Tallassee Tribune Feb. 22 2023

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Stone’s Throw Landfill near Tallassee is being sued by nearby residents for alleged conditions created by the

Beasley Allen Law Firm in Montgomery filed a lawsuit on behalf Herbert Mason and

nearby generational property owners alleging cancer-causing pollutants primarily PFAS were released into central Alabama water supplies. “The families living near this landfill shouldn’t suffer at the hands of large waste management corporations,” Beasley Allen attorney Gavin King said. “They did not ask for this landfill to be in their backyard, and they should not suffer the consequences of its mismanagement. There are others in the community affected by the defendants’ reckless conduct. Hopefully, this case will encourage them to come forward and hold these defendants accountable for endangering human and

environmental health.”

King said Stone’s Throw Landfill pollutants have exposed residents and landowners of the Ashurst Bar-Smith, just east of Tallassee and in Tallapoosa County to hazardous chemicals and compounds.

“The landfill releases pollutants into Gleeden Branch and

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A potential disaster was averted Thursday morning after Redland Middle School staff seized a handgun brought to school. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said a seventh grader brought the handgun to school.

“It is my understanding the principal received some information and I believe he did the proper thing,” Elmore County Sheriff

See STUDENT, Page A6

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Most officers with the Tallassee Police Department will soon be SWAT certified thanks to a $150,000 grant.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. The training, equipment and vehicle afforded by the grant will allow the Tallassee Police Department to more effectively respond to situations where it might have had to wait for help in the past.

“Our response times should be cut way down,” Tallassee Police Chief Todd Buce said. “Having the vehicle, it will mainly be staged with entry tools and other special equipment. All the officers once they get certified will be able to respond immediately. There won’t be any

See POLICE, Page A3

Mill Creek, Chewacla Creek, referred to locally as Eufalby Creek or Uphapee Creek, its tributaries and the Tallapoosa River,” King said. “The pollutants have contaminated water, including creeks and groundwater, in southern Tallapoosa and

Fitzpatrick Bridge rehab to take 16 months

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Work to rehabilitate the Fitzpatrick Bridge in Tallassee will limit traffic to one lane across the Tallapoosa River for most of the next 16 months.

There will be four hours per weekday when both lanes of the bridge will always be open.

“Lane closures will not be permitted Monday through Friday 6 - 8 a.m. or 3:30 - 5:30 p.m,” Alabama Department of

See BRIDGE, Page A3

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE Fog covered the Tallapoosa River and the Fitzpatrick Bridge recently. The bridge will be closed to one lane for most of the next months as the Alabama Department of Transportation improves the driving surface and performs other maintenance to extend the life of the bridge.

See LANDFILL, Page A3

Obituaries

DEBORAH ANN SAMPLES

Deborah Ann Samples, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama passed away Wednesday February 8, 2023, at the age of 62. She was born August 9, 1960, in Los Angeles, California to William Richard and Charlotte Adair Stanley. Deborah is survived by her daughters, Katherine Leach and Jennifer Jones; sister, Pam Otinger and brothers, Richard Stanley and William Thomas Stanley.

Services will be announced at a later date.

LEONARD HUEY

Mr. Leonard Huey, a resident of Prattville, Alabama passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the age of 89. Mr. Huey was born September 10, 1933 in Rock Mills, Alabama, to Ed and Bertha Young Huey.

Mr. Huey is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty C. Huey; daughters, Linda Williams (Joe) of Tallassee, Alabama and Donna Smith (David) of Prattville, Alabama; sister, Sylvia Murphree of Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren,

CAROL J. MILLER

ABBY LOUISE GREER

Abby Louise Greer of Alpharetta, GA passed away on February 9, 2023, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta at the age of 39, following heart surgery. She was born May 17, 1983 at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL to her parents, Beth and Sandy Greer. Abby graduated from Centennial High School in 2004. She loved working at The Village Tavern Restaurant for the last 17 years. Her last day at work was the day before her heart surgery. She had wonderful plans to return to work after a four month recovery period. Abby loved people, never criticized anyone, never met a stranger, never ever met a dog, cat, or baby that she didn’t like. She loved music and was fortunate enough to attend 10 Elton John concerts, 5 Eagles concerts, 4 Rod Stewart concerts, 1 Paul McCartney concert, and several others. She had a large circle of friends and loved every friend unconditionally. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Abby is survived by her siblings Gillyn Greer Saunders

Amelia Carpenter (Patrick) of Brandon, Mississippi, Benjamin Smith, Missoula, Montana and Nina Smith of Washington, DC; great grandchildren, Joseph Carpenter, Adelaide Carpenter and Thomas Carpenter.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bernard Huey and James Huey.

Mr. Huey attended Tallassee High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 where he served as an aviation electrician. Upon discharge, he returned to

Mrs. Carol J. Miller, a resident of Notasulga, Alabama, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023. She was born in Tallassee, Alabama, to Joe Windell and Grace Aldridge Stough. Carol is survived by her husband of over thirty years, Brad Sharpe; four daughters, Angie Miller Griffith (Danny), Leanne Miller Parrish (David), Ashley Sharpe Garner (Lauren) and Paige Sharpe; brother, Billy Joe Stough; grandchildren, Braeden Fannin, Peyton

JAMES “JIM” BOONE

(Zach) of Atlanta, and Lee Sanders Greer of Tallassee, AL. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lisa Greer; her paternal grandparents Beulah and J. W. Greer; her maternal grandparents Ada Gillock Lewis and Lester Hickman Lewis, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 18 in First Baptist Church of Unadilla with interment following in Walnut Cemetery. The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service.

A memorial service will be held at Mount Pisgah Methodist Church, 2850 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 at 1 PM Tuesday, February 21. Visitation will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the MakeA-Wish Foundation, 640 North LaSalle Drive, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60654 or the Flint Humane Society, PO Box 308, Vienna, Georgia 31092.

Brannen NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.

the family business, Huey Electric Company. After ten years, he then worked as an insurance salesman for Liberty National Insurance Company for twenty years. Mr. Huey then opened his own business in Prattville, Alabama, The Sportsman’s Gulf, which he operated for many years. He eventually went into the livestock industry, founding Huey Hay and Cattle, which he operated until April, 2021. Mr. Huey was an avid sportsman and loved farming.

Browning, Tanner Parrish, Skylar Gordon, Avery Gordon, Mallory Griffith, Landon Moseley and Bradley Meadows; great grandchild, Brooklyn Fannin; numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Grace Stough; sister, Patricia Griffith and her brother, Roger Stough.

“To Know Her Was To Love Her.” She made friends with everyone, anywhere. Carol enjoyed her job as a hairdresser for more than sixty years. She was

school student.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee, Alabama with Rev. Clint McBroom officiating. Active pallbearers will be Willie Taylor, Gus Jackson, Alan Williamson, Benjamin Smith, David Smith and Patrick Carpenter. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

known as being – the life of the party. However, Carol loved her family more than anything. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama

James Buford Boone, Jr. died February 13, 2023, at UAB-Highlands Hospital following a brief illness. He was 87. He was born in Macon, Ga., on November 25, 1935 to Mr. and Mrs. James Buford Boone, Sr.

Boone, a lifelong newspaperman, succeeded his father, Buford Boone, as publisher of The Tuscaloosa [Ala.] News in 1968 and built over the following half-century a community media company that now owns or manages 91 newspapers and related print and digital products in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

The company, which had operated as Boone Newspapers, Inc. since its founding, was renamed Boone Newsmedia, Inc. in 2022 to reflect its considerable progress in serving readers and advertisers both digitally and in print.

Boone was a 1958 graduate of the School of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of Alabama and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the University of Alabama (1993). He served the university in many capacities, including positions on the President’s Cabinet, Board of Visitors of the College of Commerce and Business Administration, the Board of Visitors of the College of Communication and Information Sciences, and on the board of the 1831 Foundation.

Boone earned the Julia & Henry Tutwiler Award from the University of Alabama and earned admission to multiple Halls of Fame: the Communications Hall of Fame, College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama; the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, College of Commerce & Business Administration, University of Alabama; the Civic Hall of Fame, West Alabama Chamber of Commerce (Tuscaloosa); and was named a Pillar of West Alabama by the Community Foundation of Tuscaloosa. Boone was a proud Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America).

and Catherine Boone Hadaway (Harrison), age 30, Vicksburg, Miss., Publisher of The Vicksburg (Miss.) Post and group manager of The Natchez (Miss.) Democrat and The Brookhaven (Miss.) Daily Leader.

Boone earned multiple industry related awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Press Association; the Casey Award from the University of Minnesota for leadership in the newspaper industry; and the Frank Mayborn Award from Southern Newspaper Publishers Association for leadership in the industry.

Boone served on the Board of Directors of Regions Financial Corporation and was chairman of the corporate governance committee and a member of the trust committee in Birmingham, Ala. He also served on the Board of Directors at Regions Bank, Tuscaloosa, retiring from both in 2004 after many years of service.

From 1968 through 1980, Boone served as president of Tuscaloosa Newspapers, Inc., the predecessor corporation of BNI and publisher of The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News from 1968 through 1978.

Prior to joining his father at The Tuscaloosa News, Boone worked with his mentor Carmage Walls. Seven years were spent as publisher of the Suffolk (Va.) News-Herald, a daily newspaper. Prior to Suffolk, Boone was a business manager and a reporter for the Baytown (Texas) Sun and did group management work with other Wallsowned newspapers in that area. Before the Baytown work, he traveled for Mr. Walls in converting newspapers from hot metal/letterpress to cold type/ offset. Prior to 1958, Boone worked six years at The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News, while a University of Alabama and high

He married Jane Carolyn Farrior, a native of Lowndes County, Ala., on February 14, 1987. He was exceptionally proud to be the father of his five children: Kenneth Scholl Boone (Mary Lyman), age 62, owner of The Alexander City (Ala.) Outlook, Dadeville (Ala.) Record, weekly newspapers at Wetumpka and Tallassee, Ala., and LAKE Magazine and Lake Martin Living, each monthly magazines; J. Buford Boone, III, (Cindy), age 60, owner of Boone Ballistics, Tuscaloosa, Ala., conducts ballistics research and consulting, teaches SWAT team and sniper subjects, retired Supervisory Special Agent, FBI, Quantico, Virginia; Martha Frances Boone, Lady Cobbold (Henry), age 58, CEO of Knebworth Estate, Knebworth, England; Dr. Caroline Boone Rockefeller (Will), age 34, Little Rock, Ark., Doctorate of French Literature, Vanderbilt University;

Boone has served on numerous boards, such as the Randall Publishing Company Board of Directors; the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Board of Directors; American Press Institute Southeastern Advisory Board; West Alabama Chamber of Commerce (past president); Christ Episcopal Church Vestry; DCH Regional Medical Center Foundation (twice past president); Tuscaloosa Academy Board of Trustees (twice past president); The United Way of West Alabama (past director and president and twice drive chairman); YMCA of Tuscaloosa (past director and president); Salvation Army Advisory Board (past chairman); Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority Board (three years as chairman); Journalism Foundation of Alabama Press Association (past president); and on the Board of Trustees of the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art in Tuscaloosa.

Boone was a founding member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Tuscaloosa. Boone moved in 2022 from Tuscaloosa to Lowndesboro, Ala. and remained active in BNI and with its affiliate newspapers

until his death, regularly meeting with senior management, publishers and other staff members by video conference. He was predeceased by his parents, James Buford Boone, Sr. and Frances Herin Boone; and Janette Boone Younkin, his sister. Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, his five children, seven grandchildren, Christopher O’Brien Boone of Berlin, Germany; Riley Frances Boone Harris (John Wayne) of Virginia; Dr. James Kenneth Boone (Jenny) of Colorado; the Hon. Morwenna Gray Lytton Cobbold Bush (Phil) of London; the Hon. Edward Stucley Fromanteel Lytton Cobbold of Knebworth, England; Anne Winthrop Hargrove Rockefeller and Lillian Jane Rockefeller of Little Rock, Ark.; one great-grandchild, Dorothy Frances Harris of Virginia; Laura F. Younkin, his niece of Georgia; his nephews William E. Younkin, Sr. (Sharlotte) and William E. Younkin, Jr., Charles T. Blount and Samuel D. Blount of Cecil, Ala.; and his niece Michelle Y. Blount (Ronald) of Cecil, Ala. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lowndesboro Methodist Church, 198 S. Broad St., Lowndesboro, Ala., followed by a graveside service at Oakview Cemetery in Lowndesboro and a gathering at The Marengo House, 100 N. Broad St., Lowndesboro, Ala. Alabama Heritage Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Pallbearers will be Christopher O’Brien Boone, Dr. James Kenneth Boone, William Dickson Farrior IV, Charles T. Blount, Samuel D. Blount, and William E. Younkin, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are managers and publishers of Boone Newsmedia.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the UAB Boone Optic Nerve and Retinal Research Support Fund, UAB Advancement, 1720 2nd Avenue S., AB 1230, Birmingham, Ala. 35294, or to Lowndesboro Landmarks Foundation, PO Box 34, Lowndesboro, Ala. 36752.

BOONE

BRIDGE

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Transportation (ALDOT) spokesperson Brantley Kirk said. “Lane closures are necessary for the safety of the people and the use of equipment needed to complete the project.

Traffic will be directed utilizing temporary traffic signals with the possibility of flagmen.”

ALDOT’s bridge rehabilitation project includes painting and maintenance designed to extend the life of the bridge, including applying a layer of sealant to the concrete bridge deck.

“Other work will include a new fence, removing and repairing areas of concrete and performing minor repairs to steel, expansion joints and bearings,” Kirk said.

POLICE Continued from A1

Work is expected to begin March 1. Signs and message boards announcing the work are currently being installed. Evidence of work will be visible quickly.

“The contractor is placing a containment structure on the side and under the bridge,” Kirk said. “The enclosure will be in place to catch, collect and remove all residue while prepping and painting the bridge.”

The Fitzpatrick Bridge allows Highway 14 traffic to flow between the two sides of the Tallapoosa River in Tallassee. Other bridges across the Tallapoosa River are limited. To the north is Highway 50 at Martin Dam just below Lake Martin. Down river is Highway 229 that will require travel on Interstate 85. Drivers will be allowed

waiting around for people on call or come in on an off day.”

Buce said all investigators and narcotics officers and the majority of the patrol officers will soon be SWAT certified.

“If they can get three or four officers together, that constitutes a team,” Buce said. “They can handle business in many cases.”

Gov. Kay Ivey announced the grant to help the Tallassee Police Department create a team designed to respond to active shooter situations and other potentially dangerous situations in which someone is at high-risk that could result in injury or death. The specially trained team will be part of the Tallassee Police Department and will be able to respond to any situation at nearby schools, industrial plants, shopping centers, churches or dams.

“Having a team of trained officers ready to respond at a moment’s notice to dangerous situations can save many lives and protect the critical needs of communities,” Ivey said. “I commend the Tallassee Police Department for creating a team and a plan for increased community protec-

to cross the Fitzpatrick Bridge but delays and congestion are to be expected.

“Motorists are advised to plan accordingly for delays from lane closures and to be mindful of equipment and people working in the work zone,” Kirk said.

The council voted to close the intersection of E.B. Payne Drive at Highway 14 at the advice of ALDOT to aid in traffic flow during the project.

ALDOT awarded the project to Omega Coatings and Construction LLC, out of Tarpon Springs, Florida, who had the lowest bid that met project requirements, at a cost of approximately $3.5 million. All work is weather dependent and delays in schedule are possible.

tion.”

The grant will help purchase medical equipment, ballistic vests, helmets, uniforms, firearms and body cameras. Buce said having 16 of 22 officers SWAT certified is a bit unusual.

“Getting the ADECA grant allowed us to do it,” Buce said. “There are not many departments that can go around and say they have 80 percent of their officers SWAT certified. I thought it was important for public safety to try and get all our people up and held to a higher standard and get them the best training I could.”

Buce hopes the added training has an internal benefit for the department as well.

“Hopefully it will help with retention by getting them quality training and quality equipment,” Buce said. “Hopefully by allowing them to take part in advanced training it will give more of a team vibe to keep people here. They should have a sense of pride of having the accomplishment of making it through SWAT school. It is not just handed to you. It’s a rough week-long course to learn all the tactics.”

Buce said the new training is already underway and completed in some cases.

“We have already had four complete basic SWAT,” Buce said. “We have two that will learn to be instructors in the next few weeks.”

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ter, in southern Tallapoosa and northern Macon counties.” The pollutants come from leachate which is formed when water seeps through landfill material and takes on the chemical characteristics of the waste through which it passes, is a black, foul-smelling liquid generally containing pollutants like heavy metals, pathogens, and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Two types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — cause multiple health problems, including thyroid disease, cancer and weakened immune system.

“Stone’s Throw Landfill produces leachate containing PFAS at levels well above recognized health advisory levels and other toxins,” King said. “These high levels pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the residents surrounding the landfill, especially where leachate leaks into the water supply.”

The suit names Stone’s Throw Landfill owner GFL Environmental Services and former owner Advanced Disposal Services and their subsidiaries. Suits such as this always name several current and former managers.

“The defendants were aware that pollutants from their landfill were entering the local water table and flowing to nearby residents’ properties,” King said. “They knew they needed to repair the landfill to prevent contamination and failed to do so, needlessly risking human and environmental health.”

Much of the property surrounding the landfill has been passed down generation after generation. The landfill has come into existence on a large scale in only the last 40 years. Tallapoosa County receives a tipping fee from

garbage dumped at the landfill. The fees are largely used by the Tallapoosa County Commission through its discretionary fund. The discretionary fund is used countywide as the commissioner decides what programs benefit.

The funds have been used as matching grants for volunteer fire departments, to help education programs and purchase equipment for road maintenance.

Despite the benefits from the tipping fee, some distributed almost 50 miles away, King said the damage from the landfill is too large.

“Herbert Mason… has suffered and continues to suffer damages from exposure to harmful levels of hazardous chemicals and compounds caused by the defendants,” King said in the lawsuit. “...[Mason’s] land, surface waters, groundwater, drinking water and other real and personal property is being contaminated by leachate-based pollutants from Stone’s Throw Landfill, which have been unlawfully released.”

The lawsuit stated the landfill doesn’t have a permit to release leachate.

“Through documented leaks at the Stone’s Throw Landfill, leachate escapes, migrates and flows into the water table,” King said in the lawsuit.

“Years of leachate leaking has polluted and continues to pollute the underlying aquifer adjacent to the landfill which is also connected to [Mason’s].”

The lawsuit requests damages “commensurate to the level of injuries caused by the defendants including compensatory and consequential damages as well as punitive damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.”

According to court records, as of Monday morning GFL and others have not been served notice of the lawsuit.

Attempts by The Tribune to contact GFL for comment were unsuccessful.

LANDFILL

Obituaries: 25 cents per word with a $15 charge for

Potential is overflowing in and around Lake Martin

Lake Martin touches three counties — Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties. Tallapoosa Publishers strive to cover all those areas, and if there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s potential.

But it’s not necessarily potential like you’d think. Of course it’s great we have the absolute gem of Lake Martin, which can bring in tourist dollars to all three counties in different ways. Absolutely it was amazing for Wetumpka to be featured on HGTV, which put a nationwide spotlight on our little area.

It’s more than just financial potential or taking advantage of things we have been blessed with. It’s the people who bring the potential.

I attended Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s first Your Chamber Meeting — a networking luncheon series the chamber is hosting bi-monthly — and I sat in a room full of people gushing about Alex City. Of course we were there to support the chamber, but we also discussed things like the hospital’s 100th birthday, the Alex City arts council, a few new businesses heading our way, transplants who have made Tallapoosa County their

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

home, people who have returned after leaving for college or careers.

There are so many people doing such great things, and they are who makes the potential possible.

When I was working at LMG Ad Agency, I attended my first Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber quarterly luncheon — and we all left feeling so refreshed, comfortable and excited about doing more work in Dadeville. It wasn’t a stuffy meeting, but a casual lunch where folks got to brag on their employees, inform people of upcoming events and sales, etc.

And in Wetumpka, I always loved the sports teams from afar as the sports editor headquartered in Alex City. But my gosh, when the tornado dropped in Wetumpka and our entire staff hopped in our cars and just went, that day was life-changing in a lot of ways. The devastation was unreal, but what was even more amazing was the comeback. Then HGTV was the perfect cherry on top.

known for not taking credit — better yet, not caring who gets the credit. It doesn’t matter. I truly believe from the day of tornado on, things completely turned for Wetumpka and the people who have invested blood, sweat, tears, money, time and more are truly who make that potential.

Sometimes as a newspaper editor, three counties and four newspapers seems impossible to cover. But we live in a small area; we are closeknit and similar in a lot of ways. and Reeltown as those perfect Friday Night Lights towns — just hard-working families and a tight community, and you show up for high school football every night because it’s just what you’re supposed to do.

whether it be a small change in one of your shopping habits or a huge commitment like serving on a board — do it for your community. There are great people out there doing awesome things, and we should all strive to be one of them.

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

American families shouldn’t

be left with hard

choices

This winter, prices for the main energy sources used to heat homes have continued to skyrocket. Families are forced to pay 45% more for heating oil, 25% more for natural gas, and 11% more for electricity. It is projected these price increases will only get worse as temperatures drop. This leaves some families with an unthinkable choice. More than 40% of the households in Alabama had to reduce or skip necessities such as food or medicine to keep the lights on. I don’t want Alabamians to be forced to choose between feeding their families or keeping their houses warm, but unfortunately this is the new reality brought on by the President Joe Biden administration’s war on American energy.

For the past two years, Biden slashed our energy production, emptied our petroleum reserves, and increased our reliance on foreign energy sources under the guise of a so-called “climate crisis.” On his first day in office, he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, costing American jobs and telegraphing to the world American energy independence is no longer a priority. Biden’s cancellations didn’t end there, as he then delayed permits required to bring additional production online from offshore federal oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to cutting domestic production, the Biden administration began aggressively draining our strategic petroleum reserve for political gain, bringing it to its lowest level since 1984 by releasing up to one million barrels per day — the largest release in history. If that wasn’t enough, President Biden willingly handed over nearly a million barrels of oil from our emergency stockpile to China. However, China was likely able to secure much more than a million barrels from America’s inventory as sales from the strategic petroleum reserve are unrestricted. Now, the reserves have around 372 million barrels—almost half of its 726.6-millionbarrel storage capacity.

The strategic petroleum reserve was established to serve as a reliable source of energy in the event of a catastrophe, not to give our enemies like China a leg up. Depleting the strategic reserve is a dangerous short-term fix to a long-term problem. The real solution is to work with American oil and gas producers to increase domestic energy production.

Instead of undermining the domestic energy industry and emboldening foreign adversaries, we should unleash American energy to restore our energy independence and provide relief for Alabamians and families across the country.

I supported the Keystone XL pipeline as a commonsense approach to bolster American energy independence. The pipeline stood to transport more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil per day, which would drastically reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries such as Russia, Iran and Venezuela. The Keystone XL pipeline would have also strengthened our economic security, providing up to 59,000 jobs and injecting an estimated $9.6 billion into the economy. I also called for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to quickly end their de facto ban on new drilling that rapidly diminished the share of royalties from the oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico shared with Alabama via the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

In order for domestic producers to be successful, we must roll back radical regulations and restrictions that stifle the production and transmission of oil and gas. These producers are the backbone of the world’s largest economy, but they have come under attack by politicized federal agencies like the Department of Interior (DOI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To restore energy independence and end the crusade on fossil fuels, we must ease regulatory burdens on companies, rescind the moratorium on gas leases, and bar restrictions that reduce American energy security. Climate fearmongers are disconnected from reality. Unaware or untroubled with the problems facing everyday Americans, green activists continue to pursue actions and implement regulations in response to a crisis yet to materialize. Alabamians are tired of paying for these games. It is time to unleash American energy to lower costs, create jobs and strengthen our national security.

Senator Tommy Tuberville is an American politician and retired college football coach serving as the senior United States senator from Alabama, a seat he has held since 2021.

We’re at a time where is civility is lost

In the past when this column was called “Bird’s Eye View,” I have bemoaned the death of decorum in the public square. There have always been outrageous things happening, but with social media constantly being fed and the monster known as the 24/7 news cycle showing no signs of slowing down, it appears we need to buckle in for the long haul.

The State of the Union address, televised earlier this month, was typical in content. If someone were to read the text of President Joe Biden’s speech in a book, they would cheer for the “Made in the USA” position of most of what was said. People would also find a lot of points on which to agree with the president as he discussed improving infrastructure, buying American, supporting our veterans and active military and supporting education.

So far, so good – right? President Donald Trump said many of these same things. President Barack Obama did too. And if you go back and read the State of the Union addresses of most presidents, you’ll see a lot of these same statements.

What has been different lately has been the rise in heckling as the leader of the free world is speaking. President Biden could barely finish a sentence — and granted, he was shaky at times and it caught him off guard at first — before someone in the audience would boo, hiss, shake fists or yell at him. What is this, the House of Commons?

This was not the first time. When President Trump spoke in 2020 on the eve of the Covid-19 shutdown, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tore up his speech as he was talking. And who could forget President Obama being heckled by Representative Joe Wilson back in 2009, shouting, “You lie!” at the president as he proposed health care reform.

Zero civility. And these same people who are elected to serve us, who make six figures for working 150 days a year, have been behaving badly for so long we have come to accept it as normal. But it isn’t.

Years from now, when a historian discusses the early 21st century, I imagine they will point to our age as a time when civility was lost.

The entertainment world also had a big night a few weeks ago with the 65th annual Grammy Awards.

As I have written here before, I love

the Grammys and look forward to them every year. They offer never-before-seen matchups of great musicians performing for an appreciative crowd composed of their peers along with all the movers and shakers in the industry.

I was excited one of my favorite rock writers, David Wild, was behind this broadcast. He had built it up on social media in the days leading up to the show, and I knew the presentations and performances would be memorable.

So, let’s look at the good.

Tennessee State University has a marching band called the “Aristocrat of Bands,” and it received a Grammy for Best Gospel Album. This is huge! Its album The Urban Hymnal featured powerful sermons, Bible readings, soulful R&B versions of hymns, and of course, the marching band playing gospel songs.

Record of the Year was a tough category because there were several deserving songs by ABBA, Beyonce, Adele, Brandi Carlile and Lizzo. The unstoppable Lizzo walked away the winner of that category for her record, “About Damn Time” (Atlantic Records), which she performed magnificently on the show.

Album of the Year was another category featuring a good bit of competition, but the winner was Harry’s House (Columbia Records). Harry Styles was once a member of boy band One Direction. He has certainly stepped out on his own to become a major artist. He performed his hit single “As It Was,” which was a highlight of the evening (even if his choice of apparel was a mystery).

One of the more pleasant surprises was veteran artist Bonnie Raitt winning Song of the Year for “Just Like That” (Redwing Records). Raitt has been around a long time, but this song is one in which she took special interest: she wrote it after seeing a story on the news about a woman who donated her deceased child’s organs, then went to meet the man who received his heart. The story unfolds over the course of the beautiful song.

Willie Nelson also won the Best

Country Album award, which should not have caught anyone by surprise – the man is pushing 90 and has yet to slow down his musical output or touring schedule. Jazz legend Wayne Shorter won the Best Jazz Album award. The History of Hip-Hop segment was magical and weaved together the various strands of rap history. Chris Stapleton, who was a week away from glory, singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, burned the shed down when he duetted with Stevie Wonder on the Motown tribute. And there were many other great performances by the best in the business.

So that brings me to the not-good part. Every year the past few years, there seems to be what I can call only the Satan Segment. Some artist decides that, in order to be really, really edgy, he or she will set everything on fire and do devil stuff.

It’s all been done so much it’s just tiresome, really, especially considering how good the show had been to that point.

A very plastic-looking Madonna did the introduction, and when I saw the fiery cage behind her I knew we were in for it. Sam Smith, who has a great voice and has put out some good records over the years, came out dressed as the Devil and had little demons writhing all over him as he and transgender performer Kim Petras duetted on “Unholy,” an ode to adultery. Unlike a lot of the observers who seemed so surprised, I wasn’t shocked at all. First, “Unholy” was a successful song over the past year and I figured it would show up. Second, it’s a duet between openly non-binary and trans vocalists and their performance, and win, would be historic. Finally, I thought back to Nicki Minaj being possessed by the devil during a Grammys show, and the time Katy Perry was tied to a post and burned at the stake.

With the exception of that one set piece and song that wasn’t my cup of tea, the rest of the Grammys showed a unity that was missing in the State of the Union! We were, for a couple of hours (and to quote ParliamentFunkadelic), one nation under a groove.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Tallassee City Schools.

The newspaper world — and our family — lost a legend

Imet a legendary man back in November who I had no idea I would ever cross paths with. It sounds corny but the more I knew of this man, the more star struck I became. It started 11 years ago when I accepted a position with TPI. I can’t tell you what I was thinking when I started except I wasn’t moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Kenneth Boone seemed nice in the interview. Sounds like a well thought out career move, right?

Sometimes you take a leap of faith and, like throwing pasta at the wall, see what sticks. In very short succession I started hearing about this man. He visited our office one day and we all stood to greet him when he entered the room. Were we told to stand? Absolutely not. We weren’t told anything for that matter, other than he was coming in for a visit. It was a natural reaction to someone walking into a room you had an innate desire to respect. I can’t explain it any other way. Fast forward several years, and our parent company, Boone Newspapers, Inc., initiated a series of company-wide weekly training sessions for staff across 84 newspapers. For the last few years on our weekly Zoom calls, I’ve had the

pleasure of hearing the most profound feedback from this man I believe I’ve ever had the opportunity to witness. At some later point I was lucky enough to be brought into a second management call which meant I now sat front row for a double dose of honest, genuine, thoughtprovoking advice each week. He never spoke very long but when he did it was always deeply meaningful. The entire team hung onto every word. Our interest was not for show. He spoke from the heart and always left us with something to think about to make our operations better than the day before. It was, again, that innate desire to listen and respect someone who spoke only words that mattered. As most of you know, a lot changed for me on Oct. 7, 2022 when I accepted the general manager position with TPI. What most people don’t know is prior to accepting the position I got a call saying this man had requested I ride down with Kenneth to his home in Lowndes County

to chat. If you recall the admiration I have for this person you understand the nervous energy in the car that day. I somehow managed to keep my composure and will be forever grateful for the impromptu golf cart tour of the property that helped calm my nerves. Afterward, the three of us chatted for a couple hours about the future and how he envisioned my role. Knowing this wasn’t my background, he assured me he would be my advocate. Any hesitation I had before about stepping into the unknown was completely gone. If this man who had so much going on would take the time to mentor and advocate for me, how could I not accept? How am I so blessed to have someone of his caliber invite me to his home to tell me what he could do for me? How does that even happen?

Today this man is in all of our thoughts. On Monday, Kenneth Boone’s dad, Mr. (Jim) Boone, passed away. I can’t imagine the void he leaves with his family if I feel this way in the short time I’ve gotten to know him. Mr. Boone was a legendary man in the media industry, and even more so in the people business.

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

TOMMY TUBERVILLE Columnist

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

Humane Society of Elmore County

News Shelter opens thrift store to help with fundraising

By REA CORD HSEC Director

Like all non-profit organizations, raising funds is a daily exercise

to ensure we can continue our mission to help Elmore County animals in need.

The Tail’s End Thrift Store co-located with oursShelter at 255 Central Plank Road

in Wetumpka is our largest fundraising activity and 100% volunteer run.

All proceeds from our thrift store come to the shelter to ensure continuous operations and our future.

There is no doubt the Tail’s End Thrift Store is a vital and major operation supporting our shelter.

The store is open for shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and open for donations from 9 a.m. to noon. There is something for everyone – furniture, clothes, collectibles, art, books, jewelry, appliances, electronics, tools, kitchenware, pet items and so much more. There is also a special holiday building so you can shop for all holiday items year round.

We are incredibly grateful to all who donate items and all donations are tax-deductible. There are volunteers collecting donations during the listed areas, so do not leave donations outside of these

hours as items left outside are subject to theft and the weather. As a volunteerrun organization please honor those donation days/ times — there is a lot of work involved in receiving, sorting and marketing items that happens in those hours after donation times end. Volunteers are working very hard.

Please note we do not accept stained/dirty/ dry-rotted clothing, old encyclopedia sets, broken items as we do not have repair capabilities, the old bulky style televisions, old style cumbersome computer monitors, stained mattresses and soiled or damaged furniture.

Our thriftsStore’s success is 100% due to the hard work and dedication of a wonderful group of Volunteers who are there to receive/sort/price/place & sell donated items. We are indeed blessed with Volunteers who give of their time so all of the profit goes to our shelter to ensure we

Pet of the Week – Vinny

Vinny is a 2 year old male, Labrador/Heeler-looking mix; he weighs about 60 pounds. He originally came to us as a stray and has an awesome personality. He is very friendly and just loves attention and bonding with his human. He is great with other dogs, loves going for leash walks, and is also happy to just chill.

Our 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 completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Vinny or any of our pets, our first step is our adoption application you fill out online. Once approved, volunteers will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

The Humane Society of Elmore County is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. It can be reached at 334-567-3377 or online at www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

Continued from A1

can continue helping sick, injured and homeless pets. These volunteers are running a first-class operation as they work to make sure clothing is in perfect condition, all electronics and appliances are checked out to the best of our ability, our store is clean and well stocked, and our shoppers have an enjoyable experience shopping in our store. Please spread the word as more shoppers mean quicker turnover of donated items which helps our shelter and also helps us put out newly donated items so there will be new treasures the very next week.

With spring yard sales and house cleaning starting up we will be receiving even more donations so we are always needing volunteers.

In addition to volunteer during normal hours of operation, volunteer opportunities are also available Monday through Wednesday with sorting, pricing and placing items so

all new items are ready for sale by Thursday.

While you are there, please also thank our volunteers for their endless hard work operating our thrift store as all proceeds go to our shelter to ensure we can be there for all the pets that come to us needing our help.

To our shoppers/donors/ supporters, you will find super deals and high-quality items at our Tail’s End Thrift Store. Our volunteers give 100% of themselves to be there for donors and shoppers alike. Everything starts with donations, so we are incredibly grateful to all who donate items for us to resell. Our shoppers can feel confident in getting nice items at great prices and everyone’s support goes a long way to helping us improve our shelter and do all we can for our pets.

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

Franklin said the student made an appearance in juvenile court Thursday.

Bill Franklin said. “He sought out and located the weapon.”

The weapon found on the 13-year-old was a .44 Magnum handgun.

“There were six rounds and not actually in the weapon,”

Franklin said. “They were set apart from the weapon in a bookbag.”

Franklin said law enforcement began to respond to make sure students and staff were safe but the actions taken before law enforcement arrived prevented a heavy response.

“It was not anything similar to an active shooter situation,” Franklin said. “What was good in this situation was the principal was able to put potential fire out by seizing the weapon. Everything was done by the time our deputies arrived.”

“He had a short hearing [Thursday] to just to let the judge know what was going on,” Franklin said. “Our deputies transported him to the juvenile detention center.”

Franklin said the seventh grader will remain at the juvenile detention center until the judge calls him back. Franklin also said the court proceedings would not be public.

“It won’t be handled in any way like a normal adult case even though it is a felony charge,” Franklin said.

The Elmore County Board of Education expelled the student in an emergency meeting Friday morning.

“The Board approved the superintendent’s recommendation for expulsion for a student who was determined to have brought a weapon on a school campus,” Elmore Board of Education said in a release. “The expulsion is for the remainder of the 20222023 school year and for the 2023-2024 school year.”

God created us differently for a reason

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

and spirit. I pray we all find a renewed sense of our mortality and the blessing God intends it to be.

The season of Lent begins today. Lent is a period of forty days (it does not include Sundays) leading up to Easter. For followers of Jesus Christ, the season is intended to be a time of introspection and discernment of the things that separate us from the love of God. It is a time of preparation for witness to the resurrection.

The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday. Believers gather in worship and receive the sign of the cross, which is marked by

ashes. The practice of donning ashes in the name of repentance is as old as the earthly kingdom. I have always understood Ash Wednesday as the beginning of a period of time when unhelpful things should be cast away. Again, there are numerous things in the earthly kingdom that separate all of God’s children, regardless of religious affiliation, from the love God has for the whole of humanity. Why not set those things aside?

Last week’s Super Bowl serves as a tiny but specific

example of what needs to be set aside. The NFL and others responsible for putting together the pageantry of the event made some decisions. Those decisions were met with differing response.

The Marine Corps band presented the colors of our nation. Baby Face and Chris Stapleton were selected to sing national hymns before the game. Rihanna was selected to deliver the halftime show. That is a fairly diverse group of people sharing their gifts of music for millions of people.

I admit I am not a particular fan of each style of music represented. At the same time, I appreciated the efforts of those organizing the event to at least try and represent the great variety of musical offering

Tallassee Churches

present in our national culture. Each performance was well done.

What amazed me in the aftermath of the game was the response from some who watched the event. Specific artists were exalted while others were crucified. One comment common to fans of specific offerings was “How could the NFL choose (insert name here) for this game?” In other words, many fans liked part of the musical offerings and detested others.

Our nation is incredibly diverse. Shouldn’t every American expect any entertainment event on the national scale to reflect that diversity? Apparently, some do not think so. Human beings have in

inherent desire for homogeneity. In other words, we like the familiar. We have freedom as American citizens to make choices regarding where we live, how we worship, what style of music we enjoy, who we socialize with, etc. according to our likes.

Difficulties arise each and every time we forget God does not create in homogeneity. God creates in amazing diversity, and every human being is made in God’s image. God creates in this manner and calls it good. Shouldn’t we set aside our desire for the familiar and at least consider the possibility that God knows what God is doing?

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

Tallassee’s Bell claims wrestling state championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Sophomore wrestler

Land Bell etched his name into Tallassee history Saturday night.

Bell, behind a dominant weekend, claimed the AHSAA Class 5A wrestling championship in the 132pound weight class. Bell finished his sophomore season with a 43-3 record, including three straight pins at state.

He flattened his opponent, a senior from Jasper with a 47-5 record, in the championship bout in the second period en route to his first state title.

“That was probably one of the most dominant matches I’ve ever seen from a Tallassee wrestler in the finals,” Tallassee coach John Mask said. “He had his guy on his back probably 30 seconds into the match and didn’t get

the call. Then in the second period, we took him down and pinned him. It was just a dominating match, but that’s the kind of year Land has had. He’s been a dominant wrestler.”

Mask was proud of the way Bell entered the tournament. He’s seen time and time again when a wrestler will get too timid at the state championship, which eventually leads to his downfall.

But that isn’t how Bell wrestles. He is aggressive, and he wants to score points at any given time. So he was going for takedowns the entire match and was aggressive both at the neutral position and when he was wrestling on top.

That stemmed from Bell’s mindset of just wanting to be a champion. Despite not having the experience of the senior he faced in the championship, Bell said he wanted it more. He’d been

dreaming of that moment since he was 5 years old practicing his takedowns in his bed.

“It all starts with being mentally prepared to go out there,” Bell said. “You have to have a mindset of wanting to be a champion and being the best one out there. I wanted to dominate my match. I wanted to work to my advantages and not be defensive. … I walked into the match and I knew he had been there before and had experience on me. I knew he wasn’t as nervous as I was, but I just really don’t think he wanted it as much as I did.”

While Bell was the only Tallassee wrestler to win the state championship this weekend, three others earned spot on the podium.

At 106, senior Rutland Phillips took silver, narrowly falling 2-0 in the

Elmore County Player of the Week

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Following a sophomore season where Wetumpka’s Mya Holt shattered single-season records, her junior season is already off to a record-breaking start.

Holt, who was the 2022 Elmore County Softball Player of the Year, helped lead the Lady Indians to a 7-0 start and a championship win in the 2023 Prattville Lions Classic this weekend. Across the weekend, Holt hit five home runs, drove in 13 RBIs and earned six wins in the circle. Because of her success, she has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“The thing about Mya is that she’s the same kid she’s always been,” Wetumpka coach Daryl

Otwell said. “She shows up every day and works on her craft. She works so hard that I can honestly say I’m not surprised by the numbers she puts up every day on the field.” Holt ended last season with 16 home runs, which was a singleseason school record. As impressive as that was, her first home run of 2023 was also a record-breaker. With a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against Spanish Fort, Holt reached 30 career home runs with Wetumpka. She is now in sole possession of that school record. She wasted no time adding to her

Elmore County’s White shines in season opener

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County’s Brandon White was ready for his junior season to begin.

In a 12-6 win over Reeltown in the Panthers’ season opener Saturday, White started as well as any player could. He led the team over Reeltown with a 4-for-4 day at the plate with one home run, two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored.

He also pitched in relief and got the Panthers out of a bases-loaded jam in the third inning before throwing the fourth as well. He allowed one earned run on one hit with one strikeout.

“He’s had potential,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said. “He’s finally a junior so he’s matured a little bit. He’s finally got a little approach to him instead of just swinging as hard as he can. Seeing some maturity from him and he got himself into some good counts today and then hit the ball hard every time.”

Payton Hall was the team’s best pitcher Saturday; he fired two scoreless innings and allowed no hits with three strikeouts.

At the plate, Austin Davis and Payton Stephenson each recorded two hits and combined for three runs.

“We started swinging the bats in the end,” Byrd said. “We struggled a little early because it’s Game 1 and we had some guys not really see the field much because of other sports, but once we swung the bats we settled down and got going. Overall in Game 1, all you want is a win.”

For Reeltown, Jake Hornsby pitched two innings of relief and allowed zero runs and only one hit. At the plate, Blake Smith had two hits including a triple to lead the Rebels offense. Hornsby and Adam Burton each added a double.

MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

TOP: Elmore County’s Brandon White rounds the bases after hitting a first-inning home run against Reeltown. ABOVE: Reeltown’s Adam Burton pitches against Elmore County in the season opener.

DALTON

COURTESY PHOTO | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee sophomore Land Bell poses after claiming the AHSAA Class 5A state championship in the 132-pound weight class on Saturday.

See HOLT, Page B2

See BELL, Page B2

High expectations set in Lady Rebels’ first year under Spraggins

HENRY ZIMMER

Sports Writer

Travis Spraggins has gone from a foe to a friendly face.

Last season, Spraggins was an assistant coach with area rival Horseshoe Bend. This season, he will be leading the Lady Rebels as the head softball coach.

It may not have been an easy choice to leave one area team for another, but a change in his life put him closer to home.

Now, he is teaching and coaching alongside his wife and children.

In his first year at the helm for the blue and white, things are full steam ahead with plenty of reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season.

“I am really excited about this season,” Spraggins said.

“Finally getting out with the girls on the field is one of the better parts of the school year. The girls are really excited about this time of year. The energy level is high.”

Spraggins is not an unfamiliar face to the Rebel faithful. His wife is closing in on 20 years teaching at the elementary school, and his daughter and son both play softball and baseball respectively.

“We have been involved in this community for years,” Spraggins said. “It has been a smooth transition.”

Continued from B1

While getting ingrained in Reeltown has been easy, there is still the matter of learning all his new athletes.

“I am still learning some of the personalities, and their tendencies,”Spraggins said.

“But that is an exciting aspect for me. Right now things are changing for the girls, but that

championship bout. Phillips recently reached 100 career wins and is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in school history. He finished 49-4 this season.

Mason Nelson captured third place at 113 pounds. After falling in the semifinals, he pinned his opponent from Gulf Shores in the third-place match. He finished the year with a 41-4 record.

Caden Griffith (180 pounds) went 1-2 in the tournament and finished in fourth place in his weight class. After a quarterfinals win, he lost both the

is really exciting.”

A returning face that will be vital for Reeltown during Spr aggins’ first year is Ashley Flurry.

Flurry, who plays just about every sport she can at Reeltown, made last year’s All-Outlook First Team after having the highest batting

semifinals match and the third-place match by decision by two points. He finished his season with a 47-6 record.

While those four earned placements, seven other Tallassee wrestlers participated in the tournament. Avery Brantley (126), Ethan Jones (138), Christian McCary (152), Tra’Mel McCoy (160), Joseph Hooks (170), Nolan Addeo (195) and Corbin Grover (285) all wrestled.

“We got four placements this weekend and they were all from guys who have given so much to this program,” Mask said. “We’ve got a great group of guys who have worked so hard this year. I know myself and all of the administration and fans are just tickled and so proud of them and their hard work this year.”

average of any athlete in the area.

As a junior, Flurry batted .459 on the season with an above .500 on-base percentage.

In the process, she knocked in four homers and 28 RBIs.

Now a senior, Spraggins will look to her to help bridge the gap between him as a new

coach and her as a veteran player.

“Ashley Flurry, being a senior leader, has tenure on the team,” Spraggins said. “I will look to her to take the leadership role. The younger girls coming into the program look up to her. She is a key leader that will play a vital role.”

A young girl who will likely be following in the footsteps of Flurry is Amelia Nicholas.

Nicholas, a sophomore, has already impressed Spraggins early in practice.

“She does a great job in practices,” Spraggins said.

“She brings a lot of energy.”

Reeltown’s basketball players filled out the softball roster early on, so Spraggins has had a solid bit of time to get a grasp on his squad.

With the season starting this season Spraggins said the precedent has been set amongst his team it could and should be playing in the state tournament by the end of the year.

“Ultimately, my goal every year is to be in Oxford,” Spraggins said. “We have already established those expectations. We focus primarily on our region. We want to dominate our region. But ultimately, year in and year out, our goal will always be to get to Oxford.”

Reeltown opens its season Thursday against LaFayette.

record, hitting four more home runs over the next six games to increase her total to 34.

“I joked with her the other day about how great of a sophomore season she had last year, but with as hard as she’s worked this offseason,

I told her she’s about to really go off,” Otwell said. “This weekend, I’m not shocked. She’s a special player. She works so hard day in and day out.” As impressive as her power was, her consistency was equally as important. Holt ended the weekend with a .737 batting average after recording 14 hits in 19 at-bats. She had five home runs, three doubles and six singles. She drove in 13 RBIs and scored seven runs. She was also the team’s leading pitcher, starting six of the seven games in the circle, and she finished 6-0. She pitched 17 innings over six games and allowed only 11 hits and two earned runs while striking out 24 batters. She walked one. Holt finished the weekend with a 0.824 earned run average.

BELL

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee wrestler Land Bell had three consecutive pins en route to a gold medal at the AHSAA Class 5A wrestling championships in Huntsville.

| THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown celebrates before a game against the Dadeville Tigers last season. The Rebels enter this season with high expectations under a new coach.

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Wetumpka softball team cruises through season-opening tourney

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka softball team showed no mercy to opponents in the Prattville Lions Classic this weekend.

Wetumpka, which claimed the tournament championship late Saturday night, went 7-0 and outscored its opponents a combined 78-5. The Lady Indians took at-bats in only 27 innings and scored an average of 2.9 runs per inning.

Only two teams held Wetumpka to under 10 runs, but Wetumpka still won those games by five and six runs respectively.

In single elimination, Wetumpka beat Stanhope Elmore, Smiths Station, Rogers and Satsuma in the championship. The Indians scored 41 runs in those four games.

“They came out and were very eager to play,” Wetumpka coach Daryl Otwell said.

“They’ve had a good offseason and worked really hard in the weight room. To come out swinging the bats like we did was very impressive. We scored 78 runs and only gave up five. We couldn’t have started a better way offensively and our pitching staff did great.” There was no doubt the Indians hit the weight room hard over the offseason.

Players throughout the lineup were slugging home runs left and right, and the ones who weren’t were bouncing doubles off the wall.

Wetumpka hit 32 extra base hits in the seven games. Fifteen of those were home runs. Last year’s Elmore County Player of the Year Mya Holt hit five across the weekend, while Lily Davenport added four and Ella Watson added three.

Caylee Bowden, Mari Beth Parette and Ashlynn Campbell each added one. The team also combined for 15 doubles and two triples.

“I think we hit 15 total home runs on the weekend,” Otwell said. “One thing I was impressed with was how we stayed back and hit the ball the other way. We were consistent with our swings. We have a lot of strong girls with really good swings and sometimes they want to do too much. Outside of one or two of those home runs, most were in the middle of the field. We didn’t pull too many. They were staying through the ball and driving it out to center field.”

In the circle, Holt pitched 17 of the team’s 31 innings and earned six wins. She allowed 11 hits and struck out 24. Watson pitched 13 innings, mostly in relief, and earned one win while striking out 17 batters.

ELMORE COUNTY RACKS UP 4 VICTORIES

The Lady Panthers from Eclectic also impressed during the Prattville Tournament.

Elmore County went 4-2 across the weekend and finished No. 3 in the standings after falling in the semifinals. While the new look offense took some time to get going, the pitching trio of Hailey O’Brien, Lalah Culpepper and Katie Capell looked promising all weekend. The trio allowed only 10 earned runs in six games and held five of their six opponents below five runs. The offense was mostly led by center fielder Ashtyn Pannell. Pannell led the team in extra-base hits on the weekend. She hit both a triple and a home run in separate games, and she added five RBIs across the weekend to help score runs.

STANHOPE’S OFFENSE LEADS WAY TO 2 WINS

The Lady Mustangs were knocked out of the Prattville Tournament by rival Wetump-

ka in the second round, but that didn’t stop them from earning a few victories along the way.

Stanhope Elmore went 2-3 on the weekend, but earned big wins over Valley and Andalusia. Stanhope couldn’t get much offense going against Brew Tech in its opener but picked up the pace the rest of the weekend.

In the big win over Valley, Stanhope recorded 11 hits. Khloe Jones, Jada McLeod and Celeste Ragsdale each had two.

In the win over Andalusia, Jones shined again with three hits and three RBIs from the leadoff spot, including a triple, single and solo home run. She added another hit in the final game of the weekend, while McLeod hit a home run against Wetumpka to wrap up.

TALLASSEE GOES 2-3 IN TOURNEY

The new-look Tigers started off slow this weekend, losing both of their games Friday, 4-2 and 13-1. They bounced back in a big way on Saturday, however, by winning back-to-back games

LEFT: Wetumpka’s Mya Holt pitches against Spanish Fort. The junior went 6-0 on the mound this weekend.

RIGHT: Tallassee’s Brooke Royster, who pitched four games this weekend, collects a hit this weekend.

before eventually being eliminated by Mobile Christian in the single-elimination tournament.

Brooke Royster pitched four of five games for Tallassee, going 2-2 on the weekend. She was impressive nonetheless, allowing only seven earned runs across 18 innings of work.

At the plate, senior Jenna Manning had one of the most impressive weekends. She

recorded five hits across the five games, including three doubles and six RBIs. She had a big three-hit game against Montgomery Catholic to open up play on Saturday.

HOLTVILLE FINISH STRONG IN CLASSIC

Holtville did not play in the Prattville Tournament, but the Lady Bulldogs instead impressed in the Central Alabama Classic in Alexander

City. Holtville went 2-1-1 across the weekend, picking up some impressive performances against schools in higher classifications. To open the season, Holtville tied Auburn, 1-1, Friday night.

In the win, Taylor Price pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs, while Kylie Snowden hit a solo home run to tie the game. Holtville went 2-1 on

Saturday, beating Dadeville and Opelika before eventually losing to Auburn to end their weekend.

Price pitched again in the 4-0 win over Opelika, and the Holtville ace allowed zero earned runs in 12 innings of work.

On offense, Bailea Boone recorded six hits in four games while Avery Goff added two extra-base hits and seven RBIs.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE

More than books at Tallassee Community Library

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Stacks of books are the perceived normal at libraries but that perception is not the case anymore — especially at the Tallassee Community Library.

While, yes, there are stacks of books, there is so much more. It is something Tallassee Community Library director Margaret Lumpkin has been working on. To make sure the library is viable to everyone, changes and events have come to the library in Tallassee. One such event is Authors Networking sessions from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m March 4 and 11 with local Christian author Melissa Michelle Gibbons.

“She is wanting local authors to get together,” Lumpkin said. “She writes more spiritual type things,

self-help type books. If there is enough participation she wants to expand it. The library is hosting it because they can use it on a regular basis.”

Lumpkin said the library is available for all groups to use but helping host small groups isn’t the only thing the Tallassee Community Library does.

“We have Medicare come once to twice a month to the library to help whoever needs it,” Lumpkin said.

There is also a copy of the entire Code of Alabama filling an entire shelf by itself and for those seeking legal documents the library has access to Gale Legal Forms.

“Anyone can access them and print them,” Lumpkin said. “They will just pay for printing.”

Which can now be paid for with a credit or debit card thanks to a new service the library just started for pay-

ments.

Over the past two years all of the library’s computers have been replaced thanks to grants and American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“All of our computers are new now,” Lumpkin said.

“Those computers all have access to the internet. With the internet here we also have the library edition of Genealogy but you have to come to use that edition.”

The internet and computers at the library also allow patrons to file taxes but those unsure of the internet, the library also has a limited amount of tax return forms for those who wish to file by hand.

Lumpkin said the library is kid friendly beyond just housing children’s books.

“We have installed a sensory wall on the stage for kids to come in to play on,” Lumpkin

Beta Club provides Valentine’s Day cheer

TPI Staff

Valentine’s Day was a little happier for Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, thanks to the Southside Middle School Beta Club.

As part of a service project, the Beta Club recently took up donations of Kleenex, peppermints, and stuffed animals and members collected enough items to fill 100 gift bags.

The items were placed in bags and decorated with Valentine’s colors by members of the club. Then Tuesday, Club members were joined by teacher Heather Henderson, who

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

PANCAKE DINNER:The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The event is an annual tradition of a meal to serve on Mardi Gras. Pick up as many plates as you wish, but please make a donation to the Knights of Columbus. The church is located at 620 Gilmer Ave.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

CRATER TOUR: Auburn University professor of geology Dr. David T. King will give a lecture on the Wetumpka Crater at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

CRATER TOUR: Guided tours of the Wetumpka Meteor Crater are being hosted by the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:25

a.m., 9:55 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children over 10. Payments can be sent to 408 S. Main Street Wetumpka and checks made out to the Wetumpka Crater

accompanied them to pass out the Valentine’s at Tallassee Health and Rehab.

The service project has been completed the past seven years by the Beta Club, but Henderson knows it wouldn’t be possible without everyone donating items.

The Beta members that participated in giving out the Valentines were Marlee Osborne, President; Abram Whittington, Vice President; Cheyann Easterling, Secretary; Bella Kate Ward, Treasurer; Haley Burt; JaDarious Key; Kasey Lane; Abby Humphries; Adyson Hathcock; MaKenley Hines; and Brue Milner.

Commission. The tour starts at Trinity Episcopal Church.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

SPRING FESTIVAL: The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual spring festival March 11 on the grounds of Tallassee City Hall.

MARCH 20-25

BEAUTIFUL TABLE SETTINGS: May Eason is bringing back the Beautiful Table Settings Bash March 20-25 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in two different sessions.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 15.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

DOWNTOWN ART SHOW: Don Sawyer is hosting a Downtown Artists Art Show in downtown Wetumpka Saturday, April 22.

ONGOING

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has

said. “We have added a Lego table in the kids room.”

Despite being February the library is already prepping for the summer reading programs beginning in June.

“The theme is ‘All Together Now.’” Lumpkin said. “It is basically trying to get the idea across that it is OK to be unique.”

Lumpkin said animals will be coming to the library June 21 and on July 5, and the library will work in partnership for an athletic program.

resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. The first story time was held on Friday, May 14, and will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m.

ECLECTIC TOWN

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

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

LIVING WORD: You belong here. You and your family are always welcome here. We are located at 1826 Kowaliga Road Eclectic, across from the Dollar General. Call 334492-0777 for more information.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam

Lumpkin said the summer reading program will see an adult competition where a quilt will be given away.

“There are plenty of things going on at the library,” Lumpkin said. “We have a full schedule ahead.”

“It is Hoop for Fitness,” Lumpkin said. “We are going to hold it at the Tallassee Rec Center and we will coordinate with the parks and recreation department. We have two separate classes. Participants will need to register to take part in it.”

Chambliss pre-files election integrity bill

REPORT TPI Staff

Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) has pre-filed two election integrity bills for consideration by the Alabama legislature when the regularly scheduled session begins March 7. Both pieces of legislation seek to place existing administrative rules into statute, meaning the election regulations could not be changed without legislative approval.

SB9 would require that the state’s electronic voting counting system must require the use of a paper ballot that is marked and inspected by the voter prior to being cast and counted.

“All Alabama elections currently use paper ballots,” Chambliss said. “This bill would codify the current process to ensure that Alabama’s voters will always use paper ballots and that they will always mark those ballots in order to cast a vote in any election held in this state. This bill protects the process that we have in place now.”

Chambliss also pre-filed SB 10 which prohibits the use of electronic vote counting systems that

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 334-5412025

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

are capable of connecting to the Internet or cell phone networks or that possess modem technology.

“It is essential that voters have faith in the integrity of our elections process. This bill would ensure that no voter ever has to be concerned about the internet connectivity of voting machines,” Chambliss said. “By banning any form of connective technology in our vote counting machines, we are ensuring that our elections remain free of any technological interference.”

Chambliss said Alabama is recognized as having the most secure elections in the country and he made a commitment to keep elections as safe and secure as possible.

“Every voter in every election in this state — municipal, county or state — should leave the polling place with the assurance that every vote is counted fairly and securely. These bills do just that,” he said. Chambliss serves as the Alabama Senate’s Majority Whip. He is currently serving his third term in the State Senate representing District 30 which covers Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties.

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 334-5672364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/

Wetumpka. Call 334-5670476 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.

ElCo Calendar

STAFF REPORT

STAFF

The Tallassee Community Library is regularly offering different programs and events for both children and adults.

LONG TIME COMING

Tearing down of Hotel Talisi begins

No injuries in Washington Street fire

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tallassee Fire Department got help from the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department in a recent fire. At approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Washington Street in Tallassee.

“No one was home and there were no injuries but they did have a total loss unfortunately,” Friendship Volunteer Fire Department’s

Jaiton Stephens said. Stephens said it is common for volunteer fire departments to assist each other.

“What you saw here was two departments that work very well together and always ready for a call no matter what time of day or night it may be,” Stephens said. There is a need in most rural fire departments for volunteers. Those interested in the Tallassee area can go by the fire stations in Tallassee and Friendship on Tuesday nights as they have meetings.

Black history museum to reopen next week

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The public will soon be once again walking the halls of the Elmore County Training Center that houses the Elmore County Black History Museum in Wetumpka.

A new museum board appointed by Wetumpka councilmember Cheryl Tucker voted to reopen after renovations Tuesday, just in time to honor Black History month.

“I am pleased to announce the ‘soft’ opening of the Elmore County Black History Museum,” Tucker said. “A grand opening is

planned for later this year.”

The new board consists of seven members — president and chairman Winfred Wise; vice-president Pamela Williams; secretary Stephanie Stepney; treasurer Michael Waters; Idell Gill; Elaine Lewis; and Yvonne Saxon. The board voted to reopen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and the first and third Saturdays of each month.

“The museum is rich in Elmore County Black History, in addition to some national Black history,” Tucker said. “We encourage the community to come out and visit your museum.”

Local students recognized on honor band

Members of the Tallassee band program, led by Dr. Robby Glasscock and Mrs. Melanie Skeen, were chosen for the Alabama Bandmasters

Honor Band, held this past weekend in Auburn. Lydia Bird, Anna Griggs, Danielle Bird and Alina Tran were selected. The clinicians were Dr. Rusty Logan, currently the executive director of

Alabama Music Educators Association but formerly the band director at Auburn High School for 25 years; and Mrs. Erin Lyon, band director at Simmons Middle School in Hoover but formerly the band director at Zion Chapel High School in Jack, Alabama.

Sutherland Memorial Fund ride coming next month

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Jimmy and Stephanie Sutherland created the Trooper J.R. Southerland III Memorial Scholarship after his death in 2020 to continue their son’s legacy of public service.

Today the Southerlands are promoting the Trooper J.R. Southerland III Memorial Scholarship Fund Ride to help continue to fund the scholarship.

“We want to continue his legacy of serving others,” Stephanie Sutherland said. “That was how he lived his life as a public servant.” Sutherland said since a student at Elmore County High School her son wanted to go into law enforcement.

“His whole life focused on law enforcement,” Sutherland said.

“He graduated early from Elmore County High School in December 2009. He walked in May 2010. When he graduated in December he immediately in January went into law enforcement.”

Sutherland started as a cadet at the Prattville Police Department and stayed there for seven years. Sutherland then achieved his ultimate goal of becoming an

Alabama State Trooper, serving in the Marine Patrol Division on Lake Martin. Sutherland died due to injuries from a motorcycle accident in August 2020.

“That was his whole life — public servant — he loved it, lived it,” Sutherland said. “We want to always memorialize him. We hope having this scholarship fund will help aid somebody else with the same life goals he had and enter into criminal justice.”

The Southerlands fund ride is at 11 a.m. March 25. It starts at Elmore County High School in Eclectic with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. The ride will be about 10 miles and the event will feature T-shirt sales, a silent auction and BBQ.

The scholarship is managed by the Central Alabama Community Foundation. The requirements of the scholarship are for the applicant to be a graduating senior or graduate of Elmore County High School and majoring in criminal justice. Sutherland said the scholarship was awarded in 2021 but not used and had no qualified applicant in 2022. The deadline is March 1 for applying this year. Additional criteria and an application for the scholarship can be found online at cacfinfo.org.

FILE | THE OBSERVER

Trooper J.R. Southerland was a graduate of Elmore County High School and served in the Marine Patrol Division on Lake Martin until his death in 2020. There will be a benefit ride to raise funds for a scholarship in his name.

Elmore County wrestler snags gold

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Despite entering as the No. 2 seed, Elmore County’s Myles Eyerly dominated his weight class with a pair of pins and a decisive championship win.

Eyerly doesn’t wrestle quite like a heavyweight. In a weight class where pins are rarer, he knows how to take care of business. He pinned both of his opponents in the quarter and semifinals, then entered the championship against the same wrestler he lost to sectionals.

Facing off with Sam Schepker from Gulf Shores, Eyerly wasn’t going to let a repeat of last weekend happen. He changed his wrestling style and pulled out a decisive 7-2 win to claim the championship.

He ended his season with a 38-6 overall record.

“He came in as the No. 2 seed, so we knew he was going to probably see the kid from Gulf Shores again in the finals,” Elmore County coach Mason Thornton said. “He ended up with three big wins and almost three pins to win the championship. We’re super proud of him. We were a little too aggressive last week going for a trip, and went down big because of it. This week, we really worked on our throw defense and when Gulf Shores went to throw him, we ended up on top.”

For Elmore County, eighth grader Tyler Payton finished fourth in 152 pounds. Stran Webb (106), Shawn Colvin (138), Carson Thomas (145) and Clark Wood (180) also all qualified for and wrestled in the tournament.

SUBMITTED THE OBSERVER

Elmore County’s Myles Eyerly won the AHSAA Class 5A state wrestling championship in the 285-pound class.