Tallassee Tribune March 20 2024

SPORTS, PAGE B1

All-County wrestling team announced

INSIDE, PAGE A5

St. Patrick’s Day celebrated

ECLECTIC, PAGE B6

Pi Day earns a pie in the face

Defense points finger another direction in Tallassee robbery

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Another story has emerged in a Jan. 3 Tallassee robbery.

In a preliminary hearing in front of Elmore County District Court Judge Glen Goggans, Virgil Ford, an attorney for Nicholas Zachariah Pattillo, questioned the motive of witnesses to a robbery in which Pattillo has been charged.

On Jan. 6, the victim reported the alleged robbery to the Tallassee Police Department. Investigators said the robbery was during a transaction where the victim was attempting to purchase a gun. He was then held at gunpoint and $700 taken from him. Police were aided in identifying Pattillo as a suspect by a witness and two anonymous phone calls. They said it was Pattillo.

Days after the alleged robbery, investigators searched the mobile home Pattillo had been squatting in and found dark colored coveralls. In the hearing, investigators said Pattillo was identified by the victim using an image of

a masked person wearing dark coveralls taken from a music video posted on Pattillo’s Facebook page.

The image was not shown in the hearing.

Ford asked investigators on cross examination if two individuals were responsible for giving law enforcement Pattillo’s name. Which they had. Ford also asked if they knew there was an ongoing argument

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce celebrated both the past and future at its annual award banquet Thursday. Champion supporters of Tallassee and the chamber were honored as well as celebrating possible good news of the future.

“I have had plenty of opportunities to move but I have chosen to stay here,” Chamber director Jerry Cunningham said. “It is such a good place to rear a family. There are plenty of good things going on in Tallassee.”

A first for the awards banquet, members of several organizations were asked to give updates on what is happening in Tallassee. Rick Dor-

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

ley has been on the Tallassee Industrial Development Board for 23 years. He is now the executive director. He noted the pace of good news for Tallassee will speed up in the next year.

“There have been successes but nothing like the past year and right now,” Dorley said. “It is unprecedented that we are See DINNER, Page A6

BACKGROUND: Members of the Tallassee High School choral programs sang the National Anthem at the annual Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Awards at the National Guard Armory Thursday.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

between the brothers and Pattillo to which investigators said they did not.

Testimony suggested no gun was found.

Ford suggested the brothers were making up the story to get Pattillo in trouble.

Goggans bound the case over to an Elmore County Grand Jury. He altered Pattillo’s bond to $250,000. It previously had a cash only option, but no more.

Traffic will snarl for a week as traffic on the Fitzpatrick Bridge is limited to one-lane through today.

The lane closure is 24/7 to allow the final work to be done to the actual driving surface of the bridge.

“They are going to reseal the deck,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “They will be pulling some of it up and putting new down.”

Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said the work

is just now being done because the temperatures needed to be warmer for this work.

“Even when contractors are not there, it will be one lane,” Buce said. “What they are doing has to cure before traffic can be allowed on it.”

Police officers will man the temporary lights used during work on the bridge for the past year around the clock.

“If there is an emergency on either side of

$20 million to be spent on public projects in Elmore County

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County is growing. Businesses are opening. Schools are looking at needing additional space. The courts are adding two judges.

The growth has led to the construction of 17 Springs in Millbrook with the idea lodging taxes could sustain quality of life projects across the county. And things are looking good. Now the Elmore Coun-

ty Commission, the Town of Eclectic, City of Tallassee, Elmore County Board of Education, Tallassee City Schools and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority have announced the next round of projects across the county.

The commission has authorized the financing with $20 million in cash and more in in-kind services for projects in Eclectic, Holtville and Tallassee.

PATTILLO

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Dr. Steve Burak gets a hug from a family member after he was awarded the President’s Award at the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet.

Case dismissed

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Montgomery man arrested near the Elmore Correctional Facility in January is no longer facing multiple charges related to smuggling.

Glenn Norman, 36, was taken into custody by Alabama Department of Corrections officials after someone was noticed throwing duffel bags over the fence at the state prison.

Prison officials found Norman nearby and charged him with trafficking methamphetamine, marijuana and synthetic drugs, three counts of promoting prison contraband and criminal trespass. He was being held on a $4,534,000 bond.

An Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) officer testified at Norman’s preliminary hearing he saw a person throwing things over the fence and notified his superiors. The officer said he didn’t know what was in the bags.

Court records state the bags contained 1,300 grams of methamphetamine, more than 2,888 grams of marijuana and 160 grams of flocka.

The officer said his superiors took the bags but he was unaware if or what types of drugs were in the bags. No other ADOC officers testified.

Elmore County District Court Judge Glen Goggans conducted the hearing. He said with no testimony in court about the drugs he had no option but to dismiss the case.

“If I heard about the drugs from a witness, I would likely have bound it over to the grand jury,” Goggans said.

The case was dismissed without prejudice meaning the district attorney’s office can still get an indictment but with a direct presentation to an Elmore County Grand Jury.

At the time of Norman’s arrest he was out on bond for a similar incident in Bullock County.

According to court documents, on. Dec. 28, Norman was arrested near Bullock Correctional Facility in Union Springs. There, ADOC officers observed a red Kia Soul that fled a traffic stop.

“After a short vehicle pursuit, the vehicle collided with a tree,” an incident report stated. “The subject fled on foot into a wooded area.”

The vehicle was determined to be stolen and ADOC K-9 units began to search and found Junquincy Thompson hiding in a shed. Thompson told law enforcement he had dropped off two others near the prison.

An ALEA Aviation Unit aided in

Man accused of smuggling drugs into a prison freed

finding Norman and Jamari Coleman.

The K-9 units found several packages wrapped in tape that contained 28 cellphones, 17 charging blocks, seven wireless earbuds, three wired earbuds, 40 USB cords, two footballs, three bottles containing alcohol, a deck of playing cards, a phone tool kit, a pair of Timberland boots, a pair of Nike shoes, 212 rolling paper packs, 104 Black and Mild cigars, two toboggans, a safety vest, a bottle of lemon juice, a pocket knife, 1,137 grams of green leafy substance, 122 grams of yellowish substance, 462 grams of white powder substance and 25 suboxone strips.

The three individuals were placed in the Bullock County Jail.

Norman was charged with possession of a controlled substance, first-degree possession of marijuana and promoting prison contraband.

Norman posted an $8,000 bond and was released.

In February in Bullock County, his charges were bound over to a grand jury for possible indictment. At the time of Norman’s arrest in Elmore County, officials motioned to have his bond revoked in Bullock County. As of press time, the status of the bond revocation is unknown.

Elmore County resident denied parole

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Deatsville man who pleaded guilty to second-degree receiving stolen property will stay in prison.

The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles held a hearing March 13 to decide if Robert Wayne Luster, 50, should be released on parole.

According to court records, in June 2021, the

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 17

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

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

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Hillcrest Street.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Macedonia Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Jordan Avenue.

MARCH 16

• Harassment was reported on West Patton Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Herd Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Washington Street.

• An animal complaint was report-

LUSTER

Elmore County Sheriff’s found Luster under the influence and passed out on his bed. On the floor next to the bed was a single shot 12-gauge shotgun that had been reported stolen in Elmore County. Luster pleaded guilty

in December 2022 to second-degree receiving stolen property and saw the charge of certain persons forbidden to carry a firearm dismissed. He was sentenced to 81 months just a year ago.

According to minutes of a parole hearing held by the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, a family member spoke in favor of Luster’s release. The board denied parole.

Previously Luster served a 15-year sentence for a 2008 conviction of second-degree assault. In 1997 he had convictions for first-degree theft, burglary and escape. In 1992 he had convictions for robbery and possession of forged instrument.

Luster is currently incarcerated at the Fountain Correctional Center and due to be released from prison in May 2025.

MARCH 14

ed on Paxton Drive.

• An arrest was made during a domestic incident call on Grimes Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Carr Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue. MARCH 15

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Noble Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Rosemere Drive.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Little Road.

• Harassment was reported on Gladys Street.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Friendship Road.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A disabled vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Weldon Road.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Little Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Barnett Boulevard.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Freeman Avenue.

MARCH 13

• An intoxicated person was reported on Highway 14.

• A fight was reported on James Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Claire Street.

• Assistance was given to another

See REPORTS, Page A3

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Poison prevention important for pets too

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

This is National Poison Prevention Week and while we all certainly need to be knowledgeable to protect our families, our pets also need protection from accidental poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline is a valuable resource and below are the most common poison risks to our pets (and also to our children):

1. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen, naproxen, cold medications and herbal supplements. Make sure to keep all medications out of paws’ reach

and check with a veterinarian before giving any new medication (prescription or not) to your pet.

2. Human prescription medications such as ADHD medications, antidepressants and heart medications are in many homes and need to be kept out of reach of pets..

3. Food items and ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.

4. Chocolate! Keep candy and baked goods away from your pets.

5. Veterinary products mostly due to accidental or unintentional exposures. Many pet medications are

flavored so pets may mistake these for treats. Giving medicine meant for one pet, or for another species (dog topical flea products are deadly if put on cats), to another accidentally is also possible so make sure to know what you are giving your pet. And remember a “childproof container” does not mean it is pet-proof.

6. Household items including paint, glue and cleaning products are often too easily accessible.

7. Rodenticides & Insecticides. Remember that pets, along with rodents, find baits very tasty. Rat or mouse bait ingestion can be deadly for

our pets and today’s products are even deadlier than those of years ago.

8. Insecticides include items such as ant baits, bug sprays and yard products. Make sure to read all labels and keep your pets out of the affected area when using any of these products.

9. Indoor and outdoor plants, as well as bouquets, can all be sources of potential problems for pets.

10. Garden products like fertilizers, herbicides and soil enhancements can prove irresistible to a playful pet so watch your pets when you are out working on the lawn or garden.

New contract with Wall Street water coming

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A water emergency 15 months ago brought about a need for a new contract between the City of Tallassee and the Wall Street Water Authority.

It was cold and pipes had burst, not just in homes, but big supply lines too. Tallassee supplies water to Wall Street and the cold spell around Christmas 2022 presented issues.

“We had an issue with not getting enough water to treat,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “We ended up cutting off Wall Street because they had so many leaks from customers they sell to.” Hill told the Tallassee City Council Wall Street has contacted the city about amending the contract to add an additional water source in the event of an emergency. But Tallassee has to be careful in doing so.

“We don’t want to lose any revenue because all of our bonds are water and sewer fee related and Wall Street Water plays a role in that,” Hill said.

Negotiations started in October and have resulted in terms that keep Tallassee’s bond requirements satisfied. The council authorized a new 20-year contract that will keep the rate increases already in place and guarantee a minimum water purchase of 180 million gallons per year.

The council rezoned a parcel on Gilmer Avenue from Residential I to Highway Commercial. The parcel was both zonings and was supposed to have been zoned commercial in a large-scale zoning project when the town was assisted by the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission several years ago.

“Either our maps were not accurate or it was not included in the original

Pet of the Week - Jackie

REPORTS

Continued from A2

• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.

• A white male was arrested on Little Road.

• Harassment was reported on West Gantt Mill Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street. MARCH 12

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Carr Circle.

rezoning,” Hill said.

Hill informed the council the city was approved for an ADEM ARPA drinking water state grant in the amount of $586,000 to assist in a large maintenance project in the city’s water filter treatment plant. The city will match the grant from bond funds acquired for utility projects.

Other work will soon be under way. Hill told the council necessary environmental approvals were received for work to begin on gas line replacement in the Elmore County portion of Tallassee. Last year the town received a $9.7 million to remove and replace cast iron gas lines. A similar grant has been applied for the east side of Tallassee.

Hill told the council the wastewater treatment center project was complete and the downtown streetscape project should be finished in April.

“It is because we

Jackie is a female who is about 6 ½ months old. She weighs 40 pounds. She was found as an abandoned, skinny pup and brought to us.

Jackie is super sweet, loves toys, great with other dogs and she just loves to cuddle.

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Benson Drive.

• A white male was arrested on Herd Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Second Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Rickey Lane. MARCH 11

• Harassment was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Claire Street.

• A Black male was arrested on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Comer Lane.

• Assistance was given with a gas leak that was reported on South Tallassee Drive. MARCH 10

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Patterson Street.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 12

• An animal bite was reported on Marshall Street. MARCH 11

• Theft was reported on Cotton Lakes Boulevard.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS POISONED?

1. Remove your pet from the area.

2. Check to make sure your pet is safe: breathing and acting normally.

3. Collect a sample of the ingested item if possible.

4. Do NOT give any home antidotes.

extended the sidewalk project along South Ann Avenue in front of Tiger Paw,” Hill said.

The council canceled the March 26 meeting in anticipation of several absences.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 12.

6. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

If in doubt, contact &/or take your pet to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

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

5. Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or Pet Poison Helpline.

HOTDOGS

Continued from A4

ago it started with the classic hotdog stop in Montgomery — Chris’.

Anyone who has been to Chris’ knows it is all about the sauce. I’ve tried to buy the recipe but I don’t have the necessary $5 million. So we resort to going to Dexter Avenue whenever the chance arises.

Chris’ now has stiff competition. We’ve tried Gus’ in Birmingham and recently made a stop at The Varsity in Atlanta — Gus’ is clearly at the top for my son. He likes the ground beef chili.

There’s also Grumpy Dog in Wetumpka and Tallassee. But he is reserving judgment.

He’s tried Grumpy’s Cheesy Dog but is waiting to try the basic chili dog.

“I think that is equal to Gus’ maybe No. 1,” he said. “But I want to try everyone’s classic hotdog to judge for sure.”

For me the list is Grumpy No. 1. A tie for second between Gus’ and The Varsity and a close third is Chris’. My son’s final ranking is still up in the air. But it doesn’t matter to me.

For me the top of the list is creating memories around it all with my son. And we will keep going and debating who has the better hotdog.

So, if you see me out with a younger version of me don’t be shy. Stop by, say hi and engage us in the intricacies of hotdogs and life.

Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.

A good time for all at the rec Center's Sham-Rockin Bash

By CARMEN RODGERS For The Tribune

There was live entertainment, food and beverages, dancing, and lots of fun Saturday evening at the Tallassee Recreation Center for the Sham-Rockin Bash.

"I think it went great," Tallassee Recreation Center director Eric Phillips said. "We didn't have quite as many people as I was hoping for, but the people who did show up, everyone that I talked to said they had a great time. That's the whole point: to have a good time."

The Sham-Rockin Bash was a first for the rec center, and the goal is to gain event momentum moving forward.

"This was the first one. I think next time it will be bigger," Phillips said. "With more advertising and word of mouth. I am hoping to grow it."

Live entertainment for the event was provided by the band The Generations, and band members Steve Butler and his grandson, Jack, along with Charles Peppers had the crowd dancing to the beats.

"That was his (Jack's) first gig," Phillips said. "(It was) three generations worth of music."

While Steve has played at the rec center before, it’s been nearly a lifetime as the last time he played there was in 1966.

This event was truly a community effort. Event coordinators are thankful for Community Home Health & Hospice Care’s sponsorship; and The Petaler for providing flowers

ABOVE: Jack Butler and his grandfather, Steve Butler,

of music at the Sham-Rockin Bash.

BELOW: Friends shared conversation and laughs at the rec

for the occasion. R&J Balloon Co., along with Petty's Pretties, and Ellison Designs all worked to provide the balloon decorations and a hand-painted door that greeted guests, and Suzannah's Photography provided the backdrop for a photo area. Tallassee's Trustmark Bank provided dinnerware, napkins, cups, and plates for the event, while Moon's BBQ catered the event, and Tallassee Nutrition provided green drinks, along with cups, straws, and lids. Aire Serv of Wetumpka & Tallassee provided a monetary donation and volunteered to help serve food to guests.

"My intention, when I started here, was to have something for the seniors once a quarter," Phillips said. The rec center also has an Easter event planned for

CommunityCalendar

March 29,

a pancake breakfast and a meet and greet with the Easter

said. "It's for ages 10 years old and under. We are hoping for a good turnout." There are also plans in the works for an Easter Egg Hunt for that event.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

KELLY ROAD TRIP: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts is hosting another Kelly Road Trip March 21. This visit will go to the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery. Those interested need to sign up at The Kelly and meet at 9:30 a.m. at The Kelly to carpool.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

BINGO: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will host a Ladies Only Bingo Night from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22. Tickets are $20 and each bingo card is $1. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bingo begins at 7. Wine is complimentary for women ages 21 and older.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

night is an opportunity to network and unlock potential for business growth. Tickets are $10 per person plus one silent auction item per business. Tickets are for adults only and reserved for small businesses in the area.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

of Alabama national exhibition from June 1 to June 28. The juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY:

Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, Sept. 21.

SATURDAY, OCT. 19

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY:

TEA PARTY: Annie Rae of Downtown Eclectic will be hosting a special tea party for girls ages 5 through 12 with delicious snacks and refreshments. Wear your favorite Easter attire and enjoy photos with the Easter bunny. The cost is $35 per person. Call 334-639-0086 for more information.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at ASE Credit Union. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 18 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, Oct. 19.

NOV. 6-9

ALABAMA FRONTIER DAYS: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is holding its annual frontier days with demonstrations for school children and parents about life in Alabama as the area was settled Nov. 6-9.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. March 25 at Wynlakes Country Club. There will be hole-inone, closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contests. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

PICKETT FEST: The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival is April 6 at Cooters Pond in Prattville. The annual event features music and art vendors. COMMUNITY CLEANUP: The Reuben Thornton Memorial spring cleanup will be held April 6. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center followed by the trash cleanup at 8 a.m. and lunch with live music at Lake Martin Mini Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dumpsters will be located at the Red Hill Community Center and Lake Martin Mini Mall.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

MIXER & SILENT AUCTION: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will be hosting a small business mixer and silent auction from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 11. The proceeds will benefit a charitable organization, and the

WAR ENCAMPMENT: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is holding its annual French and Indian War Encampment with demonstrations Saturday, April 20.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

SPRING MARKET: Poppy Layne

Farm Vintage will be hosting a Spring Barn Market starting at 10 a.m. May 11. Applications are currently available for interested vendors. Email poppylaynefarm@gmail. com for more information. Live music will be featured.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY:

Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, May 18.

ART SHOW: The Wetumpka Downtown Artists will host an art show on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

JUNE 1 - JUNE 28

NATIONAL EXHIBITION: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in downtown Wetumpka is hosting the 83rd Annual Watercolor Society

ONGOING

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

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME:

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

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street. NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

Saturday,

at the Funtastic Fort in the Carrville community. "It's

Bunny," Phillips

CARMEN RODGERS FOR TPI

members of The Generations, provided three generations

Center’s Sham-Rockin Bash.

working on four projects right now. I just got a call for a possible fifth project. It is amazing how fast things go and how quickly they develop.”

The announcement of the companies the IDB works with doesn’t belong to the industrial development board. It belongs to the company itself.

“We let them do that when they chose to,” Dorley said. “We are here to help them. We are here to help create jobs and capital investment in Tallassee.”

Dorley announced four companies are looking to invest about $30 million in Tallassee to create more than 200 new jobs. He

expects announcements to come in about a year.

Dorley said the pace of working four projects and now possibly five is unprecedented.

“I have worked on two projects at one time, one project many times,” Dorley said. “But I have never worked on four projects at one time.”

Tallassee councilmember Fred Randall Hughey gave updates on various city capital projects. He said renovations at the wastewater treatment plant were complete and the city had been awarded grants to aid in replacing cast iron gas lines and renovating the water treatment plant. The downtown utility and streetscape project is almost complete as well.

Tallassee City Schools

superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said staff are working with students to improve test scores and the state’s report card. Attendance is also up. Nolin noted HVAC improvements at the elementary school, locker room renovations at the middle school and a new building at the high school.

The Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Dr. Steve Burak said the organization has been working a lot behind the scenes to try to get funding for renovations in the downtown area. Those efforts included redevelopment of the west side mill but those efforts were thwarted when investors were scared away by the 2008-9 recession.

The redevelopment authority is currently starting to work on a signage plan to complement the downtown streetscape project.

Burak and the authority are partnering with downtown businesses as they seek a way to bring Main Street America and Main Street Alabama to Tallassee.

Corrie Sid owns Grove Station downtown and is working with Burak to see if Main Street is a possibility.

“When I was growing up in Tallassee, there was a lot of stuff going on down there,” Sid said. “You could eat on Sundays. There were shops to go in. It was vibrant.”

Sid and others want to engage the abilities of Main Street to bring ideas and funding to help revitalize the area.

the bridge, we

ALDOT

BRIDGE Continued from A1 DINNER Continued from A1 PUBLIC Continued from A1

“I think this is an excellent opportunity to work with our municipalities to make quality of life better,” Elmore County commissioner Mack Daughtery said. “We know people are moving to Elmore County by leaps and bounds. All we have to do is look at our census over the last few years.”

Daughtery is proud of the county’s education systems, law enforcement and quality of life. He wants to make sure progress continues in those areas.

“Those are some of the key factors people are looking for in a community when they are looking at moving,” Daughtery said. “I think this is a great step by the commission.”

“We need help,” Sid said. “Like small towns across America we need help.”

Sid and Burak are beginning to investigate other towns where Main Street has been organized under a redevelopment authority such as Tallassee’s.

Newly elected District 2 Elmore County Commissioner Brad Davis helps with the non-profit Tallassee Community Development Corporation (CDC). The organization works alongside others just starting in the area but wanting to help out.

“We will often help them raise funds by putting the seed money into an event,” Davis said.

The CDC helped start the father/daughter dance in the area several years ago before handing it off.

Prior to the COVID19 pandemic the CDC often held BBQ sales to help raise funds for itself and those organizations it helped. The pandemic put a temporary halt to the fundraisers. When it came back it altered its fundraisers by selling camp stew as four BBQ restaurants had opened.

“We don’t want to compete with them,” Davis said.

Over the years the CDC has helped school organizations, churches and others get started.

AWARDS

The Chamber Lifetime Award went to Friends of the Tuckabatchee founder Liz Britt.

Ann Christian called here a nurse, wife, fishing

traffic.

buddy and cook.

“She volunteered for everything where the children were involved,”Christian said.

“This included chamber, Sunday School. She retired about 25 years ago giving her more time to volunteer.”

The Friends of Tuckabatchee came about because Britt felt Native Americans were not emphasized enough in local history. She inspired others to join in creating plays about local history. Those productions were performed at the Patterson Cabin, the Mt. Vernon Theater, Tallassee High School and at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

“I love being busy,” Britt said. “I might give some stuff up this year though. We are enjoying our old age. It has been a wonderful life. I have loved it all.”

The Frances Wagnon Award Volunteer Award went to Pat Merrett.

Good friend Sandra Patterson called Merrett very deserving of the award. Merrett was someone of exceptional service and gave lots to the Tallassee community. Merrett helped with socials, special education, dance recitals, parades, and helped decorate homes for Christmas.

She may best be remembered for creating the Follies fundraiser for the high school band programs and organizing help for a concession stand at Auburn University.

Patterson tried to keep the award a secret.

“I figured it out the

“This part of the project is being done during Tallassee City School spring break,” ALDOT’s Brantley Kirk said.

The project began March 2023 with sandblasting and repainting the steel structure of the bridge. Contractors were given 16 months to complete it.

could be trimmed some in the design phase that is upcoming.

It is estimated the new rec center would be completed in 24 to 36 months.

A splash pad near the new rec center is proposed but no funding has been allotted to it yet.

Future Tallassee projects include a track at Tallassee Elementary and walking trails behind the new rec center but no funding source has been announced yet.

The city would also have to move the public works shop behind the current rec center.

other day,”Merrett said. “She said she called my husband by mistake.”

The Business of the Year Award went to Larry Rodgers of HDD and HDD Broadband. He was introduced by lifelong friend Todd Smith.

“He is the epitome of hard work, devotion, and excellence,” Smith said.

Rodgers moved his underground utility drilling business to Tallassee from Dadeville in 2017 and two years later created the broadband company. Rodgers had the knowledge of utility drilling and thought he could help residents.

“He saw a need for us to have wireless and fiber optic internet in our city,” Smith said. “He has worked diligently to provide that. He started that all on his own with no grants or help from the government.”

Rodgers and his companies have created scholarships benefiting area graduates. HDD Broadband has invested millions to bury more than 170 miles of fiber optic cabling in and near Tallassee.

“I needed a challenge and Tallassee needed it,” Rodgers said. “When we first started there was no federal funding. Now everyone is getting in it with the gifted money. I felt like it was something we could do. We still have a lot left to do.”

The President’s Award went to Burak.

Jahazel L. Hooks, Laura Leigh Peters, Jamelle Jelks were awarded Making a Difference Awards.

“The project is on track to be completed in that estimated time frame,” Kirk said. The Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge opened to traffic on Dec. 10, 1940. At 1,738 feet long, it is one of the longest bridges in Alabama. It is the state’s highest bridge above water at a height of 143 feet above the Tallapoosa River.

to construct a walking trail in the pecan orchard near the fire department.

All of the work in Holtville is on Elmore County Board of Education property.

It will include moving the road on the east side of the football field to allow for the field to be widened. Space will be left at the southern end of the football field for a possible new field house. An estimated $4.5 million has been pledged for the resurfacing of the fields in Holtville. An additional $500,000 has been pledged by the commission to help construct batting cages and a pavilion. Additional funding may be needed and will be determined during the design phase.

This is an addition to the more than $100 million being spent by the county and the City of Millbrook in the 17 Springs project in Millbrook where hotel lodging taxes will fund the work across the county. More funding will be acquired as sales of commercial lots in the Marketplace at 17 Springs begin. It will help the partners recover some of the costs of the 17 Springs project.

In Tallassee the field and practice area at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium will get brand new turf as will the baseball, football and softball fields at Elmore County and Holtville high schools. Those projects will likely start first as the design phase is easier than the other projects identified. It will also allow a chance to get better pricing as one contractor will likely get the bid on all fields.

The commission approved $10 million for projects in Tallassee. The commission has budgeted $2.5 million to the fields there. Any savings will be used to go along with an additional $7.5 million to construct a new recreation center. The City of Tallassee would need to come up with other funding if necessary. Estimates currently are at $10 million for the new rec center but

“We are looking at several options right now,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “We are hoping economies of scale will give some savings on the artificial turf that could be used on the rec center. We are also looking at trimming back a little on it if we are unable to secure all the necessary funding.”

The city isn’t at the $5 million debt limit yet put in place by state law. Hill said that would be the last resort for additional funding.

In Eclectic the commission has pledged up to $4.5 million to resurfacing athletic fields. The county has also pledged in-kind services to construct a loop road around property just south of Eclectic Elementary School. A special projects crew from Elmore County Public Works would construct the road and do some possible grading to create several fields that could be used for soccer and other sports. The commission also pledged up to $500,000 in cash for the construction.

The Town of Eclectic would seek grant money

A 1 ¾ mile walking path around the current schools is proposed. No funding has been allotted to the project.

Elmore County’s Richie Beyer said the projects were identified through public input and surveys conducted by Dalhoff Thomas. It was a similar process used in Millbrook and Wetumpka to identify the scope of the 17 Springs and Hohenberg Field and tennis court projects in Wetumpka.

Expansions are being planned at the Elmore County Judicial Complex with the addition of two circuit court judges. The Elmore County Jail is in need of renovations as well.

“It is nearly 30 years old,” Beyer said. “We are above its capacity already.”

This round of projects will be funded through a bond issuance by the Elmore County Commission.

Beyer said there are other quality of life projects across the county as well. Cooters Pond on the Alabama River is getting improvements using the special sales tax in the area shared with the City of Prattville. Improvements to the Kowaliga boat ramp on Lake Martin are in the works too.

“Those are smaller projects that are as big as the other quality of life projects,” Beyer said. “With that said, they are still very important.”

The idea of expanding parks and more for a better quality of life for citizens in Elmore County is not a new idea. Elmore County commission chair Bart Mercer and Daughtery have been part of discussions for years. The scope of the projects that were only a pipe dream were never scrapped. Instead, partnerships were sought and made quality of life projects on a scale never before seen in Elmore County.

“It is a milestone,” Mercer said. “We would not be able to get here if we didn’t have the relationships we have across the county with the municipalities and boards of education. We should all be proud of this.”

The family Bible

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! Spring is springing all around on this beautiful Monday morning as I write. The rain knocked some of the pollen out of the air, so I am actually able to enjoy the beauty of the day without sneezing my head off!

This morning, I had the privilege of offering a dedication prayer for the swearing in of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Judge Lewis has served as a Circuit Judge for the 19th District since 2018. Last month, Governor Kay Ivey appointed him to serve the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Retired Judge John Bush swore Judge Lewis in to the new position this Monday morning. Judge Lewis’ family and a

few friends were present. His mother stood between the two judges holding the family Bible. Judge Lewis placed his right hand on that Bible and swore to uphold the law of the land in his new appointment. Before the swearing in ceremony began, I took a moment to look at the Lewis family Bible. It is a relic of sorts; a large King James Version of the Bible featuring an ornate cover and elaborately decorated pages. It is an example of a family Bible that for decades adorned a special place in family homes across the country. The first section is the family section. There are several pages where the family tree is to be recorded. The Lewis family Bible used in this morning’s

service goes back at least three generations. The name and birth information for each family member is recorded for posterity.

Many of us might dismiss such a relic. It is large, heavy, and somewhat cumbersome. While we might be interested in the novelty of it and / or the genealogical information it contains, the family Bible is a thing of the past. Families do not have them prominently displayed on the coffee table in the “front room” anymore.

Does your family have one?

If your family has been in the United States more than five or six decades, I am willing to bet it does. From the earliest days of colonization all the way through the 1950s, Bible salesmen presented the necessity of owning

Tallassee Churches

one. The family Bible served as public record as much as the shared word of God.

The concept is certainly not unique to the Americas. The recording of vital family statistics alongside the sacred documents of faith is as old as the practice of writing things down is. In short, for centuries people have known that there was a connection between cherished family information and the words of faith. Have we lost that tradition?

Some reading this column would answer no to that question. These folk come from families where ancestral heritage and faith tradition are deeply connected and lived out. Their family story is part of the story of the family of God.

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

Some reading this column would say yes to the question. Their family story does not link ancestral heritage and faith tradition in any way, shape, or form. Some folk might even say there should be no link at all. Their story is also part of God’s story. Families of God have always understood the value of ancestral heritage. Sometimes that value is derived from faithful living and embodiment of divine wisdom. Other times, the value is derived from observing what not to do. Either way, the recording is a celebration of the knowledge that God brings good out of all things.

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

Surrounding Area Churches

Sports

2024 ELMORE COUNTY WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Land Bell wasn’t content with just winning. At the end of his sophomore season in 2023, Bell won the AHSAA Class 5A state championship in the 132-pound class and finished with a 43-3 record. Winning the title was all good and well, but Bell still felt like something was off for him on the mats. He felt like he was weaker

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

than all of the opponents he wrestled in the postseason.

With that in mind, Bell set out on gaining weight over the summer before his junior year. He hit the weight room hard and started eating healthier. He ate as much protein as he could, and he started gaining weight and strength.

He found himself one day sitting at 155 pounds, 23 pounds heavier than he was when he won the state title.

He knew he had to stop because he passed the weight

he wanted to be at. So he then started cutting. He cut around nine pounds and found the sweet spot for him.

He was now wrestling in the 144-pound class, and he couldn’t have landed in a better spot if he tried 100 times over again. The junior dominated his weight class and went 57-0 this season, winning back-to-back state championships. He has now won 77-consecutive matches

2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY WRESTLING TEAM

WRESTLER OF THE YEAR:

Land Bell, Tallassee junior Bell wasted no time showing he was one of the best wrestlers across the state of Alabama, regardless of weight classes. Bell moved up two weight classes to 144, and went a perfect 57-0 en route to his second-consecutive state championship in Class 5A. Bell has now won 77 consecutive matches heading into his senior season.

FIRST TEAM

Avery Brantley, Tallassee sophomore Brantley had a stellar sophomore season where he finished in fourth place in Class 5A’s 138-pound weight class. Brantley finished the year with a 44-12 overall record and pulled off one of the year’s biggest upsets in the first round of the AHSAA state championships. Brantley finished third place in multiple tournaments including Super Sectionals, Julian McPhillips and the Swede Umbach.

Willie Cox, Wetumpka senior Cox proved he is the best heavyweight wrestler in the state time and time again as he went 47-1 and won the Class 6A state championship for the second-consecutive season. His one loss came from out of state and he has not lost to a wrestler

in Alabama in over two full seasons. After his title, he was named a senior All-Star and won his All-Star match with ease.

Zach Crosthwait, Wetumpka junior Crosthwait was one part of the three-headed monster that Wetumpka’s wrestling team sported in the three heaviest classes. Wrestling at 190 pounds, Crosthwait went 29-4 during his junior season and finished sixth in the weight class in Class 6A. He dealt with injuries throughout the year but still proved to be one of the top wrestlers in the state.

Juliana Eldridge, Wetumpka freshman A year after going undefeated and winning her first state title as an eighth grader, Eldridge found herself in the state title match once again, this time in the 114-pound weight class. She finished runner-up with an 18-3 overall record, and all three losses came to the state champion. She has a 43-3 record the last two seasons.

Myles Eyerly, Elmore County senior A year after claiming his first state title, the Elmore County heavyweight stormed back to Huntsville and won his second Class 5A state championship in a row. With only one loss to his name, Eyerly finished

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Josh Highland has high expectations for the future of his Wetumpka wrestling program.

The Indians lose their staple of championship wrestlers – senior state champs Willie Cox, Christian Preston and Noah Smith – but the rest of his squad is ready and primed for multiple more seasons under the 2023-24 All-Elmore County Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Wetumpka finished in the Top 8 of Class 6A in both the

duals and traditional tournament this wrestling season, and that was with one of the youngest teams in the entire state.

Wetumpka’s lineup was littered with freshman, eighth grade and seventh grade wrestlers. Twenty one wrestlers from seventh to ninth grade started and wrestled varsity matches for the Indians, while only 11 upperclassmen wrestled more than two varsity matches this year.

“We had our staple of seniors, but we also showed our younger guys how to wrestle and got them plen-

ty of matches this season,” Highland said. “We had the youth movement going on. In a normal year, we wouldn’t have that many young guys able to get the matches they did but this year we did. Those guys know what it takes to wrestle at the varsity level and now we’re going to have an experienced lineup for years to come.”

Wetumpka’s five best wrestlers were all seniors or juniors. The two juniors were Zach Crosthwait (190) and Brantley Woodall (157), and the two had a

Wetumpka coach Josh Highland, right, celebrates with wrestler Noah Smith after Smith’s state championship win. Highland led the Indians to an 8th-place finish in Class 6A with three individual state champions.

40-1 and is 80-7 over the last two seasons.

Ethan Jones, Tallassee senior Having to wrestle in a facemask due to a preseason injury, Jones didn’t let that get in his way of having a stellar senior campaign. The senior went 47-11 wrestling in Class 5A’s 150pound class and was named an All-Star after the season. In the All-Star event, Jones won his match to help the North secure the duals victory.

Ramon Lozada, Tallassee senior Lozada quickly took advantage of his transfer from Wetumpka this winter. The senior and multi-year state qualifier went undefeated on the year with a 43-0 record with 21 wins by fall in Class 5A in the 120-pound class. He pinned his opponent in the state championship match in the second period.

Christian McCary, Tallassee senior McCary finished his career as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Central Alabama. The Tallassee superstar finished his senior season 49-3 with a third place finish in Class 5A’s 165-pound class. He is also Tallassee’s all-time pins leader and has won more than 200 matches in his career.

Tra’Mel McCoy, Tallassee sophomore McCoy had one of the best postseasons of any wrestler in the state. Not only did he finish his sophomore season with a 28-9 record, he claimed the Super Sectionals championship and a third place finish in Class 5A’s 157-pound weight class in the state tournament. McCoy won 13 of his last 14 matches to end the year.

Mason Nelson, Tallassee junior The Tallassee star junior wrestled at both 113 and 106 pounds this year, but he really dominated his way through the 106-pound class. He claimed the AHSAA state championship with a 49-5 overall record and won 15 of his 16 last matches. In the championships, he had one win via fall and two via technical falls.

Tyler Payton, Elmore County freshman Payton stormed onto the scene this year and proved he is one of the state’s best wrestlers despite being just a freshman. In the 150-pound weight class, Payton claimed the Class 5A state championship with a 40-1 overall record. His only loss came to the Class 6A champion before winning 26-straight matches to end the year.

Christian Preston, Wetumpka senior Preston added some dramatics, but the Wetumpka senior claimed his second-consecutive state championship last month with a 2-1 last-second takedown in the title match. Preston went 43-3 this year and won the 215-pound class in Class 6A. He went 79-7 the last two seasons with two championship wins.

Kristian Seals, Stanhope Elmore senior Seals capped off his senior season with an impressive showing in the state tournament. The Mustangs’ star went 21-9 and won two matches in Class 6A’s 157-pound tournament before forfeiting his last two matches to finish sixth. His only loss in the state tournament came to the eventual state champion.

Sam Segarra, Holtville senior Segarra jumped onto the scene and had the best season of any Holtville wrestler this year. Wrestling in a tough 150-pound division in Class 5A, Segarra finished his senior season with a 44-12 record and was a state qualifier. Segarra also won the PCA Panther Invitational during the season.

Noah Smith, Wetumpka senior After missing the state tournament due to missing weight last season, Smith made a promise to his team that he would win the state championship his senior season. He did exactly that as he went 37-2 and claimed the Class 6A state title in the 132-pound class. Down 2-0 in the second period, he stormed back and won the championship match, 6-2.

SECOND TEAM

Barrett Adams, Wetumpka eighth grader

Nolan Addeo, Tallassee sophomore Dylan Andres, Elmore County freshman

Aiden Bridgman, Tallassee sophomore Shawn Colvin, Elmore County senior Joseph Hooks, Tallassee junior Swayze Martin, Wetumpka freshman Thomas Patterson, Tallassee freshman Tyson Ratliff, Holtville junior Jude Rogers, Tallassee junior Dominic Sager, Stanhope Elmore freshman Alphonsa Washington, Stanhope Elmore senior

Troy Watson, Wetumpka freshman

Stran Webb, Elmore County freshman Brantley Woodall, Wetumpka junior

Continued from B1 HIGHLAND Continued from B1

the state tournament.

Outside of those five, the rest of Wetumpka’s lineup was young. Freshmen Swayze Martin (31-10) and Troy Watson (31-10) both reached the state tournament, while Tanner Adams, Liam McKinney and Cameron Boling all ended up being regular starters and wrestling over 20 matches on the

Arthur Woods commits to Huntingdon

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

One of the most decorated athletes in recent Reeltown history is taking his talents to college.

Last week, the official Huntingdon Football social media accounts announced Reeltown’s Arthur Woods was coming to play football for the Hawks.

After rushing for over 2,200 yards last year, Woods will get to continue to display his dynamic ground game.

“Huntingdon is getting an explosive running back with the speed and the ability to get yards when needed,” Woods said.

This season, it took Woods all of one quarter to show off just how explosive he can be.

In the season opener against Tallassee, Woods rushed for 202 yards on just seven carries. Of those seven carries, five went for touchdowns.

“My favorite memory of this past year is that Tallassee game,” Woods said.

Woods and the rest of his dominant Rebels team parlayed that win into an undefeated regular season, an area championship title and a trip to the 2A state title game.

In his final game as a Rebel, Woods rushed for 94 yards and a score. He finished his senior season

with 2,241 yards rushing and 33 scores. He eclipsed 100 yards or more rushing in 10 different games.

On defense, Woods made 71 total tackles and had six tackles for loss. He was elected to the North-South All-Star football game, where he played defense and played alongside Reeltown coach Matt Johnson.

In terms of why he chose Huntingdon over a number of other schools that wanted his services, it came down to the familial feel of the school.

“I chose Huntingdon because I liked the environment they have when they are playing, and the sup-

port of their fans,” Woods said.

Woods won’t be the only Reeltown Rebel on the Huntingdon roster, as he will join linebacker Logan Lee in Montgomery.

From dazzling on the track, to shining on the field, Woods has been as electrifying an athlete as Tallapoosa County has ever seen. Now, he will be continuing his athletic career.

For the soft spoken Woods, he has very simple goals for his time playing college football.

“For me, this means that I get to do more things that I didn’t do in high school,” Woods said.

Continued from B1

for the Tigers.

For his dominance at a new weight class, Bell is the 2024 Elmore County Wrestler of the Year.

“All my hard work in the offseason paid off for me,” Bell said. “It feels very rewarding and it’s another milestone for me. I still feel like everyone is strong, if not stronger than me at this weight, but I’m quick. Some of the bigger guys aren’t used to grabbing a small, quick wrestler who is agile. When I need it, I have the strength to compete but I’m very quick on my feet and that works out well for this weight class.”

Looking at his results, one wouldn’t expect Bell to consider himself to not have the same strength as his opponents. Bell is a force on the mats, and he showed that with the amount of pins he accumulated en route to his 57 wins.

Thirty four of his wins came via pin. Eight more came from technical pins, which means he beat his opponent by 15 or more points.

He doesn’t credit his pins to his strength, however, but instead his agility and his gas tank.

“Almost all of my pins

year. For Highland, it wasn’t putting them in the starting lineup that was the difficult part. No matter what their ages were, they deserved the chance to wrestle. The difficult part was making sure they were prepared. “Those younger guys have never been in those situations before so they’re wired a little differently,” Highland said. “They might be nervous and they have more questions about different situations they haven’t

came in the late second period or early third period,” Bell said. “I take pride in gassing my opponents out. I can go 100% every match and it’s super difficult for a stronger guy to go that hard for an entire six minutes. A lot of guys will gas out and I’ll catch them in a move and get them onto their backs and get the pin.”

Even with the dominance on the mat, Bell’s championship did not come easy.

Bell is a true believer in the term “playoff speed” and knows the entire game changes when it gets to postseason play.

Every wrestler he faces is stronger and faster than the ones he easily pinned in the regular season, and that was shown to him first hand in the Super Sectionals final against Gulf Shores’ Charles Knight.

Bell and Knight had already faced off and were familiar with each other. Bell, undefeated against Knight, didn’t shy away from the fact that he overlooked him in the sectionals tournament.

That was until Knight went up 5-0 on Bell and nearly pinned him just 35 seconds into the match. Bell then earned an escape, cut the lead to 5-3 by the end of the first period and stunned Knight in a last second reversal.

been in. So you really have to spend time preparing them.”

Almost all of Wetumpka’s experience on the team is in the heavyweight classes. Cox is at 285 pounds, Preston is at 215 pounds, Crosthwait is at 190, and Woodall is at 157.

The only experienced wrestler at the small weight classes that can help the young wrestlers is Smith, who is at 132. So while Smith helps the young wrestlers practice, so does Highland. He doesn’t mind getting out on the mat and wrestling.

Knight led, 7-6, before Bell scored his final two points with two seconds left on the clock to win the sectional title. The two matched up again in the state semifinals in Huntsville, and Bell won 5-2.

“I let my guard down that match and he caught me,” Bell said. “Once he got up five points, it definitely fixed my mentality and I knew this match was different from the previous one against him. Then we wrestled again at state and I knew what I had to do. I was in control for the entire match.”

Bell went 3-0 in the state tournament with three convincing wins. The 5-2 win over Knight was his second match and it followed a 16-1 technical fall in the quarterfinals.

In the championship, he wrestled and defeated No. 2-ranked Josh Draskovic from Scottsboro, 8-2 via decision.

The ultimate goal for Bell was to win another state title, but the undefeated streak was always in the back of his mind. As he got closer and closer to the finish line, he got more nervous about remaining unbeaten.

“Being undefeated and the defending state champion, it puts a target on you and it’s a lot of pressure,” Bell said. “I knew I was going to get

“I’ll get out there and wrestle with them and put them in uncomfortable situations that they’re sure to find themselves in a live match,” Highland said. “I can get out there on the mat with them and get them used to those situations. They might not win the rep 100% of the time, but they’re going to be prepared and have the muscle memory in a live match.”

Looking ahead to next year, losing the three seniors is going to be a massive loss for the Indians both in duals and traditional

hard matches from every single wrestler, and having 77-consecutive wins puts a toll on you because you start thinking ‘Oh, I’m 55-0. I can’t lose now.’ It can be a lot but you have to push it to the back of your head and wrestle the way you know how to.” Bell’s high school bucket list is almost complete. He has now won back-toback state championships and had an undefeated season. Heading into his senior year, he has a few things left he wants to accomplish.

In April, he will head to Virginia Beach and try to become a NHSCA All-American. After that, he will attempt to become a Fargo All-American in July.

Then he wants to pick up his first collegiate offer, win a third straight title and become Tallassee’s all-time wins leader.

Bell currently has a 204-26 record, and he has only lost three combined matches during his sophomore and junior seasons. He needs 31 more wins to reach the school record.

“I’m super stoked about this summer and coming back next year,” Bell said. “I’ve been putting in the work since the season ended and I’m going to wrestle at the club and hitting the weight room hard. I can’t wait for it.”

match points. But eight wrestlers will return to the team that had 19 or more wins, and three more who had 10 more wins. The youth movement is in full effect for Wetumpka, and Highland is going to enjoy it the next few seasons.

“Those guys have wrestled under the lights and they know what it takes going forward,” Highland said. “They shouldn’t have the nerves anymore. I know what’s to come with our roster and the younger guys are really, really competitive.”

BELL

TEAM

Reeltown senior football player Arthur

Tallassee boys take control of area race

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee boys soccer team is in full control of the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 race.

Tallassee hit the road and defeated Brewbaker Tech, 2-0, on Thursday night. With the win, the Tigers advanced to 7-4-2 overall but more importantly, 3-0 in area play.

The Tigers have defeated Elmore County, Beauregard and Brew Tech all on the road.

Tallassee still has five area games left, but two come against Valley (0-3) while the rematches with the rest of the area will all be at

J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

“This was a massive game for us,” Tigers coach

Matt Tarpley said. “After the way Brew Tech beat us twice last year, this feels amazing to come out and get a little revenge. We did not play our best tonight but to still get this result is just awesome.”

Both teams entered the matchup with a 2-0 area record, and the first half played exactly like it was expected. The teams traded shots on goal, but Tallassee keeper Trey Bosch didn’t allow anything to get in the net.

On the other end of the net, junior Irvin Delfin was able to get the Tigers on the scoreboard.

Delfin did not play in the first matchup earlier this season, a non-area tournament matchup that resulted

taught to defend and play an attacker’s right foot,” Tarpley said. “When someone like Irvin comes along with his left foot, it really causes problems.”

Delfin struck again in the final minutes of the game. A mishap from the Brewbaker Tech defense ended with Delfin with a wide open net and the Brew Tech goalkeeper and defender running into each other.

Delfin shot, and it bounced off a defender who stepped in front of the shot.

in a 2-2 tie, and he quickly showed what he could do.

Roughly 15 minutes into the first half, Delfin fielded a pass from Luis Ruemmler and found the back of the

net with a shot from his left foot.

That gave Tallassee a 1-0 lead, and that held until halftime.

“Most defenders are

Phelps’ hat trick leads Holtville soccer

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Hailey Phelps may only be an eighth grader, but she certainly doesn’t play like it on the pitch.

Playing out of the midfield, Phelps is Holtville’s leading goal scorer and is helping lead the Bulldogs to a winning record.

In a three-game set last week, Phelps scored five goals in wins over Elmore County, Childersburg and Demopolis.

She scored one goal in each game and turned in a hat trick in the 7-4 win over Childersburg.

For her performance during the team’s three-game win streak, Phelps is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Hailey understands the game so well and she’s only an eighth grader,” coach Luke Fussell said. “She’s been around soccer her entire life and she loves the sport. When she steps onto that field and the lights come on, she’s just locked in. She helps bring all of her teammates up and she has a lot of great ideas with the ball at her feet.”

To start the week, Holtville got its rematch with Elmore County. The Panthers beat Holtville, 3-2, Feb. 29 and Phelps scored one goal

in the matchup. She scored only one goal against Elmore County as well on Monday, but her impact was far greater than her finding the net just once.

In the 4-3 Holtville win, Phelps pressured the Elmore County defensive line over and over again and forced the entire team to shift back to accommodate her skillset.

In doing so, that allowed Holtville’s midfield to shift up the field and take control of the middle of the field as Elmore County played defensively.

That resulted in four players scoring goals and Holtville earning a win over the team that the Bulldogs hadn’t beaten since 2022.

“She made their midfield play box to box because of the pressure she put on them,” Fussell said. “She drew them back and then turned around and dropped the ball to another midfielder and that opened up an array of plays for us. She’s coachable, and she has natural instincts. You don’t see many players like her in the eighth grade.”

Phelps was an impactful player for Holtville as a seventh grader last season. She was a member of the All-County team after scoring

with a check from proceeds raised through the annual Ball Drop fundraiser.

Rotary makes fire department donation

By CARMEN RODGERS

For The Tribune

Members of the Rotary Club presented Tallassee Fire Department chief Eric Jones with a $350 check from proceeds the club raised through the annual Ball Drop, which was held last fall following the Nov. 3 football game against the Tigers and Holtville Bulldogs.

"We appreciate the donation for helping with the Ball Drop each year," Jones said. "We appreciate it very much."

The club raised $7,000 through the 2023 Ball Drop.

"GKN won the Ball Drop. They donated their winnings back to the club,” Rotary Club president Stephanie Weldon said. “We are very grateful for their generosity.”

Proceeds raised through fund-

raising efforts go to the club's scholarship fund, a program that has assisted deserving seniors from Tallassee High School with a four-year scholarship for more than 25 years.

Other fundraising proceeds help fund club projects like the Third Grade Dictionary Project. Every year, club members visit the third-grade classrooms at Tallassee Elementary School to give students new dictionaries and to explain the club's mission.

The club is gearing up for its spring fundraiser, Chillin on The Lake Day Raffle. A $20 ticket will buy an entry for a chance to win a Yeti Hopper and a full-day boat rental from Russell Marine, Kowaliga Marina. For more information about the upcoming raffle, contact Stephanie Weldon, at 334-415-9422.

nine goals and adding six assists.

She’s already passed that goal count by finding the back of the net 14 times.

She has scored multiple goals four times this season and has two hat tricks to her name. Her 14 goals scored ranks 22nd in Alabama. That’s with the Bulldogs still having eight games left on the schedule and a potential playoff matchup if they advance to the postseason.

“She was good for us last year, but she has really matured so much from seventh to eighth grade,” Fussell said. “She has a lot of self determination and self motivation. She works a lot and she’s always asking questions. Whatever she does, she does it to the best of her ability.

The ball landed directly back at Delfin’s foot and he found the back of the net on his second try.

“I wasn’t thinking at that moment,” Delfin said. “I just shot at the goal and hoped for the best. We’ve had a lot

of teamwork recently and now we’re first in the area.

I’m proud of my guys.”

With Tallassee holding onto a 2-0 lead, Brew Tech went on the attack and was able to get a few shots off.

The Rams took four shots on goal in the second half, but all four found Bosch’s gloves instead of the back of the net.

While Tarpley wasn’t the happiest about only winning 2-0, he’s proud of his defense for getting a shutout.

“They’re resilient back there,” Tarpley said. “We wanted to play tough teams early and get tested so when we got to games like tonight, we wouldn’t fold under pressure. We got a clean sheet and it was phenomenal.”

Creating tomorrow’s first responders

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County High School junior Patrick Hart has known what he wants to do for a career for a long time.

As a child, Hart envisioned himself as a superhero he saw in cartoons and movies. But that changed.

“I was obsessed with superheroes,” Hart said. “I thought I was going to become one. One day the Friendship Fire Department came flying past my house with those big red trucks. I said they were real life superheroes.”

A few years later he was volunteering at the department. He now pulls hose and controls nozzles from outside fires.

“I’m too young still to go inside a fire,” Hart said.

The story is much the same for Stanhope Elmore junior Zylan Foulks, though he wants to be a police officer. He followed a mentor and is volunteering on weekends and breaks from school at the Waugh/Mt. Meigs Fire Department.

Although both have only been driving less than two years, they have seen

so much as they respond to calls.

“I’m already used to seeing CPR and such on adults,” Foulks said. “But when it comes to kids, babies, infants, those are the ones that get you.”

Both students are also in the public safety program at the Elmore County Technical Center with instructor Fitzgerald Sheppard. He is an Autauga County native but was an Orange County Florida firefighter in Orlando for 27 years before retirement. Sheppard has been an instructor at ECTC for almost two years now.

“The benefits of having two volunteers in the class is tremendous,” Sheppard said. “They can put on the class if I need to. I ask them to help me all the time.”

The public safety lab has its own fire truck and turn out gear, though they don’t respond to calls. It is all used as training tools. The gear has aged out and can’t be used in fires and the fire truck has long been replaced by the Wetumpka Fire Department. The fire department has brought its 90-foot ladder truck to the school and allowed students to climb to the top.

The department helps with other training in Sheppard’s classes as well.

The department is currently constructing a new fire station just outside the doors of ECTC. Sheppard hopes it opens the doors to more collaboration between the school and the department. A couple of years ago, Sheppard knew it was time to retire from being an

active firefighter but didn’t feel like he was done giving to the fire service.

“I said if I ever work again, I want to work with young people,” Sheppard said. “I want to impact their lives in a positive way.”

Sheppard already has graduates from the program who have completed firefighter training and starting careers with full time fire departments.

Hart has his sights set on similar goals as well.

He plans on getting his Firefighter I and II certifications from the Alabama Fire College and working with a local fire department.

Foulks has his sights set on law enforcement, but won’t forget firefighting.

“I have always liked police cars,” Foulks said. “In the last five or six years, I have gotten into the fire service. But law enforcement is still my passion.”

He plans to enter the military to become a military police officer until he turns 21.

“You have to be that age to be a police officer,” Foulks said. “I might also go to Faulkner University for a criminal law degree.”

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Tallassee’s Irvin Delfin shoots the ball against Brewbaker Tech on Thursday night. Delfin scored the game’s only two goals as the Tigers improved to 3-0 in area play.

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Holtville’s Hailey Phelps (19) scored five goals in three games last week. Her week was highlighted by a hat trick against Childersburg.

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Members of the Tallassee Rotary Club presented Tallassee Fire Department’s Chief Eric Jones

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TALLASSEE WATER WORKS IS REQUIRED TO MONITOR YOUR DRINKING WATER FOR SPECIFIC CONTAMINANTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. RESULTS OF REGULAR MONITORING ARE AN INDICATOR OF WHETHER OR NOT YOUR DRINKING WATER MEETS HEALTH STANDARDS. DURING JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023, WE DID NOT MONI-

TOR FOR DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS (DBP) DURING THE REQUIRED TIME FRAME, AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE SURE OF THE QUALITY OF YOUR DRINKING WATER DURING THAT TIME. BECAUSE DBPS FROM THESE QUARTERS WILL BE USED IN DETERMINING COMPLIANCE WITH DBP MCLS IN THE QUARTERS OF OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2023, JANUARY-MARCH 2024, AND APRIL-JUNE 2024 TALLASSEE WATER WORKS WILL INCUR MONITORING VIOLATIONS FOR THOSE QUARTERS. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO DRINK THIS WATER, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE RECEIVED THIS NOTICE DIRECTLY (FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE INAPARTMENTS, NURSING HOMES, SCHOOLS, AND BUSINESSES).YOU CAN DO THIS BY POSTING THIS NOTICE IN A PUBLIC PLACE OR DISTRIBUTING COPIES BY HAND OR MAIL. THE SAMPLES WERE COLLECTED AND WERE WELL WITHIN THE MCL AND MEET ALL HEALTH STANDARDS BUT BECAUSE THEY WERE THREE DAYS LATE DUE TO WEATHER AND EQUIPMENT FAILURE WE ARE REQUIRED TO ISSUE THIS NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS NON-COMPLIANCE OR MONITORING REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT: BOBBY INGRAM TALLASSEE WATER WORKS 334-283-2347

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Notice is hereby given that the City of Tallassee will hold a public meeting on March 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss environresulting from the planned improvements to the existing Water Treatment Plant located in the City of Tallassee. The meeting will be held at the Tallassee City Hall located at 3 Freeman Avenue, Tallassee, Alabama. Information on the project is available for public review by contacting CDG, Inc. at 334677-9431 or carmen.chosie@ cdge.com prior to the meeting. This is a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Program through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

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In cooperation with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the City of Tallassee, Alabama prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed replacement of a total of 17.7 miles of cast iron mains and all bare steel service lines that were installed in the 1940s and 1950s in Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama. PHMSA has issued a Finding of No the project, which completes the National Environmental is available to review on the web at https://www.phmsa. dot.gov/about-phmsa/workingphmsa/grants/pipeline/tier-2site-specific-environmentaldocuments. For more information about this project, contact CDG, Inc. at (334) 466-9431 or 197 E. University Drive, Suite 1, Auburn, Alabama 36832.

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ECHS TEACHER PIED ON PI DAY

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Natasha McMillan is thankful her classroom at Elmore County High School is a little unconvention -

al. The Family and Consumer Sciences classroom is located in a house next to the school, complete with a shower that was needed Thursday after a fun fundraiser.

McMillian had a little run-in with sophomore Asher Justice and walked away with whipped cream on her face and in her hair after getting pied.

But it was all in the name of fun and a good cause.

“We are raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and it is Pi day,” McMillian said Thursday.

The mathematical number 3.14 was celebrated at the school on March 14 as students and donors selected McMillian to get pied, with dollars serving as votes. McMillian was selected from a pool of school staff including coach Michael Byrd, Jerie Lewis, McMillian and coach Joseph Snelick.

McMillian didn’t mind being selected for the cause, but she isn’t sure the selection of Justice was fair. Votes were also

tallied for which student would get the honors.

“I have known him since he was little,” McMillian said. “Somebody did an anonymous donation.”

Justice prevailed. He lined up the pie plate loaded with whipped cream and did more than just throw it at McMillian.

Justice’s hand stayed with the pie tin as it struck her face giving off a loud bang.

“I was afraid of breaking my nose,” McMillian said. “That is all I was worried about. It is OK. It was all fine. It wasn’t bad.”

Afterwards, students picked up an oatmeal cream pie from a laundry basket to celebrate Pi Day as well. McMillian stood there with a towel in hand wiping the whipped cream from her face.

She knew she was going to get pied but she also knew she had easy access to the shower near her classroom. McMillian came prepared.

“I brought shampoo and everything,” McMillian said. “I can get ready for the day now.”

The funds raised at the Pi Day Throwdown will be donated by the student council to Make-A-Wish at an upcoming conference.

Elmore County’s Wilkes commits to Huntingdon football

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

CJ Wilkes didn’t know if he was going to get the chance to play college football or not.

The Elmore County running back saw his senior football season come to an end without committing to the next level, then basketball ended and he was still without the offers he was searching for.

That was until Huntingdon came calling.

Wilkes committed to play college football at Huntingdon College on Friday, achieving a lifelong dream of his to represent his school and his family at the next level.

“This is a really special moment for me,” Wilkes said. “It took some time to come around, but I never stopped believing in myself. I trusted the process. When I went to visit, I liked everything I saw and coach (Mike) Turk and I talked ball. He knew a lot about Eclectic and did his research and that was one of the biggest reasons why I chose them.” Wilkes has been one of the best football players in the county the last few seasons.

As a junior in 2022, he was the county’s leading rusher with 1,308 yards and eight touchdowns as he averaged nearly eight yards per carry. This past fall, Wilkes fought some injuries and

played both ways, but was still able to rush for 677 yards and nine touchdowns. He was a First Team All-County running back both seasons. While he showed off his

FILE | TPI

offensive skills, Wilkes is headed to Huntingdon as a defensive back.

Wilkes played defense this year and found success with 39 tackles and one sack. Now he will take that to the

next level.

“They told me they watched me as a running back and I was great there, but they want me as a DB,” Wilkes said. “I’m happy with that. I like that. And they know what I can do with the ball in my hands so they said if they need me on that side, they can always call me up.”

Wilkes knows he has what it takes to make an impact on and off the field for Huntingdon. If he is asked to step on the field early, he will go out and make plays in the secondary. But if he is just needed for leadership early on, he doesn’t mind pushing his teammates in the right direction.

His leadership is what made Wilkes one of the fan favorites on Elmore County’s football and basketball teams in his career, and now he hopes that community love follows him to Montgomery.

“Staying close to home was super important to me and now all of my people can come watch me play,” Wilkes said. “I’ll have a good chance at having my family, friends, coaches and the Eclectic community who can come watch me play.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

TOP: ECHS family and consumer sciences teacher Natasha McMillian wipes some of the whipped cream from her face after getting pied for a good cause.

ABOVE: McMillian allowed a student to pie her in the face in celebration of the mathematical Pi Day. BELOW: Students at Elmore County High School celebrated Pi Day last week. In addition to raising funds to pie a teacher, students walked away from the event with an oatmeal creme pie.

Elmore County’s CJ Wilkes has committed to play defensive back at Huntingdon College. The former running back scored 17 touchdowns and recorded 39 tackles the last two seasons.