Are missing or stolen pets being used for animal testing in Elmore County?
According to documents from USDA, it might have happened.
Inspectors have dropped by the Blue Ridge Kennels on Rifle Range Road over the years and started noting issues such as malnutrition, inade-
quate facilities and repeated lack of veterinary care starting in 2020. The facility has been cited more than 80 times since then, and this has attracted the attention of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“Blue Ridge Kennel really needs to do the right thing,” PETA vice president of laboratory investigations cases Dr. Alka Chandna said. “They just need to get out of the business and let these dogs have a second chance.”
A 2022 USDA report noted the facility didn’t have necessary documentation showing where the animals came from.
“The facility acquired no less than three dogs under false pretenses,” an inspector’s report said. “...Facility records show that the facility has
FIRE DESTROYS TALLASSEE PRODUCE STAND
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Children of Tallassee will surely remember the day the bouncy house came down.
But fear not, it was only a temporary setback.
Just as the doors opened to the Tallassee Recreation Department a big bouncy
air castle was the target of children. They quickly slipped off their shoes and climbed in bouncing to their hearts delight. Within moments, the house started to slouch, and the children escaped.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Blue Ridge Kennel has been cited numerous times by the USDA over the last two years for the care of dogs in its care as part of animal testing for the companion pet industry.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
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2 arrested for chemical endangerment of children
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A traffic stop turned into arrests after drugs were found near young children.
Tyler Montgomery, 30, and Ashley Little, 35, of Prattville soon found themselves in the Elmore County Jail.
According to court documents, Elmore County deputy sheriffs noticed a vehicle not observing traffic laws and weaving earlier this month and initiated a traffic stop.
Montgomery was driving and opened the console of the vehicle to retrieve required documentation such as vehicle registration and driver license.
“I witnessed what I recognized to be a prescription pill bottle protruding from the console,” a deputy said in an incident report. “[He] pushed it further into the console out of my view.”
The deputy also noticed two young children in the car and “an
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 24
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• A person with a gun was reported on West James Street.
• Menacing was reported on West James Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.
• Harassment was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on East Patton Street.
MARCH 23
• A noise complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on North Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A hit and run accident was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden
Avenue.
overwhelming aroma of marijuana.”
Little was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle and two other adults were in the vehicle as well. The adults were removed from the car and the deputy began to search the vehicle, finding the pill bottle had been moved to a spot near the radio. A glass pipe was found near the children.
The deputy confronted Montgomery and Little.
“[Little] freely and openly stated all four adults had abused marijuana inside the vehicle, but the children were not present,” the deputy said.
During the search, evidence of marijuana and methamphetamine was found as well.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources was contacted and took custody of the children who passed them to Montgomery’s family.
“[They conducted] a home visit the following morning,” the deputy said in the report.
The other adults told deputies the
• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue.
MARCH 22
• Menacing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on West Patton Street.
• Trespassing was reported on East Patton Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on Willow Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Indian Trail.
MARCH 21
• A suspicious person was reported on Redden Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Poplar
reason for not immediately stopping was to hide the evidence of drug use. Some were hidden at the children’s feet, other items were passed to Little.
Little was searched during the arrest and booking process.
‘[She] was found to be concealing suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and eight suboxone in her crotch,” the report stated. “Little made the comment, ‘I was just trying to hide [it].’ She informed me that it was in fact methamphetamine, marijuana and suboxone.”
Little was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of children, two counts of possession of controlled substances, promoting prison contraband, second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. She has a $83,000 bond available to her.
Montgomery was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of children, first degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, improper lane usage and failure to signal. He posted a $53,000 bond.
Street.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Mooney Hollow Road.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Identity theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious person was reported on West Butler Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A welfare check was conducted on Recreation Center Road.
• Assault was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Third Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Harassment was reported on McNeal Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gen. Chappy James Street. MARCH 20
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.
• Criminal mischief was reported on North Johnson Lane.
• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.
• A Black male was arrested during a domestic incident call on Jacob Court.
• Trespassing was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Harris Street.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Identity theft was reported on Mt. Hebron Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.
• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lakewater Drive. MARCH 19
• Assistance was given to another agency on Hickory Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway See REPORTS, Page A3
LITTLE
MONTGOMERY
Pinkston replaces Lewis on ballot for judge
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals left a vacancy for the 19th Judicial Circuit Place that serves Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties.
Lewis had qualified as a Republican for reelection to circuit court for the November General Election.
Now the Alabama State Republican Party has put Elmore County district court judge Patrick Pinkston on the ballot for circuit court.
Like Lewis, Pinkston is unopposed and will take office for a sixyear term after the Nov. 8 election. Pinkston has primarily served Elmore County through family and juvenile courts.
“It has been a pleasure to serve alongside my dedicated juvenile probation staff over the last decade,” Pinkston said. “Helping the children and families of Elmore County as presiding juvenile judge has been both a privilege and an honor.”
According to state law, Place 1 of the 19th Circuit Court is to be filled by an Elmore County resident. The selection process started with the Elmore County Republican Party holding a nomination and interview process to make a suggestion to
the state party. Pinkston has served the community for more than 28 years. He has been an Elmore County district court judge for more than 10 years. He has served as a special circuit court judge and was the presiding juvenile judge in Elmore County.
Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl believes Pinkston brings a lot of valuable experience and knowledge of the legal system.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Pinkston has consistently demonstrated a steadfast dedication to upholding the values of the Republican Party and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Wahl said in a release. “We are confident of his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. He will ensure that all individuals receive fair
and impartial treatment in circuit court," Pinkston will join circuit judges Amanda Baxley, Joy Booth and recently elected Dee Dee Calhoon on the 19th Judicial Circuit serving Elmore Autauga and Chilton counties.
“I look forward to working with the existing circuit judges in Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit,” Pinkston said. “I believe we will make a fine team.”
Milestone marked by county for energy savings
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Commission celebrated saving $2 million in energy costs over the last eight years.
The commission contracted with Schneider Electric in 2014 to cut costs in utilities and operations. Over the next two years simple changes were made such as installing LED lighting, more efficient HVAC systems and building automation systems for efficiency.
“We have a 20-year guarantee in place and to be where we are at just heading into the eighth year is fantastic,” Schneider’s Zach Murph said. “We continue to see great benefits here.” Murph said the county’s staff on site gets much of the credit.
REPORTS
Continued from A2
229.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A structure fire was reported on Floyd Lane.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on North Ann Avenue.
MARCH 18
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Cobb Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
The $2 million in savings come from a 38% reduction in operations energy cost.
The contract guarantees at least a $4.4 million savings over 20 years.
The commission honored Aidan Cockrell of Prattville Christian Academy for winning the 285 pound AHSAA Class 1A-4A wrestling. It also honored Tallassee wrestlers Mason Nelson, Land Bell, Ramon Lozada for winning the 5A championships at 106, 144 and 120, respectively.
The commission adopted a 10-year Joint Solid Waste Management Plan with Autauga County. The commission held a public hearing on the matter in February.
A plan for solid waste management is required by Alabama law. Partnering with Autauga County
• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Harassment was reported on Hicks Store Road.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint and harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Evergreen Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Washington Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A civil dispute was reported on Hicks Store Road.
• Identity theft was reported on Paxton Drive.
• Harassment was reported on Hicks Store Drive.
• Theft was reported on Highway 229.
• Assistance was given
results in some savings. Consider authorizing Chairman to execute the Resolution to adopt the Joint Solid Waste Management Plan for Autauga and Elmore County for a ten-year planning period IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved the minutes of the March 11 meeting.
• Approved warrants and purchase orders in the amount of $6,530,349.30 for the period March 2 - 15.
• Awarded an annual bid for Nyloplast Drain Basin Inlets.
• Approved a proposed plat for The Preserve Plat 10. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. April 11.
to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Harassment was reported on Ranson Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Manning Circle.
MARCH 17
• Gunfire was reported on Poplar Street.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on James Street.
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 19
• Burglary was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
MARCH 18
• Theft and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on East Tallassee Street.
• Forgery and theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 17
• Theft was reported on Chapel Lakes Loop.
MARCH 15
• Criminal mischief and harassment was reported in Wetumpka.
• Burglary and unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
MARCH 13
• Theft was reported on Cap. Crommelin Road.
SUBMITTED TPI
The Alabama Republican Party has selected Elmore County District Court Judge Patrick Pinkston to replace Judge Bill Lewis on the November ballot for the 19th Judicial Circuit Place 1. Pinkston takes the place of Lewis who was appointed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Time to unplug some
Isat in amazement in the halls of Stanhope Elmore High School earlier this month.
I looked around and saw something I haven’t seen in a while — students didn’t have phones. They were talking with each other and with the school’s faculty and staff. I noticed it was a little loud, which was something principal Ewell Fuller prepared me for.
If I didn’t know better, I would say I was a high school senior again. Cell phones were only something I saw on The Jetsons some three decades ago.
Speech was the No. 1 form of communication. There were no texts, no Snapchats, no Messenger. We communicated through folded notes slyly thrown across the classroom. I fondly remember conversations with my teachers at Dadeville, even when I asked smart aleck questions. I’ll never forget asking Mrs. Moncrief, “There are an infinite number of fractions and that means an infinite number of numbers between zero and one. So why are we here if we can’t get to one?”
I got the stare of death as the class snickered. I knew the answer. It’s all theory and we have to live with assumptions.
At Stanhope, it was much of the same — students talking with teachers, asking better questions than mine.
Because of the lack of cell phone use, Fuller says test scores are up for report cards and standardized testings. Teachers have adjusted to the new volume level.
I look back on my time in high school, with no phones of course, and I think many things were better. I don’t recall the bullying to be near the issue I hear parents report to be today.
We’d
Obituaries:
See UNPLUG, Page B3
Here’s what I’ve learned about grief: It’s cyclical more than anything.
Some days are better than others, some weeks feel never-ending while others go by quick as a flash. Sometimes you like a reminder of the one you lost, and other times those reminders hit you like a knife in the heart.
It’s coming up on a year since the April 15 shooting in Dadeville and the first anniversary of my brother-in-law’s death. These weeks are hitting harder than most.
I visited my brother’s grave the other day to drop off an Easter basket and some spring-colored flowers. I noticed a sprig of grass that made me stop in my tracks –just the smallest bit of green, not even 2 inches long. But it held so much weight. It meant the grass was coming up over Dylan’s grave. It meant Mother Nature wasn’t waiting around for our grief anymore. It meant life was still going on, grass was still growing, the sun was still shining. It all felt impos-
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Tallassee is a city with much to tell in the ‘Story of Alabama’, especially with respect to its early 19th century industrial history, beginning in 1844 with the origin and development of the Tallassee Falls Manufacturing Company, which later became the Mount Vernon Mills around the turn of the 20th century. When the mill ceased operations, the surviving physical plant, over time, began suffering greatly from years of neglect and other causes, tragically compounded with enormous damage by arson in 2016. Many worthwhile thoughts and ideas have been proposed about what to do with the property, yet no proposals have been realized thus far. This is not to say that an initiative couldn’t succeed, and yet, with the greatest respect to any who are interested in improving the property, perhaps there is still opportunity to suggest
Tallassee Talks
sible.
That’s another thing I’ve learned about grief — it’s impossible. Impossible to explain, impossible to get over, impossible to move on.
I recently had a family member tell me he didn’t want to burden others with his depression over our brother’s death. He said he felt his grief was exhausting for others.
I’m here to tell you grief is exhausting, and every day feels like a mountain. Because you don’t just grieve for those you lost. I don’t only grieve for Dylan, my brother. I grieve for the family we once were. I grieve for the six siblings who are now just five; I grieve for the father who lost his youngest son.
an idea for this setting – namely, to preserve the historic site and it’s remnant of buildings as ‘ruins’ - which the collection of buildings on the site really are – ‘ruins of the Industrial Age’; and why, one might ask, would it be better to let the site remain as ruins?
To answer this very fair question – it would seem that even now, the ruins of the old mill, together with the site’s natural and geological features, quite naturally lend themselves to the idea of a ‘historic archeological park’. That being said, it would be needful to fully realize such a concept with careful and selective treatments, so that the site of the old mill could very well become a unique and spectacular example of industrial history in the setting of a natural environment for all to enjoy – where users could enjoy walking along shaded trails among the ruins of the old mill buildings with wonderful green space
The fact that it was all foretold made this week all the more powerful as events unfolded two thousand years ago.
I am no theologian nor scholar, but the story of Holy Week should give us all pause as we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while Pontius Pilate entered with troops. The crowd shouted Hosanna at this unlikely king during the holiest of times, Passover. Jesus preached in the Temple for the next three days and called out the moneychangers, throwing them out as he said that they had “turned it into a den of thieves”.
It was during this time that Jesus spoke in parables and visited the Mount of Olives. He said one would betray him (Judas did, for silver), and one would deny him three times (Peter did, then realized it too late).
Pilate, in a power grab worthy of a reality show competition, allowed his audience to vote on whose life
shooting. There was so much more lost that day than the four lives that were taken too soon. I often visit the site of the shoot ing — unfortunately I don’t know where Phil Dowdell, Keke Smith, Marsiah Collins or Corbin Holston are buried, so I haven’t been able to pay my respects. But I sit outside the old Mahogany Masterpiece, and I think of them. I think of all the kids who were there that night, whose lives changed forever. I think of the families who lost their babies and the ones who know how close they got. grass, the For Rent sign hit me like a ton of bricks. I know the building has to be something at some point — like the grass,
A love stronger than death
would be spared. Barabbas, known as a guilty criminal, was freed and Jesus was condemned. Pilate literally washed his hands of the issue.
On Thursday, Jesus celebrated Passover with the disciples. Today, Christians call it Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, and there are foot washing rituals. Overall, we recall the words Jesus spoke as he offered His body and blood: “do this in memory of me”.
Condemned to death, Jesus spent Good Friday being ridiculed, spat upon, humiliated, beaten, and tortured in violent and gruesome ways.
A crown of thorns was weaved for him, and he was whipped and scourged. He took his place with two other criminals at Calvary, after having to carry his own cross through town, and was nailed to the cross. Above his head was the inscription I N R I, meaning “Hail, King of the Jews”.
This religious leader who had led and lived so humbly was now suffering a most brutal death surrounded by people who, through an outrageous scene mob mentality,
and recreational opportunities. Observing birds and wildlife, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are very ideal activities, while, at the same time, the site could also be an interpretive history park with display panels throughout which chronicle the historical account of all documented history and connections which are highly significant and relevant to the vicinity, the city, and the site. By observation, it seems very apparent that some features of the ruins also lend themselves completely to being a natural venue for outdoor events and public performances in a most beautiful setting by the river. Most importantly, for this idea to work, and to work well, it would be necessary to add more ‘green’ in, and keep large areas of ‘hard/shiny’ surfaces out, as well as structurally stabilizing the ruins without changing their historic character. As a crowning feature, uplighting the ruins at night would be a stunning
effect from all vantage points. Picturesque viewsheds both within and without the park would be awe-inspiring if the site were developed in this way, and it is very hard to believe that people would not come from far and wide to see the beauty of the old mill’s ruins in a natural setting with so much to offer each and every visitor. Of course, such a venture would need to facilitate a gift shop, dining, and comfort needs, yet in a way which is very modest, contextual, and appropriate to the overall concept of the site. All things considered, for Tallassee to have a historic archeological park with the intrinsic amenities of nature and recreational opportunities would be the perfect complement to an already historic and beautiful city situated on the bluffs of the Tallapoosa River – indeed such an initiative would be epic. Let it be ruins.
Thomas Kaufmann Montgomery, Alabama
hated Him. There are numerous quotes attributed to Jesus as he hung on the cross, but out of all of them the one that always makes me cry, realizing His true gift as our Savior, is what he said to the dying thief.
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Indeed – for all of us, God loved the world so much that he sacrificed His only son. That love is what we should express, not that judgmental version of Christianity that we sometimes see and hear.
That politicized version of Christianity is what our culture criticizes and ridicules – and rightly so, because it is a corrupted version. The Jesus of the Scriptures walked among the poor, and at every stop preached forgiveness and mercy
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Stick to chocolate this Easter
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Easter is coming up and we want to caution against getting or giving baby chickens, ducks or rabbits as pets for children for Easter. Why? Thousands of these baby animals end up dying of neglect or injury from un-prepared or uncommitted owners and that simply is not in keeping with the message of Easter.
Raising chickens, ducks or rabbits can be quite rewarding but are you prepared for the fact that baby chicks and ducklings need to be kept at 95 degrees the first week of their life, 90 the next, and so on, until they are 4-5 weeks old and fully feathered? The ideal source of heat is a red heat bulb, and you’ll want a thermometer in their cage along with their own special food and fresh water at all times, bedding, shelter & space to grow.
Ducks, of course, need a good and safe area to spend time in water. Once grown do you have a water source like a pond or lake that can provide them a safe environment from predators?
Baby rabbits also need to be kept clean, warm and safe and as they grow will need a roomy house/ pen where they can romp and be kept safe from predators which could turn out to be your own dog or cat.
One chicken or duck can be quite lonely since they are flock animals, so are you prepared to maintain more than one? Do you know that chickens and ducks live ten to fifteen years and rabbits eight to twelve years? What are
your plans for your child’s duckling, chick or rabbit if you are not truly committed? And what if you make a mistake and keep a boy and girl rabbit together – it is possible for some breeds of rabbits to breed as early as 8-12 week of age meaning even more pets in need of new homes.
While rabbits make wonderful house pets, they cannot be left unattended as they tend to chew on everything from furniture to electric cords, with possible devastating effects. But leaving a rabbit in a small cage all the time is inherently cruel as they need to exercise and run and have fun just like we might like to. But, you can litter train a rabbit so if you are committed to having a rabbit as a house pet they can truly be wonderful additions to your family. We encourage you to spend a bit of time learning about rabbit care before you get a rabbit and the Alabama Rabbit Rescue website is a great place to start.
We think a much better idea to celebrate Easter is to purchase a stuffed toy duck, chicken or rabbit for your child since a stuffed toy can be set aside when the child tires of it with no repercussions. After all, if you are not fully prepared for what these babies need and they die in a few days, then isn’t that a sad Easter memory for your child? Easter is about life, so let’s celebrate that by not putting baby animals at risk as a living child’s ‘toy.’
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Family Tradition
State livestock show legacy spans generations
By MARLEE JACKSON Special to TPI
Jeremy Childers’ gaze followed his daughter, Callie Rae, as she led her Commercial Division champion heifer in the final drive of the Jr. Livestock Expo Beef Show in Montgomery.
That last lap around the ring was the culmination of months of work and decades of tradition for the Morgan County farm family.
“For 46 years, someone in our family has been exhibiting livestock at this show,” said Kip Childers. He’s Jeremy’s brother and uncle to JLE exhibitors Caden, 18; Callie Rae, 15; and Colt, 12. He’s an integral part of their support system, too, offering encouragement, advice and hands-on help as the family travels the show circuit.
Showing livestock is a worthwhile, albeit time-consuming, family activity, Jeremy said.
“Most people don’t realize the amount of time and effort it takes. We have to be a team,” said Jeremy while gesturing to Colt, who tag-teams with his siblings to care for their herd.
That team effort was on display during JLE March 9-16. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance coordinate the annual JLE, which includes beef, swine and dairy shows and is held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo. Across all three shows, teams of family, friends and fitters (experts in grooming animals) filled barns and the arena as exhibitors’ yearlong projects came to a close.
Their anticipation built as judges circled the ring selecting
top livestock based off qualities like strength, soundness and structure. Other competitions focused on showmanship, or an exhibitor’s ability to control animals in the arena.
Claps and cheers erupted as winners were chosen. That joy carried over to the photo area manned by professional photographers Reba Hicks and Morgan Graham Flowers. Following commemorative shots with judges and a Federation representative, each exhibitors’ support system crowded around for a final photo.
Hicks and Flowers understand the value of camera clicks capturing memories. They’re former exhibitors whose families still treasure snapshots from JLE, the state championship of livestock showing.
The Childers family does, too. Those photos are special, as are the banners they’ve won over the years.
“Banners, ribbons and trophies line the wall leading to our son’s room,” said Jeremy’s wife, April. “Caden’s senior photos used those banners on the side
CommunityCalendar
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.
of a cattle trailer and featured his reserve grand champion Simmental heifer from last year.”
This year, it’s Callie Rae’s turn to bring home the banners. A soft smile spread across her face — and her family members’ — as she and her Commercial heifer clinched fifth in a tough competition among overall breeding heifers. Her All Other Breeds Continental heifer earned fourth in the Alabama bred-and-owned contest.
She and fellow Top 5 winners across contests exhibited in the Parade of Champions March 16 at the SLE Rodeo. That display helps thousands of consumers see agriculture’s strong legacy while showing up for “the greatest show on dirt,” Jeremy said. “The one thing that makes (livestock showing) different in the day in which we live is the kids’ ability to work and stick something out. It’s not easy, and you’ve got animals that aren’t tame yet. Do you give up, give in or give it all you’ve got? We’re teaching our kids to give everything they’ve got.”
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:
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
event features music and art vendors.
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.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24
EGG HUNT: First Methodist Church Wetumpka will be hosting a glow-inthe-dark Easter egg hunt from 5 to 8 p.m. March 24. Ages birth through sixth grade will be allowed to participate. Food will be served.
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
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.
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.
MONDAY, MARCH 25
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-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contests. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
CROSS WALK: First Methodist Church Wetumpka will be hosting its annual Cross Walk around downtown Wetumpka on March 29. Meet at the flag-pole at 11 a.m. to begin.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
CHAMBER CHOIR: The McCraneyCottle Arts Council is hosting the Auburn University Chamber Choir at 7 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Performing Arts Center. Adult tickets at $10 and student tickets are $5.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
PICKETT FEST: The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival is April 6 at Cooters Pond in Prattville. The annual
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 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
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
WAR ENCAMPMENT: Ft. ToulouseFt. Jackson is holding its annual French and Indian War Encampment with demonstrations Saturday, April 20. COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting its annual Coosapalooza Brewfest April 20 in Merchants Alley and Gold Star Park. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for Main Street Wetumpka and features samples of craft beer, music and fun.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
SPRING MARKET: Poppy Layne
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. Storytime will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m. year-round.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL
MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.
NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka. OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.
RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB
MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.
SUBMITTED TPI
Lauren Clardy of Elmore County exhibited the Junior Fourth Overall at the Jr. Livestock Expo Dairy Show held on March 9 in Montgomery. Her animal was also the Jersey Junior Breed Reserve Champion. She is pictured with Judge Ross Neles, left, and Dairy Show Director Colton Christjohn.
acquired dogs from non-exempt, unlicensed individuals/ entities without obtaining a certification that the animals were born and raised on that person’s/entities premises and that the person/entity has sold fewer than 25 dogs or cats that year.”
Certification must prove dogs are obtained from legal sources; this also ensures random source dogs are not being used in research.
The USDA demanded Blue Ridge to correct this issue by informing those who provide animals to the kennel the intended use of the dogs is for research.
Chandna has been following Blue Ridge for more than a year as USDA documents are public record.
“They cannot guarantee the dogs weren’t stolen from someone’s backyard,” Chandna said.
“There could be citizens in the area who have lost their dogs and don’t know where their dogs are.”
USDA documents note dogs by the names Party Girl and Blue are in dire need of veterinary care. According to the USDA records, Party Girl had severe dental disease and mammary masses not found on documentation at the facility. Blue had issues moving in her enclosure. She was noticed by inspectors in January 2023 and subsequently taken to a vet twice. But Blue’s records at Blue Ridge made no note of the dog’s hind limb issues, results of an examination or a plan for treatment.
Other citations against the facility include fencing in disrepair that could harm dogs, lack of sanitation of food bowls and chipping paint in kennels.
“These dogs are sitting in some dilapidated kennel, not being fed properly and are not being given veterinary care,” Chandna said.
Earlier this month the USDA has worked out an agreement where Blue Ridge will pay $48,000 of an $80,000 fine over four years and be on probation for another four years while remaining open.
Three more citations were made public by the USDA last week. Facilities were still being questions as inspectors noted a dome structure in the play yard with exposed screws that could injure dogs. Inspectors also noted several of the doggie doors were in need of repair. A paperwork deficiency in record keeping was also reported.
PETA contacted 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson in hopes of seeing Blue Ridge owners or employees prosecuted under Alabama’s cruelty to animals law.
“The USDA’s actions don’t preclude local law enforcement from getting involved,” Chandna said.
Robinson said he has heard from PETA about issues at Blue Ridge.
“The DA’s office is not an investigatory body,” Robinson said. “We work alongside investigations. This has been passed along to investigative agencies including [Alabama
Law Enforcement State Bureau of Investigation].”
In Alabama, cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor, meaning a maximum of one year in jail if found guilty. ALEA said it could not comment about the possible investigations.
Blue Ridge uses dogs to test products for the companion pet industry in order to help develop pet foods and flea and tick treatments. Chandna said the testing process can be vicious as vet care is normally withheld during the studies.
“Provisional vet care would interfere with the scientific objectives of the testing,” Chandna said. “This is pretty much across the board when looking for toxicity tests and such.”
One such test could be to see how a dog reacts to a tick or flea ointment. Chandna explained the manufacturer wants to see over a period of 40 to 60 days if the dog becomes sick and with what symptoms, such as possible frothing, salivating and or fever.
“They can’t interfere,” Chandna said. “They have to leave the dogs alone so they can see what eventually happens.”
In the case of humans, product testing, even on animals, is heavily monitored and documented through the FDA. Results can be found in scientific journals and information such as who contracted the testing facility can be found.
Finding who contracts Blue Ridge and other testing kennels is nearly impossible. There is little public documentation of the process until major citations are issued by the USDA. Even then, little to nothing is known about the manufacturer unless the information shows up in scientific documentation. Chandna said the facility has about 100 dogs and PETA wants Blue Ridge to surrender the dogs and cease operation.
“We want to see the dogs taken care of,” Chandna said. “We believe this is best done by rescuing the dogs.”
Blue Ridge was founded in 1975 by Janice Plessner as a training and breeding facility. She died in October 2022 and her obituary referenced teaching numerous obedience courses across the River Region at locations such as the Montgomery YMCA, Gunter and Maxwell Air Force Bases and Elmore County’s Emerald Mountain.
Her obituary said Plessner and the facility worked with pet food companies for more than 30 years to help make a better product. She also helped develop toys, bowls, dog beds and more for the companion animal industry.
The USDA agreement lists Plessner’s son John as CEO of Blue Ridge.
The Herald has attempted to contact John Plessner but a phone number listed online for Blue Ridge is disconnected. Messages were left with an attorney representing Blue Ridge noted on the USDA agreement allowing Blue Ridge to stay open. The messages were not returned. The Herald also visited Blue Ridge’s location but could not get onto the property due to a locked gate.
In the case of Tallassee, Sid and Dr. Steve Burak of the TRA hope the TRA will be the connection to Main Street Alabama.
said. “ We need all the help we can get to attract businesses. We are struggling. Through that discussion we were like, ‘That is kind of what Main Street does.’”
Sid and others including the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority looked at organizations including Main Street Alabama.
“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Sid said.
The authority was formed two decades ago to help businesses within a two-mile radius of downtown on both sides of the river. It holds property on the river such as the west side mill, the old bridge across the river and the Armory in hopes of redevelopment.
A Main Street effort would concentrate on just the few blocks of downtown in Elmore County. But it would work with the authority.
“The TRA can do a lot to help get businesses started,” Sid said. “The TRA is our connection to the city.”
Phillips made the necessary repairs reattaching the canvas pipe that feeds air from a fan to the castle. Soon, smiling children were bouncing again.
It was just a small hiccup, but one the children and their parents will surely remember.
“That was fun,” Phillips said afterwards. “It will be all they talk about for
“The redevelopment authority has been used in other cities for Main Street,” Burak said. “We are willing to help as it fits in the mission of the TRA and the footprint we can work in.”
Sid and others have already contacted Main Street Alabama. Conversations have already started. The TRA will likely pay the $600 to become a network member of Main Street Alabama, which would open the door to new resources.
“It gets Main Street to help,” Sid said. “They start assessing what the assets of downtown are and what you want to promote.”
A Main Street representative is assigned to conduct on-site visits. A network level Main Street designation also gains access to training and conventions with Main Street Alabama.
“If you are a community just starting a downtown
days to come.” Children filled the center Saturday morning to have some scrambled eggs, waffles and sausage. They pulled out the crayons and temporary tattoos. The Easter bunny even overcame the reluctance of a few who were unsure of his mission as parents got a few photographs. A few children figured out how to bowl with large eggs.
The children might have temporarily taken the house
Max is 2 years old, weighs about 65 pounds and is just an absolute love. Sadly he came as a stray and was never reclaimed. Max deserves better as he is incredibly gentle and sweet and loving. He is great with other dogs and children.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
revitalization program, our network is for you,” the Main Street Alabama website states.
“This is a great opportunity for those looking to network and attend training on the downtown redevelopment process, but yet seeking in-depth services.”
Sid said Main Street has made a tremendous impact in downtown Wetumpka.
“A lot of the things Wetumpka is doing, the celebratory things on the weekends and small events during the week are coming out of Main Street,” Sid said. “It is just one thing they do. They can help facilitate deals too.”
The efforts of promoting events and foot traffic would go along with those of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce.
“In this case, the TRA and Main Street would focus solely on downtown,” Sid said. “It will take a lot. You have to have people willing to work. It is not an easy task by just signing up for the network level. It is an effort to attract businesses to come through activity. Main Street is a way to create activity.”
down, but Phillips has plans for more fun in the future.
“I have been in Tallassee for 50 years,” Phillips said.
“I have always heard people say there is nothing to do. My goal is to have something for the seniors and something for the kids once a quarter.”
The mission is simple: have a little fun and don’t worry about making money.
Phillips and crew are planning future events with every-
thing still in the idea phase. Some might include a fishing rodeo for the children and chili cook off for the seniors.
“We are not looking to make a whole bunch of money,” Phillips said. “We are looking at creating fun for everyone. It’s not every weekend. But at least children and adults can get out of the house. In the case of the children, it gives parents an option here in town for something memorable.”
Pet of the Week - Max
Jesus was on the cross for us
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. -- John 3:14-17
This is probably the most well-known passage from the Bible. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Jesus compares himself to the serpent that was lifted up by Moses.
This gives us a simple explanation why we keep Jesus on the cross.
MATT RUDZIK Columnist
His resurrection to go and forgive people’s sins, and what do we say? I can talk directly to God, I don’t need to go to the Priest to confess my sins. I can eventually accept an altar call - but not confession. I can’t say my sins out loud to my pastor!
forgive our neighbor from our heart we won’t be forgiven. And what do we do? We hold grudges for days, months, years or decades.
It is this point where we enter into the world of some serious misunderstandings between ourselves and many of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Christ told us that He will be lifted up on the cross and honored that way as was the serpent on the desert. And what do we do? We take Jesus down from the Cross, saying that he is risen and he doesn’t need to be there anymore.
The Cross itself, like a stick for a serpent, is without any special meaning by itself. It is about who is hanging on it. Jesus became a sinner for us so that we can be redeemed. He took every sin upon Himself, every sin everyone in history ever thought of or committed, while he hung on that cross.
Christ told the apostles after
Christ told us that it is necessary that we eat his Body and drink his Blood. And what do we do? We say it’s just a symbol, it’s just a sign, we can worship from our homes or couches, we can focus on good music or fulfilling preaching. Consuming Him is too much or too boring. Church isn’t enough about us, or I don’t feel spiritually nourished, or it’s not entertaining enough.
Christ told us that if you look on another person with lust you have already committed the sin of adultery in your heart. And what do we do? We willfully put adultery everywhere. About 50% of all media that goes on the internet is porn. Who watches it?
Christ told us that if we don’t
Tallassee Churches
Christ told us that whoever believes in Him and is baptized will be saved. We say that we need to profess our Lord and Savior and that profession of faith saves us. And it doesn’t matter anymore that as St James says faith without works is dead. Most people prefer to say we are saved by faith alone. No works necessary and that’s definitely not in the Bible.
Christ told us who sees me sees the Father. And we say we cannot display paintings of Jesus.
Christ told us not to judge others because we don’t know the other person’s heart. And what do we do? We constantly judge and condemn, we think we know better and that we have the right to treat people the way we think they deserve.
Christ told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute
us. And what do we do? We play games, we don’t talk to each other, we avoid each other, we are dry and hurtful to each other. We prefer to live in our own hell then let it go and accept forgiveness and offer forgiveness and be reconciled with God.
What’s a better symbol of sin than a serpent in the desert?
We are so bad that we killed God’s beloved Son. God’s response to our darkness is the morning of resurrection.
And so we keep Christ on the Cross because that he told us to do it: by looking toward Him, who is crucified on the cross, our faith will be our strength. Moses lifted up the serpent on the stick to be looked up to with Faith. And so do we, as we survey the wondrous cross.
Matt
Surrounding Area Churches
Fr.
Rudzik is the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Church in Tuskegee.
The sport of pickleball isn’t just a funny name. It’s the fastest growing sport in the country.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has grown 85.7% in the last year and has seen an influx of 158.6% of new players in the last year alone.
That is seen throughout the entire United States, and certainly in Elmore County. As pickleball has grown, it has been picked up by local athletes and parks and recreation departments.
Opelika was one of the first towns in Alabama to pick up the sport, but it has gained popularity as close as Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee.
Reeltown’s Fallin commits to Birmingham Southern
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
It may not have always seemed like playing college football was going to happen for Tyrese Fallin. But on Thursday, that all changed.
Thursday, Fallin announced his commitment to Birmingham Southern College to continue his football career.
The linebacker will be staying in-state to play football, actualizing a dream that has long been with him.
“It means a lot because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to due to my size, something that I couldn’t control,” Fallin said. “But I stayed focused and controlled the controllable.”
While Fallin may not be the tallest or longest linebacker, it certainly didn’t show up on the statsheet for Reeltown this past season.
Helping lead his team to an undefeated regular season, an area championship and an appearance in the 2A state title game, Fallin was all over the field.
During his last go around with the Rebels, Fallin tallied 116 total tackles and 20 tackles for
loss. He collected nine sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
His 8.6 tackles per game led the team and his sack total was top 50 in the state.
Fallin chose BSC due to its close feel to Reeltown. With only a student population of around 1,000 kids, the small feel felt like home.
“What made me choose BSC was the environment,” Fallin said. “It really felt like a family like what we had back at Reeltown.”
Looking back on his career, it was not making it to the state title game that will stick with Fallin the most. Rather, it was defeating B.B. Comer to punch his ticket to state.
In what was potentially Fallin’s final game as a Rebel, he led his team with 10 tackles and logged a tackle for loss. That win extended his career to the state championship.
“My favorite memory this past season was beating B.B. Comer,” Fallin said. “That’s something I will always remember, with us running on the field celebrating the last minute field goal.”
The Wetumpka Sports Complex opened a tennis and pickleball court in 2022, and it features eight courts and retractive nets for whichever sport someone wants to play.
In Millbrook, 17 Springs recently opened 12 pickleball courts to go along with 12 tennis courts and four soccer fields among other amenities.
Tallassee doesn’t have a pick-
leball court, but Tallassee parks director Jamelle Jelks and the Parks and Recreations department open the court inside the rec center multiple times a week for people to play.
“The sport has grown tremendously, especially in our area,” Jelks said. “Opelika was the forerunner of the sport around here. They got the tail of it and it has just spread right over to us, and Wetumpka and Millbrook. As the sport has grown, it has been included in projects such as the Wetumpka Sports Complex or 17 Springs alongside other sports. In Wetumpka for instance, the courts were built alongside the football stadium used by the high school, and softball and
GOALS IN SIGHT
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal likes the progress his Tallassee football team has made.
O’Neal, who was hired on January 16, has only been coaching the Tigers for a little over two months but is impressed with what the Tigers are showing him in the weight room.
Coming in at the start of the spring semester, the head football coach and athletic director has kept himself busy supporting the basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, soccer and track and field teams.
While doing so, he’s also trying to set a standard for what his football team will bring to the field this fall.
“My goal coming in was to set the standard of how we would go about our work,” O’Neal said. “We wanted to give maximum effort in the weight room and on every rep on the field. We want to give our best at everything we do. I’ve been more than pleased with how they’ve responded to the coaching and the intensity that we’ve brought to the program.”
Just on pure numbers, Tallassee is already looking at more kids this spring than it had on the field in 2023. The Tigers had only 53 kids on the
roster this fall. In the Tigers’ morning sessions this spring, O’Neal said he has 61 kids who are consistently working out. That doesn’t include the baseball players who will come back out after their season ends and kids who are still on the fence about joining.
“The amount of kids has been a pleasant surprise,” O’Neal said. “I’m looking to have about 70 kids suit up for spring ball come May 2. In the weight room, the kids who are there right now have gotten strong. We tested our max numbers before spring break and had some really high
football season with the Tigers and has seen an influx of players trying to join the varsity program.
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Wetumpka baseball team is starting to find its stride, and a big reason for that is sophomore catcher Logan Fawcett. Fawcett, who started last season as a freshman, returned to the Indians’ lineup this season as one of the biggest power hitters on
the team. And while that is still true, the left-handed slugger is getting on base at an elite level. After getting moved to the leadoff spot, Fawcett helped Wetumpka to a 4-0 record last week against Benjamin Russell, Carver twice and Chilton County. In the process, he went 7-for-9 at the plate with two doubles, five singles, six RBIs, eight runs
scored and four walks.
For his efforts, he is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“We put him in the leadoff spot for a reason,” Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes said. “He’s definitely producing and he’s not just hitting singles. He’s
Tallassee coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal talks to a group of cheerleaders at his meet and greet in January. O’Neal is currently working on his first spring
Reeltown senior Tyrese Fallin has committed to Birmingham Southern to continue his football career.
PICKLEBALL
Continued from B1
baseball fields. After the courts were built, Wetumpka parks and recreation director Tiffany Chandler told the Herald in an interview that more amenities would be added to the pickleball courts.
That included seating and lights to allow players to participate after dark.
The switches to the lights are powered starting 30 minutes prior to dusk and turned off at 10 p.m. There are two push buttons tennis court users can use to turn the lights on for up to two hours during that time frame. The lights will always turn off automatically at 10 p.m. regardless of when the button was pushed.
“We have had so much interest, it was important to get those opened as quickly as possible,” Chandler told the Herald.
While Tallassee doesn’t have courts like Wetumpka and Millbrook, the town has likely seen the most participation of anywhere local outside of Opelika.
That has a lot to do with Jelks and his advocacy of the sport.
In June of 2023, Jelks began hosting regular pickleball days at the rec center. The number of participants started around eight on any given day, but it had nearly quadrupled by the time fall rolled around.
He was hosting up to 30 players on any given open session on Sundays at the recreation center, and it usually sat around 20.
The numbers dipped around the holidays, but Jelks is expecting it to get back to where it was as the new year comes around. Because of his success in the open sessions every week, Jelks created a Tallassee pickleball league that ran in the fall. It was a six-week league that started with 14 teams – eight men’s, four mixed and two women’s teams – but reached over 20 teams at its peak this fall.
“The league really grew leaps and bounds,” Jelks said. “It started off really slim but it took a turn for the best. We had over 20 teams that consisted of every category we had. We had both singles and doubles teams. It was a really good turn out.”
One of the factors that have led to the rise around the county is the fact that pickleball is made for everyone.
The game features limited movement and no running around, so anybody can pick up the sport and play without causing too much stress on their bodies. In a study by the SFIA, 52% of people who played pickleball more than eight times a year were ages 55 or older. Seventeen percent more were from ages 35-44.
A pickleball court is half the size of a normal tennis court, and the sport is relatively cheap to get into. Because courts are already in place, it doesn’t normally cost to reserve places. And pickleball sets can cost as cheap as $20-$30 at any local sporting goods store or on the internet.
“It’s not only a young person’s sport, it’s a sport for all ages and classes,” Jelks said.
“We have some people who play with us that are 70-years old. It’s a sport that hits every number and it’s just a fun sport. It’s something that everybody can do.”
As the sport continues growing, Jelks is hoping to continue building momentum in the local area. After the success he saw just in Tallassee, he is hoping to start and participate in a league with the surrounding areas. He is in talks to allow his Tallassee teams to begin league play against league teams from Opelika, and he wants to reach out to Millbrook and Wetumpka once that gets settled.
FAWCETT
Continued from B1
showing power and coming around to score. He jumpstarts our offense.”
Fawcett isn’t just bullying bad pitching either. In the two games against Carver, Fawcett only went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs. He was pulled after two at-bats in each game.
Wetumpka’s Holt one-hits Elmore County
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
A two-out
dribbler
in the sixth inning is all that kept Mya Holt from pitching her fourth no-hitter of the 2024 season on Thursday night.
Holt and Wetumpka went on the road and beat Elmore County, 6-0, the day after beating Class 7A Auburn, 8-4. Against Auburn, Holt allowed an uncharacteristic four earned runs on six hits, so coach Daryl Otwell sent her back out to the circle against Elmore County with a chance to redeem herself.
She did just that as she allowed just one hit, a dribbling single down the third base line, and
struck out 13 Panthers in the complete game shutout. She had a perfect game going through 5 ⅔ innings before the single.
She walked no batters and threw 66 of her 89 pitches for a strike.
“Mya pitched great against Auburn, but she didn’t feel like it was her best performance,” Otwell said. “We talked and looked at the Elmore County game like a late-season regional game where she might pitch two days in a row on little rest. We want to make sure she’s in shape to do that. It was great to see her compete at a high level the last two days.”
Wetumpka did all of its damage in the third and fourth innings, scoring three runs in each
frame. Those came on an RBI triple from Holt and a two-run single from Lily Davenport, then on a Ella Watson triple, a Maribeth Parette bases loaded walk and an Alyssa Brown single. The Indians slugged four triples in the game and nine hits overall, but they couldn’t seem to find the big hit when needed. They left 13 total base runners on base and left the bases loaded in three consecutive innings at one point. And while Otwell is not complaining about his team’s .352 batting average or the 24-2 overall record, hitting with runners on base is a point of emphasis for his team.
“We’ve had a good
first half of the year and we’re hitting the ball well, but I’ve really been challenging them to take better at-bats in certain situations,” Otwell said. “We’ve had some big strikeouts or given away at-bats in critical moments that could blow games open.
We’re a good lineup, but I think we can be better offensively than we are right now.”
Wetumpka is primed for another state championship run, and the Indians are playing exactly that way as they have won 15 games in a row en route to their 24-2 record. Both losses came in the same weekend, and both to Class 7A teams.
In the Hoover loss, Wetumpka was close to winning but came up
short in some critical at-bats late. Since then, the Indians have shut out seven opponents and outscored teams 129-23. The Indians were ranked No. 1 in the Class 6A by the ASWA this week, but Otwell doesn’t care about the win streak or the rankings. He just wants his team to be playing well when the wins start to matter.
“The biggest challenge for us is staying focused throughout the whole season,” Otwell said. “I think this team is composed and they don’t panic. We don’t talk about the wins. We talk about the day-to-day. The wins are great, but our only goal is to keep getting better. We want to play our best softball late in the season.”
Tallassee parks offering new hours
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Alongside a revamped weight and cardio room, the Tallassee Parks and Recreation department is offering new hours of operation.
The new and improved weight room will be open Monday-Friday from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m
O’NEAL
Continued from B1
weights.”
There’s been quite a few standouts who have caught O’Neal’s eye as well. Included in those are some senior skill players such as receivers Chase Chumley and Rush Wright, or running back/linebacker Joseph Hooks and
FALLIN
Continued from B1
to noon. Ages 12 and under are not allowed in the weight or cardio room, while kids aged 13 through 17 may only enter the weight room if they have completed the weight training class. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult 21 years of age or older.
The pickleball courts, basketball courts and indoor walking are open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
lineman John Jeffrey.
Those aren’t the only kids who have stood out, but he is expecting big things out of his senior group.
“We have had so many kids step up in our weight room,” O’Neal said. “We really have about 30 kids who are embodying what we are preaching and what we’re trying to set and they’re bringing other kids along. That makes
Upon the conclusion of his playing career, Fallin was sitting on a handful of looks
In games against Ben Russell and Chilton County was where he did the majority of his damage. He went 3-for4 against Ben Russell and UAH signee Jaxon Hay on Wednesday then capped the week off with a 3-for-3 day with two doubles against Chilton County.
On the season, he’s hitting .498 and has 33 hits.
“He’s doing all of
every weekday. All guests entering the Tallassee rec center must be a member, paying daily admission or enrolled in an activity. An individual membership costs either $13 a month or $120 for a year.
A family membership is $17 a month or $175 a year.
Senior memberships are available for ages 65 and older and are $5 a month or $25 a year. Senior couples memberships are $6 a month or $40 a year.
coaching a whole lot easier.”
O’Neal’s squad will continue to spend the next month hitting the weight room hard, but he’s more excited to see how the weight room transitions to the field come May. The Tigers begin spring practice on May 2 and wrap up on May 17. That two-week stretch will include four days of full pads,
and offers. Nothing major had come through the pipeline, but that was not going to stop the fearless defender.
“The recruitment process started off slowly but it started to pick up towards the end of the regular season,” Fallin
this against everybody, not just bad pitching,” Dismukes said. “He hasn’t had an 0-for game against anybody this season. What he’s doing is hard to do against anybody. It’s even hard to do if you throw it up in the air in slow pitch softball and hit the ball.”
Fawcett’s offensive outburst last week came at a good time. The Indians were in a bit of a rut, not play-
A cardio class led by Jamelle Jelks is also being offered twice a day on Monday through Thursday from either 9 to 10 a.m. or 5 to 6 p.m. Classes are free for members but $5 for non members.
Pickleball is open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
four days of practice in shells, a day of community service, an intersquad scrimmage and a spring game.
To cap off spring, Tallassee will host Wetumpka at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium on May 17 at 6 p.m. The varsity squads will play three quarters followed by a junior varsity quarter.
“When we hit that field, we’re going to get the pads popping
said. “I did have doubts, but that didn’t stop me. I just kept my head down and kept grinding. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”
Not taking no for an answer is exactly what Fallin is going to bring to BSC, a
ing their best ball, but Fawcett and company are starting to roll now. Wetumpka went a perfect 4-0 on the week and is now 2-0 in Class 6A, Area 3.
Not only did they go undefeated, but they scored double digit runs in all four matchups. The lowest offensive outburst was 10 runs against Chilton County, but the Indians totaled 58 runs in the four games.
Fawcett scored eight of those himself, and that was while being taken out and missing up to three at-bats against Carver each game.
and see what we really have,” O’Neal said. “You might have a kid who is a weight room warrior, but it may not translate to the field. We’re going to see if the weights translate and see what kind of physical ball club we have. We are going to be undersized, so we will have to play physically and with an intensity that is unmatched on the other side of the ball.”
Division 3 program that finished last season 3-7.
“BSC is getting a relentless sideline to sideline tackling machine, always looking to make an impact on the game when given the opportunity,” Fallin said.
“He jumpstarts our offense,” Dismukes said. “If you can score like that early and get someone on base like that, it gives our team some energy and confidence. He’s a catalyst for us and he’s helping our team play some winning baseball on the offensive side.”
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Wetumpka’s Mya Holt pitched
shutout over Elmore County. Holt allowed just one hit with no walks and struck out 13 Panthers.
Elmore County boys soccer back on track
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Panthers are getting back on the right track.
After dropping the first two Class 5A, Area 3 soccer matches of the year, coach Josh Pack knew his team needed to get back in the win column or the Panthers would be missing the playoffs just a year after making the Final Four.
Two weeks later, Elmore County is now sitting at 2-2 in area play and has won three of its last four games.
On Thursday night, the Panthers beat area opponent Beauregard, 6-1, to reach the midway point of the area schedule.
“I think they’ve stepped up to the challenge,” Pack said. “We came out a little flat against Tallassee and Brewbaker Tech and we just had to get re-focused. Having some non-area games has really helped us start to gel better.”
Elmore County has won each of its last two area games over Valley and Beauregard by a combined score of 16-1.
Now in third place in the five-team area, the Panthers have to likely win out to make the playoffs.
The Panthers won the area championship last season with two losses, but both losses came to one team. This year, they have to beat at least one of the teams that already beat them to have a chance to be one of the two teams to make the playoffs.
Elmore County lost to Tallassee at home, 3-2, after leading by two goals with 15 minutes left. Three days later, they lost on the road to Brewbaker Tech, 2-1. Both games were winnable for the Panthers, and Pack knows his team will play with the urgency needed when the rematches come in April.
“I think we’re as focused as we’ve been all year,” Pack said.
“We’re going into Spring Break playing
Wednesday, March 27
4 Wetumpka at Pike Road, 12:30 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Montgomery Catholic, 4 p.m.
4 Jonathan Alder (Oh.) at Elmore County, 2 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Chelsea (at Hoover Met), 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 28 High School Baseball 4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Lincoln City (at Hoover Met), 4:30 p.m.
well and we’re going to come back and try to make a run to get us back to Huntsville.”
In Thursday’s match, Elmore County jumped out to an early lead behind two goals from Dragos Patrov in the first 10 minutes of the match.
Beauregard then earned a goal, but Tate McNeely got the goal back before the half. That 3-1 lead held until 20 minutes left in the match when the Panthers doubled their score.
Asher Justice, Tom Overdiek and Emmanuel Vado all added goals late and the Panthers walked away with the blowout win.
“We really played better in the second half,” Pack said. “We started passing better and possessing it. We used our speed to our advantage and really started to pull away like we should have early.”
ELMORE COUNTY GIRLS REMAIN UNBEATEN IN AREA PLAY
Beauregard struck early, but it wasn’t enough as the Panthers reached the midway point of area play with an undefeated record.
Elmore County beat Beauregard, 5-1, after giving up the first goal of the game. The Hornets scored 26 minutes into the game and led, 1-0, trying to knock off the first place Panthers.
That lead was short lived, however, as seventh grader Cadi Crews scored backto-back goals in a two minute span to give Elmore County a 2-1 halftime lead. She was assisted by Carlee Sides and Caden Jordan.
Out of the half, Elmore County kept that momentum and extended its lead with two goals by senior Emily Spears and a final goal by sophomore Kristina Elmore.
The Panthers are now 4-0 in area play, having beat each team once. They have outscored area opponents 18-4 in the process.
(G) Tallassee at Horseshoe Bend, 5:30 p.m.
March
misread
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publish
Fuller and his staff believe removing the cellphones from the equation have lowered cyberbullying in the school. After the visit to Stanhope I examined my habits more, especially the time I spend on devices. It got me thinking how much I misinterpret things based on a message or email with a few letters and maybe an emoji. How much do I overreact on information that is far more inferior than real conversation? It is a lot of the time, especially if I don’t slow down and think. What is the solution? It is simple. I need to put the devices down and engage in real conversation
to all. He was the ultimate example of turning the other cheek. While He called out sinners, He also showed that everyone is welcome to believe, no matter what they look like or where they live. On Easter, let the world recognize this love once again as that crucifixion audience did so many years ago: “He really was the Son of God!”
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
ABOVE: Elmore County freshman Emmanuel Varo (34) scored one goal in the 6-1 win over Beauregard on Thursday.Varo and the Panthers have won back-to-back area games.
BELOW: Elmore County sophomore Carlee Sides kicks the ball away from a Beauregard forward. Sides, a defender, had one assist in the win.
Lake River & Classi eds
dismiss moneymaking ideas that might cross your mind today; they could be worthwhile. In fact, this is an excellent time to initiate something; however, this window will be brief. You will also be strong in all your nancial negotiations. Tonight: Maintain your possessions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with ery Mars, which makes you courageous and condent! This is why you will be a natural leader today, especially with groups of people. They will listen to what you say, because you will radiate an inner excitement about your ideas. Tonight: You win!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Although this is a playful week for you, today you might enjoy some seclusion or privacy. You feel the urge to “get away from all this.” Therefore, look for ways to indulge your need to have some quiet time. Find a nice place with good food and drink. Tonight: Solitude.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Discussions with a friend or a group will be lively today because you have strong opinions.
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TALLASSEE MUNICIPAL GAS SYSTEM “NOTICE”
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
That distinctive odor is the harmless chemical we add to natural gas so you can detect even the smallest amount that might escape. It smells bad... but that’s good! Natural gas has no odor on its own. Everyone should be able to recognize our built-in system safety signal. If you ever detect faint whiffs of this odor, INVESTIGATE. If possible, “follow your nose” to the source. It may be only a pilot light that’s out, or a burner valve partially turned on. Something easily and safely corrected. If the source of the gas cannot be located or the odor persists, call Tallassee City Hall, 283-4298, during normal hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. At night or on weekends or for any emergency reporting of gas line breaks, call Tallassee Police Department 283-6586. Please give adequate directions as to the location of the leak.
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TEA WITH MOM
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There might not be any castles in downtown Eclectic, but there was plenty of room for a proper English tea for moms and daughters.
The Annie Rae boutique turned its party room into a dining hall from a castle. With its tall ceilings, brick walls and a long table adorned with flowers and towers of treats, little girls and their mothers were all set for a memorable time. It was all with a purpose in mind.
“When my girls were little, unfortunately too long ago, we went to a
tea party and had the best time,” Annie Rae’s Crystal Harmon said. “They still talk about it.” Harmon did more than just relive her memories with daughters.
“I thought about it and said I wanted to give mommas and their little girls a way to have a similar experience,” Harmon said.
Harmon and others set about Saturday morning decorating a long table with pastel flowers as light poured in through a window.
Mothers and daughters got ready at home. They dressed in their Sunday dresses and arrived to share time with each other.
The council also approved negotiations to hire a working supervisor with water and sewer certifications for the waterworks department.
Eclectic council approves quality of life projects
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Town of Eclectic joined the City of Tallassee, the Elmore County Board of Education, the Elmore County Commission and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority in signing off on the next round of quality of life improvements.
The projects include resurfacing athletic fields at Elmore County High School, the creation of a new road just south of Eclectic Elementary School to help with school traffic and it will surround new recreational fields.
All told the commission has pledged $5 million in cash and in-kind services and the town of Eclectic is only out some property near the sewage treatment facility.
The agreement was on the council agenda a week ago but was tabled to Monday’s special called meeting.
“I didn’t have adequate time to review all the information,” councilmember David Goodwin said. Goodwin and councilmember Stephanie
Stepney said they spent the week speaking with people and now felt comfortable with the arrangement.
One of the projects on the list is creating a walking trail in the pecan orchard owned by the town. It is a project to be funded by the town or grants. Mayor Gary Davenport said a grant application was in and the town was awaiting to see if it was awarded funding.
The council also approved negotiations to hire a working supervisor with water and sewer certifications for the waterworks department. It would save the town about $25,000 it pays to Alabama Rural Water to help keep the town in compliance.
Davenport informed the council there was a vacancy in the Eclectic Police Department. He said Chief Robert Head had started the background reports on an experienced officer and Davenport would conduct an interview later this week.
The next meeting of the Town of Eclectic Council is scheduled for Monday, April 15.
“Tea,” or rather orange juice, was poured for ladies of all ages in the formal setting.
“It’s fun,” five-year-old Carli Rankin said beaming with a wide smile looking at her mother Skye. It was a special moment for the pair.
“I’m enjoying having fun with her,” Rankin said. “It’s creating special memories with her.” It was a mission accomplished for Harmon. She was successful in creating a moment for all the little mothers and daughters in the “Annie Rae castle.”
“Maybe when they get older they will talk about it too,” Harmon said.
Moms and daughters create memories over tea
WILLIAMS | TPI
TOP: The Easter Bunny stopped the Annie Rae’s Tea Party Saturday morning in Eclectic.The event was created Crystal Harmon to create special memories to be shared by mothers and daughters.
ABOVE: Skye Rankin adjusts the crown on her daughter Carli’s head at Annie Rae’s Saturday morning.The tea party was created by Crystal Harmon as a way to build memories between mothers and daughters.
Playoff Bound
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The first baseball team in Elmore County has clinched its playoff berth.
The Panthers from Elmore County swept Brewbaker Tech in the three-game series, 9-0, 14-2 and 15-5, to claim one of the two playoff spots from Class 5A, Area 4. With only Elmore County, Brewbaker Tech and Tallassee in the area, the Panthers have clinched the first playoff spot. Brew Tech and Tallassee will play their threegame series on April 2 and 4, and then Elmore County and Tallassee meet on the 9th and 11th of April for the final area series and what will decide the final seeding for playoffs.
“The biggest goal coming into the season is to win that series and have the playoffs clinched early,” Panthers coach Michael Byrd said. “The way the schedule broke down, we have three weeks until we play for the area championship so now we have time to work on improving and not having to worry about results of games now.”
Elmore County baseball clinches postseason berth
a playoff berth.
Elmore County’s pitching rotation held its own while allowing just seven runs across the three games, but it was the offense that really flexed its muscles.
Elmore County recorded 32 hits across the three-game series, batting .440, .483 and .500 in the three games.
The Panthers also hit for power with 14 total extra base hits, five of which were triples and home runs.
Elmore County only struck out four times in the three games, putting nearly everything in play.
“We’ve really been hammering on cutting down on strikeouts,” Byrd said. “The top of our order has been swinging the bat really well. But we’ve really been having one or two
more guys who are improving every game which is what we want to see. We don’t want to be our best right now, and we want all of the guys to swing it at the end of the year.”
Leading the charge on the week was Shea Darnell.
The junior hit in the two-hole for the Panthers and played both catcher and shortstop. He led the team in nearly every offensive category as he went 7-for-11 at the plate with three doubles, two triples, seven RBIs and seven runs scored.
On the base path, he had five stolen bases and set up some big hits from Brandon White and Jaden Eason out of the three- and fourholes.
“Shea is an aggres-
sive but smart player,” Byrd said. “He’s really focused and dialed in right now. He’s leading the team and being positive. He’s not out of control and staying within himself. Sometimes he can try to overdo it, but he’s playing really well right now.”
Elmore County now enters Spring Break on a seven-game win streak. The Panthers opened the season 7-0 and were the last team in the county to lose a game. Both losses came back-to-back with a one-run loss to Trinity and a two-run loss to Valley, a team Elmore County previously runruled.
Elmore County bounced back from those two losses with the three-game sweep over Brew Tech and wins against Pinson Valley, Ramsay, Park Crossing and Montgomery Academy.
During that stretch, the Panthers have outscored opponents 90-17.
“We just had a couple of games where we were getting guys on and couldn’t get the timely hit,” Byrd said. “Now we’re getting the guys at the bottom of the lineup going and rolling the lineup over and we’re getting bigger innings.”
Elmore County’s Ryals McNeely runs the bases earlier this season. McNeely and the Panthers have won seven-straight games and clinched
