Tallassee Tribune Feb. 28 2024

Chamber seeking nominations for community awards

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

CHANGE MAKERS

Cosby wins RES Support Staff of the Year

ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Meet the candidate: Vicki Bonner Ward

Editor’s Note: Each candidate running for political office is allowed one free questionnaire to be published in the newspaper. All other advertisements must be paid. These questionnaires are printed exactly as they are provided to Tallapoosa Publishers.

Name: Vicki Bonner Ward Party: Republican Position Running For: Judge of Probate, Elmore County Bio: Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology (AUM); paralegal certificate (Huntingdon); mediation training (Jones School of Law); Mental Health First Aide class. Current Vice Chair ECREC; Member at Large, ALGOP

Why are you interested in run-

ning for political office?

To help the citizens of Elmore County be able to come to the “kitchen table” and help talk them through the process of probate court. The Probate Judge oversees the probating of wills and the administration of estates. They also preside over adult involuntary commitments, power of attorneys, adoptions, marriage certificates, name changes and elections.

What do you feel is the most important part of this office’s role?

Being present and being able to communicate. Helping citizens in

vulnerable situations.

What are some of the biggest issues you believe your constituents face?

Making decisions on situations that may impact their lives.

How do you believe you can make a difference for your constituents?

By using my qualifications and experiences in working in the Elmore County Court System for the past sixteen years. Currently I am the Coordinator for the Judicial Volunteer Program as well as providing District Civil and Small Claims mediation. This allows me to communicate with individuals and help guide them to make the right choice or choices for their situation.

No parole for two Elmore County residents

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A man convicted of first-degree rape and sexual abuse will remain in prison after the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles denied his early release.

Brian Dwayne Tolle, 50, was convicted in 2023 by an Elmore County jury. He was sentenced to 32 years in prison on the rape charge and eight years on

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

FEB. 26

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

FEB. 25

• Assault was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Campbell Hill Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Orchard Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Carr Circle.

• A suspicious subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.

• Two white males were arrested during a traffic stop on North Ashurst Avenue.

FEB. 24

• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Highway

the sexual abuse charge. Tolle has finished serving his time in prison on the sexual abuse conviction but has another 11 years left on the first-degree rape conviction. According to minutes from Tolle’s parole hearing on Feb. 14, the board heard tes-

timony from the victim, a victim advocacy group and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, all against Tolle’s release.

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, Tolle is currently housed at Kilby Correctional Facility.

Randy Demetrius Martin, 38, is currently housed at Donaldson Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to murder in Elmore County in

229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

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

• Harassment was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A Black male was arrested during an investigation into a shots fired call.

• Harassment was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue. FEB. 23

• A welfare check was conducted on Ingram Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Little Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hicks Store Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• A welfare check was conducted on Powers Extension.

• Forgery was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Animal control was requested on South Ann Avenue.

• A white female and white male were arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road.

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

• A welfare check was conducted on Lakewater Drive.

FEB. 22

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Lakewater Drive.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gammils Store Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Quail Run Drive.

• A suspicious package was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Washington Street.

• A downed utility line was reported on Floyd Lane.

• Trespassing was reported on South Dubois Street. FEB. 21

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hanil Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

2009 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He has been incarcerated now for 15 years.

At Martin’s parole hearing, the victim’s son and brother were joined by a victim’s advocacy group and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office speaking against his release.

The parole denied Martin’s release.

Both will be eligible for parole again in 2029.

• A suspicious person was reported on Orchard Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Herren Street.

• Animal control was requested on Herren Street.

• Animal control was requested on Highway 229.

FEB. 20

• Assistance was given to a citizen on South Tallassee Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.

• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Eighth Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Eighth Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Main Street.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Herren Street. FEB. 19

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Lee Street.

• A fight was reported on Softball Way.

• A fight was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Indian Trail.

• Reckless driving was reported on Parker Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

WARD

TOLLE

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

February is Spay/Neuter

Awareness Month so a perfect topic to close out the month.

“Spaying and neutering dogs and cats provides pets and their families, as well as communities, with many benefits,” Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle said. “These routine procedures may prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing pets to lead a longer, healthier and happier

life.”

neuter

The benefits of spaying and neutering pets are as follows:

• Decreases the number of accidental litters, unwanted pets and reduces euthanasia in shelters.

• Reduces the risk of future medical problems and expenses including testicular cancer, uterine infections, ovarian and breast cancers and pyometra, a life-threatening condition in females.

• Reduces territorial marking tendencies, yowling/howling, escaping, and

other troublesome behaviors.

• Lowers the probability that pets will try to escape their home in search of a mate.

• Greatly impacts the number of dog bite incidents in a community. Most dog bites (60–80 percent) are caused by intact male dogs. Pregnant or nursing female dogs are more likely to bite as well.

• Reduces your pet’s likelihood of biting or fighting which may also help protect you from potential legal action. Spayed/neu-

tered pets are less likely to engage in behaviors that could cause problems with neighbors. Less fighting also means less bites to humans, less emergency Vet visits and reduces disease transmission to humans and animals.

• Can also increase the longevity of your pet. Results from the Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2013 Report, found a positive correlation between neutering dogs and cats and their life span. The study, which was carried out on around 2.5 million

Echo is a 1 1/2-year-old male Pit mix found as a stray and never reclaimed. He is about 60 pounds and is goofy, funny and super loving. Echo is good with male and female dogs and scared of cats. He is very playful and wants to be a big lap dog.

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

Former firefighter gets 30 years in child sex abuse case

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A former Wetumpka firefighter will be 62 when he is released from prison.

John Cole Carter, 32, of Elmore, was sentenced Thursday by 19th Circuit Court Judge Joy Booth for transmitting obscene material, possession of child porngraphy, second-degree sex abuse, electronic solicitation of a child and enticing a child for immoral purposes.

“There is no doubt what you did is despicable,” Booth said at sentencing.

“You are 32 years old. You are a grown man. You have a huge ego and thought you could get away with it.”

Carter pleaded guilty last month to sending inappropriate images and encouraging two teenage girls to perform explicit acts. One of the victim’s impact statements said there could be more victims, listing six names.

“While you left [your wife] at home with your son, you were at the fire station staying up ‘til 3 in the morning talking to all of us like we were only good for our bodies,” the victim said. “You are not a good person for what you did to us. You have forever screwed up mine and her lives.”

The 13 year-old victim said she knew what they were doing was wrong.

“But you made me think you loved me and it was OK to do this,” the victim

said. “You knew my mom [and your wife] was suspicious about how close and flirty our relationship started to seem. Once [your wife] said something to my mother we stopped hanging out.”

The mother blocked Carter in the child’s phone but Carter still contacted the young teenage girl.

“You were smart enough to find apps such as Pinterest and Notes and we could send pictures and videos,” the victim said.

“You made me feel like I was special.”

Assistant district attorney Brittney Pinon said Carter groomed the first victim and it aided in grooming a second victim who was in court in January when Carter pleaded guilty.

“When you looked at me in court, I could tell you had no remorse for the things you did to us,” said the victim in her impact statement. “At the age of 31 you decided to mess with 13-year-old girls while you were married and had a child. You are not a good person. You are sick in the head. I hope you get help in your time in prison.”

The first victim’s father said he thought he knew and could trust Carter with his daughter.

“I looked at you the

whole time you were manipulating my child,” the father said. “You were supposed to be a family friend who not only betrayed us but your own family.”

Pinon said the evidence was voluminous. One phone alone had more than 500 pieces of evidence including, video, images and audio of the two girls and Carter. Some of it was shown in court.

As Carter’s father held his son from behind in the courtroom, friends and family testified Carter graduated with a double major at Auburn University while serving as an EMT and firefighter in Auburn Fire Department.

At the same time tears were shed by Carter’s family and friends in the courtroom. Carter is said to be caring, giving, hardworking and intelligent.

Pinon told Judge Booth the case has caused much strife in the community with misinformation.

“Since day one there has been so much twisting of what actually took place,” Pinon said. “There have been so many narratives told to the community that the defendant is a scapegoat or [district attorney’s office] somehow have a vendetta against this family.”

Pinon said the office just followed the evidence. It was voluminous and defense attorney Richard White agreed. Because of attorney-client privilege, White said he didn’t tell

the Carter family the complete truth. It was at the time of Carter’s second arrest, the information was put on the table for the parent’s at Carter’s request. White said it showed Carter was taking responsibility for what he did.

“It was what he wanted,” White said. “It was his ego. I think he thought he was going to beat this.”

That was at the time Carter’s family first hired White.

District attorney C.J. Robinson said he wanted the truth to come out in the case. It is what he, the rest of the district attorney’s office and law enforcement seek to find every time.

“There were children in this case that were preyed upon,” Robinson said. “They were manipulated. He was a sexual predator and these two girls’ lives are changed forever. Now the person who did it has had to stand accountable and they are going to prison.”

Charges of facilitating travel for child sex, transmitting obscene material to a child, one count of electronic solicitation of a child and a count of enticing a child were dropped as part of a plea agreement.

animals (2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats), indicated that neutered cats lived up to 39% longer and neutered dogs live 23% longer than their unneutered counterparts.

• Helps with housetraining as both males & female will be less inclined to “mark” their home and territory.

• Saves the owner money over the long-term in less unwanted litters to care for, less fighting/roaming and injuries that increasingly occur as a result, less medical problems as the pet

ages.

• Can help save tax dollars or at least allow for better use of resources, as less roaming and problematic animals means less need for law enforcement responding to animal issues.

So please be part of the solution and spay or neuter your pet before it produces yet another unwanted litter or develops issues associated with not being “fixed.”

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

Pet of the Week - Echo

Yellow cars are everywhere

Our View Opinion

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

Someone

Bstarted a kindness crusade in Alex City

y now you’ve probably read about Lavoy Hall and, for your own sake, let’s hope you’ve seen him in town. If you haven’t, you are missing out on a blessing. He’s such a blessing Mr. Hall should be given the keys to the city.

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of naysayers, pessimists, party poopers and just all-around grumpy folks. Let’s be honest: there’s evil mixed in there too. Some are the harmless Eeyore types that do more harm to themselves than anyone else and some are the other extreme who wreak havoc everywhere they go but mostly from the comfort of their homes via keyboard. Facts are facts and if it is news, our staff has a civic responsibility to report, but it is incredibly hard to watch the gossip, speculation and sometimes pure hate put on display for everyone on the internet to see.

So, how in the world does Lavoy Hall have anything to do with the naysayers, you ask? Because he’s starting a kindness crusade! I read about Mr. Hall over the weekend, and first thing Tuesday morning as I turned the corner I was greeted by the sweetest visitor in our office. She immediately smiled, told me good morning in the most upbeat way I’ll never be able to explain in writing and proceeded to tell me how beautiful my pink sweater was. It was genuine and it was uplifting and always the kind of thing you like to hear. Her name is Dorothy Heard, and if you ever cross paths, get ready because she’s going to lift your spirit. If you already know Mrs. Heard, lucky for you because I am well aware of how blessed you are. Fast forward to Thursday and as I crossed the railroad tracks, a gentleman in a city truck smiled

We’d

Obituaries:

be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer. Follow. Like. Subscribe.

You learn something new every day.

The age old adage is true, but it’s not every day you learn a new life lesson.

I got a chance recently when talking with one of our favorite TPI sources, Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace.

We were talking about Russell Medical’s 100th anniversary and what to expect in the next hundred. The new Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care will be the first step in that direction, which is helped along by the return of Dr. Robert Edwards.

“Oh, he’s definitely a yellow car,” Mr. Jim said with a chuckle.

“A yellow car?” I asked.

“Yeah, a yellow car. There are yellow cars everywhere, and he’s one of them.”

Still confused, I needed further explanation.

He said, “Let me ask you this. When’s the last time you saw a yellow car?”

Immediately, my eyes turned toward his giant windows and the stuffed Russell Medical parking lot.

Nope, not a yellow car in sight.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

“What is this man talking about?” I thought in my head. And my face must’ve shown that because he continued.

Yellow cars, you see, are blessings, and they are everywhere. You just have to look for them.

Admittedly, since that day I’ve seen an absurd amount of yellow cars — or have I just been looking for them?

You see, Mr. Jim’s lesson was exactly that. You’ll see those little blessings throughout your day, if you’re looking hard enough. As I walked back through the halls of the executive offices at Russell Medical and I peered in the suites, I noticed little model cars — yellow, of course — peppered throughout. Not only were these people blessings for Mr. Jim, but he let them know it. There was something so comfort-

ing about the yellow car lesson that day, especially from a man on his own journey of recovery. That was about two months ago, and as I said, I’ve seen yellow cars all over the place. Usually when you think about yellow cars, you think about school buses or Yellow Punch Buggies, as I affectionately call them. But there are tons of yellow cars — trucks, Mustangs, old, new. But they’re yellow as can be. Now I’ve turned it into a challenge: Every time I see a yellow car, I have to think about a blessing in my life, big or small. Sometimes I think about the big blessings like my husband or my dogs, but sometimes I just think about the little blessings — I’m having a good hair day or I really enjoyed my lunch. It doesn’t matter the size or the shape; just look out for those yellow cars. They’re everywhere.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@ alexcityoutlook.com or via phone at 434-962-9420.

See KINDNESS, Page A12

What might have been

March 16, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for president of the United States.

That was 56 years ago. This year, his son is running for President as well – perhaps the only pro-life, anti-vaccine Democrat to be found these days running for office, but he’s out there.

Recently, Netflix re-added a documentary series called “Bobby Kennedy for President,” which was produced and aired in 2018 on the 50th anniversary of RFK’s assassination. It is a beautiful program in every way.

No matter where you stand politically, the Kennedy family’s role in American life is impossible to ignore. All these years later, the fact that we are still fascinated by their biographies is amazing.

This four-part documentary series first takes us inside the presidential campaign of 1960, in which John F. Kennedy is running against Richard M. Nixon, who had just wrapped up eight years as Vice President. Bobby Kennedy takes a leadership role in his brother’s campaign, then is appointed Attorney General for his brother’s administration. Vice President Lyndon Johnson bristled at the Kennedy dominance and the first episode illustrates a lot of that tension.

Bobby Kennedy’s four years as Attorney General were filled with struggles at home (Civil Rights) and abroad (Vietnam). Following his brother’s assassination and Johnson’s ascendance to the Presidency, RFK was replaced and moved on to run for U.S.

He was elected as the Senator from New York in 1964, and the second episode shows us his years in Congress. This was a really interesting episode because we do not often hear reminiscences of this time in RFK’s life. He was not yet building a presidential candidacy; rather, he was working on poverty relief, job creation, and other social issues.

The third episode is the 1968 campaign for President. Here is where we really get to see the RFK that might have been. The man seemed to make all the right moves and say all the right things. He seems in many ways to be a smart, principled politician in a way rarely seen. A great example is the night of April 4, 1968, when RFK is able to calm an African-American crowd filled with anger and grief at the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To hear his improvised speech today, it is hard to imagine a written one being much better: RFK was exactly what was needed at the time.

And then, three months into this campaign, RFK wins the primary in California. He finishes a victory speech, shots are fired, and he’s gone.

The interview with Juan Romero, who held Bobby Kennedy after being shot at the

Ambassador Hotel, was gripping television. This man was only seventeen and a busboy at the hotel when he was thrust into the public eye as the man holding a dying RFK.

Romero said that he gave Kennedy a rosary and began praying. He said Kennedy asked, “is everyone okay?” As paramedics came to try and treat him, Romero said he heard Kennedy say, “don’t pick me up.” The fourth and final installment covers the capture and trial of Sirhan Sirhan, who has long been viewed as the shooter. Paul Schrade, who was an adviser to Kennedy on labor affairs during the 1968 campaign, is featured prominently in the last episode because of his decades-long attempt to prove that a second shooter killed Kennedy. We also get to see the funeral train footage, as RFK’s body traveled by rail through small towns to his final resting place. The funeral Mass featured “Battle Hymn of the Republic” performed by television variety host Andy Williams, and a eulogy by the last surviving brother, Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, who was a year away from his own tragedy.

This series is highly recommended for those who believe in hope, and that politicians might actually influence lives positively. No matter which political party you call home, “Bobby Kennedy for President” should be mandatory viewing.

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

Senate.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

SAMPLE BALLOT

Primary elections are nearing, here’s what you need to know

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Super Tuesday is coming up in less than two weeks on March 5. Now is the time to be applying for absentee ballots, figuring out your polling place and looking over the candidates.

WHAT IS A PRIMARY ELECTION

Unlike the general election, the primary election focuses on the candidates for individual parties to determine which candidate will represent their political party in the general election.

In the state of Alabama, voters do not register with a party but declare a party the day of.

“That means that the person who’s taking your ID has to know what party you are, if you want a partisan ballot, that throws a lot of people off,” Tallapoosa County probate judge Tal East explained.

For the primary election, if you ask for a Republican ballot, you will get all the Republican candidates who are running opposed and if you ask for a Democrat ballot, you will get all the Democrats candidates who are running opposed. You can ask for a nonpartisan ballot then you will receive a ballot with just the constitutional amendment.

Of course, come November voters will receive a ballot with all the parties on it and candidates who are running unopposed with an option to write in a candidate.

SAMPLE BALLOT

As for the constitutional amendment there is one that will be voted on during the primaries. The amendment will make it easier for local laws to be considered in the legislature by allowing for them to be viewed before the budget isolation resolution is passed.

HOW TO VOTE

East said he would like to remind individuals to verify their polling locations, especially since for those in Alexander City the polling place will be different from where voters go for municipal elections.

The easiest way to find your polling location is by going to the Alabama Secretary of State website. There also is a copy of all

the registered voters and their polling locations in the Feb. 14 edition of The Tribune. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another important aspect to remember is to bring a valid state issued photo identification, such as a non-expired driver’s license.

In Alabama, voters will vote on paper ballots. There also are mechanisms in place to aid those with disabilities to cast their vote.

“We can have someone that can assist you — in filling out a normal ballot if you choose that person to be there, if you allow somebody to see your votes,” East said. “Or we have handicap accessible machines that have Braille and have an electronic assistant so that you can vote in that manner. It goes into the same machine and is counted in the same way.”

For those who are going the absentee ballot route, voters have until Tuesday to mail in their absentee ballot application to the county absentee election managers. Voters can also give their application back in person by Thursday.

If individuals are not currently registered to vote, the deadline to vote in the primaries has passed, but East said it is important to still go ahead and register so you are ready for the next election, especially the general election in November.

“It’s important for people to participate in democracy and participate in their government,” East said. “I like to tell people, ‘Whether or not you’re interested in your government, your government is interested in you.’ These are the people that are spending your money on different things and it’s incredibly important for people to participate in that process. Don’t think you have to have spent every waking moment of every day analyzing the issues to go vote. We all have lives. We all have jobs, we all have other things going on, but participate in the process. Let the people in power know that you care enough to go vote.”

For voter registration and more information, visit the Alabama Secretary of State website.

Religion

Don’t lose heart

This article was inspired by a photo a friend shared and the message God gave me when I saw it. The picture was of a tomato plant with several small tomatoes on it, and she posted it on Facebook, because it was so uncommon to see a tomato plant showing signs of life during a brutally cold winter. The photo was taken in January, and the plant was once again producing fruit and thriving, in spite of all it had gone through.

God is our true vine! The source of living water can only come from Him, and it flows down into the deepest parts of our being, our spirit and soul, and renews us! Thank You God for hope and restoration!

Telling someone not to lose heart is easier said than done, and becomes much more personal and challenging when something happens in our own lives. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 talks about not losing heart and it’s the theme of the message God provided when I first saw the tomato plant photo.

“Though our outer self is perishing, on the inside we are being renewed day by day. For these momentary afflictions are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are not seen are eternal. The tomatoes were continuing to thrive, because their source of life and living water were found deep inside the vine, even though it appeared to be withered.

God is our true vine! The source of living water can only come from Him, and it flows down into the deepest parts of our being, our spir-

Tallassee Churches

it and soul, and renews us! Thank You God for hope and restoration!” Below are some of the lyrics of the popular song, “Don’t Lose Heart”, by Stephen Curtis Chapman, and in an interview he said he wrote it as a passionate anthem of hope, inspired by his own journey through the dark valley of grief and loss that he

MELINDA BLAIR Columnist

and his family had traveled.

“Another sleepless night, praying hope comes in the morning light. Right now you’re feeling like you’ve lost the fight. And fear is screaming out your name. Let me walk you through this valley and tell you all that I’ve learned to be true. Don’t lose heart. Don’t you dare let go. I’ve been where you are.. You’re not alone. I know it gets dark. I know it gets hard, but we’re gonna make it home!”

Our afflictions are all going to turn to glory beyond comparison one day, so let’s cling to Jesus and strive to not lose heart.

Melinda Blair is a religion columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Surrounding Area Churches

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Sports

Tallassee’s Carwile signs with Faulkner football

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Ben Carwile has achieved his childhood dream.

The Tallassee senior signed his National Letter of Intent to play college football at Faulkner University on Tuesday. He is signing with the Eagles as an offensive lineman.

“This is something I’ve

always wanted to do since I was in little league,” Carwile said. “This was something I always dreamed of.

Just being able to do this means everything to me.”

Carwile’s recruiting process with Faulkner was a quick one.

He has accumulated offers from other schools such as St. Andrews University, Culver-Stockton College, Ottawa University

Tallassee’s Delfin can’t stop scoring

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Irvin Delfin is reminding teams why he was an All-State member last season.

Delfin, Tallassee’s star junior, scored nine goals in three games this week. He started his week with five goals against Holtville, then bounced back with two goals each in two wins over Charles Henderson.

While averaging a hat trick, he also assisted three goals for good measure. For his week dominating the pitch, Delfin is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Irvin is averaging almost three goals a game, so that certainly helps your team out,” Tigers coach Matt Tarpley said.

“He’s a special player and it never hurts to have him on your side.” Delfin let Holtville know how the game was going to go in a hurry.

Tallassee won the matchup, 10-0, and Delfin scored the first five goals of the game.

He did so without being assisted from anyone else on the team. He simply got the ball at his feet and raced past defenders and found the back of the net.

After scoring the five goals, he earned a relaxing second half of sitting on the bench.

“That game was quick and easy for him,” Tarpley said. “After that, we got him a little break and let the other guys pick up the pieces. His speed really showed there and is severely underrated. He can quickly find himself in open space if he’s 1-on1 with a defender and he can finish with both feet.

He’s very precise and clinical with his shots.”

In the first matchup against Charles Henderson, a 6-2 win, he scored two goals and had one assist. Five days later, he had two goals and two assists in a 6-0 win over the Trojans.

His scoring outburst has come after he scored just two goals in the team’s first five games.

among others, but he held out on committing.

Then Faulkner reached out last month and was the last school to really recruit him heavily. The day after reaching out, Carwile went on a visit and he was sold.

Six days later, he committed and now has signed.

“Faulkner felt like home to me,” Carwile said. “All of the coaches treated me like family when I went on

my visit and I’m just excited for the next four years. I really enjoyed the facilities and dorms and I even talked to some teachers. They really felt like family.”

Carwile has been a multi-year starter for Tallassee and has been a key part of the offensive line that led the Tigers to backto-back playoff appearances

‘MORE THAN A STUDENT-ATHLETE’

Former coaches remember Jeffery “Buck” Thompson

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

Jeffery “Buck” Thompson always was like a son to Reeltown’s Matt Johnson.

Growing up alongside Johnson’s own boys, Thompson was always around. Whether it be playing youth sports, helping coach as a young kid or being coached by Johnson himself in high school Thompson was always a part of Johnson’s life.

Tragically, on Feb. 17, Thompson died. He was just 16 years old.

“I have known his family forever,” Johnson said. “I have known him really well for a long time. He was like one of mine. He was more than a student-athlete to me. He was like one of mine.” Thompson grew up along-

side Johnson’s oldest son Cruise.

The two developed a strong bond, as did all the members of the 2026 graduation class.

From young boys to onetime high school teammates, the whole age group lost one of its most prominent friends.

“(Cruise) and Buck grew up playing youth baseball and football,” Johnson said. “That whole age group was all really tight. They played all the youth sports together.”

At Reeltown, Thompson was a budding star on the football field and in the classroom.

Playing both ways as a freshman, Thompson tallied over 350 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He also added over 30 tackles on defense.

For his sophomore year, he transferred to Booker T. Wash-

ington-Tuskegee where he continued to impress, rushing for over 450 yards and three total touchdowns.

“He was a kid that had a really bright future ahead of him,” Johnson said. “Buck was a really smart kid.”

Even after leaving Reeltown High School, Johnson and his surrogate son Thompson stayed close. Thompson’s legacy will live on partly through his family, who are all growing up along with Johnson’s younger boys.

“We stayed in very close contact,” Johnson said. “I saw him a couple times in the fall, just going by on a Sunday afternoon to make sure he was still good. His family, we have all been really close. He still has cousins and brothers that

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee’s tough schedule is starting to pay off. Tigers soccer coach Matt Tarpley knew his team needed to be tested to be able to make a playoff run, so he scheduled as tough of a schedule as he could early in the year. He got exactly what he wanted when it came to the first two

weeks. The boys soccer team was sitting at 1-3-1, had losses to Auburn, St. James and Montgomery Catholic and was outscored 10-1 in the process. But now his team has gotten back in the win column with three victories in a row. And the Tigers have done so in impressive fashion.

Tallassee knocked off Holtville, 10-0, before beating Charles Henderson in back-to-

back games, 6-2 and 6-0. Now the Tigers find themselves at 4-3-1 as AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 play begins on Monday with a matchup against

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Tallassee’s Ben Carwile has signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football at Faulkner University. Carwile has helped lead Tallassee to two playoff appearances in his high school career.

Tallassee junior Irvin Delfin scored nine goals as he helped lead the Tigers to a 3-0 record last week. He scored five goals in one half against Holtville before scoring two each in wins over Charles Henderson. He also added three assists.

Buck Thompson played football for coach Matt Johnson and Reeltown in 2022 and for LA O’Neal and Booker T. Washington-Tuskegee in 2023. This past week, Thompson died at the age of 16.

Tallassee’s Lozada, McCary named wrestling all-stars

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Just two weeks after winning the AHSAA Class 5A state championships, Tallassee’s Ramon Lozada and Christian McCary are back wrestling in the postseason.

Lozada and McCary were both selected to wrestle in the second annual Alabama Wrestling Coaches Association North/ South All-Star Duals Tournament.

They will represent the South team and are two of 14 wrestlers who will wrestle against the North team on Saturday, March 9 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

Lozada will wrestle Mortimer Jordan’s Caleb Wright in the 120-pound weight class while McCary will wrestle Gardendale’s Daishun Powe in the 165-pound class.

Lozada, who transferred to Tallassee after wrestling for Wetumpka last season, capped off a perfect season with his state championship last week. He beat Jasper’s Kortez Samuels via pin at the 3:37 mark and finished 43-0 on the year. He controlled the match from start to finish, taking down

Samuels in the first 15 seconds before earning his pin in the second period. It was his first state championship.

Wright claimed the 6A state championship by beating Mountain Brook’s Stephen Springfield via 5-4 decision. Wright went 43-2 with his only two losses to an out-ofstate wrestler early in the season.

McCary, wrestling in the 165-pound class, finished third overall in the state championship tournament. McCary is the school’s All-Time pin leader and has won over 200 matches in his career. He beat Jasper’s Luke Horsley via pin in the third place match last week. His opponent was one of the most dominant wrestlers in Alabama this year. Powe went 42-4 and claimed the 6A title in 165 with little resistance. After pinning both of his opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals, one in only 17 seconds, he claimed a technical fall win in the championship.

He beat Mountain Brook’s Stuart Andrews with a 25-10 score not even three minutes into the match.

Thursday, Feb. 29

High School Softball

4 Wetumpka, Tallassee at Wetumpka Tournament, TBD

4 Stanhope Elmore at Elmore County, 6:30 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

High School Baseball

4 Edgewood Academy at Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

4 Stanhope Elmore at Trinity, 2:30 p.m.

4 Elmore County at Montgomery Catholic, 4 p.m. Wetumpka at Tallassee, 6:30 p.m.

4 Valley at Holtville, 5 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 Benjamin Russell at Tallassee, 6 p.m.

4 ACA at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

4 Elmore County at Sylacauga, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 01

High School Softball

4 Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County, Holtville, Tallassee at Wetumpka Tournament, TBD

Continued from A8

go to (Reeltown) that are all the same age as my other sons.”

On Saturday, Booker T. Washington will hold a funeral for Thompson. Players, coaches, teachers, friends and family alike will all remember the great things that made Thompson who he was.

“I love him,” Johnson said. “It has just been tough on us. Lots and lots of great memories with Buck.”

WCA North/South All-Star Duals Tournament.

4 Edgewood Academy at Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

High School Baseball

4 Edgewood Academy at Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

4 Tallassee at BTW, 4 p.m.

4 Trinity at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 (B) Sidney Lanier at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

4 (G) Wetumpka vs. Montgomery Catholic (at Houston Academy), 6:30 p.m.

4 (B) Wetumpka vs. Central Phenix City (at Houston Academy), 6:30 p.m.

4 Beauregard at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 02

High School Softball

4 Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County, Holtville, Tallassee at Wetumpka Tournament, TBD

4 Edgewood Academy at Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

High School Baseball

4 Edgewood Academy at

Continued from A8

Lowndes Varsity Tournament, TBD

4 McAdory at Wetumpka, 12 p.m.

4 Beauregard at Holtville, 11 a.m.

High School Soccer

4 (B) Wetumpka at Houston Academy, 9:30 a.m.

4 (G) Wetumpka vs Providence (at Houston Academy), 9:30 a.m.

4 (G) Wetumpka at Houston Academy, 12:30 p.m.

4 (B) Wetumpka vs Providence (at Houston Academy), 2 p.m.

Monday, March 04

High School Softball

4 Elmore County at Sylacauga, 6:30 p.m.

4 Hooper Academy at Edgewood Academy, 6 p.m.

High School Baseball

4 Hooper Academy at Edgewood Academy, 5:30 p.m.

4 Elmore County vs. Pike Road (at Paterson Field), 3 p.m.

4 Opelika at Wetumpka, 6:30 p.m.

his sophomore and junior years and a second round playoff game his junior season. That season, Tallassee’s offense averaged 25 points per game behind Carwile and his fellow offensive linemen.

“I’ve been a part of a few winning teams and I think when you bring in people from winning programs into a college program, it’s going to

build around everybody,”

Carwile said. “I feel like I have some leadership skills and I’m going to come in there and try my hardest to have everybody’s back and bring the energy.”

Carwile will hope to help bring Faulkner back to the limelight. After a few winning seasons, the Eagles have had losing seasons in back-to-back seasons. Last year, Faulkner went 2-8 and 0-6 in conference play. That doesn’t both-

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DELFIN

Continued from A8

During that span, Tallassee had just a 1-3-1 record with the lone win coming against ACA. Now, he’s found his footing and Tallassee has won three straight games while he averaged a hat trick.

For anyone who has watched Delfin, it’s no surprise. Delfin scored 30 goals and added 11 assists last year and was the first Tallassee soccer player to earn All-State honors in the process.

Tarpley knew that was likely to go down due to the team playing some tougher teams early this year, but he’s found his scoring burst quicker than expected.

“It’s just phenomenal to see him back in the same form he finished last year,” Tarpley said. “We knew this schedule would challenge him and I think it steeled his resolve. He wants to be one of the best players in the state of Alabama and now he’s going out there to do that.”

STREAK

Continued from A8

mindset. We were able to pick out some things that Holtville and Charles Henderson did and took advantage of those weaknesses and put up a couple of good wins.”

Where the team has really started to excel is on offense. Tarpley knew his team would struggle after graduating a combined 49 goals from Will Blocker and Jonathan Wright, and they did exactly that.

High School Soccer

4 Tallassee at Elmore County, 6 p.m.

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore at Enterprise, 7:30 p.m.

4 (B) Wetumpka at Sidney Lanier, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 05

High School Softball

4 Elmore County at St. James, 5 p.m.

4 Chilton County at Wetumpka, 6:30 p.m.

4 Edgewood Academy at Hooper Academy, 3:30 p.m.

High School Baseball

4 Edgewood Academy at Hooper Academy, 4 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore vs. St. James (at Riverwalk Stadium),

2 p.m.

4 Elmore County vs. Trinity (at Paterson Field), 5 p.m.

4 Beauregard at Tallassee, 6:30 p.m.

High School Soccer

4 ACA at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

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

4 Shelby County at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.

er Carwile. He knows Faulkner has the talent to succeed with the returning players and this year’s recruiting class and he’s excited to get the Eagles back to their winning ways.

“They’re rebuilding,” Carwile said. “We will have a new quarterback coming in from Charles Henderson and we’ve been in touch. I think we’re going to be pretty good. We have a good recruiting class coming in. It’s going to be fun.”

In the tough five-game stretch to open the year, Tallassee scored only seven goals and four of them came in one win.

Since then, however, the Tigers are averaging more than seven goals per game.

“We have a lot of new faces on our team and it just took a little time to trust each other and get comfortable with each other,” Tarpley said. “Right now, they’re really showing a lot of trust on the field.”

Junior Irvin Delfin has really helped the scoring average as he has netted nine goals in the last three games, and midfielder Yuren Rodrigues is right behind them. They’re the two most experienced players on the roster, and it has shown. Between the 19 combined goals and four assists, the two are responsible for 23 of the teams’ 29 goals.

“We would not be where we are without those two guys,” Tarpley said. “They have the experience and have played a lot of soccer. They’ve also had a lot of success doing so. They calm things down when they get frantic and they’re very calming steady presences on the field.

TALLASSEE GIRLS CLAIM FIRST DRAW OF THE YEAR

The Tallassee girls soccer team is entering just its second year as a program, and the inexperience has shown early in the year. The Tigers are just 0-5-1 this season but pulled out the best performance in program history last week.

Just five days after losing to Charles Henderson, 7-1, Tallassee fought back against the Trojans in the rematch and ended the night with a 1-1 draw at home.

“That’s the best soccer game in the history of the school,” Tarpley said. “My girls fought tooth and nail for 80 minutes to get a 1-1 draw out of a team that just beat them by six goals. It was amazing. The crowd, girls and I were all going crazy. I am so proud of the way they fought.”

ABOVE: Tallassee’s Christian McCary has been selected to wrestle in the ALWCA North-South All-Star Duals Tournament. He will wrestle in the 165-pound class.

BELOW: Tallassee’s Ramon Lozada went 43-0 this season and will wrestle in the AL-

SPORTS CALENDAR

BUCK

CARWILE

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1,

Public Notices

Public Notices

with

39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Renovation for renovations to the Gymnasium at Dadeville High School at 227 Weldon Street Dadeville, AL 36853 for the State of Alabama, and the City of Dadeville, Owner(s), andtlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: McKee & Associates 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137 OPELIKA, AL 36802

Tallassee Tribune: Feb. 14, 21, 28 and Mar. 6, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Tallassee Planning Commission will have a Public

notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. LEWIS GLEN WILSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN LEWIS WILSON, DE-

PITCHING LEADS ECHS OVER RIVAL HOLTVILLE

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Game 1 of the heated rivalry between Elmore County and Holtville went to Brandon White and the Panthers.

White allowed just one hit over five innings of work and struck out 11 Bulldogs as Elmore County beat Holtville, 3-2, in a pitcher’s duel at home Thursday night.

White started on the mound and faced off with Holtville’s Carson McCutchin who allowed three runs and took the loss in 5 ⅓ innings of work. He struck out one batter and allowed six hits.

White earned the no-decision for Elmore County but helped teammate Hayden Jones, his reliever, out with some offense.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, White singled to left field with one out and advanced to second base on a Jaden Eason walk. After a fielder’s choice gave Elmore County runners at first and third with two outs, White stole home and gave Elmore County the 3-2 lead.

“This was a good ballgame, Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said. “Regardless of what side you were on, that was a great ballgame.”

White was dominant in his start as he struck out the first batter he saw before striking out the side in both the third and fourth innings. After a leadoff walk and wild pitch to lead off the fifth, Holtville scratched the first run across on a Drew Connor single that scored Aiden Perry.

White then battled back with two more strikeouts before his day ended on the mound.

“Their pitcher did a great job,” Holtville coach Scott Tubbs said. “He pitched well. He was just blowing it by us.”

Elmore County took its first lead after Austin Davis and Gage Davis both reached base and came around to score on a double from Cade Everson.

Holtville tied the game, 2-2, on a fielder’s choice by McCutchin that scored Drey Barrett but was unable to tie it up again in the top of the seventh.

Holtville loaded the bases with an intentional walk to Barrett, a Southern Miss signee, but Braxton Potts and Randy Bridges both struck out to end the game.

““It’s February,” Tubbs said. “Pitching and defense are always ahead of hitting. We struggled at the plate. We left too many guys in scoring positions and didn’t come up with timely hits.”

Elmore County advanced to 3-0 on the season with the win and has

now beaten Reeltown, Valley and Holtville, which is the defending Class 5A champs.

After a long basketball season that included multiple starters, Byrd is happy with where his team is currently.

“That’s a big win because they’re a rival and they’re the defending state champs,” Byrd said. “It is a very good quality opponent early in the season. We will see them again in the first round or the semifinals depending on if we both do what we are supposed to do.”

For Tubbs, he said it was a familiar scene as Holtville also lost a one-run game to Pike Road in nine innings last week. In that match, Holtville also had two runners in scoring position with a chance to tie it and came up short.

“All of that is going to come,” Tubbs said. “The good thing is the playoffs are not in February. They are in May. You have to get all that out of your system.”

KINDNESS

Continued from A4

and waved as he drove the opposite direction. It was another one of those sincere, genuine waves, just like Mr. Hall. We didn’t know each other. He was just being kind. Now, as I get ready to start the second part of the day I see social media has joined in on the crusade with a post on one of the Alexander City pages asking people to leave a positive comment about a local business. As of press time there were more than 40 comments of sincere kindness posted about other businesses in town. What a nice surprise it will be for business owners to read about people singing their praises, especially considering that’s not what we’re accustomed to seeing on some of these social groups.

Do I think Mr. Hall’s morning cheer is the only reason these things happened this week? Maybe not and probably so. Maybe not because Mrs. Heard has been in our office many times and has never been short on compliments and smiles. She is truly a blessing to our staff. Maybe the facebook post was going to happen anyway, as it should.

But I do believe Mr. Hall started something that, I hope, will spread, even if it is organically. Would I have even noticed all three of these genuinely kind gestures if I hadn’t already been uplifted from reading about Mr. Hall? Who knows. What I do know is when people extend kindness, it lifts spirits and makes you want to pay it forward. It makes you want to be more like them because who wants to be negative Nelly when there are people like Mr. Hall, Mrs. Heard and the city worker blessing our town? I, for one, wanted to wave at the next passing car after my encounter today. Everything won’t always be rosy. The honest news, the good and the bad, will always be critical to the health of communities. But, if everyone would make an effort to be kind, share a wave here and there, encourage positivity and leave the judgement where it belongs, it would be a nice step toward honoring Mr. Hall, Mrs Heard and everyone else that’s already a part of the kindness crusade. Now, if we could just get Lake Martin boaters back to waving!

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Continued from A1

“We are looking forward to getting together in person to celebrate,” Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Executive

Director Jerry Cunningham said. “We are happy we will be able to give out our community awards in person.”

complete on the armory, a larger space means more people can celebrate the occasion.

The awards were presented in person last year in a small environment. Now that renovations are

Continued from A1

year.

“I multitask from the time I walk in the door to the time I leave,” she said. “From entering in excuses for students that were absent, daily attendance, all the check-ins and checkouts throughout the day.”

NEW Continued from A1

out before or after work,” Phillips said.

The center was primarily open only during the day, eliminating the ability of those who worked day jobs or third shifts from coming in. With the Tallassee City Council’s approval, the hours have been expanded to 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. To aid in the extra hours, a part time employee is being hired.

“We are trying to make the center available to as many people as we can,” Phillips said. Phillips is a Tallassee

“We would love to see everyone there as we ‘Celebrate the Present, Promote the Future,’” Cunningham said.

As the school secretary and SIMS operator, her hard work has not gone unnoticed. Cosby was recently named RES Support Staff of the Year. When Cosby first found out, she was surprised and, of course, honored.

“There’s a lot of really great staff members here at this school and to be given that award for this school year, I

equipment.

native and started exercising at the center as a teenager in 1982, a year after the center was opened. Much of the equipment was the same. Some additions were made through donations and the retirement of workout equipment from Tallassee City Schools.

Phillips made it a priority to improve the exercise machines of the center. He looked around and realized he had a friend in the gym business in Macon, Georgia. He reached out to the friend and also searched for other places reasonable equipment could be acquired. He found a seller in Pennsylvania with 14 pieces of equipment for sale. Just before the deal was done, the friend in Georgia came through with even better

Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Super Foods’ Gene Lawrence. His businesses have been synonymous with sponsoring and supporting community functions for decades going back to the time when the

store was known as Big Bear. Lawrence said last year he gives the community success for Super Foods success.

The banquet is business casual and will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14. NOMINATIONS

was very very shocked but very happy and honored to say the least” she said.

Cosby said Reeltown Elementary has wonderful teachers, administrators and staff that all make her job easier. Every day is different for Cosby.

She answers the general phone line, maintains school records, provides administra-

“He had a couple of gyms that had closed and this was sitting in a storage shed,” Phillips said. “He was about to put it up for sale.”

Sixteen pieces of equipment were delivered and more are coming. Three gently used industrial treadmills have been installed.

“The ones we had were the ones available at many retailers,” Phillips said. “But they are for home use. These have springs in them too and are heavy duty. I can get on them and run and they don’t even shake.”

The weight area now includes much newer and safer lifting machines for legs, arms, chest and back.

Phillips hopes new dumbbells are in soon too,

about wanting to go to these big cities and don’t realize what they have here. The community has been good to us. You can’t beat it.”

“It is a wonderful community,” Lawrence said. “It is home. It is just wonderful. People talk

“Reeltown holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to be a part of the RES family,” she said.

Cosby graduated from Southern Union Community College with an associate’s degree in science and worked in the dental field for 8 ½ years before joining the RES staff.

tive support for teachers and administration. She maintains that attendance record from check-ins to check-outs to excuses from absences. She organizes school records, sends record requests for incoming students and gathers records for transferring students. This really is the tip of the iceberg, but she said she is grateful to have the opportunity to give back to Reeltown in this way.

along with rubber covered plates for lifting. The old plates are in the 44, 22 and 12 pound varieties. New plates are 45, 20 and 10s.

“That is how old they are,” Phillips said. “We are not done with the weight room. There is a new mirror coming. Every gym has to have it.”

The new equipment can be moved to a new building if and when it comes.

The rec center previously had two rates — one for those using the equipment and one for the courts inside the building.

“I looked at more than 20 rec centers across the state,” Phillips said. “We were the only one to have two memberships.”

At one point in time, Phillips said the center had one rate. He went to the

council to get permission to go back to one rate. The council inquired about the pricing of memberships.

“The closest one to us is Valley and they have an indoor pool,” Phillips said. “They charge $155 per year. We don’t have an indoor pool so we came up with $120 per year per person.”

There is also a family plan for $175 per year. Both give every member the same access to the weight room, the basketball and pickleball courts and twice a day Monday through Thursday cardio classes.

“We have about 10-12 per class,” Phillips said.

Phillips is also planning activities for the center and recreation department. He wants to create quarterly events for children

and seniors 55 and up. The first is the Shamrock Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. March 16.

“There is going to be a dance and everyone is encouraged to wear green,” Phillips said. The non-alcoholic event will have a catered meal and a band. Next week is pancake day at Funtastic Fort for children. There will be photographs with the Easter Bunny.

There are plans for more activities around the rec center for children and adults. Phillips hopes to start some programs that have funding from sources beyond the city.

“Hopefully we will get a Silver Sneakers program,” Phillips said. “It pays for a lot for the elderly programs.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

Elmore County’s Brandon White slides into home for the Panthers’ game-winning run in the sixth inning.