Tallassee Tribune Aug. 30 2023

Tallassee makes arrest in child rape case

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Tuskegee man is in the Tallapoosa County Jail facing child sex abuse charges.

Larry Gresham, 30, was arrested Thursday afternoon near his place of employ-

ment in Tallassee. According to court documents a protection from abuse motion was filed Aug. 18 by a woman and three children against Gresham claiming abuse by Gresham against a child. “A child confided in

mother on Aug. 17 that [Gresham] touched her private parts,” the motion states. “He made [the child] live in fear if she told anyone about the abuse.”

the Tri-County Child Advocacy Center and the Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office investigating allegations made by a child and obtained warrants.

Tallassee Police Department Lt. Jon Rawls said investigators worked with

his place of employment,” Rawls said. “He fled on foot upon seeing the patrol officer. After a short foot pursuit, Mr. Gresham was apprehended.”

Gresham was booked

“We tried to take Mr. Gresham into custody at

‘APPLYING THEORY’

Tallassee High students growing fish and more

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

ow are lessons taught in the classroom reinforced? For Tallassee High School agribusiness teacher Dr. Daniel Free, the reinforcement of recently acquired knowledge doesn’t come in the classroom but in growing fish and vegetables.

Currently students are participating in an Auburn University program at Tallassee growing tilapia and

tomatoes in an aquaculture system in the high school’s greenhouse. While Free knows the science behind the project, he has never grown fish in tanks and recycled the byproducts to

See APPLYING, Page A6

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE Tallassee High School sophomore Hannah Miller ties up cherry tomatoes growing in graveling atop a tank growing tilapia.

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With veterinary clinics in Tallassee and Loachapoka, Four Daughters Veterinary Services P.C. hopes to fill

the gap in between.

The new veterinary clinic will be open to patients starting Sept. 5 with routine wellness services for cats and dogs; surgical procedures including more advanced

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Drive through downtown Tallassee or Wetumpka and anyone can see his work. Most may not know his name but leaders and business owners do —

ones such as orthopedics; routine spay and neutering; and boarding services.

Owner and veterinarian Andrew Lovelady said the goal over the next year is to expand the clinic’s services to horses and cattle.

Previously, Lovelady earned a bachelor’s

Steven Lee. Lee, 61, died Tuesday at his Tallassee home but not before leaving his mark on the downtowns of Tallassee and Wetumpka. Lee’s murals

Steve Lee, left, poses with Jenny Stubbs for a selfie. Stubbs said Lee finished the final phase of The Alleyway mural and created countless backdrops in downtown Wetumpka and Tallassee recognized by many.

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUG. 28

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

AUG. 27

• A noise complaint was reported on Quail Run Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Little John Drive.

• An animal bite was reported on Weldon Drive.

• A gas leak was reported on Kent Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Main Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Mott Lane.

• A suspicious person was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

AUG. 26

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Apple Avenue.

• An arrest was made on Quail Run Drive.

• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.

• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• A tree fire was reported on Runt O’Daniel Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A burglary was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• A structure fire was reported on Washington Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Wall Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Jordan Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on First Avenue.

AUG. 25

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Fraudulent use of a credit card was report -

ed on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Industrial Parkway.

• An assault was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Oak Heights Road.

• Identity theft was reported on Bobwhite Court.

• Fraud was reported on Yesac Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Grimes Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Lee Lane.

• Animal control was requested on Grimes Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A Black female was arrested on Jordan Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Walnut Street.

• A burglary was reported on Walnut Street. AUG. 24

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Dule Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverside Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

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

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Hanil Drive.

• A white male was arrested during a suspicious activity call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Pinehurst Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Highway 229.

• A prowler was reported on Mott Lane. AUG. 23

• Trespassing was reported on Carr Circle.

• A welfare check

was conducted on East Roosevelt Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Peachwood Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• Theft was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• An animal bite was reported on White Oak Lane.

• Theft by deception was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue. AUG. 22

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Peachtree Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A fight in progress was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Claire Street.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Claire Street.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Carr Street.

• Harassment was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on First Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Claire Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on McKenzie Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue. AUG. 21

• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person

was reported on South Wesson Street.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• Burglary was reported on Mott Lane.

• Trespassing was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• Harassing communications was reported on Hickory Street.

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

• Harassing communications was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Abuse was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on South Wesson Street.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• Burglary was reported on Mott Lane.

• Trespassing was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• Harassing communications was reported on Hickory Street.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

AUG. 22

• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231. AUG. 20

• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231. AUG. 19

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

• Domestic violence was reported on Autumnwood Village. JULY 18

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. JULY 17

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 23. JULY 16

• Disorderly conduct was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

Trade Day returning to Tallassee

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A fun festival is returning to Tallasse in October — Trade Day. The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce has been hosting the event for decades in downtown Tallassee. But when a downtown improvement project replacing utilities, sidewalks and asphalt started, the chamber moved the festival across the river to Tallassee City Hall and called it a fall festival. This year the festival will be held at city hall but chamber executive director

Jerry Cunningham said the name Trade Day is returning.

“We are going to go back to that name,” Cunningham said.

“It will be at city hall. Downtown won’t be ready yet. Hopefully in the years to come it will be back in downtown.”

The Oct. 21 event will see vendors and activities many are familiar with but Cunningham said new things are in the works. Last year’s fall event saw vendors, activities for children, music and food trucks. Cunningham said he is still working on finalizing the details.

“We will keep it very similar to things we have done in the past,” Cunningham said.

“I was researching other ideas, things we can do with our limited resources. I have gone to other festivals to see if there are things we could do. It is all still in the planning stages.”

City hall is the same site as the chamber’s summer celebration in June. Cunningham said there were some who said it was inconvenient.

“Even with the heat and the bridge, it was the biggest crowd we have ever had,” Cunningham said.

said more

Rawl said the first-degree rape charges stem from incidents with a child under the age of 12.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Make a promise to be responsible for your dogs

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

September marks Responsible Dog Ownership Month. This important reminder from the American Kennel Club (AKC) comes at a perfect time as we look ahead to our own Bark in the Park event on 17 September with lots and lots of happy dogs & their families!

The AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise reminds us raising a happy and healthy pet is more than just playtime and pampering.

As a Responsible Dog Owner, I do solemnly swear:

• I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog’s welfare is totally dependent on me.

• I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog. Quality food will also help your pet stay healthier and live a longer life.

• I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs. And to recognize if you have a dog that is NOT happy meeting new people/dogs, or has issues with other types of animals, to not stress your dog or others by forcing that issue. Seek professional advice if

necessary.

• I will take pride in my dog’s appearance with regular bathing & grooming. This includes parasite control and ensuring your dog lives in a clean environment.

• I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called. No one likes a dog jumping on everyone – well mannered dogs are welcome in more places.

• I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current. As well as necessary preventive medicines for where I live - heartworm prevention, flea & tick

prevention, internal parasite protection.

• I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste. And not let my dog soil my neighbor’s property.

• I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.

• I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog’s age, breed and energy level is provided. And do my homework BEFORE getting a dog to make sure I can give a particular dog/breed what

Raises coming for staff at Elmore County Schools

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Non-certified staff at Elmore County Schools will soon see a significant increase in pay.

The lowest paid employees of the Elmore County Board of Education will now make at least $15 per hour after the board approved the measure last week.

“For the most part every non-certified person on the sheet got a minimum of a 4% raise,” superintendent Richard Dennis said. “Some were higher than that due to the fact that we (have the) $15 per hour rule.”

The increase also included a 2% increase in pay for certified personnel — a measure approved by the Alabama legislature.

“On this salary schedule we were trying to attack from the bottom and increase there,” Dennis said. “We expanded it to the same step format that the teacher salaries schedule has so they have a higher top end to achieve.”

Board member Wendell Saxton asked if organizations such as AEA had seen the proposed increases. Dennis said they had.

Board member Leisa Finley said she wanted to see a better breakdown for increases similar to the education require-

ments for certified personnel such as the difference between bachelors and masters degrees.

“It is no secret I have had a problem with the salary schedule for at least five years,” Finley said. “The school of hard knocks is a lot of times a lot better than somebody that got a four year degree. However if we are going to pay teachers in the classroom based on their education we should also look at the other areas.”

Finley said her biggest issue is non-certified personnel not getting recognized in areas such as technology.

“I don’t agree with how the salary schedule is laid out. I feel like this is off balance,” Finley said. “You have central office employees making more than some in technology with certain skill sets that are hard to find.”

The pay increases passed with Finley as the lone no vote from the seven-person board.

The board had been discussing an increase in pay for chief schools financial officerJason Mann. It is a position hired directly by the board.

Board member David Jones has led the board’s research. He found Pike Road was paying its CSFO $145,000 per year and Autauga County $135,000, both well

Pet of the Week - JJ

above the $118,000 Mann was paid.

said. “You are going to have to wait about 18 months for them.”

Mann’s contract expires in June 2023 but the board wanted to modify it to increase the pay to $138,500 and include a day of vacation for each month.

The board also approved the hire of eight new employees, the transfer of three, the retirement of one and the resignation of four employees.

Finley said she wanted the board to wait on the increase until financial audits come out.

“His research is correct,” Finley said. “I do have some sincere concerns about the audit. I would prefer we wait until then.”

Board member Brian Ward said he doesn’t know of any marks against Mann. Saxon said he was for an increase in pay but not $138,500.

The board approved modifying Mann’s current contract to pay him $138,500 but Finley voted no and Saxon abstained from the vote.

Dennis also informed the board prices for buses are continuing to increase.

“We have an order in to purchase buses,” Dennis said. “We had to get on the list. They probably aren’t going to be ready until 2025. The price is over $150,000 for one bus. They did have an air conditioned price but it is higher than that.”

Dennis said the same buses were $86,000 just four years ago.

“We are going to be in a real deficit,” Dennis

JJ is a male who is about 9 ½ months old and weighs about 45 pounds. He is a simply wonderful young dog who loves people; is playful and friendly; gets along great with other dogs; and is ready to get out of our kennels into a home with a family to call his own. JJ says he is ready to learn about life with his people, taking long walks, running for toys in the backyard and helping carefully watch the grill in action. But if you drop something, he might

taste test it immediately! And nothing would beat a soft bed inside with his family where he can chill on long lazy days.

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 vac-

cination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting JJ 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 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane. org.

it needs to be physically & mentally healthy.

• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID.) And that the information is legible & current!

• I will adhere to local leash laws. Dogs kept safely at home live longer and healthier lives.

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

Tallassee Talks

The real story of a man named Nathaniel

ho was Nathaniel?

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

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

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

Some scholars of scripture think the Nathaniel named in the Gospel of John is the same as the apostle Bartholomew. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the name (Bartholomaios) means “son of Talmai” (or Tholmai).

This means Bartholomew is a last name, rather than a first name so the apostle’s name would have been Nathaniel Bartholomew!

It’s interesting, also, to note Bartholomew is always paired with the apostle Philip — and in the Gospel of John, Philip is mentioned with Nathaniel.

Our experience with a modern-day Nathaniel a few years ago was a beautiful example of the kindness of a stranger.

We had been traveling as a family and stopped at exit 47 in Newnan, Georgia for lunch at the Golden Corral restaurant.

I love Golden Corral. There is something for everyone, and I usually wind up with four plates on each arm. In the old days, I could do even better than that, but I’m moving a little slower now.

As the Bird bunch entered the restaurant, I held the door for another gentleman who arrived at the same time.

He was a strongly built Black man and looked to be his 70s. He followed along behind our family in line.

When it came time for me to pay for our buffet, this man spoke up. “I’ve got it,” he said to the cashier. “Thank you, sir, but there’s no need of that — I’ll get it,” I said. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, sticking out his credit card to the cashier. “No, I’ve got it,” he repeated emphatically.

My wife, Sena, hugged the man. I did not know what to do, except to say “thank you” to him.

As we were somewhat dazed, a waitress led us to our seats. It actually took a few minutes for us to hit that wonderful buffet, for we were still in shock that a stranger would pay over $75.00 for another family to dine.

I saw this man sitting alone in another area of the restaurant and approached him. I introduced myself, told him we were from Alabama and asked for his name.

He identified himself as only Nathaniel. When I inquired about the reason for his kindness, he had this to say.

“I was the 13th of 15 children,” he said. “My mama and daddy could never take us out to eat. When I saw your family, I thought I’d help you out.”

As I talked to our new friend, I also learned he’d had a 32-year career in the military as a mechanic.

“I was blessed for someone of my limited intelligence to get to work on airplanes,” he said with a smile. He repeated, “I have truly been blessed.”

Our family enjoyed the famous yeast rolls with honey butter, the freshly prepared salads and soups, the high-quality cuts of meat, delicious seasoned vegetables – and of course, the chocolate fountain called ‘the Wonderfall’ next to the desserts.

Our server seemed to pay particular attention to our needs. She asked, “do you know that man?” I told her we had never met.

“He said to take good care of you today,” the waitress said. I turned around to look for Nathaniel, but he was gone.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

When Republicans took the stage in Milwaukee, they had a golden opportunity: a chance to have their voices heard without Donald Trump running roughshod over time limits and absorbing the majority of time speaking. And yet, so many of them sounded like they were fishing for soundbites and playing to the stereotype of the MAGA voter. They didn’t slay the golden goose. They killed their golden opportunity.

Strangest Ideological Shift: Asa Hutchison. One of the most moderate candidates on the stage, the former Arkansas Governor clearly pivoted to the right, where most of the other candidates are. This is not what you do when you barely qualify for the debate. But his answer about cooperation with Mexico on dealing with drug cartels was one of the best of the night.

Most Airing Of Grievances: Ronald DeSantis. I think the Florida Governor’s campaign told him to sound angry as means of looking less wooden than he has been in the past. But without showing a change of pace in expressing himself, DeSantis just seemed more upset about his sliding poll numbers and how that’s become a major news story in this primary season.

Most Like Kevin Spacey in

“House of Cards:” Ron DeSantis. I am sure the press will give points to DeSantis for his sharp angry retorts in every answer. And I feel though he was better than most in reading the crowd. I just think he’s already undermined himself by taking positions and signing laws that make him unelectable.

Biggest Play For Trump Support: Mike Pence. This was a surprise, how Trump supporters threatened Pence, repeating the Trump-Pence line on so many policies until January 6 was discussed. The “Trump-Pence” Administration phrase was repeatedly invoked. Vivek Ramaswamy gets the Honorable Mention here for aping Trump’s style, but that was expected.

Biggest Disappointment: Tim Scott. I really expected he would step forward to take up the mantle as the top contender to Trump, displacing Ron DeSantis. But his answers were long and meandering. He tried to excuse this as being

slow-spoken. He sounded unprepared. The Honorable Mention goes to Governor Doug Burgum whose final answer never seemed to end.

Best Line: Chris Christie knocking Vivek Ramaswamy for sounding like ChatGPT. Nobody sounded more like an artificially intelligent politician than Ramaswamy. And as some claim, there’s a growing realization that some A.I. generated write-ups can be inaccurate too.

Big Winner: Nikki Haley. The former South Carolina Governor managed to mix sticking to her guns on her core issues, along with pragmatism (on most issues) when it came to recognizing that the party needs to reach beyond the MAGA crowd to win some independents.

Overall Analysis: For each of these candidates, they needed to show how they had a plan not only to wrest the nomination from Donald Trump, but also to reach out to voters beyond the reddest part of the Republican base. Most candidates failed to do that.

Haley and Christie were the ones seeking the nomination who recognized the need to win the White House in 2024, by reaching out to others beyond the Fox News viewership. Yet they were

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

JOHN TURES Columnist

Police want more pay for recruiting and retention

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It’s budgeting time of year for municipalities.

City officials are trying to project revenues and determine what expenses will be before the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1. The City of Tallassee is already budgeting for a 5% increase pretty much across the board. Some increases like the costs of health insurance won’t be known until November.

But the Tallassee Police Department is asking for help. It is trying to retain officers as the department’s pay is almost at the bottom of the barrel in the area according to data collected by administrators in the department.

“I was surprised to see some of these smaller departments near us get paid more money per hour starting out,”

Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls told the council in a budgeting work session. “We are doing the same amount of work of an agency two to three times our size is doing for less money.”

Tallassee currently has positions for 23 certified officers with a starting pay of $17 per hour plus $200 per month in hazard pay. The department answered an average of 448 calls per month in the last year. The data presented to the council showed officers

ICON

Continued from A1

can be seen on the side of WACQ radio station in Tallassee, on the side of the old hotel on East Bridge Street in Wetumpka and more.

Former Main Street Wetumpka executive director Jenny Stubbs said many didn’t know who did the murals and window paintings in Wetumpka.

“He made his mark without people realizing it was him — he was all over downtown,” Stubbs said. “He did some permanent work and did tons of window work that would be used and taken off. Then he would do something else depending on the season or event going on downtown.”

Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Shellie Whitfield said Lee was at work improving the image of downtown Wetumpka long before HGTV was on the scene.

“He came down here and started painting windows for that first Dickens Christmas,” Whitfield said. “We had all those windows. Now everybody has used him. He has done more buildings than not.” Stubbs credits Lee

in Dadeville, a department with 14 certified positions, receiving a starting pay of $19.88 answering an average of 348 calls per month, with a $300 per month hazard pay, a take-home vehicle and a 50 cent per hour pay differential for officers working night shift.

The Tallassee Police Department’s data showed Elmore County deputy sheriffs’ starting pay is $24.50 with a take-home car.

According to the Tallassee Police Department data, Wetumpka Police Department officers are paid $19.20 per hour starting out plus $200 per month in hazard duty pay.

The Tallassee Police Department pay is equal to pay at the Union Springs Police Department and more than the $15.50 paid by the Macon County Sheriff’s Department to starting deputies.

Tallassee police Lt. Brian Clayton has been with the department for 13 years and said he has seen officers go to other local departments simply because of money.

“It has been a training grounds at the police department,” Clayton told the council. “I’m tired of seeing good police officers come and we train them up for another agency to take what we worked hard to keep.”

for completing the final phase of the mural in The Alleyway. But prior to that, it was Lee’s work on windows for the Downtown Dickens Christmas that solidified his role as the go-to artist for such things.

“When we started immersing downtown in these events, it was important that all of downtown was vibrant and lit up,” Stubbs said. “One way to do that and make it a cohesive experience was to try to paint as many windows as you could. As you can imagine was not an easy feat, but if anybody could do it, Steve would and he did. He was truly remarkable, not just for Dickens but with any event downtown.”

Stubbs said Lee’s technique was old school, similar to window painting from the 1960s.

“His methodology made it that more authentic,” Stubbs said.

“The way he painted on windows is the way they used to do it. He didn’t really use any digital technology. It gave authenticity to downtown itself as it continued to evolve.”

One look at Grumpy Dog in downtown Wetumpka and many customers start to wonder where the painting and menu board came

Tallassee Police chief

Todd Buce said in recent years the department has lost four officers to the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, two to Wetumpka and two to the Eclectic Police Department that pays $18.40 per hour.

Buce’s report to the council said the average 448 calls per month the department responds to is only behind the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexander City Police Department, each with significantly larger departments.

Buce and Rawls asked about differential pay for officers who work the night shift.

“They change their entire routine up,” Rawls said. “They are awake and working while everyone is asleep. We think it is an incentive to get some who wouldn’t ordinarily work night shift.”

Rawls said the department has a total of two officers on each of the two night shifts. Issues quickly arise when an officer is either sick or takes vacation.

“There is only one other officer who works that shift with him and only two other officers who work nights on the other end of the week,” Rawls said. “You have to ask a dayshift officer to work 18 straight hours or take time off from family to cover a

from. Owner Wil Lanum said Lee painted them after a chat about a vision.

“I said, ‘I like robots. Can you paint me one?’” Lanum said. “That is what he came up with. He was a cool dude. The jukebox was much the same way. I said one day, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to have a giant robot coming out of the wall to hang a menu from?’

But [Lee] said he had another idea. I trusted him. I knew it would always turn out to be great.”

Lee left similar marks on Copper House Deli and more. His work can also be found in front of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce with the logos of several organizations and businesses including The Tallassee Tribune.

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce executive director Jerry Cunningham said the chamber and two businesses were working together for Lee to create two more murals in downtown Tallassee including one on Urban Tails to face traffic on Highway 14 before his death.

Wetumpka artist Don Sawyer said Lee was “part of the fabric of Wetumpka.”

“He was the local artist here,” Sawyer said. “He was here all

shift. There is no incentive to do that.”

Tallassee councilmember Terrel Brown asked what the city could do to be competitive to retain officers.

“I kind of understand Wetumpka, but this is somewhat embarrassing for Eclectic, Coosada, Dadeville to be paying more,” Brown said.

The council has yet to finalize a budget for fiscal year 2024. It has yet to set aside funds for allocations to various agencies and organizations the city has supported over the year such as backpack programs, the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and Butterfly Bridge Child Advocacy Center.

“If we funded anything like this and we were not taking care of police and some of the other essential things there is an issue,” councilmember Bill Godwin said. “We need to give priority to the police department.”

In the work session last week, councilmembers agreed not paying close to what other departments are paying is an issue.

“I feel like when you start losing your good officers,” Brown said, “I feel like with this situation you are only able to hire not so good officers because they are the only ones who will come for that amount of money.”

the time. You saw him almost everyday painting windows and walls. He has had a tremendous impact on the entire area.”

Stubbs said Lee created the dinosaur and fireball on the side of the Frios building when she and her husband Troy owned the business and building.

“It is those unspoken warriors that do so much to change a community,” Stubbs said. “I love that he did something he was passionate about and proud of. He truly was one of a kind.”

Lee and Lanum were collaborating on their next project in Tallassee as Grumpy Dog is preparing to open a location there.

“He and I talked the night before he passed away,” Lanum said. “We talked at the shop and we had a plan. He was coming the next day to work on that.”

Now Lanum is unsure what he’ll do about artwork at the new location, but he will miss his friend more than his artwork.

“I’m devastated,” Lanum said.

Sawyer called Lee his “irreplaceable friend.”

“I’ll miss him — sure will,” Sawyer said. “He was a cornerstone of Wetumpka. We can’t replace Steve Lee.”

APPLYING

Continued from A1

grow vegetables.

“I’m learning as we go,” Free said. “But it doesn’t bother me. I’m a nerd and love learning and teaching. This is all the theory they learn in any classroom being applied. Whatever they teach in the class, I can show them here.”

Free said lessons from chemistry, physics, biology, math and even English are used in the various projects in agribusiness.

Free got a headstart on the fish project as Auburn University set up four tanks in the school’s greenhouse in June.

“I wanted to learn the kinks,” Free said. “There were nights I was here until 9:30 p.m. because my ammonia levels spiked, nitrate levels spiked. If not careful you can have a total fish kill.”

The fish survived Free’s trial run and students arrived in early August. Each of the four tanks were assigned to a group of students to maintain during the week and Free on the weekends.

Weekends and summers are a consideration when Free introduces a new project to students.

CLINIC

Continued from A1

“I try to keep my 5-year-old daughter in mind, because on weekends, I have to be up here with it,” Free said. “She needs to be able to enjoy doing it with me too.” It is the second year for sophomore Hannah Miller to be in one of Free’s agribusiness classes. She and other students have been learning about the aquaculture cycle for only three weeks but are quickly getting the hang of it.

“It’s all theory they have learned in classrooms here on campus,” Free said.

Daily they visit the greenhouse to test the water and check on the fish and vegetables growing above them.

“Ammonia is getting into alert but not bad,” Miller said. “Our pH is kind of low, it’s acidic. We have added 50 grams of lime. It will help the pH some but it could also affect the ammonia. It’s a balance and we have to be careful.”

The fish tanks are made from large totes used in an industrial environment. The tops are cut off and turned upside down. The larger part creates the tank to house about 40 tilapia. The top is turned over where cleaned gravel is placed. The water from

masters of biomedical sciences and doctorate of veterinary medicine all from Auburn University. He has been in the field for nearly 20 years, and owning his own practice has been his plan since first starting veterinary school.

“We finally felt like we were in a community that we know we want to live in for the rest of our lives,” he said. “After living

DEBATE

Continued from A4 frequently steamrolled by the crowd’s boos as well as the other candidates seeking to curry

the tank is filtered through the gravel with solids collected for fertilizing the garden outside. Bacteria will grow in the gravel converting the waste into something the vegetables can use to grow.

The entire project is monitored by Auburn University. Students file data daily about water conditions, plant conditions and the health of the fish. Representatives of Auburn visit every five weeks.

Last week students measured growth. Free said the fish were 100 grams when placed in the tanks in June. They have since doubled in size.

But it is not as easy as just throwing some feed in a tank and sitting back to watch.

“Feed can also make ammonia levels rise,” Miller said. “When we feed the fish, we have to make sure they eat it all or scoop it out.”

It is the reason for the twice daily feedings currently at 80 grams of food per tank per feeding.

“It is kind of like lunch and dinner,” Miller said.

The Tilapia can not live in a water temperature below 74 degrees.

The Tallassee project has four tanks, two shaded, two unshaded. The shad-

and being involved in this community for the past seven years, we felt the best way that we could further contribute to our community is through professional involvement.”

As the name applies, Lovelady along with his wife, Lisa, have four daughters. His family inspired the name, and his vision is to create a familyand community-oriented business. The clinic overall has been in the making for the past three years. Lovelady first began the journey in 2020

favor with the MAGA base. The party has fallen further out of the mainstream, with comments about climate change being a “hoax” and policies on immigration and abortion. Given the

ed tanks were running about 82 degrees and the unshaded about 85 degrees. Free said the unshaded tank also grows algae.

“It is eating some of the nutrients for the plants,” Free said. “Those plants aren’t doing as well as those on the shaded tanks.”

The algae also presents issues from time to time for the circulating pumps that bring water from the tank to the filters and gravel bed.

The project isn’t that expensive. It’s meant to help Free reinforce what is learned in the classroom and realize the knowledge can be applied

with finding the property and going through the loan process. However, due to COVID, banks suspended loans and the clinic was put on hold.

Then in the summer of 2022, banks started professional lending again. Construction for the clinic started by the end of 2022 and it was a seven-month process to get the building completed.

“We have spent the month of August putting everything together — equipment, inventory, software, going

perception most folks have of the closeness of Fox and GOP, the “UFO Question” further cements the right as the ideology of the conspiracy theory. MSNBC was positively giddy afterwards.

in the real world. Free said any of the students could take the project home and make it work.

“You can find these materials most anywhere,” Free said. “The most expensive part is the pump.”

Tallassee Schools and the students only have time invested in the project. Funding is through a National Science Foundation grant to Auburn University.

The project is also unique in a different way.

through the hiring process and finding all your employees,” he said. Before starting the practice, Lovelady worked over 10 years as an associate veterinarian in mixed and small animal clinics. He also has been an assistant professor at Auburn University College of Agriculture and Tuskegee University.

Lovelady said with all his past experiences he not only hopes to provide a highquality service, but have Four Daughters be a place of

Though we may disagree over who was the tactical winner of the Milwaukee debate, the strategic victor was Donald Trump, who is unlikely to see a strong challenger emerge, or even face any

“They are getting a national certification called [Aquaculture Training And Online Learning],” Free said. “We will be one of the only schools in the state offering that. They will be industry certified doing this by December.”

Free is excited about the opportunities for his students through the tilapia project to learn something new while reinforcing previous lessons. But Miller said all of Free’s agribusiness classes she has been in has her thinking not only about growing fish but applying the new found knowledge where no grade will be involved.

“I never thought I would be in ag,” Miller said. “I’m really loving this. I’m planning to start my own garden eventually.”

community and fellowship.

“My wife and I also want to use this business and this facility as a point of ministry,” he said. “Not just meeting someone’s needs with their pets or their livestock, obviously that’s first and foremost, but we are a very Christian and churchfocused family. We want to see this as an outreach opportunity to share our beliefs as well as our professional skill sets.”

Four Daughters Veterinary Services is located at 5660 Notasulga Road.

sort of unity from his opponents on issues like Ukraine, China, and holding the former president accountable. I thought his absence would give his rivals a boost. I was wrong.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. His views are his own. He can be reached at jtures@ lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2.

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.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee High School agribusiness teacher Dr. Daniel Free coaches students on tying up cherry tomatoes. The plants are growing in gravel fed by water and waste from the tilapia below. The tomatoes will keep growing into the ceiling of the greenhouse.

Walking with God is an adventure

ave you ever embarked on an adventure? An adventure is going on or doing something you have never done before. Up at 4 am, dressed, let’s roll, let the adventure begin!

A sixteen foot camper is being pulled behind a truck with a “loose screw” behind the steering wheel. You got it, never pulled a camper before and certainly have never tried to back one which meant everything we did had to be parked “going forward.”

Being careful, driving 55 mph, which I never knew a vehicle went that slow, it was decided the destination would take a week to reach at this speed. Lock that cruise control at 70 mph and chill out and relax, which was not a good idea — private details available.

Arrive at our 7-hour

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

destination in 15 hours, out in the middle of a 12-foot tall Indiana corn field surrounded by thousands of acres of corn and soybeans. All the cabinet doors were ajar, and food scattered throughout the camper floor, including paper towels, toilet paper, and linens and the dehumidifier was flipped over, and everything was wet —

I mean, soaked!

Campground water was drawn from a well and was rust brown. All my white and blue towels turned brown. The campground water pump caught fire and we awoke to no water.

Thankful for self-contained campers. There are enough stories to fill a short story book and include a second volume with our trip home. But we got to enjoy seeing family and seeing our 13-year-old grandson play in an AllStar Baseball Tournament.

May I brag and say he is an excellent ballplayer?

Moses came to mind as we walked through all the shenanigans of our journey.

Judges 9:17 says an adventure is “to risk, to dare,” referring always to an undertaking attended with some peril. Scripture also reminds us to “forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

The Christian life is all

Tallassee Churches

Each of our lives can be an adventure in the service of righteousness, facing the adversity and evils of the world. If God is going with us, then the adventures will be more good ones than bad ones, even if bad things happen along the way.

about adventure.

Each of our lives can be an adventure in the service of righteousness, facing the adversity and evils of the world. If God is going with us, then the adventures will be more good ones than bad ones, even if bad things happen along the way.

Those who walk with God are pleasing God. Adventure can be good, or it can be very bad. The lesson learned is whether God is with you and Christ is in you as you go

through life, which is the biggest adventure of all.

As we entered the Field of Champions, before my eyes I read the following sign, “Never allow the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” a quote from Babe Ruth. This is what life is all about: “Fear not,” He is with us!

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

Phone: 334-283-6568

Fax: 334-283-6569

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Daniels shines in North Alabama loss

Football fans across the county were able to see former Tallassee running back Jalyn Daniels play this weekend.

North Alabama took part in Week 0 festivities and faced Mercer this weekend. The Mercer Bears won the matchup, 17-7, but that didn’t stop Daniels from showing out. The redshirt freshman made

the most of his three carries. He finished the game as North Alabama’s leading rusher with three carries for 49 yards, an average of 16.3 yards per carry. He had a long rush of 30 yards to cap off his day. The next

closest Lion had 13 carries for 38 yards. Daniels was used sparingly on offense, but the speedster looks to be the team’s No. 1 special teams return player. On kick returns, he had two

‘HI, I’M REELTOWN’ Rebels channel Chucky to beat Tallassee

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

JJ Kendrick slowly swung a Chucky doll by its hair before taking the field.

He stood alone in front of Reeltown’s banner, swinging the cursed doll by its ragged red mop, staring out between the columns of cheerful fans assembled on the field.

Every once in a while he would notice someone taking a picture of him, and he would smile from beneath his facemask before returning to his dead-eyed stare.

He was staring at the Tallassee banner on the opposite side of Reeltown’s field, a banner holding back a team of athletes he simply does not like — at least not on the gridiron.

The Tigers too have their own Chucky doll, but this season, the Rebels got one of their own.

Tallassee has the doll side of Chucky before his descent into madness and murder. Tallassee’s doll is clean faced,

without staples or blood.

Kendrick’s doll however is of the Chucky face that terrorized suburban America for decades.

Its skin is held together by metal clippings, his clothes tattered and his eyes glossy.

Kendrick said after Tallassee dominated the Rebels last year, he and his fellow seniors took on the persona of Chucky. For a full year, the senior class of Reeltown has been eager to get on the field and play Tallassee one last time after being bludgeoned in 2022.

And on Thursday, it was clearly personal.

“They have their own, but I wanted ours to represent what they did to us last year,” Kendrick said. “They beat us up, they beat us up. We came back this year, patched up and stitched up, and we got that ‘W.’”

From the starting kickoff in the 20th Battle of the Tallapoosa, it was Kendrick and his gang of Chucky enthusiasts who were in clear control.

The Rebels forced a Tallasee pick on the Tigers’ first drive, and senior Arthur Woods punched in his first of five touchdowns following.

To Kendrick, making a statement in this game was more than just a year in the making.

Tallassee beat Reeltown the past two seasons, and Thursday was the senior class’s final chance at revenge, something Chucky notoriously loves.

“It feels really good,” Kendrick said, holding the doll by the hair postgame. “It has been two years.”

Kendrick is one of nine seniors on Reeltown’s team who have seen only one other win over the Tigers in their high school careers.

In 2020, Reeltown eked out a 27-21 overtime win. The past two years, Tallasee has won both games by a combined 71-26.

Senior Demetrius Brown said his team had no other option but to win on Thursday.

See REBELS, Page B2

Reeltown's JJ Kendrick holds a Chucky doll before he takes the field against Tallassee. Kendrick said his team embodied Chucky this offseason to propel them past

attempts for 29 yards and a long of 19 yards. Daniels and the Lions (0-1) now turn their sights towards Chattanooga on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. The game will be livestreamed on ESPN+.

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON (0-1) AT TALLASSEE (0-1)

THE PLAYERS

Tallassee: RB Christian McCary scored 2 rushing TDs last week against Reeltown. … QB Mason Battles threw 1 INT in his first start at QB. … OL JaTwon Griffin helped pave the way for two rushing TDs last week.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Tallassee lost to Reeltown, 41-14; BTW lost to Trinity, 33-22.

Tallassee beat BTW, 21-12, last season after scoring 21-straight second half points. BTW reached the playoffs last season for the first time in school history.

Since 2021, BTW has added nearly 40 total players to its football roster.

NEXT UP: Tallassee at Central Clay County; BTW at Montgomery Catholic.

EUFAULA (0-1) AT STANHOPE ELMORE (1-0)

THE PLAYERS

Stanhope Elmore: QB Jacob Bryant has completed 6 of 10 passes for 98 yards, 1 TD; has 5 carries for 50 yards, 1 TD. … RB Dee Barnes has 6 carries for 85 yards, 2 TDs. … DE Donnie

Arnold has recorded 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks.

Eufaula: QB Browning Anderson has completed 7 of 18 passes for 140 yards, 1 rushing TD. … WR Antron Mitchell has 6 catches for 131 yards. … ATH Zachai Steele has scored a touchdown on an 87-yard kickoff return.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Stanhope Elmore beat Shades Valley, 42-13; Eufaula lost to Enterprise, 63-14. Eufaula beat Stanhope Elmore, 22-14, last season; The two teams are tied, 8-8, all-time.

Stanhope Elmore scored two defensive touchdowns last week.

Eufaula’s defense gave up a touchdown on each of its first five possessions last week.

NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore at Russell County; Eufaula hosts Headland.

AUTAUGAVILLE (1-0) AT ELMORE COUNTY (1-0)

THE PLAYERS

Elmore County: QB

Ryals McNeely has completed 11 of 15 passes for 121 yards, 2 TDs; has 6 carries for 53 yards, 1 TD. … WR Jabari Murphy has 7 catches for 105 yards, 2 TDs; has 55 rushing yards, 1 TD. … LB/S Jackson Mann has recorded 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Panthers are rolling on the volleyball court. Elmore County, after less than one full week of play, is still undefeated and has a tournament trophy to its name. The Panthers are 6-0 this year with wins over Benjamin Russell, Horseshoe Bend, Woodland, Fayetteville and more.

Now the Panthers turn their sights to beginning area play against Tallassee on Thursday, then playing in another tournament at Montgomery Academy this weekend to be really tested.

“This group right here has been competitive from the time they have been freshman or sophomores,” coach Kim Moncrief said. “We knew they were going to compete. Horseshoe Bend is probably one of our stronger competitors. So we are ready for a really tough tournament this weekend. That will be where we can see us against a lot of bigger schools and see how we match up.” This weekend, the Panthers traveled to Central Coosa for the Coosa Tournament for the second consecutive year. Much like last year, the Panthers won it all.

County’s Abbi Williams, left, and Morgan Spear go up for a ball against Central Coosa.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee runs onto the field prior to its game with Reeltown.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Elmore County beat Marbury, 56-28; Autaugaville beat R.C. Hatch, 48-44. Elmore County beat Autaugaville, 41-0, last year.

Elmore County holds an 11-3-1 overall record against Autaugaville and has not lost since 1978.

The Panthers’ defense forced four turnovers and scored one touchdown last week.

NEXT UP: Elmore County at Sylacauga; Autaugaville hosts Notasulga.

HOLTVILLE (1-0) AT ALMA BRYANT (0-0)

THE PLAYERS

Holtville: QB Keiland Baker has completed 14 of 20 passes for 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. … RB Josh Jimenez has 15 carries for 78 yards, 2 TDs. … WR Erik Adkins has 3 catches for 63 yards, 1 TD.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Holtville beat Fultondale, 28-24; Alma Bryant did not play.

Alma Bryant beat Holtville, 35-29, at Holtville last season.

Holtville scored 28-straight points to come back and win last week.

Alma Bryant finished 3-7 last year and has lost five straight games enter-

ing 2023.

NEXT UP: Holtville hosts Shelby County; Alma Bryant at Daphne.

CHAMBERS ACADEMY (1-1) AT EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (0-2)

THE PLAYERS

Edgewood Academy:

RB/LB Parker Shaw has 26 carries for 112 yards; has recorded 16 tackles. … QB Ethan Evans scored his first rushing touchdown of his career last week. … WR Gabe LeMaster has recorded 280 total yards and 1 TD.

Chambers Academy: RB Luke Tarver has 31 carries for 240 yards, 2 TDs. … WR Kareem Henry had 8 catches for 190 yards, 1 TD last week. RB Jacob Norgart had 8 carries for 70 yards, 2 TDs last week.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Edgewood lost to Autauga, 33-7; Chambers beat Heritage (Ga.), 48-6.

Chambers beat Edgewood, 49-14, last year and is 15-6 all-time against the Wildcats.

Chambers Academy has played four quarterbacks in two games this season.

Edgewood Academy has scored only one offensive touchdown in two games.

NEXT UP: Edgewood at Abbeville Christian; Chambers at Crenshaw Christian.

Thursday, August 31

High School Volleyball

4 Tallassee at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Sidney Lanier, 4:30 p.m.

4 Lowndes Academy at Edgewood Academy, 5 p.m.

4 Carver at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 1

High School Football

4 Baker at Wetumpka, 7 p.m.

4 Eufaula at Stanhope Elmore, 7 p.m.

4 Chambers Academy at Edgewood Academy, 7 p.m.

4 Autaugaville at Elmore County, 7 p.m.

4 Holtville at Alma Bryant, 7 p.m.

4 Booker T. Washington at Tallassee, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2

High School Volleyball

4 Elmore County at MAC Attack Tournament (Montgomery Academy), TBA

Monday, August 28

High School Volleyball

4 Horseshoe Bend at Elmore County, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 5

High School Volleyball

4 Holtville at Tallassee, 4:30 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m.

4 Autauga Academy at Edgewood Academy, 5 p.m.

The Rebels were not going to allow Tallassee to win three in a row.

“We have lost two times, we had to come out here and do our thing one last time,” Brown said.

The man of the game was Woods, who etched his name into the permanent Battle of the Tallapoosa lore. His five-touchdown game came on just seven carries. But he knew it was coming.

“That one felt really great,” Woods said. “I believed I could do this so I tried hard for it. And I did it. The blockers, the fullbacks, everything was working. I am just so happy we got a win.”

Senior quarterback Jake Hornsby was the vocal leader before, during and after the monumental win.

He came flying out of the team’s banner and joined the handshake line late after the game as he spent some time making sure his fanbase knew how

Game of the Week

Wetumpka looks to rebound against Baker

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Indians are looking to bounce back after a tough opening week loss.

Wetumpka went on the road last week and dropped its first football game of the season, 40-19, to Benjamin Russell. The Indians (0-1) now turn their heads toward another talented team in Class 7A Baker.

The Hornets (1-0) are making the trip up from Mobile to the Wetumpka Sports Complex on Friday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

“That game served as valuable experience for a lot of young guys on our team who were starting for the first time against a postseason football team,” head coach Bear Woods said of the Ben Russell loss. “It was a good gauge of where we need to be. That is the type of game we need early on and we have another opportunity this week for guys to gain experience against a really good team.”

Wetumpka’s defense was tested by the likes of Ben Russell quarterback Gabe Benton and receiver Malcolm Simmons, who is committed to Auburn.

This week against Baker, Wetumpka could be tested even more. Baker quarterback Josh Flowers is a four-star recruit who is committed to play in the SEC at Mississippi State. His number one receiver, Bryce Cain, is a three-star who is committed to

much it meant to him.

Hornsby and the offense struggled mightily to get anything going last year. They clearly had no problem Thursday night.

“This is what we have been working for,” Hornsby said. “They obviously have gotten us the last two years, so this feels really good to bring this one home for my brothers.”

The Chucky doll made its rounds through the student section during the game. At halftime, it visited concession stands and posed for pictures.

While many of those not in uniform smiled with the demonic doll, its enraged tendencies stayed flowing through the Rebels.

It will now be a year of celebration for Reeltown. They will not forget Thursday, Aug. 24.

“It is huge for us,” Hornsby said. “We had that constant feeling of disappointment. This time, we beat them pretty good and the look on everybody’s faces was priceless. We worked so hard and it paid off.”

Elmore County swept through pool play by beating Fayetteville and B.B. Comer then went 2-0 again in bracket play to claim the championship match. “We won it last year so we went in with the expectation that we could repeat that,” Moncrief said. “We knew there would be some talented teams-- Woodland and Fayetteveille are pretty strong-- but we are warming up to get ready to go and do bigger things. We took it as warming up and then challenging ourselves more as we go.”

Following the tournament win, Elmore County played its toughest match of the season on Monday night. The Panthers hosted Horseshoe Bend, which features AHSAA All-Star Reagan Taylor on the squad.

play at Auburn.

Kevin Beckham, the Hornets’ No. 2 receiver, is also a three star yet uncommitted currently.

All three are ranked in the Top 80 players in the state of Alabama, and they all showed why last week. Flowers, a dual-threat quarterback like Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers, had 254 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding 66 rushing yards and two more touchdowns.

Cain recorded 133 receiving yards and caught all three of Flowers’ touchdowns, while Beckham had eight catches for 112 yards.

“It’s almost like copy and paste from last Friday to this Friday in many ways,” Woods said. “They have a high level quarterback and receiving corps, and their running back is really good too. We’re thankful that we had Ben Russell Week 1 because it helped us prepare for this game.”

Baker’s offense is not only talented, but coming into Wetumpka with revenge on the team’s mind. Last season, Baker led this game 21-0 at halftime before Wetumpka came back and won the game as time expired on a 49-yard field goal.

In that game, Flowers rushed for two touchdowns and had the chance to put the game away in the third quarter but fumbled the ball on the 1-yard line.

A Wetumpka defender picked up the ball and ran it back 99 yards for a touchdown, and the momentum was all Indians after

After some early back-and-forth, Elmore County went on to sweep Horseshoe Bend to remain undefeated. The first set was the closest as the two teams were never separated by more than three points the entire time. After being tied, 21-21, Elmore County pulled away just enough to claim a 27-25 win and went up, 1-0. That momentum carried over to the second set, and Elmore County was able to go up by eight points midway through and turned that into a 25-14 win and a 2-0 lead.

Horseshoe Bend tried its hardest to extend the match past Set 3, but the Panthers were too much as they won Set 3, 25-21, for the sweep.

“We were able to run our offense pretty well,” Moncrief said. “And that is good. We work hard to do that. Horseshoe Bend is a really good 2A team.”

that play.

After Jamarion Thrasher tied the game up, Nate Rogers used his legs to get the Indians into field goal range and helped the Indians get the win.

A lot of key players from both teams return this year, and Woods knows as a former player that the loss still burns for those Baker players driving up this season.

“That’s on the forefront of their trip,” Woods said. “They’re coming all the way up from Mobile to play a team that they lost to in the fashion they did last year. That was a really, really good football team. A large part of their team is the same guys from last year, so I think those Baker kids are really looking forward to this one.”

A positive for Wetumpka is that the Indians get this game at home. Twelve games into Woods’ coaching career, the Indians have only played five games at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.

In those games, Wetumpka is 4-1 and in all four wins, Wetumpka won by at least three touchdowns.

“It’s going to be really nice,” Woods said of the home opener. “We had such a great time in our jamboree with the kids in front of their families. We have such great community support and I’m excited to get this senior class to get out in front of the community and represent our program this year.”

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns against Benjamin Russell last week.

Elmore County libero Elizabeth Lyons hammers home a serve against Central Coosa.touchdowns against Benjamin Russell last week.

Arnold causes mayhem in backfield for Stanhope Elmore

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Shades Valley offensive line is going to be thinking about Donnie Arnold for a long time.

The Stanhope Elmore senior defensive end feasted on Shades Valley this weekend and helped lead the Mustangs to a big win in first-year head coach Hunter Adams’ debut.

Arnold started his year by recording a team-high 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

His effort helped Stanhope hold Shades Valley to only 13 points while the Mustangs scored two defensive touchdowns, and Arnold is this week’s Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Donnie has an elite burst off the ball and it’s tough on offensive tackles to match,” Adams said.

“He also pursued with great effort all over the field and made tackles across the field from his alignment multiple times.”

To anyone who has seen Arnold play the last few seasons, it is no surprise that he has started his senior year this fast. Last season alone, he

recorded 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a county-high 7.5 sacks.

He hurried the quarterback nine times and even forced two fumbles.

“He’s an explosive guy,” Adams said. “He’s a 4.6 speed guy in the 40-yard dash and he

offseason, is expecting big things out of the defensive end this year.

earning another win that they didn’t get last year.

Eufaula beat Stanhope Elmore, 22-14, last season, but has started the season 0-1 this year after losing 63-14 to Enterprise in Week 1.

“Going forward, I expect the same kind of games from him week in and week out,” Adams said. “I think he can be among the state’s leaders in sacks.”

weighs 230 pounds. He carries that to the field.

He’s an experienced player and has good awareness to match offensive line movement.”

Adams, who has been Arnold’s defensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach this

According to Maxpreps, his 3.5 sacks is the most among any player in the state of Alabama with the next closest player recording two sacks.

With Arnold leading the charge, the Mustangs are already off to a hot start as they avenged one of their six losses from a year ago. Now at 1-0, the Mustangs are hosting Eufaula this weekend in hopes of improving to 2-0 and

Arnold isn’t the only playmaker for the Mustangs on defense. Fellow defensive end Thomas Williams, who stars on the other side of the line, recorded nine tackles, 1.5 sacks and a 30-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery last week to help dominate Shades Valley. KC Cunningham also came down from the secondary and scored a defensive touchdown after he returned another fumble 40 yards for a score.

Donnie Arnold has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week after recording 3.5 sacks against Shades Valley on Friday.

Elmore County Tech Center now on one campus

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The nearly 1,100 students of the Elmore County Technical Center are no longer on multiple campuses.

After cutting the ribbon on renovated facilities, the Elmore County Board of Education welcomed the community in to see the newly consolidated facility with expanded programs.

The renovation followed last year’s ribbon

cutting to brand new facilities on the campus.

“Once we got into that building, we were able to do renovations on the existing building,” Elmore County Board of Education career tech director

Emilie Johnon said. “It now houses our main office, drafting and design program, teaching and training, hospitality and tourism and IT. Because of the space, we got to add three new programs this year.”

Those programs

include culinary, cybersecurity and diesel technology.

Seven years ago, only 350 students were enrolled in tech programs at Elmore County schools. Today nearly 1,100 students are enrolled. The growth has provided growing pains as facilities and staff were expanded.

“It has been four long years of being spread over two campuses,” Johnson said. “We had buses dropping off at two different locations. It has been a lot

Tallassee students to

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It’s a partnership to better students despite district lines.

Elmore County and Tallassee City Schools have partnered to allow Tallassee students access to the Elmore County Technical Center — a campus of Elmore County Schools. Tallassee students now have access to 16 technical programs they might not otherwise have gotten a chance to be a part of.

“They are a small system and can’t offer a lot,” Elmore County Schools

superintendent Richard Dennis said. “We have a one year memorandum of understanding to allow us to work out any kinks. We are not charging them for anything. They can come but they provide their own transportation.”

County schools are funding the facility and staff. Students from both systems will fund their own supply costs. Elmore County Technical Center principal and career tech director Emilie Johnson said Elmore County students have priority when it comes to program selection.

“If we have an open

to manage. It is so nice to stand here and the buses come out dropping off students.”

Four shifts of students come daily to campus now.

The renovations created a large culinary center with two working kitchens, two classrooms and a serving/dining lab. Students from campus will plumb a small ice maker that has not yet been installed. Cybersecurity was added as a program. Information technology

now has a sizable lab. Its former space is now Johnson’s office.

A new bus shop is in the works across the street. It will include a bay for the center’s new diesel technology program. Aviation has its own hangar and lab space. It was started through a partnership with Auburn University a few years ago.

Dennis said the tech center is growing because the local businesses and industry have been com-

ing asking for help in developing a workforce.

“I have had them coming to me on a yearly basis and more wanting to know what we could do in education to create a pipeline for their programs after students graduate,” Dennis said. “It is not only for just the workforce but for getting students into college programs too. This has opened the door to opportunities for students at all of our campuses to participate.”

take advantage of county tech center

slot in a program, a Tallassee student is welcome to it,” Johnson said. “We gave our people first priority.”

Tallassee High School

principal Drew Glass was an administrator in Elmore County Schools before going to Tallassee. He loves the fact his students have an option his school can’t afford to provide.

“They have programs we can’t offer like aviation and diesel mechanics,” Glass said. “We are very appreciative of the offer.”

Elmore County Schools are not footing

the bill for transportation but Glass said Tallassee City Schools is stepping up to transport the eight Tallassee students taking advantage of Elmore County programs.

“We decided we were not going to let transportation be an issue,” Glass said. “We are of the opinion to get them there.”

The partnership was in place years ago. The systems had measures in place for each to share costs. But that was when Elmore County only had about 300 students attending the tech center. Nearly 1,100 county students attend the center now.

“The conversations just got going,” Johnson said. “Both of us opened it back up for them to come back over again this year.”

Dennis said with just a few students coming from Tallassee it provides a chance to work out any kinks in the system.

“We are expecting up to 30 at some point,” Dennis said. “I think once they have more opportunities and find out about it, students will take advantage of it.”

If Tallassee’s numbers grow Dennis said the two systems will have to do

something different than the current one year operating agreement.

“If we do longer term and with numbers, we may have to figure out how to share some costs,” Dennis said.

Johnson said the partnership benefits everyone and Elmore County as a whole.

“We did it more to open pathways for business and industry across the county and beyond,” Johnson said. “We are just trying to help as many students as we can because they then turn into tomorrow’s workforce.”

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The City of Tallassee no longer owns 10 of 11 surplused vehicles. The vehicles in various conditions but mostly beyond economical repair by the city sat on a city lot for a few years. At Tuesday’s Tallassee City Council meeting, bids were opened for all 11 vehicles fetching $6,115.54 to be placed in the city’s general fund until the council decides where the funds should be appropriated.

A 1995 Ford F350 was purchased for $1,000; a F600 dump truck for $1,577.77; two 2011 Ford Crown Victorias for $125 each; a 2007 Dodge Charger for $250, a 2002 Dodge Ram for $500; a 1999 Chevy Silverado for $900; a 2003 Chevy Impala for $137.77; a Jeep Cherokee for $300; and a Dodge Durango for $1,200.

Two bids for $1,000 were placed for a 1989 Street Sweeper but with the tie, the vehicle must be bid again. No deadline was set for new bidding.

Hill

Mayor Sarah Hill informed the council the city’s nearly $6 million grant application for replacement of cast iron gas lines in the Tallapoosa County portion of the city had been completed.

“We hope to hear back by February,” Hill said.

In the last year the city received a $9.7 million grant to replace cast iron gas lines in the Elmore County portion of Tallassee. Family Guidance Center director Yoland Adams spoke to the council about finding a facility for Head Start. Adams explained the organization had a building but in the freeze over the winter many of the water pipes froze and burst.

“We are in the process of purchasing property,” Adams said.

The organization also plans to build a facility on the property near Walmart on Gilmer

Avenue but needs a temporary home for 17 students ages 3 to 5 who were displaced. There are also eight students between the ages of 6 months and 3 years in a different building but not affected by the waterline issue.

Hill and the council said they would be on the lookout for property in an attempt to help the organization.

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the Aug. 8 meeting.

• Approved the purchase of a slope mower via bid at a cost of $109,000.

• Approved using 2018 building codes for the city and all renovation and construction projects.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County Board of Education career tech director Emilie Johnson, left, speaks as they cut the ribbon on a renovated center Thursday.The ceremony officially reopened the original buildings of the tech center after a year of renovations.

FOR YOUR HALFTIME ENTERTAINMENT

Elmore County Community Calendar

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

WOMEN’S SUMMIT: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will host GRIT, a women’s summit with a lineup of inspirational speakers from all over the country. Tickets are $100 for the six-hour summit, which includes coffee and networking, a women’s business expo, a gourmet lunch, a theater performance and a grand finale including amazing music. It will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets are available on the chamber’s webpage.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

BARK IN THE PARK : The Humane Society of Elmore County will be hosting its 17th annual Bark in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fort Toulouse. Sept. 24 is a rain date. Featured will be vendors, activities, a microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations and more. Vendor spots are available.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

OKTOBERFEST:

Oktoberfest Wetumpka is hosted by the Oktoberfest Planning Committee in downtown starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. Featured will be a day of music, performances, vendors and food. For more information, email wetuoktoberfest@ gmail.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

PADDLES FOR PAWS:

The Elmore County Humane Society will be hosting its first ever Paddles for Paws, a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs in Millbrook. The tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7. There is a $35

registration fee, plus a $5 service fee, and that includes one event, a tournament T-shirt, snacks and drinks. The planned format is a round robin tournament.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

COTTON FESTIVAL: The Town of Eclectic will host the 30th annual Alabama Cotton Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. This is a family event held every year on the second Saturday in October featuring more than 250 vendors. Events and contests include the Dog Show, the Classic Car Show, the first annual cornhole tournament, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, the Bama Flying Dogs and so much more. For more information, contact 256794-0379 or 334-541-3581.

THURSDAY, OCT. 26

CANDY CRAWL: Main Street Wetumpka will host its Coosa Candy Crawl from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in downtown Wetumpka. Dress in your favorite costume and trick-ortreat through local downtown businesses and table sponsors. Table registration is coming soon and will cost $20 per business or organization.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9SATURDAY, NOV. 11

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: Home for the Holidays is an arts and crafts show with more than 30 local artisans, crafts and creators of all things homemade, handcrafted, homegrown and more. Admission is $5 for anyone over 12. Tickets are sold at the door and valid all three days of the show. For more information, call 334-2249109.

SATURDAY, FEB. 10, 2024

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL: Wetumpka’s 11th annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade presented by The Order of Cimarron is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2024. Vendors open at 9 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. This is a rain or shine event. Visit www.wetumpkamardigras.com for more information.

ONGOING

SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol. com.

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

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS : Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

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

OPEN MIC: The Equality

Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission. RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

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

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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

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

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334567-0476 for more information. AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER

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

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

PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

For the first time this year the marching bands from Reeltown and Tallassee high schools presented their halftime shows to the public. Both bands featured talented musicians who have been practicing much of the summer getting ready. Auxiliaries from both schools featured twirling batons of fire. Now the bands will perfect their shows as they prepare for competition.

Lake River & Classi eds

Real Estate

Homes For Sale

Apartments

Transportation

Collector Cars

1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 8 cyl rwd, garage kept, 27k miles. $12,200.00 Info: ch659967@gmail.com or 205-284-2639.

Trucks, SUVs & Vans

Ford F-250, 2002, Super Duty 7.3L Diesel, 4WD, 121751 Miles, Extremely clean inside and out., $5,530.00 205-302-7139

Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534

Services

Auction Services

Improvement

Braswell Concrete & Home Improvement •Painting•Concrete Footing •Driveways/Foundations •Fences•Block Laying •Stone work•Tile No job too large or small! Prices-negotiable! 24hrs/day 7days/wk! 10% military discount! (334)354-2547

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN

THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

ATTENTION:

Cotton Corner

Cotton Queen pageant opens up to state, seniors

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Where there’s the cotton festival, there’s also the cotton queen.

This year marks 30 years for the cotton festival as well as the cotton queen pageant.

The cotton queen pageant has age groups running from 0-2, 2-4 and it progresses up to 17-year-old high schoolers.

This year’s theme is Diamonds and Pearls. All of the age groups have one dress for the pageant, traditionally an evening style gown and a more “Sunday best” style for the younger girls. The oldest girls in the Miss category also have an interview portion.

The first pageant starts with the youngest group at 8 a.m. and runs on the hour. After each age group there is the crowning and at the end, they try to gather all the girls together for a group photo.

The preparation process for the pageant begins in January and it generally has about 50 entries. This year, the pageant has opened back up to the whole state and not just Elmore County, so they are expecting even more contestants than usual.

Additionally, the cotton fes-

tival committee decided to add a 65 and older category. In the past, the festival had Mr. and Mrs. Cottontop, which was a community wide poll. Now it’s being brought back with a twist as a pageant category.

“We have many beautiful and dignified older women in our town and all our state,” said pageant director Carla Golden. “We thought it would be fun for them to show the younger girls that beauty knows no age.”

After winning, the cotton queens attend the festival, and the mayor announces the winners to the community.

The cotton queens then walk around, get to know some of the shop owners, take pictures with people and also take a photo with the winner of the car show.

“My hopes for this year’s pageant would be for every girl, teen, woman to feel beautiful and special,” Golden said. “I always hope for a smooth day and no hiccups, but mostly for those who enter the pageant to have as much fun as we do conducting the pageant.”

The pageant will be held on Oct. 7 at the First Baptist Church of Eclectic at 203 Claud Road.

The Alabama Cotton Queen Pageant

Elmore County.