out and remember Raymond when you are doing it,” Rebecca said.

Elmore County soccer teams win area titles

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the first time in school history, the Elmore County boys and girls soccer teams have won their area championships in the same season.

The Elmore County boys team won the area title for the first time since 2017, while the girls are doing so for the first time in school history. The Lady Panthers are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Both teams will host Marbury on Monday. The girls game will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the boys to follow.

“This is such an exciting time for our Elmore County soccer programs and there’s so much to be proud of,” girls coach Leslie Hines said. “Both teams are a mixture of seasoned senior players and younger players mixed in. We have players as young as 12-years old playing and scoring goals. Being able to have success this season while building the program has been a highlight for (boys) coach (Josh) Pack and I.”

The girls team has been seemingly an unstoppable force this season, especially when it came to area play. En route to its first area championship in school history, the Panthers went 8-0 against Tallassee, Brewbaker Tech, Beauregard and Valley.

In those eight games, Elmore County outscored opponents 52-4. The Panthers had four shutouts during that span and didn’t allow more than one goal in a region game the entire year.

“We had a game plan for each opponent and executed for the wins,” Hines said. “We moved players around and adjusted when we needed to. We stayed committed to other parts of our game and our defensive line stayed steadfast.”

The first round of the playoffs will be a tough test as the Marbury girls currently sit with a 14-2 overall record entering the playoffs. They went 9-1 in area play with their only loss coming

1-0 from Sylacauga. The Panthers faced Sylacauga earlier this season and lost, 4-0. On the boys team, Elmore County clinched the area championship by securing a 6-2 record in area play.

Brewbaker Tech also had a 6-2 area record, but Elmore County held the tiebreaker by beating Brew Tech twice.

“I knew this was a special group,” Pack said. “They’re gritty and they will fight. What gives us the edge typically is that we don’t have the best skill level of kids who have played, but they’re willing to get physical and make contact with the other team. That was really the difference in us winning the area.”

When Pack and his crew went into the season, he knew it would be tough.

The Tigers said at the beginning of the year they had to beat BrewTech, Beauregard and Valley

because Pack knew this would be Tallassee’s best shot at the area title.

But Tallassee lost its first two games against both BrewTech and Beauregard. Following that, Pack knew his squad didn’t have to win against Tallassee to still win the area.

So despite losing both games against their rivals, Elmore County secured the title by winning the games they needed to.

“I think we played as expected,” Pack said. “The losses we have aren’t vindictive of how good we are. I play everybody on my squad in games that don’t matter and I’m going to get every kid on the roster experience. So while we have a few losses, I don’t look at those losses as a bad thing.”

The boys team will also open the playoffs against Marbury (4-3-1), which finished second in its area behind Sylacauga.

RAYMOND BUTLER

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE OBSERVER

TOP: Elmore County freshman Tate McNeely dribbles the ball past two Tallassee defenders. McNeely leads the Panthers in goals this season.

ABOVE: Elmore County’s Kristina Elmore dribbles the ball against Tallassee.

The ECHS girls went 8-0 and won its first area championship in school history.