Tallassee Tribune Oct. 18 2023

Obituaries

BOBBY L. DENNIS

Mr. Bobby L. Dennis, a resident of Shorter, Alabama, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born in Douglas, Alabama, July 25, 1940 , to James Wesley and Elzie Reason Dennis.

Mr. Dennis is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bonnie Dennis; daughter, Sherry Pierson; brother, Thurman Dennis (Margie); grandchildren, Wesley Pierson (Lisa) and Cameron Sheffield; great grandchildren, Jaycee Shef-

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCT. 15

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Hickory Street.

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

• Harassing communications was reported on Third Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on New Quarters Road.

• A noise complaint was reported on Kent Road.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Hickory Street.

• Gunshots were reported on Thelma Road.

OCT. 14

• Gunshots were reported on Parker Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Upper River Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Hickory Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Fire House Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on East Patton Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A civil dispute was

field and Braden Sheffield. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elzie Dennis; two sisters, Ann Whitfield and Polly Dennis and his brother, Edward Dennis.

Mr. Dennis retired from the United States Air Force after twenty years of service. He was a dedicated race car driver for over 50 years and he achieved many trophies. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, October 17, 2023, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM

reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Abuse was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Hillcrest Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

OCT. 13

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

• Suspicious activity was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Riverhills Court.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.

• An animal complaint was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.

OCT. 12

• Reckless driving was reported on First Avenue.

• A fight in progress was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A Black male was arrested on Industrial Parkway.

• Animal control was requested on John Street.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Fifth Street.

• Burglary was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on East Roosevelt Street.

OCT. 11

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Cannon Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Little Road.

• Assistance was

at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10:00AM, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Tallassee, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Parkway, NW, Suite 200, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144.

Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com.

given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on North Ashurst Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Washington Street.

• Animal control was requested on Noble Road.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue. OCT. 10

• A domestic dispute was reported on Second Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Wood Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Cherokee Trail.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Friendship Road.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on James Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue. OCT. 9

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

Ollie is a male American Bulldog. He is 4 years old and weighs about 80 pounds. He sadly returned to us after his owner passed away. Ollie is a big sweetheart, unless you are a cat. He is great with other dogs, good with children but let’s go with older children just because he is a lot of dog and might knock little ones down. He is crate trained we are told but not sure if housetrained. Ollie is a big mush bucket of love. 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

• A civil disturbance was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

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

• Animal control was requested on Sims Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Hickory Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Avenue.

• The roadway was reported blocked on West James Street.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Fourth Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCT. 5

• Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

• Robbery was reported on U.S. Highway 231. OCT. 4

• Menacing was reported on Shelby Street.

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. OCT. 3

• Domestic violence was reported on North Opothlehola Street.

• Domestic violence was reported on Milly Francis Street.

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

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.

Pet of the Week - Ollie

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Make sure to thank a vet tech this week

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

On Tuesday at our Humane Society’s annual membership meeting at the Wetumpka Civic Center, we spent time reviewing the past year, electing Board Officers, updating our ByLaws and looking ahead to 2024.

Thank you so very much to all the wonderful people who brought donations for the area shelters Friday night at the Alabama National Fair. We are incredibly grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Montgom-

ery members and Alabama National Fair for their hard work making the fair such a success and for helping our River Region animal shelters like this. Thank you all so very much!

If you missed getting a T-Shirt at our recent Paddles for Paws we have a few left: one 2X, three larges, seven mediums and twelve smalls. The 2X, L and M are $20 and the smalls are $10. We have them at the shelter office so stop by anytime.

Just a reminder for our supporters who work for the Alabama State Govern-

out of a 2019 major rezoning in Tallassee approved by the planning commission and council.

ment and want to donate financially, no better way than through the 2023 Alabama State Combined Campaign (SCC) and our Agency Code is 106803. The SCC makes donating to deserving charities easy either one time or via monthly payroll deduction and we want to thank all who so generously donate to help not only our shelter, but non-profit agencies everywhere.

This week is National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week and behind every awesome veterinarian is an equally

awesome team of veterinary techs.

Veterinary technicians show their love for animals as they work tirelessly in exam rooms, labs, and operating rooms, using their training and knowledge to assist their Veterinarian in improving and saving beloved pets’ lives. Please give thanks to all who work in veterinary hospitals as they work tirelessly to help our pets live longer and healthier lives.

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

“It costs you $31 per month for a residential customer before they send you the first gallon,” Marshall said. “That is paying debt service, that is paying a portion of salaries. Then $3.69 for every gallon they send you.”

Commercial customers are paying just 59%.

The new sewer rate is a $30 minimum for residential customers with a $3.40 per 1,000 gallon charge for discharge more than 2,000 gallons per month.

Commercial and industrial customers rate is now a $40 minimum with $4.40 charge per 1,000 gallons of discharge.

The council also approved the rezoning of four parcels from residential to general business on Gilmer Avenue across from Jack’s. It also approved rezoning a parcel on Jordan Avenue from highway commercial to general business.

The properties were left

Hill said interviews were being conducted to fill the vacant parks and recreation department director position. While the spot has been open the need for better defined regulations was noticed.

The council passed policy changes not allowing the refund of fees after registration closes. Multiple requests for refunds were made after uniforms were ordered and other expenses were acquired for the season.

The council also passed a policy only allowing registered players to be on the team. Information was presented, some children were presented shirts not printed by the recreation department and allowed to play on teams. The circumstance presents a liability issue and children being allowed to play who did not properly register.

There is also an issue of children playing on fields and boundaries while scheduled practice and games are

in progress. The council said children could play on playground equipment and safe areas not considered game fields or practice areas.

The council will consider two new ordinances at its next meeting. One is a $10 fee assessed on citations issued by the Tallassee Police Department. The funds would be set aside for telecommunications and technology in the department.

The other is an ordinance making it illegal to use four-wheelers, ATVS, UTVs and other similar vehicles on city streets and roadways.

Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls said the department receives complaints almost daily about children and adults riding at all times the day and night.

“We are trying to give some teeth to deal with it,” Rawls said. “We can tell them to stop but it does little good. This carries penalties and potential jail time if (people) don’t pay a fine.”

IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of

the Sept. 26 meeting.

• Approved the city’s Halloween Trick or Treat for 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

• Approved a new strategic plan with no opposition.

• Approved a 911 communications contract with Elmore County with shared costs of dispatch equipment.

The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Alabama Power is offering new rates to help you save money when you stagger major appliance use or shift use to nights and weekends. It’s part of our focus to give you more control over your energy bill.

To learn more, call us at 1-800-990-APCO, go to alabamapower.com/timeadvantage, or visit one of our local offices.

Scan this QR code with your phone to visit Alabama Power’s Time Advantage web page. Every

COUNCIL

Tallassee Talks

The Shorty Price story

Alabama has had its share of what I call “run for the fun of it” candidates. The most colorful of all these perennial “also ran” candidates was Ralph “Shorty” Price. He ran for governor every time. His slogan was “Smoke Tampa Nugget cigars, drink Budweiser beer and vote for Shorty Price.”

In one of Shorty’s campaigns for governor his campaign speech contained this line, “If elected governor, I will reduce the governor’s tenure from four to two years. If you can’t steal enough to last you the rest of your life in two years, you ain’t got enough sense to have the office in the first place.” He would use recycled campaign signs to save money, but he rarely garnered 2% of the votes in any campaign.

Most people remember Shorty as one of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s most ardent cheerleaders. Like a lot of old-time Alabama fans, Shorty hated Tennessee, which is why I am highlighting Shorty this week since Alabama hosts Tennessee in Bryant Denny Stadium this Saturday. Shorty loved Alabama football. Following the Crimson Tide was Shorty’s prime passion in life. You could spot Shorty, even though he was only 5 feet tall, at every Crimson Tide football game; he was always sporting a black suit and a black hat with a round top, plus his Alabama tie and flag.

I do not know if Shorty actually had a seat because he would parade around Denny Stadium or Legion Field posing as Alabama’s head cheerleader. In fact, he would intersperse himself among the real Alabama cheerleaders and help them with their cheers. There was no question Shorty was totally inebriated. In fact, I never saw Shorty when

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

he was not drunk. Shorty worshiped Paul “Bear” Bryant. Indeed, Bryant and Shorty were of the same era. Like Bryant, Shorty hated Tennessee. Speaking of the Tennessee rivalry, I will share with you a personal Shorty story. I had become acquainted with Shorty early in life. Therefore, on a clear, beautiful, third Saturday, fall afternoon in October Alabama was playing Tennessee in Legion Field. As always, Shorty was prancing up and down the field. I was a freshman at the University on that fall Saturday. Shorty, even in his drunken daze, recognized me. I had a beautiful date that I was trying to impress, and meeting Shorty did not impress her. Shorty pranced up the aisle and proceeded to sit by me. His daily black suit had not been changed in probably over a year. He reeked of alcohol and body odor and my date had to hold her nose. After about 20 minutes of offending my date, Shorty then proceeded to try to impress the crowd by doing somersaults off the six-foot walls of Legion Field. He did at least three, smashing his head straight down on the pavement on each dive. I thought Shorty had killed himself with his somersaults. His face and his head were bleeding profusely, and he was developing a black eye. Fortunately, Shorty left my domain and proceeded to dance with the Alabama cheerleaders that day as bloody as he may have been.

Shorty was beloved by the fans,

and I guess that is why the police in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa seemed to ignore Shorty’s antics. However, that was not the case in a classic Alabama game four years later. By this time, I was a senior at the University, and we were facing Notre Dame in an epic championship battle in the old New Orleans Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve. It was for the 1973 national championship. Bear Bryant and Ara Parseghian were pitted against each other. We were ranked Nos. 1 and 2.

One of the largest television audiences in history was focused on the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. It was electrifying. Those of us in the stands were awaiting the entrance of the football teams, as were the ABC cameras. Somehow, Shorty had journeyed to New Orleans, had gotten on the field and was poised to lead the Alabama team out on the field.

As was customary, Shorty was drunk as Cooter Brown. He started off by beating an Irish puppet with a club and the next thing I knew two burly New Orleans policemen, two of the biggest I had ever seen, picked up Shorty by his arms and escorted him off the field. They did not know who Shorty was and did not appreciate him. Sadly, Shorty, one of Alabama’s greatest fans, missed one of Alabama’s classic games sitting in a New Orleans jail. I have always believed that Shorty’s removal from the field was a bad omen for us that night. We lost 24-23 and Notre Dame won the national championship.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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Obituaries: 35

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The issue of roaming dogs, stray animals and feral cats has become a huge one in Tallapoosa County. This has always been a problem in Alabama, mostly due to the fact not very many people spay and neuter their pets.

This, obviously, creates more dogs and cats that people can’t or don’t want to take care of, then those puppies and kitties aren’t getting spayed or neutered and the cycle continues. Most of the roaming dogs and even vicious ones aren’t someone’s pets; they are part of a bad cycle that’s not their fault at all.

There are lots of people who are trying to combat or help that problem. The Lake Martin Animal Shel-

ter, Black Dog Rescue, the Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary are just a few. There are individuals like Kendallyn Presley or Crystal Pemberton who are hitting the streets trying to save dogs when they can. A newly formed group, the Lake Martin Animal Advocacy, is also hoping to find its way of making a difference.

But we aren’t ever going to get anywhere if people don’t start coming together for the same cause. Alabama law states a county must have an animal

shelter, and if there are any municipalities with a population of 5,000 where the shelter is not located, that municipality must also have a shelter. The law states that the shelter can be government-owned or a nonprofit, and the Tallapoosa County Commission currently gives funding to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter, located in Alexander City.

I’m not saying that’s good enough necessarily, but the bashing of LMAS has gotten way out of hand.

I’ve heard many of these same people say — and even tell commissioners — Lake Martin Animal Shelter does not accept animals from outside city limits. Some people have said it’s

only at the shelter’s discretion or it simply won’t take animals from the county.

I’m not sure where this information is coming from, but it is vehemently false. I spoke to the shelter just this week, and I was told yes, of course they take animals from the shelter but currently, there is a wait list for ANY animal — dog, cat, county or city. From what I’ve been told, they are keeping two or three dogs to a kennel, just to try to help as much as they can.

Just today, I saw a Facebook post where someone said not to take a feral cat to LMAS because they wouldn’t take it because it was outside city limits.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

RHS HOMECOMING COURT

SUBMITTED | THE

Reeltown High School’s 2023-2024 Homecoming Court includes Tamiya Macon, left, Grayci Hadden, Raylee Newman, Jackie Dorn and Bethany Kilpatrick.The homecoming game will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 at Nix-Webster-O’Neal stadium against Luverne.

Commission to partner in broadband expansion

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The recent eight-day internet outage in Elmore County Schools highlighted a need for a backup for internet to schools. Luckily the Elmore County and Central Access were in a position to quickly move. Thanks to a commission study approved several years ago and recent changes in legislation the county approved partnering with Central Access to provide broadband to schools, businesses and homes along 20 miles of corridors 500 feet wide. Those corridors could be expanded in the future.

Initially the project could service approximately 1,800 structures including schools, churches and homes and approximately 2,000 citizens.

The expansion to 2,000 from the backbone in the future would grow the total to about 3360, and nearly 8,000 citizens.

Central Access is seeking a grant from ADECA for the $1.6 million project

At its meeting last week the Elmore County Commission approved up to a 5% in matching funds for a middle grant to provide 20 miles of fiber. The match would score the grant application higher and improve chances of the award.

The commission also agreed to partner with the Elmore County Board of Education to provide 12.5% of the funding necessary to complete an 11 mile fiber loop for schools.

“Historically there was little the county could do beyond use ECEDA, the broadband accessibility study the commission funded a number of years ago to show ISPs the areas of the county where citizens don’t have access to broadband,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. “Broadband infrastructure is not owned

by the commission. It is owned by private companies or cooperatives.”

The partnership is allowed under modified legislation approved in the last session of the Alabama Legislature.

The two projects would be overseen by the Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) whose director Lisa Van Wagner explained them to the commission.

“[The fiber loop] is not a grant,” she said. “It is a partnership. It will provide redundant fiber to 23 educational facilities throughout Elmore County.”

The 11 mile fiber loop would provide backup broadband to all Elmore County Public Schools but not private schools or Tallassee City Schools.

Wagner said the project could extend broadband access to businesses and citizens within close proximity to the schools.

The total cost of the

fiber loop is approximately $786,480.

Central Access would pay half. The remainder would be split between the Elmore County Board of Education and the commission.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION

• Approved minutes of the Sept. 25 meeting.

• Approved memorandum of warrants for the period of Sept. 16 to Sept. 29.

• Approved a Class II package alcohol license for G Mart Liquor on Georgia following a public hearing with no comments.

• Approved setting a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 for comments on the proposed vacation of a portion of Maverick Circle.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday Oct. 23.

Missing Tallassee man found safe 9 days later

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Tallassee Police Department is no longer looking for a missing 82 year old man. After nine days, he was found out of state. “He was located safe in

PETS Continued from A4

Lake Martin Animal Shelter’s page had to comment and say basically that’s not true. The comment explained there are only two cages for feral cats and they are full at the moment. Many other shelters, even some of the ones who have been represented at the commission meetings, are not taking dogs or cats at this time either due to a lack of space and/or funding.

Lake Martin Animal Shel-

Greenfield, Indiana about 6 p.m. Saturday,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “His daughter responded and retrieved him.” The man was last seen about 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in Prattville. He was traveling with his dog, Coco, a brown Chihuahua mix. Central Alabama CrimeS -

ter could have 1,000 cages and it wouldn’t solve the roaming and vicious dog problem in the county. This is such a huge problem — it is going to take a huge solution.

“Ousting someone from the club,” so to speak, isn’t going to help the situation at all. What would be more effective would be talking about fixing the meat and potatoes of the problem, which is the lack of spay and neutering in this area. Alabama Spay and Neuter brings its bus monthly to Alex City, and the cost is greatly reduced. Yes, it does require an

toppers sent a release out last seeking the public’s help in the whereabouts of the man. Buce said the case is no longer being investigated through the department or CrimeStoppers and the man is no longer listed as missing in national databases.

overnight trip for your fur baby, but I’ve sent three dogs and one cat (and one on the schedule) to them and my babies haven’t been scared at all. While an additional shelter would be amazing and I would never argue against that, more programs — reduced spay and neutering, educational awareness, cheaper vet bills, etc. — also need to be considered. And we

can’t do it by bringing others down. We are all trying to help, and maybe Lake Martin Animal Shelter does it differently than you would. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing their best. We all have to support each other in order to find a longterm solution.

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

TRIBUNE

students in the agriculture department under Clinton Burgess’ supervision. The walls are designed to be easier to transport around the school than an average float, and the basic structure will be used again in homecomings to come.

For this year, the stu-

dents are staying after school to help decorate the walls with gift tissue paper, balloons, streamers and anything else the wall may need. Once the Rebel Walls are completed, they will be displayed at the bonfire this Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Then, they will be in the Homecoming parade on Friday at 1 p.m. and be carried by each grade’s student government mem-

bers. Lastly, the walls will be on display at the Homecoming game with the kickoff starting at 7 p.m.

Access facilitator Jennifer Futral is one of the educators helping head up the Rebel Wall project. She said this concept came together because of the parents’ involvement and students’ drive to bring in more school spirit, especially since so much was put on pause during the pandemic.

So far, the rest of the community has also been

supportive of this new tradition. A former principal made a donation to the Rebel Wall effort — allowing the school to get the initial supplies of 2x4 plywood and chicken wire. Additionally, community members have helped with wall supplies donations and offered to volunteer with the project wherever needed. Futral added the high school has a very active parent teacher organization, which also helps make these things possible.

they are coming from to shop at your local businesses.”

Branch said the analytics the company looks at helps figure out customer habits and journey.

“We know where they are coming from and customer trade areas,” Branch said. “Very few retail concepts use drive time analysis. It is about how big is the trade area and how far are people coming to you.”

Partnered with information about buying habits, demographics and income, Branch said NextSite can identify other peer cities similar to Tallassee. By looking at those cities, retailers or concepts can be gleaned and then recruited.

Branch said similar information can be used to help businesses already in Tallassee expand. It can also be used to recruit small businesses to fill a gap in the market.

Continued from A1

water a stale earthy taste.”

ADEM is keeping check on the issue and said earlier this month nothing was out of the ordinary in the issues it monitors.

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

ADEM officials said the

“Our community, we come together for football,” Futral said. “We don’t have the big town and city, but football is what brings everybody together”

Some of the alumni classes coming to the parade will also vote on which class is the winner of the Rebel Wall.

Special education teacher Hannah Taunton, another teacher helping with the project, said all the students have been getting into the competi-

“We always find voids for someone to start a business,” Branch said. “You are not going to get a national children’s boutique clothing store to come to Tallassse. But that is a great business for a young lady or retired couple to come into Tallassee and open a children’s clothing shop. They do $600,000, maybe $700,000, in sales and have no competition.”

Branch said he has used the last 12 years to learn retail recruiting. He likened it to an old board game where you just keep talking and remembering.

“We are like the Match game, the game where you flip cards over and find the match,” Branch said. “We are trying to flip the cards over and find where they match for a market like Tallasssee.”

Branch said discussions are underway with Elmore County and other county municipalities to use NextSite in a cooperative effort.

Though not officially contracted with Elmore County, NextSite has

taste comes from an algae bloom in the water. It can be treated and is still safe.

Garner said city employees at the water treatment plant at the base of the Fitzpatrick Bridge across the Tallapoosa River are doing what they can.

“At the filter plant we have upped the chemicals to try to take some of that out,” Garner said. “It is still not going the way we want. It is in the lakes. It is from Alex City all the way through Montgomery.”

tive spirit and the Rebel Wall contest gives them something to look forward to.

“There’s a lot of sweet traditions,” Taunton said. “We just want to add to it.”

In years past, the grades decorated bulletin boards and classroom doors, which the alumni would vote on and declare a winner for.

Now, they said the Rebel Wall is taking things to a whole new level.

helped set meetings in Atlanta this week at a conference where lots of retail recruitment occurs. He said the company attends about a dozen of the conferences per year for retail recruitment. In two days this week Branch and his coworkers will meet with more than 40 different tenant and retail representatives about recruiting them to NextSite communities.

Branch said he was part of the team to put together data to recruit Mercedes to west Alabama. NextSite and Branch have been working with Alexander City since 2016 helping land Planet Fitness, Publix, Chickfil-A and others. He said Publix kept saying no, but NextSite was able to put together the data for the deal.

“We made the connections and got out of the way,” Branch said.

“Some of the concepts coming to the Publix development could be good fits for Tallassee.”

The council made no decision on the matter and agendas for future meetings haven’t been set.

ADEM said similar issues regarding taste following the treatment of algae bloom have presented themselves elsewhere across the state.

Garner said the taste returns quickly sometimes the day after employee flush lines. He said they have wasted more than 300,000 gallons of water trying to rid the system of the issues.

“We have flushed hydrants all over town trying to help alleviate some of it,” Garner said. “We have done little good with it. It’s coming right back.” Garner said he can’t taste what others are complaining about but believes the complaints are related to usage.

“The west side [of town] uses a little more than the east side,” Garner said. “The east side is getting more complaints than the west side. It is all the same water. It is just one side is not using as much as the other.”

Why are we still here?

reetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. I pray everyone reading this week’s column is doing well and enjoying the first real fall weather of the season. It was breezy and chilly on our walk with the dogs this morning in Gold Star Park!

The topic of renewed hostilities in the holy land has been a forefront in conversation recently. The topic has received a great deal of media attention for obvious reasons. People of all ages are trying to make sense of what is actually happening. While I would never claim to have any special insight on the subject, there are a couple of realities that should be acknowledged.

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

First, fighting over land is nothing new in the earthly kingdom. Since the earliest of times, specific groups of people have engaged in activity designed to displace others from desired lands. It is an unfortunate reality of the human condition, it seems. This activity has frequently been connected to fulfilling divine intention. Regardless of the definition of divine, people have connected initiatives of ethnic purity with being faithful to religious calling. In other words, people have justified violence against neighbor in the name of fulfilling religious directives. Whenever incidents

like this come to fruition, there is at least one fundamental truth that should be brought to light. There is nothing in the Bible or the Quran that directs those in covenant relationship with God or Allah to literally attack anyone. Both writings are recognized as revelations from God and have stood the test of time as authentic. Neither advocate for the literal destruction of supposed infidels.

Fighting over lands, especially lands considered holy, is rooted in a theology of lack. That theology assumes that there are limits to divine blessing, and that there are “rightful” heirs of those blessings. The word of God in every form is rooted in a theology of abundance, which declares that there are

Tallassee Churches

enough blessings to go around.

What I share is not meant to somehow lessen the tragedy taking place at the moment in the Middle East. The situation is indeed a crisis, and thousands of innocents are in danger. I am simply sharing the belief that in times of such crises, taking sides should always take a back seat to recognizing the divine side.

The “higher power” that created everything, regardless of what name is assigned to it, has ever created human beings to be radical extremists. Are such extremists created by this higher power in the first place? As human beings, yes, they are. As radical extremists, no they are not. In other words, in recognizing and somehow processing what is tak -

ing place at the present time in the Middle East, it is crucial to recognize the true nature of divine authorship. There are no foundational narratives, the origin stories of specific peoples, that issue directives to wipe out others. In other words, no divine creator has ever created anything for the purpose of eliminating others.

When news of the world reminds us how little humankind has changed throughout the centuries, we must all remember that it does not have to be that way. Instead of wondering why peace seems impossible in the Middle East, perhaps we should start with recognizing that there has never been any reason for war there in the first place. What do you think?

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Tallassee soccer teams to host haunted house

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Fear lovers will not have to travel far to be scared this holiday season.

Tallassee will host its very own “Haunted Lodge” in Tallassee. The event is hosted by the Grove Station in conjunction with the Guest House and the Tallassee soccer teams.

The event will include a journey through Graveyard Creek Lodge and the Trail of Terror on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost for the Haunted House will be $20 and entry can be paid in cash at the gate or spots can be reserved online at tickets.atgrovestation.com. “We were asked if we wanted to use it,

and we jumped at the chance to do this,” Tallassee soccer coach Matt Tarpley said. “There’s no Haunted Houses in town. You have to jump in the car and drive to Auburn or Smiths Station so we saw it as an opportunity to provide a fun service to the community. It will be a fun way to hopefully raise some money for our soccer program.”

Tallassee’s Brantley sets personal record, wins silver medal

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee cross coun-

try runner Avery Brantley is having a stellar sophomore season.

Just a week after winning the Smiths Station 3K race with a time of 10:34, Brantley continued his hot streak with a second place finish at the Montgomery Academy Co-Ed Main Event. Brantley raced in the varsity Boys 5K race and placed second overall behind Montgomery Catholic’s Henry Skala. Not only did Brantley earn himself a silver medal for the run, but he also set a personal record. He finished his 3.1 miles with a time of 19:15, which is the best he’s ever run in the event.

Brantley also helped

the Tigers to an impressive team score as the Tigers finished third overall in the event.

Brantley has now finished well and improved in every single race he’s competed in this season. His first race of the year, also at Montgomery Academy, had him finish 48th overall with a time of 19:33.13. Behind him in this weekend’s race was John Robert Baxley, who placed 10th overall with a time of 20:54.50.

Wyatt Wehler (20th) finished with a time of 21:36.29 while Nathan Mason (24th) finished with a time of 21:43.02.

The Tallassee girls also impressed as Mallory Glass finished 12th place with a time of 25:03.27. Hollyn Golden finished 27th with a time of 27:10.62.

Members of both the Tallassee girls and boys soccer teams will be helping run the event. Tarpley gave everyone the opportunity to sign up for specific jobs, so different athletes will be seen at all parts of the event. Some will be leading the tours, while others are in charge of decorating and others

ELMORE COUNTY HOSTS VALLEY IN MASSIVE REGION MATCHUP

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

As Elmore County progresses through its football season, every single game gets bigger and bigger for the Panthers. Last week, the Panthers (6-1, 3-1) were playing to officially clinch their playoff berth. They did exactly that in a 20-point win on the road against Beauregard in a game where they scored 27 unanswered points. Now, Elmore County turns its sights to Valley (5-2, 3-1) in the final region game of the year, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whichever team wins will earn the No. 2 seed and will host in the first round of the playoffs. The loser will be the No. 3 seed and have to make the drive all the way down to Mobile in the first round.

coached to do and do what we’ve practiced all week. They know the expectations and they’re doing a much better job of holding each other accountable.”

“We have an opportunity to play a home playoff game so our kids are going to be excited,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “Each game is going to get bigger, and each game is going to have more expectations and pressure. You just have to go out there and do what you’re

The game won’t come easy, but not many things have come easy for Elmore County in its region stretch. The Panthers have gotten every single team’s best game against them. That’s especially been the case the last two weeks.

Two weeks ago, the Panthers beat Tallassee, 34-20, See MATCHUP, Page B2

Woods, Johnson named to North-South game

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor

Arthur Woods and coach

Matt Johnson received top honors on Saturday.

This past weekend, the AHSAA announced rosters for the annual AHSAA North-South All-Star team, featuring Reeltown running back Woods. Woods will appear for the South team, as will coach Johnson. The All-Star game will be held on Dec. 16 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Woods has been among the best athletes in the state

for quite some time, and is peaking during his final high school season. Woods helped lead the Rebels to a third round playoff appearance last season, and has his team primed for postseason success again in 2023.

Woods is currently averaging 149 yards rushing per game, which is 32nd in the state of Alabama and sixth in all of 2A. His 14 total touchdowns are 16th in the state and fifth overall in 2A.

“We knew what we had with Arthur coming into this year, with what he did last year,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said after

Woods scored three times against Cleburne County.

“He has raised his game this year and is playing at an extremely high level.”

This year, Woods already has over 1,000 yards rushing and 17 rushing touchdowns.

In 12 games played last season, Woods had 1,232 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores.

After having clinched a playoff berth, Woods is well on his way to eclipsing his rushing total from last year and blowing out his touchdown total.

“You get speechless sometimes talking about him because what he has done

lately has really raised the bar,” Johnson said.

Johnson pointed to Woods’ patience and ability to hit holes at the right time as to what has separated Woods in his senior year.

“His speed, his explosiveness, his vision, his feet have been great,” Johnson said. “He understands the game and that six, seven, eight yards is a successful run. And that turns into big runs.”

Woods will appear alongside Benjamin Russell’s Malcolm Simmons and Elmore County’s Jabari Murphy and coach Kyle Caldwell for the

South team.

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee cross country runner Avery Brantley set a new personal record of 19:15 in the Montgomery Academy Co-Ed race last week. He placed second overall in the race.

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

The Tallassee soccer teams will host a Haunted House in collaboration with The Grove Station and The Guest House over the next two weeks.

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County’s Cade Everson (7) is one of a handful of offensive weapons for Elmore County

Reeltown’s Arthur Woods has been named

2023 AHSAA North-South All-Star, along with coach Matt Johnson and Benjamin Russell’s Malcolm Simmons.

MATCHUP

Continued from B1

for their first win over their rival since 2015.

The game was tied, 20-20, in the second half before Elmore County pulled away late with two touchdowns.

In a rainy and muddy game last week, Beauregard struck first but Elmore County held its own and was able to tie it up, 7-7, before cruising to three more touchdowns without allowing any more points.

That’s due to the temperament of the Panthers and the mindset Caldwell was instilled in the kids. If they fumble, they aren’t looking back and holding their head down. They know the game of football isn’t 50-0 scores every week, and their team is able to control the clock and win a close game by controlling field position and running their ground-and-pound offense.

“We’re not overreacting when things don’t go our way,” Caldwell said.

“We aren’t getting mad and we’re just playing the next play. In those games, those teams played really well against us and we eventually started controlling the game more on offense. Our defense has been playing really well and they’re up to the challenge once again this week. The kids know we’re going to try and control the game and play our style.” Valley enters the game having won five of their last six games. Valley’s only loss in region play, much like Elmore County, came at the hands of Central Clay County (7-0, 4-0).

The Volunteers beat Elmore County by 42 and beat Valley by 46. Valley is coming off a 34-point win over Tallassee last week at home, while the Rams beat Sylacauga by 24 and Beauregard by a touchdown in overtime.

“I kind of compare them to Beauregard,” Caldwell said. “Maybe better in some of the skill positions and maybe not as good in other positions, but they’re pretty similar. They have some really good skill players that we’re going to have to hem up and tackle in the open field. They’re aggressive on defense and like to disrupt things.”

Valley’s aggressive defense will have its hands full with the talent of Elmore County on offense.

The Panthers were already loaded with skill talent with the likes of CJ Wilkes, Jabari Murphy and Cade Everson all rotating through running back and receiver, but they’ve added another scoring threat.

Caleb Spivey has joined the offense, especially in the red zone, as a wildcat quarterback who can run the ball down a team’s throat.

He’s done just that the last two weeks as he’s recorded three touchdowns.

He only has 18 yards, as he’s allowed the speedy trio to get the bulk of the yardage, but he has been nearly unstoppable near the goal line.

All-in-all, he adds another big threat to an already explosive offense filled with playmakers.

“Caleb is a big kid and he’s hard to bring down,” Caldwell said. “Then you bring Jabari, Cade and CJ out there and you have three or four guys who the defense has to prepare for. There’s a lot we can do with those guys in just one formation, and that helps us.”

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

As Holtville junior Keiland Baker continues settling into his starting role, the All-State quarterback is getting better and better. Baker had arguably his best game as a starter last week as he led Holtville to a 46-20 win over rival Marbury. In the win, Baker was at his best by completing 15-of-20 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding in 10 rushes for 65 yards and three touchdowns.

It was the second time this season he has reached 200 passing yards and the first time this season he has scored three rushing touchdowns. He also set a season-high in rushing yards.

For his performance in the rivalry win, Baker has been named the Elmore County

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County senior Jabari Murphy and head coach Kyle Caldwell will represent the school in one of the biggest games of the year.

Murphy was selected as one of 37 players to represent the south in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game on Friday, December 15 at Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium. Caldwell will be one of six coaches for the South team.

The All-Star event is the 65th rendition of the game while the South team holds a slight 34-28-2 edge in the overall record. The South won last year’s game, 42-7. “I know Jabari is excited about playing,” Caldwell said. “This is a chance for him to go out and compare his skills and talent to the rest of the guys across the state and the rest of the coaches in the state.

HAUNTED

Continued from B1

Player of the Week.

“He’s been a full-time starter now and not looking over his back to someone else splitting reps,” Holtville coach Jason Franklin said. “He’s feeling more comfortable in the offense and he’s really progressed the last few weeks. He’s being more efficient with the football and making smart decisions.”

In the game, it seemed like Baker and senior receiver Erik Adkins were about to shred the Marbury defense through the air. The two connected on two short touchdown passes early, and then Adkins even rushed in a touchdown on a reverse.

Following Adkins’ third touchdown of the night, however, it was the Baker show on the ground.

Leading by 16 late in the second quarter, Baker punched in his second rushing touchdown of the night on a goal

line stretch from 6-yards out. He reached the end zone untouched with the ball stretched out and put Holtville up, 34-12.

To start the second half, Holtville faced a 4th-andshort at the 25-yard line when Baker dropped back to pass. He quickly felt pressure from the defense and bolted up the left side. One juke later, and he raced 25 yards for his fifth touchdown of the night.

For me, it’s an awesome experience to get to be around some of the best coaches in the state and coach some of the best talent in the state. Just humbled and proud to represent our community and our program and our school.”

Murphy is the 11th player from Elmore County to be selected for the honor and is the first player since 2018. The three-star receiver has had a stellar career for the Panthers.

Last season, Murphy led the entire county in

will be dressing up. Around 25 of the players will serve as “actors” and be in the woods during the Trail of Terror. Even the so-called “scaredycats” are helping and will be volunteering to help with parking or working the front door.

“We have about 45 kids

touchdown catches. This year, he has recorded 26 catches for 356 yards and four touchdowns. He has been used more in the run game as he has rushed 29 times for 279 yards and four more touchdowns.

Caldwell is in the midst of his second season leading Elmore County. Last season, he took over a winless team in 2021 and led the Panthers to a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance. He was named the Elmore County Coach of the Year in the process.

working every single night,” Tarpley said. “They’re excited. This is better than other fundraisers. They want to dress up and have fun and scare their friends. There’s something for everyone, even the scaredycats on our team.”

While Tarpley grew up loving haunted houses and he has passed that love onto his kids, he doesn’t love having to travel so far or paying outrageous

Baker has scored eight rushing touchdowns this season, but the junior is not running the ball that much. He is averaging less than 10 rushes per game, but he’s making good decisions when he does choose to run the ball.

“The only planned run play we had last week was the stretch on the goal line because they were over playing the back in man coverage so we knew they had nobody accounting for him,” Franklin said. “The others were just him scrambling and escaping from pressure. He was smart and got outside and was able to not take any extra hits.”

Baker and the Holtville offense have the Bulldogs in uncharted territory. With a 6-1 record and 4-0 region record, Holtville has already clinched a home playoff game and is playing for a region championship this weekend at Demopolis.

This year, he and Murphy have helped lead Elmore County to a 6-1 overall record and a 3-1 region record. He has a 13-5 overall record since he took over, which is three more wins than Elmore County had in the four years prior combined.

This won’t be Caldwell’s first experience in the game.

Caldwell, as a senior at Dadevill in 2011, played in this game and led the South to a wild win. He recorded 460 total yards in an MVP performance as he finished 22-of-38 passing for 393 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner with 25 seconds left. He also rushed for 67 yards.

He did it all for the South team that year as he threw two touchdown passes in the final minute, kicked two PATs, and kicked a perfect onside kick that allowed the South to have its game-winning drive.

“I played in the game

amounts of money just to enjoy a haunted house.

While some charge upwards of $50, Tarpley wanted to make sure this would be affordable for all of the kids in surrounding communities to enjoy.

so it brings back a lot of memories for me,” Caldwell said. “I still talk to the coaches that coached me in the game. It’ll be a neat experience.” Murphy was the only player from the county selected for the game, but he may not be the only player by the end of it. Cade Everson, another Elmore County star who transferred to Elmore County from Tallassee this offseason, has been selected as an alternate for the team.

Everson has recorded 575 yards of total offense this year while leading the Panthers in scoring. He currently has eight rushing touchdowns while also reeling in two touchdown catches. He is averaging 18 yards per catch.

“If someone was to back out or something, Cade would be able to play as well so he’s excited about that opportunity,” Caldwell said. “There’s some bignamed, high-profile kids on our roster.”

“I feel like ours only being $20 is a great savings and the kids are going to save on gas because they don’t even have to leave the county,” Tarpley said. “I promise you ours will be scary. The Guest House is pretty spooky even in the daytime, so I know once the lights go out next Saturday, that place is going to be terrifying.”

Tarpley has already been in talks with coaches and friends from neighboring communities like Eclectic and Reeltown inviting them to bring their teams and staff to come enjoy the event.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Holtville’s Keiland Baker stretches for a touchdown on Friday night. He scored five times to lead Holtville past Marbury.

Elmore County’s Murphy, Caldwell selected for All-Star Game

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Elmore County receiver Jabari Murphy (8) runs against Beauregard. Murphy has been selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game.

PICK’EMS

Reeltown looks to remain unbeaten

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

LAKESIDE SCHOOL (5-3, 2-2) AT EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (3-5, 3-1)

THE PLAYERS

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY: QB Brock Whitt has scored 3 TDs since taking over three games ago. … WR/DB Gabe LeMaster has scored 4 TDs and intercepted 2 passes in the last three games. … RB Parker Shaw has scored 1 TD in back-toback games.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Edgewood Academy beat Hooper, 20-2; Lakeside lost to Lowndes, 51-7. Edgewood beat Lakeside last year, 31-12, and holds a 13-2 record all-time against Lakeside.

Edgewood has won back-to-back games after losing five of their first six. Lakeside is averaging only 7 points per game during its last three games.

NEXT UP: Edgewood Academy hosts Lee-Scott; Lakeside hosts Abbeville Christian.

STANHOPE ELMORE (2-5, 1-3) AT PIKE ROAD (5-2, 4-0) THE PLAYERS

STANHOPE ELMORE: RB Arthur McQueen has rushed for over 100 yards in every game this season and scored three times last week. … QB Jacob Bryant was held without a touchdown pass last week for the first time this season. … K Colby Beyer knocked in a 22-yard field goal and all three PATs last week.

PIKE ROAD: QB Cason Myers has completed 104 of 154 passes for 1,255 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs. … RB Mike Jones has rushed 105 times for 725 yards, 12 TDs; has caught 11 passes for 111 yards, 1 TD. … WR Jordan King has recorded

26 catches for 538 yards, 2 TDs.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Stanhope Elmore lost to Lanier, 32-24; Pike Road beat Russell County, 63-27.

Stanhope Elmore beat Pike Road last year, 14-13, in the two team’s first ever meeting.

Stanhope Elmore has lost four-straight games, all by two touchdowns or less.

Pike Road has won fivestraight games and scored over 40 points four times during that stretch.

NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore hosts Park Crossing; Pike Road hosts Carver Montgomery.

TALLASSEE (1-7, 0-4)

AT SYLACAUGA (0-8, 0-4)

THE PLAYERS

TALLASSEE: WR Chase Chumley scored his first touchdown of his career last week against Valley. … RB Christian McCary leads the team in rushing touchdowns. … RB/WR Jaiden McKenzie scored a touchdown against Valley last week.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Tallassee lost to Valley, 48-14; Sylacauga lost to Central Clay, 48-0. Tallassee beat Sylacauga, 47-14, in last year’s game. Sylacauga leads the all-time series, 4-2.

Sylacauga has lost 20-straight games dating back to 2021.

Tallassee’s offense is averaging 23 points per game over its last five games.

NEXT UP: Both teams have a bye week next week.

HOLTVILLE (6-1, 4-0)

AT DEMOPOLIS (5-2, 4-0)

THE PLAYERS

HOLTVILLE: QB Keiland

Baker has completed 75 of 133 passes for 1,124 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs; he has rushed for 259 yards, 8 TDs. … WR Erik Adkins has recorded 25 catches for 379 yards, 4 TDs; he has rushed for 1 TD. … RB Hunter Chavis has rushed 96 times for 447 yards, 3 TDs.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Holtville beat Marbury, 46-20; Demopolis beat Jemison, 48-14.

This game is for the AHSAA Class 5A, Region 3 championship. Holtville has not won a region championship since 1986.

Demopolis has not lost a region game since 2019 and is 57-2 in region play since 2014.

NEXT UP: Holtville hosts Elmore County; Demopolis at Greenville.

LUVERNE (6-2, 3-2) AT REELTOWN (7-0, 5-0) THE PLAYERS

REELTOWN: WR Tae Martin leads the team with

43.1 receiving yards per game and five receiving touchdowns. … QB Jake Hornsby has 11 passing touchdowns. … RB Arthur Woods has 18 total touchdowns this season.

LUVERNE: RB Tavion Rainey leads the team with 64 rushing yards per game. … MLB John McMillian leads the team with 6.4 tackles per game. … TE/DE Myrez Gross leads the team with seven touchdowns and two sacks.

FOUR DOWNS

Reeltown is 1-2 all-time against Luverne, winning last season 44-14. The Rebels have not allowed a team to reach double-digit scoring since Week 4.

Reeltown is outscoring opponents 338-62 this season.

Luverne is on a two game losing streak, after winning its first six games.

NEXT UP: Reeltown hosts Highland Home; Luverne at LaFayette.

Tallassee swimmers qualify for state, win MA Eagle Classic

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee swim team is making huge splashes across the state early this season. Tallassee made the short trip over to Montgomery Academy last week to participate in the MA Eagle Classic and left with two Top 2 finishes.

The girls team, led by seven-time state champion Macey Stewart, won the entire event with a score of 212, 50 points better than the next closest team.

The boys team, paced by Camden Mask, finished second overall with a score of 168. LAMP soared past everyone with a first-place score of 364, while third place finisher Prattville Christian had 81 points.

“That was really the first time this year that we’ve

had every swimmer with us,” head coach John Mask said. “We had probably 20 swimmers and that is just an amazing number. We’re very excited about the continued growth of the program and the continued growth of our swimmers. They continue to get better and better each outing.”

Not only did last week’s meet serve as a Top 2 finish for the teams, but it also served as qualifiers for sectionals and for the state race.

Overall, Tallassee had 17 qualifying events, seven state qualifying events and two state relay qualifying events.

In the individual events, Stewart qualified for four separate state events. She qualified in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard freestyle, the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard butterfly. Mask was right behind her with three state qualifying

events as he qualified in the 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke and the 100-yard butterfly.

Both the girls and boys 200-yard medley relay also qualified for state. The girls team consists of Stewart, Ivy Davis, Allison Johnson and Ella Chavedo. The boys team consists of Mask, Adam Aldridge, Chase Webster and Jack Parker.

“It’s very nice to see them qualify so early and we have several races to go,” Mask said. “To have those times already, it means the kids are swimming at a level that’s needed at the end of the year. They still have to swim those times at sectionals. Just making the cut doesn’t meet anything. They have to do it again in sectionals. But they know now that they can do it.”

The sectional meet is still a month away and will be

the Top 8 racers in their race that led to Tallassee’s Top 2 finishes in the race. Mask is even more impressed with how his swimmers performed since they have not been able to swim as much.

hosted at the Birmingham Crossplex on November 17-18.

When that comes around, there will be a plethora of Tallassee swimmers in the event. In the 50-yard freestyle, Davis, Chavedo, Johnson, Aldrdige, Webster, Parker, Aiden Nobles and Hart all qualified for sectionals. Davis, Chavedo, Aldridge and Webster all qualified for the 100-yard freestyle.

Davis qualified for five total sectional events as she added the 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle.

Aldrdge also qualified in the 500-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke, while Nobles and Hart both qualified for the 100-yard backstroke.

All of those qualified with times that allow you to reach sectionals, and they all scored points by landing in

The Tallassee city pool that they use for practice has been too cold for them to swim in, so he asks his swimmers to go to Auburn or the local YMCAs to swim and practice.

To keep their endurance and always ready for sectionals, Mask back-ends their schedule with a lot of races. In the next three weeks, Tallassee will have three races at T.R. Miller, Prattville and Vestavia.

“We want to get the kids in the water very frequently so they can stay in the pool and compete,” Mask said. “There’s a lot of meets right now and that’s by design.”

Tallassee’s Macey Stewart, a seven-time state champion, has already qualified for four state championship races for her senior year. As a team, Tallassee has seven state qualifying events and two team events in its first two races.

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Reeltown’s football team breaks the huddle earlier this year. Reeltown is looking to remain unbeaten in region play.

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