Tallassee Tribune Oct. 4 2023

No bond in Tallassee murder case

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tuskegee man accused of shooting a 28-year-old male near Funtastic Park in Tallassee will remain in the Tallapoosa County Jail until trial.

Robdarius Smith of Tuskegee turned himself into law enforcement in south Alabama last week and was charged with intentional murder.

Smith was before Tallapoosa

County District Court Judge

Kim Taylor on Thursday for an Aniah’s Law hearing to determine if a bond would be allowed. Taylor heard evidence from the case and determined no bond would be allowed.

“The defendant faces the possibility of a ‘life imprisonment’ sentence and this factor is relevant to the risk of nonappearance,” Taylor said in his order. “The defendant’s release on his own recognizance or an

unsecured bond would not reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance at future court proceedings.”

Taylor’s order also stated Smith could present a danger to himself or others if released before trial.

Central Alabama Crimestoppers said in a release Smith

was possibly armed with an AR-15 style firearm, which investigators say was used in Wednesday’s shooting.

The Sept. 20 shooting occurred on Washington Street just across the Funtastic Fort and the Tallassee Fire Department Station 2.

According to court records, in 2012 Smith entered a guilty plea for attempted first-degree assault, assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle or building. He was sentenced to eight years.

Since 2020 Smith multiple bench warrants and failures to appear have been issued by the courts related to restitution in the case.

The next court appearance for Smith could be a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause for the case to be presented to a Tallapoosa County Grand Jury.

HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE SHORTER

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

ADEM: No issues with Tallassee water

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Social media posts indicate there are issues with the City of Tallassee’s drinking water. Some have made accusations of rashes and more being caused by the water. Calls have reportedly been made to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. But city and state officials said everything is in compliance and has been for decades.

“They haven’t had any violations of maximum contaminant levels in at least 30 years,” ADEM’s Jerome Hand said Wednesday.

Council approves 2024 budget

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

All City of Tallassee employees will receive a 5% pay increase thanks to the Tallassee City Council approving the fiscal year 2024 budget.

The budget leaves out allocations for non-profit organizations and a separate pay increase for the Tallassee Police Department to help with recruitment and retention.

“These are still being considered,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill told the council.

The council approved the budget before the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year to prevent

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

SEPT. 22

on Tallassee Highway.

• Animal control was requested on Wall Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Thelma Drive.

ries was reported on Friendship Road.

• Domestic violence was reported on Pemrose Trail.

SEPT. 9

• Theft and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on Red Eagle Drive.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCT. 2

• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Thelma Drive.

OCT. 1

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Worthington Circle.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Monroe Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Identity theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Washington Street.

• An intoxicated person was reported on Second Avenue.

SEPT. 30

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

• Reckless driving was reported on Herbert Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Clover Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Thompson Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a fire call

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on McNeal Street.

• A civil disturbance was reported on Sims Avenue.

SEPT. 29

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• Forgery was reported on Twin Creeks Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Kent Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.

SEPT. 28

• A verbal altercation was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Hornsby Lane.

• Reckless driving was reported on Evergreen Street.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Grimes Street.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A burglary was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Grimes Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Darnell Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Freeman Avenue.

Pet of the Week - Pugsley

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gladys Street.

• Harassment was reported on Capstone lane.

SEPT. 27

• Burglary was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Parker Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on North Johnson Street.

• Animal control was requested on Benson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Eighth Street.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Jefferson Street.

• Harassment was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

• Harassment was reported on Capstone Stone Lane.

• Theft was reported on Magnolia Street.

• Fraudulent use of a credit card was reported on McKenzie Street.

• Harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.

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

• Trespassing was reported on Capstone Lane.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

SEPT. 26

• Trespassing was reported on Thelma Drive.

• Trespassing was reported on Thelma Drive.

• Theft was reported on Floyd Lane.

• A motor vehicle accident with no inju -

• A fight with weapons was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Whiteoak Lane.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Capstone Lane.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

• A welfare check was performed on Thelma Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Trespassing was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on East Patton Street.

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

• Theft was reported on Paxton Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cannon Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cannon Road.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Eighth Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

• Trespassing was reported on Upper River Road.

SEPT. 25

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on North McKenzie Street.

• A private property accident was reported on Third Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Peachtree Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.

Pugsley is a 2 year old male who weighs about 50 pounds. He is a laid-back boy that came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Pugsley is great with other dogs and loves meeting new dogs. He will be in your face for attention but also loves to explore but come back for a tummy rub. 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.

THIS IS EPIC

Service dog starts his first month at Reeltown schools

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

A new staff member is now at Reeltown and he has four paws and a wagging tail.

Epic, the labradoodle, is Reeltown school’s new facility dog. Special education teacher and Epic’s handler Kelli Poole said a facility dog differs from a service dog because the dog assists the entire school with a variety of needs. Meanwhile, a service dog is for one specific person for a specific purpose.

Epic arrived for his first day the second week of September. Both Poole and the secondary handler Kristi Jordan at Reeltown Elementary School went for a week-long training to prepare for his arrival. Together they are Epic’s caretakers and bring Epic to the classrooms where he is needed.

Epic is on a 60-day rotation. He is currently operating out of Reeltown High School then will move to the elementary school around Thanksgiving break. Individual teachers are also welcome to have Epic in their classroom for part of the rotation after also completing the training.

Epic largely assists with mental health crises for those

in the school and overall brings a calming atmosphere. In the mornings and between classes, Poole will stand with Epic outside her door. The students greet and pet him.

“They treat him almost like a person,” she said. “It’s been humbling to see how much they truly love him.”

Reeltown was able to bring Epic aboard after receiv-

Humane Society of Elmore County News

ing a grant through the U.S. Department of Education. He originally came from Service Dogs of Alabama, which is a nonprofit organization that is making efforts for school systems to have facility dogs available.

Poole said she offered to be Epic’s handler because she has seen the studies that show the benefits of having facility dogs in schools. According to

a study from Georgia Southern University, facility dogs can increase student’s confidence, reading skills and provide emotional and social benefits for students.

Poole said it’s amazing how Epic is able to pick up on emotions and the environment. When a student is in crisis Epic provides a sense of comfort. Sometimes he lays down with the student, putting his head on their lap. Some students will talk to him about what is going on, other times they talk to the teacher or sometimes they don’t talk at all and just sit together. One student came back to Epic the next day after

a mental health crisis and thanked him for his help the day before.

“I have really noticed during crisis situations, it’s like he is zoned in; he knows what his job is and it’s unbelievable,” Poole said. “He is definitely making a difference for these kids.”

Over the past few weeks, Epic has become more a part of the school with getting his first yearbook photo, being on the faculty website and wearing a Rebels jersey on Fridays. Poole said as long as the handlers continue to go through recertification each year, Epic will be part of Reeltown from here on out.

Get ready for some great fundraisers

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We want to thank all the wonderful people who donated dog and cat food the past few weeks. We put out a plea for both as our stocks were critically low and you met our needs. On behalf of our dogs and cats and our staff, we thank everyone from the

bottom of our hearts.

This Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is our first ever Paddles for Paws pickleball tournament. Paddles for Paws will take place at 17 Springs in Millbrook and all proceeds will benefit our shelter. We have over 60 players registered to play — sorry, registration is now closed. We are still soliciting

for door prizes and definitely need volunteers to help us make sure we have a successful day. Volunteers will work various areas and not necessarily all day so feel free to let us know when you are able to help out. For more information, email hsecpaddlesforpaws@gmail. com.

Also from 9 a.m. to 2

Barnett Boulevard before returning to the school.

Continued from A1

Friday on King Street and turn on North Ann Street then

ADEM

Continued from A1

Posts about the taste of the city’s water have been ongoing for weeks, but ADEM officials said the taste comes from an algae bloom

Continued from A1

Hill said next year’s parade can return to the traditional route. Hill is hopeful the Christmas parade can

in the water. It can be treated and is still safe. Similar tastes and treatment have been noted in Alexander City and Opelika.

The City of Tallassee water filter plant is almost under the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge

major issues in moving projects ahead in the city. Plus, that way employees got their increase in pay sooner.

At the previous meeting, councilmember Bill Godwin made a suggestion to wait on putting appropriations in the budget until after the Oct. 1 fiscal year starts.

“With everything going on and some things still pending, it would be easier to approve the budget and take the appropriations off to see if we can help,” Godwin said. “Let’s get the big things done and then do these amending the budget.”

Hill said the city was looking into different options for pay within the police department. Police department employees will get the 5% pay increase, but it still puts the department’s pay near the bottom of local agencies.

The department presented the

p.m. Saturday, we will be participating with the Millbrook Police Department 13th annual Cops and Kids Day at the Village Green Park. There will be plenty of fun, food, games, displays and K-9 demonstrations at no cost. Our staff will have a few pups there to meet all the children and potentially find new and loving homes.

cross the bridge as work on the bridge is scheduled to be completed by then.

Tallassee High School’s homecoming candlelight vigil returns to campus this

but city officials are confident the taste is not coming from bridge work.

“We take samples of the water multiple times per day,” water filter plant manager Bobby Ingram said. “The taste some are experiencing

council with information about nearby police departments. Tallassee currently has positions for 23 certified officers with a starting pay of $17 per hour plus $200 per month in hazard pay. The data presented to the council showed officers in Dadeville, a department with 14 certified positions, receiving a starting pay of $19.88 per hour. Dadeville’s officers answer an average of 348 calls per month and receive a $300 per month hazard pay, a take-home vehicle and a 50 cent per hour pay differential for officers working night shift.

And we will hopefully have the tickets this week to another fundraiser, and you will want to get in on this fantastic fundraiser early. At the Wharf Casual Seafood Wetumpka, you will be able to buy a Red Bag Shrimp Boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes & sausage) for pick up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Our shelter

year at 7 p.m. Thursday. A pep rally will be held on campus at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Homecoming festivities including naming the homecoming queen will

is coming from algae currently growing all up and down the river.”

Ingram said the algae and the treatment for it at the filter plant causes the water to have an earthy taste, and the samples before treating the water show no effect

The Tallassee Police Department’s data showed Elmore County deputy sheriffs’ starting pay is $24.50 with a take-home car. According to the Tallassee Police Department data, Wetumpka Police Department officers are paid $19.20 per hour starting out plus $200 per month in hazard duty pay. The 5% increase means an officer’s new starting pay is $17.85 per hour. No timeline for taking up the allocations or increased police pay was made.

Hill said auditors will present the 2021-2022 audit to the council at a future meeting. She told councilmembers there were no unknown issues in the report.

“We have had the same issue for the last several years about the IDB property being an outstanding obligation to us,” Hill said. “Maybe one day we will figure out what to do about that. There are a few things the mayor will need to sign off on instead of the city clerk. We have already started that.”

Councilmembers thanked the Tallassee Police Department for efforts in quickly and safely solving and making an arrest in an East Tallassee murder. The council approved minutes of the Sept. 12 meeting. The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 10.

from bridge work.

will receive a portion of the ticket sales and we think this is just a scrumptious idea all the way around.

Look for more info on our Facebook page as soon as we have the tickets in hand.

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

begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday at J.E. ‘Hot’ O’Brien Stadium before the Tigers host cross-country rival Elmore County High School at 7 p.m.

Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said city staff are constantly monitoring test samples and seeking advice from reporting agencies.

“We have been calling ADEM every day,” Hill said. “It is still

testing exactly where it is supposed to be. Until ADEM tells us there is something else we can do, all we can do is keep monitoring and trying to do what we can. We will try flushing some lines to see if there is any improvement.”

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Epic sports his Reeltown jersey while hanging out with some of the students. Epic is the new facility dog for the school.

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

Handler Kelli Poole, left, takes Epic around the school for one of his first days. Epic is the new facility dog at Reeltown.

Tallassee Talks

Van Dyke, Hayes prove you’re never too old

Over the past few weeks, it seems like every time one turns around there is another celebrity dying.

This week, may we draw your attention to two nonagenarians, or people in their 90s, still doing their thing. It just so happens they are both appearing on the same television program.

“Days of Our Lives” has been running since Nov. 8, 1965. Several of the actors have been with the show a number of years.

Susan Seaforth Hayes has played Julie Olson Williams since 1968, but the character has appeared on the show since the first episode. Bill Hayes has played Doug Williams since 1970; the two actors have been married in real life since 1976.

Susan’s mother, Elizabeth Harrower, was a writer on the show for many years. Bill had a long career on Broadway as well as in films and early television and had the No. 1 record of 1955, “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” before he ever started appearing as Doug.

Suzanne Rogers has portrayed Maggie Simmons Horton Kiriakis since 1973, except for a period in 2003 when she was presumed dead (long story). Recently, an episode was dedicated to her 50th anniversary on the show. Viewers were treated to scenes of farm girl Maggie taking care of a man she thought to be Marty Hansen.

It was actually Mickey Horton, who was struggling with amnesia (another long story).

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

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

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

Another longtime performer on the show is Deidre Hall, who has played Dr. Marlena Evans Black since 1976. While she is a respected doctor, her character has probably gone through the most radical transformations over the years and she has certainly been involved in nearly

all the outlandish plots the show has had to offer. She’s been presumed dead too from 1987-1991 (again, a very long story, but she was appearing on other TV shows during those years).

Over the past few years, “Days of Our Lives” has had some really entertaining guest stars and some have stayed on the cast. An example of the latter is Jackee Harry, known for her role as Sondra on the sitcom “227,” starring as Paulina Price Carver on the show.

For her first couple of years, she lived in apartment 227, and her mother on “Days of Our Lives” was played by Marla Gibbs — her former co-star from “227.”

This fall, “Days” has had another wonderful entertainer join the cast and his appearances have just been delightful thus far.

Dick Van Dyke has been appearing on stage and screen for nearly 70 years. He is one of the finest dancers, singers, actors and comedians to have ever emerged from the entertainment industry.

Van Dyke showed up on “Days” as a mystery man who couldn’t remember his name. Honestly, with as much amnesia as there is on this show, he fit right in with the other citizens of Salem.

But he happened to be in the hospital the same time as Bill Hayes’ character Doug, another ninety-something-year-old performer. Those two along with Susan Seaforth Hayes’ Julie had such an enter-

taining set of scenes singing and dancing together.

Delightfully old school, it was wonderful to see a modern series giving veterans like these the opportunity to do what it does best.

So who did the mystery man turn out to be?

After a few weeks on the job, Black Patch — that’s John and Steve’s detective agency — uncovered the true identity of Van Dyke’s character. After all the twists and turns of John Black’s identity over the years: a Vietnam veteran who chose the name off The Wall; Stefano DiMera’s pawn; then Roman Brady, then a jewel thief then a priest, and no telling what all else was tried.

We never really knew who he was at all except he was a mystery.

Dick Van Dyke’s character was revealed to be Timothy Robicheaux, the true father of John Black. After 40 years on the show, through all the wild and crazy storylines they have put us through, this may be the most satisfying conclusion to the mystery of John Black’s identity that “Days of Our Lives” could ever have accomplished. And despite what may seem like an odd choice for the part, the scenes in which Van Dyke and Drake Hogestyn embraced one another as father and son were some of the best the show has offered in years. Bill Hayes and Dick Van Dyke are giving it their all on “Days of Our Lives” at ages 98 and 97, respectively, and it’s just amazing to see it happen in real time with two of the classiest pros in the business.

Michael Bird is a music teacher with Tallassee City Schools.

My generation has lost another icon

One of the things I love most about my generation is the Harry Potter series. I, quite literally, grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione.

I read the books religiously and saw the movies the very day they came out. When “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” was released, my mom, a first-grade teacher at the time, actually played hooky and called my school to say I was sick so we could see the very first showing.

Harry Potter was a way of life for me and really has been since I was a child. For our honeymoon, my husband and I actually went to Universal Studios to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Last summer, the Harry Potter world lost Robbie Coltrain, the man who played Hagrid, one of my favorite characters. He died Oct. 14, 2022, and just last week, my generation lost another icon

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

when Michal Gambon, who played Dumbledore, died. When major deaths, anniversaries and birthdays come around, it brings me right back into the world of Harry Potter, a magical world that, in many ways, changed my life.

I’ll never forget the first time I read Harry Potter. I was 10 years old, the same age as Harry when the series begins, and I was in the fifth grade. One of my teachers read aloud those first few pages, and I was hooked. For me, it became a series of books I read almost every year, and if I’m ever lost for what I want to watch, a Harry Potter movie is always a good

fallback.

My husband and I are currently rewatching the series as we speak. I think what was so amazing about the Harry Potter series was J.K. Rowling did a perfect job at making characters in a completely different world still so relatable to everyday readers. Sure, I can’t make a feather lift off the table with the perfect pronunciation of “Wingardium Leviosa,” but Hermione Granger felt like she could be my best friend when I was little. (And maybe even now, too.)

There was no way I’d ever face an evil wizard like Voldemort, but Harry Potter was still easily a hero. While the wizarding world was such a focus of the Harry Potter series, the characters also had to deal with coming of age, having that first crush, going to the first dance, dealing with an over-the-top teacher. These are all prob-

lems we have dealt with.

We haven’t had to slay dragons along the way, but we can all understand how hard it is to ask a girl out or how important it is to win the big game.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up in the Harry Potter age. The first book was released in 1997 — that’s 26 years ago. Yet the wizarding world is still bigger and better than ever. An HBO Max original series is in the works, and it’s scheduled to air nearly 30 years after that first book. And I got to be a part of it all. That’s truly amazing.

Our generation lost some major icons from the Harry Potter series over the last two years, but the spirit of them and the spirit of the magical world is still alive and well.

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

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Page A6 • Wednesday, October 4, 2023 www.TallasseeTribune.com

All things in moderation

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I hope everyone reading this column is enjoying the beginnings of fall. Mornings have been a little cooler, and that certainly means a more peaceful start to the day.

Sometime in the seventh century before the birth of Jesus Christ, Greek philosophers began to lift up the value of moderation. Ancient stoics adopted moderation as one of their four cardinal virtues alongside, justice, wisdom, and courage. Oscar Wilde, Ben Franklin and others modified the original statement “everything in moderation” by adding “including moderation.”

REV.

JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

For approximately 3,000 years, the collective wisdom of deep thinkers has been that moderation is valuable. Moderation in modern-day English is defined as “the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s political opinions” (Oxford), and “the quality of being reasonable and avoiding behavior, speech, etc. that is extreme or that goes beyond what is normal or acceptable” (Britannica).

In 2010, author John Avlon published a book entitled Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe is Hijacking America. The premise of the book is clearly reflected in the title. The book stands out as a worthwhile read in my mind because of its even-handedness.

In other words, the book

is a good read because it talks about mindsets rather than agendas. It highlights what the author refers to as the “lunatic fringe” of our country’s political process. It calls out that behavior from both sides of the aisle.

The author’s refusal to side with any radical position on any of the issues is seen by some as a refusal to take sides. I. for one, see it as a clear and unapologetic move to occupy the side of moderation. The side that delivers the best result is found somewhere in the middle.

Over the weekend, the federal government avoided a shutdown by reaching a last-minute consensus on a stopgap funding bill. In the days leading up to the final showdown, lawmakers of every variety were being criticized by hardliners for “talking with

Tallassee Churches

the opposition.” I believe Avlon would call those hardliners wingnuts, but I digress.

I am fully aware there are major issues at stake in the funding of the federal government. I am a fiscal conservative, and the fact that we as a country keep saddling the next generation with debt they will never be capable of paying off keeps me awake some nights. I am fully aware printing more money is not a solution and is a prime example of poor stewardship.

What I am also aware of is many hardliners are of the opinion a government shutdown or two is a small price to pay for addressing the spending practices of the federal government. While I agree with the statement in principle, I disagree with it in application. Government shut -

downs do not negatively impact lawmakers.

In other words, it is much easier to consider the livelihood of others as a poker chip when there is no skin in the game, so to speak. Critics of my position will say that the salaries of lawmakers are not what causes deficits. While that is true, the principle of the matter is also.

Continually asking first responders, military, and other public servants to wonder whether they are deemed “essential or not” is not the way to a balanced budget. Neither is drawing lines in the sand.

Listening to the ideas of others and finding common ground is the path of moderation. It is the only viable path forward.

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

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Sports

Holtville volleyball tops Tallassee on senior night

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Holtville volleyball team sent off its seniors in a dominant way Thursday night.

The Bulldogs earned their second win of the season as they beat Tallassee, 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-9) in an area matchup. The big win served as Holtville’s first area win of the season and a revenge game after Tallassee beat Holtville, 3-0,

earlier this season.

“They never gave up and they finally believed in themselves,” Holtville coach Barton Hodge said. “We’ve been telling them all season that they can win and that they’re good, they just have to believe. It was a very nice send-off for our seniors. They loved it and it was the perfect ending.” Holtville took control from the very start of the match. The Bulldogs jumped ahead by almost eight points early

New rules implemented at Tallassee football games

STAFF REPORT

By TPI Staff

Tallassee City Schools have implemented some new rules at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.

In an effort to make athletic events safer, a series of safety procedures and guidelines are effective immediately at all home football games.

Students in eighth grade or below that attend any home football game for Tallassee High School must have a ticket and be accompanied by a paying adult or you will not be allowed to enter the game. Gathering around the concession stand or under/ around the bleachers is prohibited.

Playing football or any other games in the grassy

areas, walkways, gravel areas, etc. around the football field will be prohibited. If caught playing, the football will be confiscated.

Please find a seat to watch the game. Do not stand in the walkways, stairwells, or along fencing. This will be enforced by our TCS administration and Tallassee Police Department.

Failure to follow these procedures will result in you being asked to leave the game by the Tallassee Police Department.

Tallassee’s football team (1-4) has three games left at home this season. The Tigers will host Elmore County on Oct. 6 for homecoming before hosting Holtville on Nov. 3.

Reeltown

volleyball ending season strong

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor

With only two games left in the season, Reeltown volleyball has a chance to do something it has not done in years.

After a three-set sweep over Valley on Thursday, the Reeltown Rebels have a chance to finish their season with a winning record for the first time in years. In the first season

under head coach Tammy Merrett, they are 8-8.

“They are finally playing like they should play,” Merrett said. “At the end of the season, this is when you need it, and I think they are coming together.”

Thursday night’s victory was a culmination of everything the team had been working to achieve.

Aces were falling left

and never looked back as they grabbed a 25-13 win in Set 1.

The second set started more back and forth, and Tallassee led 14-11 before Holtville called a timeout. Out of the timeout, the Bulldogs stormed out and finished the match on a 14-4 run.

In the third set, it was never a question as Holtville jumped out to a double-digit point lead and never looked back.

Game of the Week

RIVALS TALLASSEE, ELMORE COUNTY SET FOR HOMECOMING CLASH

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

allassee football coach

TMike Battles has seen his fair share of Elmore County and Tallassee rivalry games, but he hasn’t seen an Elmore County team this talented since he’s been part of the rivalry.

Battles is currently in his 12th season as the head coach of the Tigers, and he has completely dominated this rivalry matchup during his tenure in Tallassee.

Since his first season in 2012, Battles is 10-1 against the Panthers and has outscored Elmore County 420-174 in the process.

This year, however, Tallassee is out to a 1-5 record while Elmore County is 4-1 and has cruised past all four of its early season wins.

“This is, by far, the most talented team that Elmore County has had in the 12 years that I’ve played them,” Battles said. “It’s going to be a tough game and we expect it to be. We aren’t having anything like the kind of year that anybody wants. We’re young and having to fight through that, but our kids are going to go out

and give them a run for their money and just see. They’re a very talented team.”

The Panthers, in their 4-1 start and 2-0 start to Class 5A, Region 4 play, have outscored opponents 209-97. Half of their points allowed came in their loss to Central Clay, and they’ve bullied the rest of their schedule up to this point.

Elmore County’s team is filled with talent, starting with three-star receiver Jabari Murphy to receiver Cade Everson, a Tallassee transfer, to running back CJ Wilkes and all five starting lineman who have multiple years of experience under their belt.

They’re averaging nearly 42 points per game and have reached 400 offensive yards or more three times this season.

“They have talent across the board, especially on offense,” Battles said. “They have a big offensive line and a shifty quarterback who can run and throw. They have two very talented receivers in Jabari and Cade. You have to be really smart when you play them and always know where their personnel are.”

Battles is not one to shy away from the poor record Tallassee currently has. He

said it’s his first time being a part of a team that is 1-5, and he and all the players are still learning how to handle it. But what he has seen, while the scoreboard has not shown it to the common eye, is his team has improved from Week 1 up until now.

Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell agrees, and he knows Tallassee has played a very tough schedule up to this point.

The first four teams on Tallassee’s schedule — Reeltown, Booker T. Washington, Central Clay County and Beauregard — have all been ranked in their respective top 10s at some point this season by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. The Tigers’ fifth loss came to 6A Chilton County, which has plenty of talent on the roster.

“They have played some very tough competition,” Caldwell said. “When you look at them on film, you can see that they’re definitely improving throughout the year. They’ve also molded their offense to the skills their playmakers have. They still do their traditional two tight ends

PHOTO | THE TRIBUNE Tallassee running back Jaiden McKenzie runs the ball against Marbury. McKenzie and the Tallassee

DALTON MIDDLETON THE TRIBUNE Holtville’s Bella Brooks (9) goes for a kill against Tallassee. Holtville swept Tallassee, 3-0, in the match.

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown’s Chariot Ward flings a ball back towards Valley on Thursday.

Stanhope, Wetumpka face off in rivalry game

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

STANHOPE ELMORE (2-3, 1-1)

AT WETUMPKA (3-3, 2-1)

THE PLAYERS

STANHOPE ELMORE: QB Jacob Bryant passed for two TDs last week in a loss to Prattville.

… RB Arthur McQueen has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games. … WR KO Jackson was the team’s leading receiver last week.

WETUMPKA: QB Nate Rogers leads the county with 13 rushing touchdowns this season. … RB/WR Jamarion Thrasher has scored a touchdown in back-toback games. … RB Mike Dillard scored his 4th TD of the season last week.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Wetumpka beat Greenville, 34-31; Stanhope Elmore lost to Prattville, 31-20.

Wetumpka has won twostraight against Stanhope and won last year, 21-16. Wetumpka has won threestraight games and is scoring 41 points per game during that span. The last two games in this series have been decided by a combined six points.

NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore hosts Sidney Lanier; Wetumpka at Carver Montgomery.

HOLTVILLE (4-1, 2-0)

AT JEMISON (1-4, 0-2)

THE PLAYERS

HOLTVILLE: QB Keiland Baker has completed 53 of 101 passes for 813 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INTs; has added 142

Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers has scored 14 rushing touchdowns in just six games this season.

rushing yards, 3 TDs. … WR Erik Adkins has 15 catches for 263 yards, 2 TDs. … LB Luke Strength has recorded 46 tackles, 1 sack.

JEMISON: QB Luke Gann has completed 61 of 103 passes for 437 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs. … RB Kintre Jackson has rushed 50 times for 202 yards, 3 TDs; has 15 catches for 92 yards, 3 TDs. … DE Damian Stafford has recorded 32 tackles, 2 sacks.

FOUR DOWNS Last week, Holtville beat West Blocton, 32-27; Jemison lost to Montevallo, 21-20. Holtville beat Jemison, 49-16, last season while the alltime series is tied 11-11.

Holtville will officially clinch a playoff berth with a win.

Holtville, with four wins, has already passed last season’s win total (3).

NEXT UP: Holtville hosts Mar-

bury; Jemison at Demopolis MACON-EAST ACADEMY (0-6, 0-1) AT EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (1-5, 1-1) THE PLAYERS

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY: QB Brock Whitt completed 6-of-11 passes for 81 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT last week. WR Gabe LeMaster has now scored five total TDs on the year. RB/LB Parker Shaw is the team’s leading rusher and one of the top tacklers.

FOUR DOWNS Last week, Edgewood lost to Banks, 28-6; Macon-East lost to Crenshaw Christian, 29-0. Edgewood beat Macon-East last season, 35-34, in a thriller. Edgewood will clinch at least a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the playoffs with the win. Macon-East’s defense is allowing 45 points per game.

NEXT UP: Edgewood at Hooper Academy; Macon-East at Chambers Academy.

and right, the girls dominated at the net and the team’s two seniors closed things out when the time came for it.

“As a team, we are playing together more,” Merrett said. “We understand how to play with each other more.”

Reeltown seniors Sandrea Coleman and Leeandra Hooks have been the program’s cornerstones for not only this season, but their entire careers.

Against Valley, the two were in almost perfect sync, with Hooks setting balls up in the air and Coleman slamming them down. Merrett has credited the two as being the team’s driving force and coaches on the court, and it showed up at home.

“I think Sandrea had one of the best games she has had all season tonight,” Merrett said.

Reeltown won the match 25-21, 25-19, 25-17 though the score is not indicative as to how much Reeltown was in control. After tying things

up at four apiece in the first set, Reeltown got out to a 16-10 lead before letting Valley creep back in. In the second and third sets, Reeltown got out to leads of 10 points and eight points respectively, but let Valley come back as well. In the end, it didn’t particularly matter.

In the second, Hooks and sophomore Charity Ward helped push Reeltown to a 10-2 lead, behind a number of service aces. Ward also threw down a couple of aces in the third.

“She played really well,” Merrett said. “We have a strong tenth grade group, too. I am very excited about them moving forward.”

Not to be missed, the junior varsity Rebels ended their regular season with a win over Valley before the varsity game. The victory gives Reeltown a final record of 8-7, which is the team’s first winning season in a long time.

As for the Varsity team, the girls have only matches against LaFayette at home on Wednes-

day night and at Horseshoe Bend on Thursday.

Even if the team splits the contests, Reeltown will be .500 on the year. Merrett’s eyes lit up when thinking about the prospect of not only finishing the year as winners, but also potentially making noise in the area tournament.

Wins in the area tournament have been difficult to come by in the past for Reeltown.

“We can go to area and do something different (this year),” Merrett said. “We have never gotten

out of area. With what happens next week, I am pretty sure we will finish out with a winning season.” After the game, both Hooks and Coleman threw their arms around their coach. The trio were all smiles. A tear or two might have even been held back. When asked what has propelled her through her career, and in her final season, Coleman had four short words to say.

“Because I am a Rebel,” Coleman shouted.

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Holtville’s Headley comes through in the clutch

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

With the game on the line, Holtville head coach Jason Franklin turned to junior wide receiver Elijah Headley. Headley, who stands at 6-foot-5, is Holtville’s best jump-ball receiver. So, with 20 seconds left on the clock and the Bulldogs trailing by one point, Franklin gave his tallest player the chance to win the game.

Headley did just that, but he did not need to use his height. Headley ran straight to the back corner of the end zone and caught a perfect pass from quarterback Keiland Baker, and his touchdown gave Holtville its fourth win of the young season.

For his clutch performance, Headley is this week’s Elmore County Player of the Week.

“Elijah is our best jump-ball receiver, and that was kind of my thought when we called the play,” Franklin said. “If it becomes a jump-ball situation, I feel good about him being able to get up and make a play. And if he just beats the guy like he did, he’s real sure-handed so I know he’ll catch the pass.”

While Headley’s game-winner ended up being the play of the

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Macon-East Academy at Edgewood Academy, 7 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

4 PCA at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m. 4 Holtville at Elmore

“We had a come to Jesus meeting and we just told the girls that we knew they could do it if they just kept working hard,” Hodge said of the timeout. “They came out and took the momentum and ran with it.”

Holtville now moves to 1-3 in region play with two games left. The Bull-

game, it wasn’t even his only touchdown of the night.

Headley caught two touchdowns, both of which were nearly the same exact route. His first touchdown catch also came when Holtville was trailing by a point. Down 7-6 early in the second quarter, Headley caught a fade route from 15-yards out to give Holtville a 14-7 lead after the 2-point conversion. That led to a 6-point lead for Holtville at halftime.

He ended the game with three catches for 35 yards and two touchdowns.

His breakout game came after recording only six catches for 45 yards in the team’s first four games.

“We knew going into the game that he had an opportunity to be a mismatch,” Franklin said. “This season, we’ve had a different receiver have a big

5:30 p.m.

game almost every week because that’s the guy who causes a mismatch. We knew he would be overlooked and would have some chances with some of the things they do defensively. He took advantage of those chances and it worked out for us.”

With the emergence of Headley catching

touchdowns, along with Erik Adkins and Caleb Blackmon, Holtville’s passing game becomes even deadlier than it was.

Baker was already an All-State player at quarterback entering the season, and he has scored 11 total touchdowns in the first five games. Eight of those 11 have come in the

Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 7 p.m. 4 Elmore County at Tallassee, 7 p.m. 4 Holtville at Jemison, 7 p.m.

OCT. 6

FOOTBALL

dogs are going to try to build some momentum into the area tournament that begins in two weeks. Until then, Holtville will face area opponents Elmore County and Marbury, which are first and second in the area, and face non-area opponents Billingsley and Stanhope Elmore.

All four games are on the road.

“We have to keep moving up and keep winning,” Hodge said.

and two fullbacks formations, but they do spread the ball out some more.”

Tallassee’s offense has vastly improved since the first few weeks. The Tigers were held to only 21 points in their first three games, and all three touchdowns came as the clock winded down in the fourth quarter.

In came freshman Trent

passing game, which has really picked up steam the last three games.

Seven of his eight passing touchdowns have come in the last three games. Three have been caught by Blackmon, one by Adkins, two by Headley and one by running back Josh Jimenez.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

Elmore County at Auburn Tournament, TBD

“If the defense now has to defend all three of our guys, I feel good about having enough guys to make big plays,” Franklin said. “Having three or four receivers who can make a play puts a lot of stress on a defensive coordinator. I’m proud of them and what they’ve done so far this year.”

5 p.m.

Morris at quarterback, and Tallassee’s offense has found new life. In the three games since, Tallassee has scored 70 points and scored in every game.

Morris has opened up the passing game, while Joseph Hooks, Christian McCary and Jaiden McKenzie are each running the ball well.

They’ll face an Elmore County defense that has been very hit or miss against the run. The Panthers have held two opponents, Autaugaville and St. Clair County, to neg-

ative rushing yards but have also given up over 300 yards in the loss to Central Clay.

“We know they’re going to be able to get some yardage, but our goal is to not allow any big plays,” Caldwell said. “We have to make them have a 15-play drive, and make them have a perfect snap without any holds or any presnap penalties. If we can do that and make them march down the field and maybe get them in a 3rd-and-long situation, that’s what our defense really likes.”

ALL OF ECLECTIC TURNED OUT FOR ECHS HOMECOMING