Tallassee Tribune Aug. 23 2023

Johnny Brown denied youthful offender status in shooting case

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

Johnny Letron Brown, 20, of Tuskegee, will officially be tried as an adult in the case involving the Dadeville shooting on April 15.

A youthful offender hearing was held Thursday

morning where Brown’s lawyers argued he should be tried in juvenile court. Any defendant under the age of 21 can apply for youthful offender status and if granted, the maximum punishment would be three years in jail.

“That’s why we argued against it,” 5th Circuit district attorney Mike Segrest said. “Because the maximum range of punishment if YO is granted is three years, and given this situation, we are going to be seeking the maximum penalty.”

request.

Judge Isaac Wharton denied the youthful offender

For Brown and the other four defendants currently being tried as adults, they are each charged with four counts of reckless murder, 24 counts of first-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault. Those defendants are Willie George Brown Jr., 19, and Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, both of Auburn, and Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, both of Tuskegee.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

How do you celebrate the official opening of a new pickleball, tennis and soccer complex? With a game of course. But it was no ordinary game. Local talent took to the “Pickledome,” making rules up as they went along. Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley wasn’t going to be denied on his homecourt playing with the YMCA’ s Gary Cobbs in his first ever pickleball game. Kelley practiced only Saturday as he prepared for the friendly grudge match. They faced Elmore County

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County will spend nearly $74 million in fiscal year 2024 after the Elmore County Commission approved its newest budget last week. It is almost double any budget in the coun-

Schools superintendent Richard Dennis and Elmore County Commission Chair Bart Mercer.

“I have no clue what the rules are,” Kelley said while warming up. “I’ll make them up as I go.” Kelley was jovial about the

See SPRINGS, Page A5

ty’s history. But county leaders said it is all funded and includes some out of the ordinary spending as the county prepares for the future.

“It

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A bus transporting Tallassee City Schools’ students was involved in a crash Monday morning.

Tallassee Police Department Chief Todd Buce said the incident occurred at the intersection of Barnett Boulevard and Dubious Avenue. It was during morning school traffic near Tallassee High School just before the school zone.

“All occupants of the school bus and the Honda Pilot were cleared by Haynes Ambulance,” Buce said. “One juvenile was transported to East Alabama Medical Center for further evaluation.”

Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said the system has plans in place for this scenario.

“After students were evaluated by EMT staff, they were either

released to their guardians or transferred to another bus and proceeded to school,” Nolin said. “We had one student transported to the emergency room to be checked medically by staff there. All seems to be good from my contact with the family.”

Buce said the preliminary investigation indicates the privately operated vehicle ran the redlight causing the collision.

Nolin said the bus was T-boned.

Nolin commended the efforts of everyone who responded to the incident.

“The Tallassee Police Department, Tallassee Fire Department and the Tallassee City Schools staff did an excellent job in keeping the students calm and seeing to their needs,” Nolin said.

Buce said the accident was still under investigation.

BROWN

Obituaries

MARY MCGARR

Mary McGarr, 101, of Tallassee, passed away August 12, 2023. She was born February 4, 1922. Funeral service will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 10 am at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. John Sparks and Rev. Adam Turner officiating. Pall bearers will be her great grandsons. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Mason Warren and Lena Pearl Warren; husband, Lonnie Edward McGarr; brothers, Herbert Warren and McMorris Warren and sister, Myrtice Harrington. She is survived by her son, Eddie McGarr (Mary); grandchildren, Justin McGarr (Jessca) and Tiffany Goodwin (Payton); great grandchildren, Brody, Macon and Caleb Goodwin and Matthew and Michael McGarr. Mary was a member of Bethlehem East Baptist Church for many years. Her faith was the foundation for her daily life.

PAUL LEONARD BARCUS

Mr. Paul Leonard Barcus, II, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Monday, August 14, 2023, at the age of 66. He was born August 21, 1956, in Elkins, West Virginia. Mr. Barcus is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandra T. Barcus; children, John Stuck-

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUG. 21

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

• A noise complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Sunwood Court.

AUG. 20

• Harassing communications was reported on Ice Plant Road.

AUG. 19

• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Patterson Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Washington Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Second Avenue.

ey (Katie); Jahaira Barcus and Johnathan Paul Barcus (Adriana); grandchildren, Ayden Barcus, Kataleya Barcus, Michael Robert Barcus, Johnathan Leonidas and Jacob Roman; brothers-in-law, Wayne Turley and Russ Turley; nephew, Jesse Ewell Barcus (Michelle) and great-niece, Jeselle Barcus.

was reported on Third Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Peachtree Street.

• Gun fire was reported on Second Street.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A fight was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Second Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gammills Store Road.

• Assault was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Drug activity was reported on Hanil Drive.

AUG. 17

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Community Hospice. Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial. com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama

He is preceded in death by his mom, Helen Gray; step-dad, Ewell Darden and his brother, Jessie Lynn Barcus. There are no services scheduled at this time.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome. com.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Willow Street.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Thelma Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Camellia Drive.

• A white female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• An animal complaint was reported on mcArthur Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Darnell Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.

• A white male was arrested on Honeysuckle Lane.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white male was arrested on Noble Road.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

AUG. 14

• A prowler was reported on Mott Lane.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on West Gantts Mill Road.

• Burglary was reported on Highway 229.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A verbal altercation was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on West Patton Street.

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

• An assault was reported on Friendship Road.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Patterson Street.

AUG. 18

• A mentally disturbed person was reported on Mott Lane.

• The roadway was reported blocked on Second Avenue.

• A domestic incident

OFFENDER

Continued from A1

•Assistance was given to a motorist on Whatley Drive.

• Theft was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• A white female was arrested on Kelly Place.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.

AUG. 16

• A suspicious person was reported on Third Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Washington Street.

• Animal cruelty was reported on Notasulga Road.

The indictments stem from a mass shooting in downtown Dadeville that left four dead and 32 injured. The defendants are being charged with the murders of Cobin Holston, Philstavious Dowdell, Marsiah Collins and Shaunkivia Smith.

According to Segrest, if found guilty as adults, the maximum punishment would be a total of four life sentences and 441 years in prison, and that’s what he intends to ask for.

“This is a case where I don’t think there’s any question that youthful offender status should be denied,” Segrest said. “I think the evidence shows that clearly. Lexi Dowdell (who is a sister of one of the victims) testified at the hearing; the family and several of the victims were there. Probably at least 40 or 50 people were

there.”

• A prowler was reported on Hickory Street.

AUG. 15

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Thompson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Forgery was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Riverside Drive.

• A downed powerline was reported on Hornsby Lane.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Oak Heights Road.

• Fraudulent use of a debit or credit card was reported on Central Boulevard.

The sixth alleged shooter is a 15-year-old juvenile who has not been named.

In addition to Johnny Brown, the other defendants’ attorneys also made a motion for youthful offender status as well. Three of those four defendants’ attorneys asked for a continuance, and those will be moved to Oct. 26, when all four youthful offender hearings are now scheduled to take place. From there, Segrest expects other motions to appear and he said this is just one step in a long battle.

“We chose to indict them all as co-defendants, and I anticipate each of them will ask for the case to be severed and to be tried separately,” he said.

“We will oppose that, but I’m sure there will be arguments for that. We could also face a potential transfer of venue. They could make the argument that because of the magnitude in Dadeville, they can’t get a

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on West James Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT AUG 15

• Harassment was reported on Shelby Street.

AUG. 12

• Harassing communications was reported on North Street.

fair trial here. We would argue against that too, of course.”

Wharton limited the people who could enter the courtroom Thursday to victims and their parents, but there are many others who are still suffering.

Segrest met with many of those people after the hearing and said although this is a win for the prosecution, there still weren’t any happy faces.

“I can’t say anybody was happy because everybody is still reeling,” Segrest said. “School just started back and there’s anxiety about that. There’s so many of these kids that were affected that aren’t considered ‘victims’ because they didn’t get shot. They have friends whose lives will be forever changed, and just think about what they saw.

“Their lives are changed forever, and they’re still trying to cope and grasp everything. It was a very emotional meeting with everybody, but I think we all felt a little better after getting together.”

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Events are coming for Humane Society

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We will have a busy month between September and October as we have a new event this year.

We will be looking for all of the area pickleball enthusiasts as Saturday, Oct. 7 is our first ever Paddles for Paws from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paddles for Paws is a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs in Millbrook, benefiting our shelter. Registration is $35 + a $5 service fee, which includes one event, a tournament T-shirt, snacks and drinks. The planned format will be round robin. Depending on the number of teams in a bracket, the tournament director reserves the right to adjust the format. Small brackets may be combined.

Eligible participants for Paddles for Paws must be 19 or older.

Completed teams (both partners registered and paid) have priority on available slots. Teams not paid in full or without partners may be moved to the waiting list to make room for paid teams. There will be a

food truck available for lunch. All participants must comply with the 17 Springs Rules of Use.

We are soliciting sponsors for Paddles for Paws and think that is a great way to get your business name seen and support our shelter.

If you would like to sponsor the event, donate prizes, volunteer at the event or have questions, email HSECPaddlesforPaws@gmail.com. Any prize donations can be dropped off at Humane Society of Elmore County, 255 Central Plank Rd. in Wetumpka. You can also call us at 334567-3377.

Before Paddles for Paws we have our 17th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 with a rain date of Sept. 24.

As we look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Toulouse, it’s time for area vendors to jump on board. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. to join us and our vendor fee is only $40. Vendors must bring your own tables/

pop-up/chairs and there is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator, please let us know for site planning.

You can find our vendor application/payment online. If you prefer us to email you the letter and forms in .pdf for printing, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or message us on our shelter Facebook page.

There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, microchip clinic, blessing of the pets, pet parade, Bark in the Park T-shirts and a great selection of pet and other great silent auction items!

Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, and they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the park.

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

Competition comes to county cleanup — again

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Henry Hines is like the movie “Groundhog Day” when it comes to litter. As the county commissioner, he is constantly encouraging everyone to clean up.

Hines is at it again announcing the next Elmore County Cleanup Oct. 13 -15. And like he has done in the past, he has challenged everyone to participate.

“Everyone says they go to a ballgame on Saturday,” Hines said. “Well you can pick up Friday or Sunday afternoon. Some

will say church is in the way. My church picks up on Sunday afternoon.” Hines even makes a competition out of the organized cleanups.

“Last time Elmore County High School won for the schools, a lot of their sports teams helped out,” Hines said. “I’m going to challenge Wetumpka and my friend and fellow commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson who is an alum.”

Hines said the cleanup is open to anyone — civic organizations, churches, families, individuals, school clubs and teams. See COUNTY, Page A5

Pet of the Week - Pope

Pope is a male, Lab/ Hound mix who is about 9 ½ months old. He weighs about 50 pounds. He is a simply wonderful young dog. He loves people and is playful, friendly, very chill and laid back. He’s ready to have a family all his own. Want to go camping or hiking? Pope says sure. Want to just stay at home and chill in front of the TV? Pope says sounds great to him. Want to go for walks, meet people and other dogs? Pope

says I’m your man. Want your children to grow up with their best buddy ever? Pope says he loves children. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies

vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and

Calling all artists! Lake Martin Living’s Art & Photo contest is taking submissions through September 8th. Submit your artwork for a chance to be featured in the October issue! Acceptable artworks include acrylics, oil, watercolor, pastels, photography and mixed media. 3D works are accepted as long as they can be hung on the wall. No free-standing sculptures. Entries must depict the beauty and lifestyle of Alabama. All entries must be ready to hang. Please make sure that the artist’s name, address and telephone number is on the back of each entry. Don’t miss out on the chance to win cash prizes!

A reception will be held September 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. (Tickets $15)

This event will benefit the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Please let us know if you would like to become a sponsor. Call Betsy Iler at 256-234-4281for more information.

Tallassee Talks

The life and times of Capt.

CObituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

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

onsidering the era in which it originally aired, on a network known at the time for “jiggle TV” and light entertainment, the fact “Barney Miller” ever made it to air and found success was nothing short of miraculous.

Created and produced by television veteran Danny Arnold (“Bewitched”, “That Girl”) and with a stellar cast headed by professional clarinetist Hal Linden as the title character, “Barney Miller” was set in a dirty, dingy New York Police Department squad room in the fictional Twelfth Precinct.

When I was younger and this show was airing new episodes, I remember our family watching it and I knew some of the characters’ names. It wasn’t until later on I realized just how good this situation comedy really was.

What is interesting is the program began as a two-hour film called “The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller,” which featured many of the same characters who found their way to the weekly series but was initially more focused on balancing Barney’s home and work life.

By the time the series began in 1975, Linden became perhaps the most dignified straight man in television history as the Barney Miller character dealt with the personalities of his staff, the people who were brought in off the street, city politics (such as being passed over repeatedly for a promotion), paperwork, and city problems.

Working at the ol’ one-two (the nickname for the precinct used by Inspector Lugar, an old-timer played to perfection by James Gregory) along with Barney included the earnest, striving Detective Stanley Thaddeus “Wojo” Wojciehowicz (Max Gail); clotheshorse and aspiring author Detective Ron Harris (Ron

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Glass); gambler and bad coffee-making Sergeant Nick Yemana (Jack Soo); overly knowledgeable with humor-on-wry Detective Arthur P. Dietrich (Steve Landesberg); and the perpetually troubled by his wife, and his hemorrhoids, Sergeant Phil Fish (Abe Vigoda). Other main characters included Chano Amenguale (Gregory Sierra) and Carl Levitt (Ron Carey). There was enough going on with those guys in the squad room to justify a sitcom, but this series had a stable of character actors who were used in various roles as arrestees over the years. Each episode usually includes someone being hauled in for one crime or another — while a lot of the perpetrators are into the regular stuff such as theft or prostitution, occasionally someone is picked up who claims they are a werewolf or when our guys have to throw a ventriloquist’s dummy into the slammer.

“Barney Miller” had its fair share of standout episodes. People often cite the silly third season highlight, “Hash,” in which the squad unknowingly partakes in drug-laced brownies baked by Wojo’s girlfriend. There’s also more serious material such as “The Harris Incident,” from season five, in which Harris is in the process of arresting a felon when two white police officers shoot at him.

Each character was so well-written and pitch-perfect. And in the way the show played out, even the “bad guys” were treated like human beings. Everyone was shown to have worth, even people who maybe didn’t even believe in that fact them-

Barney Miller

selves.

“Barney Miller” thoughtfully tackled it all, in real time, what was happening in the late 1970s and early 1980s: politics, age discrimination, nuclear power, economic issues, racism, gender identity, sexuality, and more.

Like a stage play, most of the action took place in a single room. The immediacy of the presentation brought the viewer right into what was going on, making every episode engaging.

I might add the theme song by Allyn Ferguson and Jack Elliott features the best bass guitar lick and rhythm section groove in television history. The theme is also presented over the credits, with a garbage barge being towed down the river in the shadows of the Manhattan skyline — a perfect analogy for what is happening on the program itself.

The show ran for eight seasons, and by the time it was over, every single actor had received at least one Emmy nomination.

I discovered recently my teaching partner, Mrs. Kelley Hill, and her husband, Dr. Adam Hill, were binge-watching “Barney Miller.” It just so happened I was doing the same, watching an episode or two every night.

I had re-familiarized myself with many of the episodes during the COVID-19 quarantines of 2020 after finding them on Amazon Prime, but since then, they have also appeared on Tubi as well as broadcast channels FeTV (Family Entertainment Television) and Antenna TV. So there’s no excuse – turn on your television and cue up some “Barney Miller” for a few laughs with the fellows down at the ol’ one-two.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

f you know me at all, you probably know my family has been reeling since the death of my 21-year-old brother-in-law, Sgt. Dylan Gentry. He died at his home on what is now known as Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, on May 1, 2023. After weeks and weeks of calling, asking, begging, we finally received his death certificate on Aug. 11 and the autopsy report on Aug. 12 — nearly 4 ½ months after he passed. Suddenly, there are new details on the autopsy report which we had not been told prior. Most glaringly, we had been told by several Army officials Dylan died in a hospital; now we are coming to find out he was never even taken to a hospital.

The Army ruled it a clear-cut suicide complete with letters to family, but the family has never been privy to those messages. We had previously been told there was a full-blown investigation being done — but why, if it was obviously a suicide?

In March, a Fort Hood solider Ana

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

Basalduaruiz was found dead and the Army ruled it a suicide in less than five days. So what took so long to find out more about my brother’s death? Why did our family have to reach out countless times to be provided with a death certificate that was finalized in July?

Fort Hood is known for mysterious deaths and an abnormally high suicide rate. Just this week, a verdict was handed down in the Vanessa Guillen case; Guillen was bludgeoned to death by a fellow soldier in April 2020. Look her up on Netflix; there’s a whole documentary about her story.

I’ve learned of a mother named Margie Taylor, who is fighting to find out more about her son’s death. Spc. Joey Lenz died Feb. 1, 2022, of an

apparent heart attack. Medical officials found Lenz’s heart was enlarged, and Taylor believes the Army knew and did nothing to help him.

I’ve talked with the widow of a soldier who died in 2016. She told me how her soldier, Staff Sgt. Miguel Colonvazquez, was scheduled to do training but the weather was horrible, and he warned his lieutenant the training should not be performed that day. Colonvazquez was told to perform the training anyway, according to his wife, and his vehicle overturned in flooding waters, killing eight Fort Hood soldiers and one West Point Cadet.

Another former soldier, who was in the same unit as Dylan just prior to his arrival at Fort Hood, reached out to inform me just how toxic that particular troop is. He admitted even he attempted suicide while stationed there.

This is from only about three days of doing research and a couple of

New business in town

Celebrating long-time marriages

game as he is about many things but was all business in talking about 17 Springs at the Phase 1 ribbon cutting. Now open are four soccer fields, 12 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts.

“It is a great day for Millbrook and Elmore County,” Kelley said. “This is huge.”

The fun during the game at the new 17 Springs only cemented the partnership of the City of Millbrook, Elmore County, Elmore County Economic Development Authority, Elmore County Board of Education and the YMCA. The 17 Springs project dates back to 2017. The partners were wanting to create something special, not only the playing surfaces in Millbrook but something to improve the quality of life across Elmore County.

“We went out into the community and did some surveys and what kind of sporting events everyone wanted to see,” City of Millbrook project manager Stuart Peters said. “We did feasibility studies, lots of meetings, lots of hours.

This is the fruits of that labor.”

Kelley said in the initial conversations at the Grandview YMCA lots of ideas were discussed.

“We were talking about things we wanted to do and could do,” Kelley said.

“You know what we did?

Continued from A4

We bought a junkyard.”

The junkyard will become a commercial district. Kelley and other city officials are already talking about how close the city is to inking deals with hotels, restaurants and retailers for it.

Kelley said the vision of 17 Springs started to take shape. Bill Meyers with the YMCA had an idea of creating ballfields for area children. Elmore County chief operating officer Richie Beyer has children in the Millbrook schools who play sports.

“We rode around this property in a four-wheeler looking around wanting to put a football field here, a soccer field there,” Kelley said. “All of a sudden that vision that Bill Meyers had started coming together with a lot of other people.”

There were more meetings and more meetings and pickleball was often brought up. But Kelley had one question.

“I finally asked, ‘What is pickleball?’” Kelley said. “I got explained to a little bit about what pickleball was. It is a growing sport.”

Kelley, Cobbs, Mercer and Dennis got to see the popularity of pickleball on the night of the ribbon cutting. All the other courts were in use when the Kelley-Cobbs team defeated Mercer and Dennis. Players were waiting for Kelley’s game to finish to play themselves.

The pickleball courts came from a community survey early in the design

Facebook posts, so I am certain there are many more similar stories out there.

Our soldiers deserve better, period. Most of these deaths involve very young people who have their entire lives ahead of them. Guillen was only 20 years old. Dylan was just 21. I know for Dylan, he gave his entire adulthood to the military, and the Army should be giving answers, not adding to the questions.

People keep asking me, “What do you think happened to Dylan?” First of all, it’s not my job to figure that out. I don’t know what happened.

COUNTY

Continued from A3

process of 17 Springs.

Then architects Seay, Seay and Litchfield designed the complex. But Kelley said he still was having problems with visualizing the complex, including Phase 2 which is currently under construction. Phase 2 includes softball fields, a stadium and track and a gymnasium able to house four basketball courts. The architectural firm then created a video of something yet to be built.

“How do you fly through something that isn’t there?” Kelley said. “We had a flyover, a drone went through it. That vision coming in about a year [Phase 2], we flew through it. We could see the kids playing. We could see the food trucks. We could see everything that is going on. We flew through the front door of the building. We could see people in the lobby buying tickets. We could people in the concession stand. I got the vision that day.”

The vision is broader for county officials. Elmore County has invested a lot in the project through in kind services, moving large amounts of earth on the project and paving the parking lot. It also invested funds from a bond issue years ago into the project.

The idea is the taxes collected from visitors to 17 Springs will be used throughout Elmore County in places like Tallassee, Eclectic, Wetumpka and Holtville.

ECEDA’s Art Faulkner said a levelized lodging

But what I do know is this: Dylan said he had seen something he shouldn’t have before he died, and he was scared. His time of death has now changed three times. He was not taken to a hospital, when we had been told for months he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His widow, who he knew for a total of about 18 months leading up to his death, has barely spoken to his family since his death, has lied about the circumstances surrounding their living situation as they were separated prior to his death, has taken off her wedding ring and entered a new relationship, and blocked Dylan’s close family on social media. She is the person most likely to legally get information from the military, but she doesn’t seem interested. Many other stories about the days

He said the Elmore County Commission is making it easy for everyone by supplying bags, vest and pickers if needed. “We will even pick up the bags of litter when finished,” Hines said. “Just tell us the location of where the bags were left on the right of way and the county road department will pick it up Monday morning.”

tax implemented two years ago will benefit the whole county. A lodging tax is primarily collected in Millbrook because that is where the majority of the Elmore County hotels are located. The tax will now be further distributed.

“It puts our local governments in a position to have a mechanism to capture the tourism dollars and supplement our more traditional tourism projects,” Faulkner said. “It will have benefits all the way from the east and the Tallapoosa River to the west and Interstate 65.”

Dennis said 17 Springs and other projects coming across the county will benefit students as well. Dennis said the partnership opened the door for higher quality competition arenas for schools and for new sports to be offered.

“If you look at these facilities, as a single organization, we would not be able to provide these type of facilities for our schools and students,” Dennis said. “It allowed us to open a program for tennis here in Millbrook that we previously did not have.”

County officials believe 17 Springs is the sign of other quality of life projects to come across the county.

“We are excited to see what the economic impact this is going to have on the local economy,” Mercer said. “We know the commercial development will have an impact. It is going to be a benefit to all of Elmore County.”

leading up to and following his death have changed through the past five months or so; I could fill the whole paper with the inconsistencies. I won’t do that, but I will say Dylan’s family deserves answers. All the families going through this deserve the truth. There are far, far too many stories just like ours. There is no reason the military should be hiding behind lies and halftruths. These soldiers are willing to give up their lives for our country — but they definitely shouldn’t be losing their lives on our home soil. The military needs to do better, and it needs to start now.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin

is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Hines said those wishing to pick up litter and get materials to help or to let the county know where the bags are should register on the county’s website elmoreco.org/environmental. Even if volunteers don’t register, Hines

wants as many as possible to participate. “There are no excuses,” Hines said. “Everyone needs to come out and volunteer. There is nothing better than being proud of Elmore County and cleaning up.”

Tristen Moon was joined by family, members of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and city officials to cut the ribbon of Moon’s Bar-B-Que recently. The restaurant is on Highway 229 in the Jordanville community of Tallasseee. Moon has spent nearly a year renovating the place and follows in the footsteps of family in owning a restaurant.

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

The Tallaweka Baptist Church celebrated six couples who are members of the church Sunday. All six couples have been married 50 or more years.They were honored during Sunday’s worship service and with a covered dish lunch following the service. Picture left to right are Terry and Debra Stiff who have been married for 50 years; Hal and Paula Miller 53 years; Fred and Betty Watrous 54 years; James and Shelia Durbin 55 years; Ronnie and Martha Ann Duke 56 years; and Charles and Mary Allen McGhee 65 years.

things are real and have immense power to guide our activity. Gospel truth dispels every single one of those issues.

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. Summer heat and humidity has made its way back to our region. Those few days without triple digit heat indices sure were nice, but it is August in central Alabama after all.

During the middle of the last heat wave, I heard a local comedian make a wonderful theological observation. He asked, “Do you know why hellfire and brimstone sermons aren’t necessary in central Alabama?” He answered, saying, “August! People living here are reminded about the fires of hell every time they open the door!”

Talk about preaching the truth!

Presbyterians in general and this one in particular are not known for fire and

brimstone sermons. I, for one, take that as a compliment. After all, I have always found gospel truth to speak in much more powerful ways. Proclaiming the need to turn or burn, in my experience, is too easily dismissed as self-righteousness. Gospel truth as witnessed and taught by God in Jesus Christ is more even handed and much more challenging. The Word of God, Jesus Christ, spoke the same message everywhere he went. His message to the

Pharisees was the same message he shared with the woman at the well. He did not alter his message to suit any given audience.

The essence of that message is captured in the Gospel of John. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another.”(John 13:24 NRSVue)

Jesus did not need to mention the fires of hell in order to get to the heart of the matter.

Most people living in the earthly kingdom are familiar with the “new commandment” issued by Jesus to love one another. We find it in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John kicks things up a notch. John records Jesus saying to love one another as all are loved by God in

Tallassee Churches

Jesus Christ.

John’s recording bypasses all questions related to the persistent response from humankind regarding the identity of the neighbor. The new commandment issued by Jesus according to John rises above human limitation. It directly reflects what is actually at stake for anyone seeking to live in faith.

The love of God in Jesus Christ shows no partiality. None of the issues that mislead human activity are present. Since God in Jesus Christ embodies no means of separating one human being from another in terms of worth, no human being should either. Think about that.

Every child of God in every place and time should think about the things that divide us. Those

The call to love one another as we are loved by God in Jesus Christ is the same for CEOs as it is for Custodians. It is the same for home owners and the homeless. It is the same for the wealthy and the poor. It is the same for male and female, regardless of any means of orientation.

The cost of living, in God’s terms, never changes. It is not affected by economies, changes in supply and demand, evolving technologies, or anything else. The Apostle Paul observed that “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.”(Romans 8:39) Are we willing to embody that observation? Gospel truth says we all should be.

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

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Merrett takes over Reeltown volleyball

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

The Reeltown volleyball team has a new head coach. A former junior high basketball coach for the Rebels, Tammy Merrett is leaving her comfort zone with hoops and transitioning to volley-

ball, a sport she is learning along the way. After former head coach Kelli Hilyer left the position to help out at her alma mater of Central Coosa, Merrett was on the short list of coaches to replace her.

Merrett obviously has the coaching chops but was also one of the few

TIGERS, REBELS

CLASH IN BATTLE OF THE TALLAPOOSA

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

as

as the Battle of the Tallapoosa, and a new chapter will be written Thursday night.

Tallassee hits the road to face rival Reeltown at 7 p.m. Thursday to open the 2023 season. When the Tigers and Rebels meet for the 20th time in the rivalry, a playoff atmosphere is expected.

At least, that’s what the series has been like under current head coaches Mike Battles (Tallassee) and Matt Johnson (Reeltown).

Both coaches were instrumental in getting the rivalry back started in 2020 after a 17-year hiatus, and the annual first game of the season is now Battles’ favorite game of the year.

“I did not realize that what I was stepping into was a small town Alabama against Auburn,” Battles said. “I found that out the hard way. There is one date on my calendar where I can tell you how many days away it is. It is that one. I have been on the winning end and the losing end, and the losing end is not really fun.”

Tallassee coach Mike Battles is 2-1 in his career in the Battle of the Tallapoosa. Tallassee won last year’s game, 37-13.

female coaches around the school that could take over the volleyball team as the lead.

Athletic director Matt Johnson called Merrett with the idea, and after recovering from the initial shock of the idea, Merrett jumped in feet first during the summer. “I talked to some friends that were in the sport and got a lot of advice on how to do this,” Merrett said. “I watched a lot of YouTube videos. I really have counted on the team.” Merrett is not doing this on her own. She has an assistant coach, but

Football kicks off this week

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

ELMORE COUNTY (0-0) AT MARBURY (0-0)

THE PLAYERS

Marbury has only one win (2018) against Elmore County since 1968.

NEXT UP: Elmore County hosts Autaugaville; Marbury at John Carroll.

HOLTVILLE (0-0) AT FULTONDALE (0-0)

Not only does the Battle of the Tallapoosa serve as the season opener for both teams, but it gives each team a taste of a playoff atmosphere against a quality opponent.

The game doesn’t just feel like a playoff game because of the atmosphere, but also because of the talent level in the game.

With the game kicking off Thursday night instead of the usual Friday, fans flock to the stands to see the game. Last year’s matchup featured a full house at Tallassee, and even featured a social media celebrity at the game in AJ Greene, who made videos of the game and reached more than 1.4 million views on one of former Tallassee linebacker Luke Burdette.

Reeltown and Tallassee each had two of the best football seasons in the tri-county area last year.

Tallassee finished 7-5 and was the only Elmore County team to reach the second round of the playoffs.

Reeltown’s only loss of the regular season came in this rivalry last year. The Rebels, which ended the season 10-2 and reached

See BATTLE, Page A11

Elmore County: WR Jabari Murphy had 55 catches for 793 yards, 10 TDs; added 1 rushing TD. … RB CJ Wilkes rushed 178 times for 1,303 yards, 13 TDs; added 125 receiving yards. … LB/S Jackson Mann recorded 116 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 fumble recoveries.

Marbury: RB Carsyn Cobb rushed 16 times for 158 yards and 1 TD in last year’s matchup. … QB James Fowler completed 9 of 14 passes for 88 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. … LB Cason Woodruff recorded 5 tackles in last year’s game to lead the Bulldogs.

FOUR DOWNS

Elmore County beat Marbury, 35-17, in last season’s opener. Elmore County currently holds a 7-4-1 overall record in the series.

Marbury’s Houston Powell is entering his first year as head coach of the Bulldogs.

THE PLAYERS Holtville: QB Keiland Baker completed 71 of 139 passes for 913 yards, 9 TDs, 7 INTs; added 630 rushing yards, 9 TDs. … WR Erik Atkins had 28 catches for 480 yards, 5 TDs. … LB Josh Jimenez recorded 64 tackles.

FOUR DOWNS

Holtville beat Fultondale, 58-8, in last season’s opener. Holtville finished with a 3-8 record last season; Fultondale finished 0-10. Keon Handley enters his first year leading Fultondale after coaching five seasons at Fairfield. Fultondale has a record of 2-27 since the beginning of 2020.

NEXT UP: Holtville at Alma Bryant; Fultondale

| THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown’s Jake Hornsby looks to pass against Tallassee

FILE THE TRIBUNE

BATTLE

Continued from A10

the third round of the Class 2A playoffs, were handled 37-13 in this rivalry last year before going on to win 10-straight games following the loss.

“It is a huge game right off the bat,” Johnson said. “It is a huge rivalry, big atmosphere.

FOOTBALL

Continued from A10

at George Washington Carver in Birmingham.

It is one of those things where you don’t get that type of atmosphere until you get deep in the playoffs. Tallassee is a 5A school, so that is a challenge in itself. It is a balance because a couple of years ago we beat them at their place. The last couple years they have got us. Last year, it was a tough game.”

Tallassee will look

WETUMPKA (0-0) AT BENJAMIN

RUSSELL (0-0)

THE PLAYERS

Wetumpka: QB Nate Rogers completed 102 of 208 passes for 1,378 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs; added 1,172 rushing yards and 13 TDs. … RB Mike Dillard rushed 104 times for 378 yards and 7 TDs. … DL Ethan Blake recorded 41 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks. Benjamin Russell: QB Gabriel Benton completed 152 of 253 passes for 2,761 yards, 31 TDs, 6 INTs; added

more importantly, she has two coaches on the court.

The team’s two seniors, Sandrea Coleman and Leeandra Hooks, have taken charge and are helping Merrett in any way they can.

“I had a meeting with them and told them that this is our situation,” Merrett said. “They have been instrumental. They are making me look good already.”

Coleman is a leader across every sport she partakes in and immediately showcased her ability during the coaching transition.

“She has taken it and run with it,” Merrett said.

“They both basically run junior high practices. Sandrea has on her phone what we want to do. She has really been fabulous.”

Merrett watched the team from afar last year, watching as Coleman and Hooks grew into their future leadership goals under the tutelage of players like Ashley Flurry and Cameron Tubbs.

“I supported them last

like a much different team when kickoff comes.

The Tigers lost almost all of its skill players, including fouryear starting quarterback Tyler Ellis and the entire Tallassee secondary.

When running backs Christian McCary, Joseph Hooks and Jaiden McKenzie line up to receive handoffs,

338 rushing yards, 2 TDs. … RB Malcolm Simmons rushed 120 times for 753 yards, 11 TDs; added 31 catches for 513 yards, 7 TDs. … LB Jy Hicks recorded 100 tackles.

FOUR DOWNS

Wetumpka beat Ben Russell, 28-7, in 2011 and has won 12 of the last 13 matchups. Wetumpka finished with a 7-4 record last season; Benjamin Russell finished 8-3. Benjamin Russell went undefeated at home with a 5-0 record last season. Both teams are 3-2 in season openers in the last five seasons.

NEXT UP: Wetumpka hosts Baker; Benjamin Russell hosts Central Clay County.

year in the crowd,” Merrett said. “They had some great athletes that they keyed around, but what I see this year is a team.”

The same JV girls Hooks and Coleman are helping to coach are just some of the players Merrett said can make an impact on her roster this year.

“Some of our JV girls have stepped up and surpassed what I ever thought they could do,” Merrett said. “They are really working together as a team. I feel like we will really show some solid success because of how we act as a team.”

Reeltown’s first action of the season will actually happen at Coosa, with Hilyer as an assistant for the Cougars.

The Rebels will partake in the Coosa Varsity Tournament, but there will be no hard feeling between the Rebels and Cougars.

In fact, it will be quite the opposite as Hilyer has been instrumental in helping Merrett find her footing with the program.

“She has given me advice and helped point me in the right direction,”

Reeltown will be trying to tackle three players they aren’t very familiar with. On the flip side, Tallassee’s offensive line is headlined by three returning starters and even more playing experience.

Reeltown, however, returns more skill players than linemen. Quarterback Jake Hornsby is back and ready to lead the Rebels back for

STANHOPE ELMORE (0-0) AT SHADES VALLEY (0-0)

THE PLAYERS

Stanhope Elmore: QB Jacob Bryant completed 157 of 261 passes for 1,766 yards, 14 TDs, 9 INTs. … RB KO Jackson rushed 53 times for 226 yards. … DE Donnie Arnold recorded 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hurries.

Shades Valley: LB Ethan Johnson recorded 151 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and scored 3 TDs. … QB Steven Brown totaled over 2,000 yards and 23 TDs. … WR Ji’Quez Daniels had 25 catches for 256 yards, 3 TDs.

FOUR DOWNS

Shades Valley beat Stanhope

Merrett said. “She has been a big help. I think the girls are excited about seeing her.”

Merrett knows she is inheriting a program that does not have a longstanding history. But she doesn’t have a history in volleyball either.

Together, Merrett and the Reeltown volleyball

another playoff run, and Arthur Woods, Tae Martin and Baylor Clayton join him.

Regardless of new faces or veteran playmakers, whoever steps on the field knows to be ready for a dog fight. The Battle of the Tallapoosa is almost deadlocked with Tallassee holding only a 10-9 edge in the overall head-to-head matchups.

Elmore, 20-13, in last season’s opener. Both teams finished fifth in their region last season and did not make the playoffs.

Stanhope Elmore Hunter Adams is entering his first year as head coach of the Mustangs. Shades Valley lost 3 of its last 4 games last season; Stanhope Elmore won its last 3.

NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore hosts Eufaula; Shades Valley hosts Fairfield.

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (0-1) AT AUTAUGA ACADEMY (1-0) THE PLAYERS

Edgewood Academy: QB Ethan Evans is 12-of-18 passing for 93 yards; added one INT on defense. … WR Gabe LeMaster has 5 catches for 34

program might make the perfect pair.

“I really don’t want to do this program a disservice,” Merrett said. “I really want to make sure the girls that are coming up are learning and growing. There is not a real precedent or program history. But I would love to start establishing that.”

Neither team played a jamboree due to playing in the spring and started fall camp a week later than other teams in the state. Now, both teams are just itching to hit someone other than their teammates. Come Thursday night, they’ll get their chance to do so.

“It is about time to go play somebody else,” Battles said.

yards; added 149 yards and one TD on special teams. … LB/RB Parker Shaw has 12 carries for 48 yards; added 4 tackles on defense.

FOUR DOWNS

Autauga Academy beat Edgewood Academy, 22-7, in last season’s opener. Last week, Edgewood lost to Fort Dale, 45-6; Autauga beat Abbeville Christian, 49-16.

Autauga Academy has won four straight against Edgewood since 2016.

Jeremy Burton, Autauga’s headmaster, is coaching the team this season.

NEXT UP: Edgewood Academy hosts Chambers Academy; Autauga Academy hosts Bessemer.

Eclectic local achieves statewide recognition

By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter

A game show isn’t the only place to win prizes and in Alex City, it could even occur by farming.

Benjamin Russell High School teacher Josh Williams tested his farming knowledge Saturday at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo in Mobile.

The high school FFA advisor joined alongside his wife, Bailey, in competing in the statewide Excellence in Agriculture contest.

According to Alabama Farmers Federation communications director Mary Johns Wilson, the contest encompasses more than farmers, instead highlighting contributions of people who work in an agriculture-related career.

“These are people who maybe work for extension or

BUDGET Continued from A1

help incentivize long-term employment in county positions.

“The budget sets in place a pay rate change put into motion through premium pay,” Beyer said. “It will help with retention and recruitment of employees, specifically in public safety and public works. We are a year ahead of schedule in getting that into place.”

The new budget creates two new deputy sheriff posi-

maybe they're an ag teacher, like Josh is, where we still consider them to be part of the agriculture industry, but they're not raising cattle every day or out raising row crops,” she said.

Williams possesses a multitude of agriculture experiences, many of which he gained in Tallapoosa County.

“We competed based off me being an ag teacher here at Benjamin Russell and some of the different ag projects and FFA contests that our students are involved in exposing them to the industry,” he said.

The contest is also geared toward developing young farmers into future problem-solvers for the industry.

“They have to also talk about the three biggest issues that they see facing the agriculture industry, and they have to take one of those and expound on it and offer some

tions for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, adds a new correctional officer at the Elmore County Jail, creates two APOST certified correctional officer pay slots in public safety and provides a $5 per hour supplement to aid in the cooperative effort with Elmore County Schools for nine school resource officers.

The budget also creates a new engineer position to assist with facilities, environmental services and public works. It creates an additional probate clerk position and creates three positions as part of a plan to reduce

solutions,” Wilson said.

For Williams, he and his wife pulled from experiences they personally encountered while working in the agriculture industry. They discussed an issue they saw on each the local, state and national level.

Among those challenges included a lack of broadband internet access for farmers, the financial barriers new people face joining the industry and how social media propagates farming misconceptions.

Williams said he proposed solutions to these issues based on his experiences as an agriculture teacher and as a young farmer himself after he recently bought a farm in Elmore County.

“A lot of these are issues that's been there for a while, and we've just looked for new and different ways that we could try to combat

purchasing, acquisition, training, inventory and human resource burdens from all departments.

“It puts public safety people back to public safety, and not administrative,” Beyer said. “Public works people are in the same boat. There were some efficiencies added to make it work.”

The approved budget continues to support the volunteer fire departments in Elmore County with an increased allocation to cover worker’s compensation and reporting software costs. It includes an anticipated 15% increase in property, liability

them,” he said.

Josh and Bailey Williams, of Eclectic, were named the first runner-up in the statewide contest. A banquet was hosted for the two alongside other contestants following the competition where they were brought on stage to receive special awards — a plaque as well as a campfire stove.

“So we got to be awarded (the campfire stove) and be recognized for competing and contributing to agriculture in Tallapoosa County,” Josh Williams said. “It was nice to be able to go up on stage there at the closing banquet and be recognized for those efforts.”

Williams said he competed not just for himself but for his students to benefit as well.

“It’s good for the (BRHS) students as well to see you stay involved after the high

and worker compensation insurance.

The budget continues the 25% allocation of sales tax collected from online sales with the Elmore County and Tallassee City boards of education. The funds are shared equally on a per student basis with Elmore County receiving approximately 90% and Tallassee about 10%.

The public will still see no charge for paying bills online as a way to encourage the habit.

The nearly $74 million includes close to $1.8 million for the Elmore County Rebuild Alabama Funded

school level and do the things that you're encouraging them to do and be able to come back and say, ‘Hey, this is why this was beneficial and what I learned from it,’” he said.

AFF Young Farmers Division director Hunter McBrayer said Williams' tenure as a teacher also stood out during the competition.

“This competition is for people that are involved, or that are advocates for agriculture,” he said. “Part of that criteria is obviously we want to know their story, what drew them to agriculture, but really the main part of this competition boils down to what are you doing for agriculture every day. Some folks like Josh are obviously an agro-science educator so he's working with FFA; he's working to get kids involved in the community.”

and Federal Aid Exchange Funded projects previously approved by the commission.

Commissioners said they were happy with the budget and all the areas it touched.

“We have increased our funding to volunteer fire departments,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. “That has increased six to eight fold over the last five years. We want to continue that.”

Commissioner Mack Daugherty, a retired law enforcement officer, said he is proud to see continuing support for law enforcement as the county grows.

“As the county grows,

just like our fire departments and other essential services, it needs to grow,” Daughtery said. “People who are moving into the county want to know how law enforcement is. What is the crime rate? We are blessed in this county.”

Daugherty said Beyer and his staff made this budget one of, if not, the easiest budgeting he has been a part of in his two terms on the commission.

“I have heard from the department heads how smoothly the budget process was,” Daughtery said. “It is due to your work and leadership.”

SUBMITTED | THE OBSERVER

From left, to right: Alabama Farmers Federation president Jimmy Parnell presents Josh and Bailey Williams with their award.