Tallassee Tribune Sept. 13 2023

MUSIC IS IN THE AIR

Former graduates become AU marching band leaders

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

At an Auburn football game, you might catch a glimpse of familiar faces on the field during the halftime performance. This year, three former local students have risen through the ranks as leaders of Auburn University’s marching band. From Tallassee, Natalie Henderson is the majorette section leader with Tiger Eyes. From Reeltown, Bella Nonales is an Auburn drum major and Jillian Heaster is the Tiger Eyes flagline co-captain.

NATALIE HENDERSON

Henderson started her twirling career in 10th grade at Tallassee High School, where she served as majorette captain for two years. She said being a section leader at the collegiate level is completely different. However, taking on a leadership role early on and having instructors mentor her, gave Henderson the

over the

Father, daughter lead Pride of Tallassee

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Music has always been a part of Tallassee High School junior Kinsley Glasscock.

Since she could crawl, and maybe before, she has been around the Pride of Tallassee High School Marching Band, with her father Dr. Robby Glasscock as band director.

“I would come out here,” Kinsley said on the band’s practice field. “Someone would watch me, like babysit me.” Glasscock and other staff ran rehearsals all while Kinsley watched and listened.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

the main water tank and they need the pumps to run to fill that tank. The generator can be pulled there, plugged in.”

— Tallassee deputy fire chief David Rogers

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Dr. Robby Glasscock looks

Pride of Tallassee Marching band rehearsal. His daughter Kinsley is the band’s drum major.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ABIGAIL MURPHY THE TRIBUNE

TOP: From left, Reeltown’s Jillian Heaster and Bella Nonales and Tallassee’s Natalie Henderson all recently became band leaders at Auburn University. Photos submitted. Crowd photo by Henry Zimmer.

Obituaries

JAMES RAYMOND “RAY” CANNON

Mr. James Raymond “Ray” Cannon, a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the age of 73. He was born November 01, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama.

Mr. Cannon is survived by his wife, Mrs. Katherine Cannon; son, Bobby Cannon (Amy); daughter,

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

SEPT. 10

• Trespassing was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Harassment was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Outer Drive.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Little Road.

• An assault was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Domestic violence was reported on North Johnson Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Notasulga Road.

SEPT. 9

• Assistance was given to another agency on Henderson Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• Gun fire was reported on Sunwood Court.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.

• Trespassing was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Identity theft was reported on Kelly Place.

SEPT. 8

• A fight in progress was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Eighth Street.

• Harassment was reported on First Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a suspicious activity call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Freeman Avenue.

April Griffin (Lee); brother, Doug McVicker (Kay); sister, Virginia Ratcliff (Steve); sister-in-law, Kaye Holland (Rod) and grandchildren, Brandon Cannon, Katelyn Cannon, Abby Gilmore, Hunter Gilmore, Betty Cannon and Leo Griffin. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Cannon and Mary McVicker and brother, Wayne McVicker. Ray was an avid fisherman, an Alabama fan and he loved God. He attended Harvest Family Church in Montgomery, Alabama. The family will receive friends Friday, September 8, 2023, from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Third Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Animal control was requested on South Dubois Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Alber Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Mott Lane.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Property damage was reported on Lakewater Drive.

• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A suicide attempt was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Forgery was reported on Yesac Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Comer Lane.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Thompson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a city employee on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Hull Street.

• Animal control was requested on Preer Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Cliff Street. SEPT. 6

• A domestic incident was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Softball Way. SEPT. 5

• Debris was found in the roadway on North Ann Avenue.

• Debris was found in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Preer Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on the Fitzpatrick Bridge.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on South McKenzie Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Friendship Road.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Comer Lane.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Animal control was requested on Hull Street.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue. SEPT. 4

• A fight in progress was reported on Third Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Whatley Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Preer Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Camellia Drive.

• Theft was reported on Riverside Avenue.

SEPT. 7

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Delta Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Littlejohn Drive.

• Reckless driving was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white female and Black male were arrested during a traffic stop on Recreation Center Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.

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

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Preer Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Animal control was requested on South Ashurst Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Second Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT SEPT. 4

• Theft was reported on Holtville Road. SEPT. 1

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. AUG. 31

• Forgery was reported on Ft. Toulouse Road. AUG. 29

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

Schools without internet last week

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Teachers and staff had to go old school as internet outages struck Elmore County and Tallassee schools.

Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said Thursday the internet outage, which happened over two days, is forcing staff and teachers to figure out ways to teach students, take roll and run point-of-sale systems in cafeterias.

“Staff who teach virtual right now are really impacted right now,” Dennis said. “We sent them to work from home. Certain offices I have sent to work from home so they could continue to do their job because they can’t do it here because of the lack of internet but can at home.”

Dennis said he is worried about the timing of the outage as average daily membership (ADM) is determined in the 20 days after Labor Day.

“ADM determines our state funding,” Dennis said. “If a student enrolls, it needs to be logged that day. This could adversely affect the money we get from the state next year.”

Cash registers in the system’s cafeterias need internet as well.

Teachers who remain on campus are resorting to decades old tried and true methods.

“In the schools you can revert back an old world marker board, some might still have a chalk board,” Dennis said. Wednesday’s and Thursday’s internet outage isn’t the first time for Elmore County Schools.

“Some areas in the county, this is the fifth time there has been an outage so far this school year,” Dennis said. “This is highly unusual.”

Tallassee City Schools Brock Nolin said his system is facing a similar internet outage.

Elmore County’s phones were back online Friday and limited internet access was restored by

Monday morning.

Dennis said the outages have been because of different situations in a variety of locations across the state with a cut line being responsible for at least one of them. The current outage can be attributed to equipment in downtown Montgomery. “From what I understand this is a piece of equipment,” Dennis said. “We are waiting for more information from Uniti outlining the circumstances of what has taken place. We are not the only system or group to be impacted.”

Elmore County Schools doesn’t have a backup service for internet but is working on plans for the scenario it is currently facing.

“We are working to develop a backup,” Dennis said. “It takes something special to carry the [bandwidth] or at least to get that put in. In some areas that will be more difficult. We are going to try to have an alternate plan in place due to the number of times this has impacted us already.”

Council set to vote on budget this month

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Costs are going up — not just for the average person but for government entities providing services for citizens.

The City of Tallassee is in the middle of its budgeting process for fiscal year 2024 and has already built in a 5% increase for expenses across the board, but it might not be enough in some cases.

At a Tallassee City Council work session last month, city clerk Whitney Pitchford said the cost of insurance for city employees maymbe more.

“What I’m hearing from other city clerk’s is they are anticipating a 7.5% increase,” Pitchford said.

The problem is the actual amount is unknown until insurance companies give the city the information, which is typically in November, according to Pitchford.

Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said the budget has an extra code enforcement officer in it. The position falls under Tallassee fire chief Eric Jones who also works in code enforcement for the city. Jones said he is putting together information for the council on how the position would pay for itself and make homes safer in Tallassee.

Jones also asked for help in the budget for the Tallassee Fire Department.

“We want to increase the pay per call to get more volunteers,” Jones said. “Nobody wants to be a volunteer firefighter anymore.”

Jones said turnout gear has also increased by 40% since the last purchase two years ago.

The Tallassee Police Department is also asking for increases in pay to help with officer recruitment and retention.

The council is set to vote on the fiscal year 2024 budget this month before the new fiscal year startS Oct. 1. The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 and again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28.

At the meeting the accounting firm of Jackson Thornton is expected to deliver a rate study on utilities the city provides. The last study in 2018 showed the city was losing $847,000 per year on utilities before the council approved a rate increase. The city lost more than $500,000 in sewer alone in 2018 and lost $374,000 in water.

Hill said such a study will show how much the city spends currently to provide utilities and the revenue that generates. It will also look at anticipated costs of upcoming maintenance for the city’s utilities.

THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee grad part of Troy band

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Josh Cobb graduated from Tallassee in May and immediately took his marching band talents to the next level.

Cobb is a freshman at Troy University this semester and a member of the “Sound of the South” Marching Band.

Cobb took part in band rehearsals this summer in Troy before he started classes last

month. The “Sound of the South” Marching Band is a precision collegiate ensemble that has developed a national reputation for its quality musicianship and its exciting arrangements and innovative field productions. The “Sound of the South” is the largest student organization on campus, boasting numbers more than 300 strong each semester.

Members of the

“Sound of the South” have represented almost every organization on campus, maintaining leadership positions in the fields of academia, student government and athletics, as well as many other areas of campus life. The band entertains audiences regularly at both home and away games, as well as making guest appearances in exhibitions at local and out-of-state marching band competitions.

Pet of the Week — Queen

Queen is a too cute and sweet 1-year old female mix who weighs about 35 pounds. She came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Queen is incredibly sweet and loving. She wants to cuddle and is great with other dogs. She is always smiling and would be a wonderful dog for a family. 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.

Bring your pets for a good time at Bark in the Park

By REA CORD HSEC Exeuctive Director

There is one week until our 17th annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse from noon to 4 p.m. We do have Sept. 24 as a rain date, but let’s hope we don’t need it!

We look forward to a huge crowd of both humans and dogs enjoying the afternoon at Fort Toulouse and there will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations, Patriotic 2023 Bark in the Park T-shirt ($15) and a day of fun at the park.

There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park — lots of vendors (for complete list go to: http://www. elmorehumane.org/barkinthepark23. html), food, demonstrations, Microchip Clinic, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Parade, Bark in the Park T-shirts, Pet Picasso (your own pet’s pawprint keepsake) and a great selection of pet and other great Silent Auction items.

Bring your appetite as we will be joined by Grumpy Dog, Crepe Magic, Venice Gelato and drinks by Buffalo Rock!

We will have numerous vendors with pet products, groups and information, crafts, sweets, local businesses and more. Vendors will be set up under the trees and around the pavilion area and we can accept vendor apps/payment until Thursday.

Bark in the Park is a great place for folks to be able to learn about your business, product or service. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. Our vendor fee is only $40 and you must bring your own tables/ pop-up/chairs. There is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for site planning. You can do our vendor application and

payment on our website.

Our Blessing of the Pets will be followed by our always popular Parade of Pets. After all, who doesn’t like showing off their beloved pet? During the Pet Parade secret judges will be scouting out dogs for fun prizes — Smallest, Largest, Best Costume, Best Original (homemade) costume, Owner/Pet looka-like and Judge’s choice.

Check out all of the great silent auction items that will be in the pavilion online now. All auction items must be paid for and picked up at the end of the auction. If a person is the highest bidder but is not present when the auction ends, we will move to the next highest bidder present. We will be able to take payment via cash, check, credit or debit.

Microchips can be critical to reuniting lost pets and to help keep more pets safe, bring your dog to Fort Toulouse where it can be chipped. From 1 to 3 p.m. and for only $25 (which includes the registration) you can get your pet microchipped thanks to the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine. Make sure to stop near the pavilion at Fort Toulouse to purchase your 2023 Bark in the Park T-shirt for $15. We are most appreciative of the sponsors for our T-shirt and we love this year’s Ameri-Pets Patriotic theme. We always have some delectable baked goodies as well and who doesn’t like homemade sweets?

Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/ person 13 years old and older. All dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation and have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination.

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

SUBMITTED

Tallassee High School Class of 2023 graduate Josh Cobb, left, is welcomed in the Sound of the South Marching Band at Troy University.

Tallassee Talks

Always remember Sept. 11

There are a lot of days that are seared into my brain.

Unfortunately, most of them revolve around tragedy and one of them of course is Sept. 11, 2001. I was only 12 years old, but it’s one of the days I most clearly remember from my childhood.

I knew the destruction happening on Sept. 11 until I arrived home from school.

Our school, about two hours outside of Washington D.C., elected not to tell us. Some older kids, my brother included, were in the computer lab that day and the home page, set to CNN.com, was plastered with devastating photos and gripping headlines.

But even he didn’t understand; none of us did at that age. We didn’t realize the full magnitude of what had happened until we got home from school, and my mom really explained what was

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

going on. My dad lived in D.C. at the time; we passed the Pentagon on I-395 every other weekend when Mom drove us to visit.

Of course that day phone lines were down, so it was impossible to get in touch with him until much later that night. When we finally did, he was safe but shaken. He said he left his D.C. apartment that morning, not knowing what had happened in New York City, and was met with a completely empty street. The only exception to the emptiness was an armed police officer, who yelled, “Get back inside now!”

From there, things started to unfold.

It’s been 22 years since Sept. 11, 2001, and those

memories are never leaving.

But that’s key. Every year, we always look back and say things like, “Never forget,” or “Always remember,” and we have to.

Countless disasters have happened in the last 22 years.

Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas in 2005; the Sandy Hook shooting changed so many lives in 2012. When a person in my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, was killed as the result of a Neo Nazi rally in 2017, I thought I could never be proud of being from there again.

Of course most recently, the events of April 15, 2023 right here in Dadeville have changed my life forever.

But what happened on 9/11 was unmatched — and hopefully will never be matched again.

Between the four plane crashes, two in New York City, one in D.C. and one in

Somerset County, Pennsylvania, there were 2,993 fatalities and 8,900 injuries. That’s nearly 12,000 people directly affected. It would be impossible to quantify the amount of lives that day touched.

As the time goes on, the pain of Sept. 11 maybe gets a little easier, but those memories are as fresh now as they were on Sept. 12, 2001.

But what may be as important as remembering that day is also remembering the days after 9/11. Those were some of the best days for our country in terms of working together, being there for one another, promoting kindness. When everyone shares a true devastation, you have no choice but to pick each other up. We need to do that more in good times and in bad.

Lizi Arbogast is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

A

Rpirate looks at the end

ecently, someone said this weekly space in the newspaper was turning into an obituary column.

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.

Over the past several weeks, it’s been true – I have written about Robbie Robertson and Bob Barker. But I just cannot let the passing of Jimmy Buffett go by without a few words on one of the greatest songwriters and performers of the past 50 years.

It’s strange what sticks in your mind from childhood. I wasn’t a beach bum but our family traveled to Panama City Beach in the days before it was a Spring Break destination. Back then, it was the closest spot on the Redneck Riviera to enjoy some time on the white sands and in those emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, staying at some doors-on-the-outside place like the Fontainebleau or other motels like it that no longer exist.

What I do remember is hearing the music of Jimmy Buffett on the radio and in restaurants. And in my memory I can see an 8-track tape in the dashboard playing his music – I specifically recall the album where, on the cover, he has a stoned-out expression on his face. I don’t remember who had this tape, maybe it was a friend or a relative. And yet, this week, I recalled seeing that 8-track and associated it with surf and sand.

Really, though, is there anyone on Planet Margaritaville who wouldn’t?

Jimmy Buffett created a character and personified it a thousand ways, but the reality is that he grew up wanting

to be a Southern author and poet. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi but raised in Mobile, Alabama, he claimed Alabama as his home state –and we were proud to claim him, too.

In fact, it was the marketing of the gulf coast lifestyle that brought Buffett worldwide adoration, and in the process, he became a billionaire.

Buffett was born on Christmas Day 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, but grew up in both Fairhope and Mobile. His father was a marine engineer and sailor; his grandfather was a steamship captain. Buffett played trombone in the band at St. Ignatius and graduated from McGill-Toolen High School in Mobile. Later, he attended Auburn University but failed out after one year.

He did learn one thing at Auburn: how to play the guitar, which helped him pick up girls but also gave him an outlet for setting his poetry to music. He performed around the Gulf Coast in the late 1960s and early 1970s, landing in Louisiana. Still wanting to become a journalist, he moved from New Orleans to Nashville and landed a job as a staff writer for Billboard magazine – in fact, he was the first writer to report the breakup of bluegrass duo Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. He made an album for Andy Williams’ record label, Barnaby Records; it sold 324 copies. He then joined fellow singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker in Key West, Florida, and liked it so much he stayed. Buffett honed his craft

playing in beach bars, writing songs about the people he met.

In 1973, Buffett signed with ABC Dunhill Records. Upon the death of label mate Jim Croce, ABC first promoted Buffett as a ‘new Jim Croce’. However, his first album for the label, “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean,” already pointed to the decidedly different direction Buffett’s music would be taking. The next year, a brand-new cast of characters appeared on “Living & Dying in 3/4 Time,” containing a handful of top 40 hits. By 1975, Buffett was opening for the Eagles.

All of this came before his biggest successes, with the albums “Havana Daydreamin’,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “Volcano,” and “Coconut Telegraph.” That run from 1973 to around 1983 solidified most of the familiar songs in the Buffett catalog, though he would continue to make new music up until 2023. His biggest success — other than the song “Margaritaville” — came in 2003, with “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” a Grammy-winning number one hit duet with Alan Jackson. But he had so many more songs that were wonderfully written, far deeper than the beachcomber songs for which he is known. A particular favorite is “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” which Bob Dylan (no slouch himself) calls the greatest song ever written. In it, Buffett sings:

Mother, mother ocean, I

have heard you call

Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall

You’ve seen it all, you’ve seen it all

Watched the men who rode you, switch from sails to steam

And in your belly, you hold the treasures few have ever seen

Most of ‘em dream, most of ‘em dream

Yes, I am a pirate, two hundred years too late

The cannons don’t thunder, there’s nothin’ to plunder

I’m an over-forty victim of fate

Arriving too late, arriving too late

In the last verse, he resigns himself to a conclusion:

Mother, mother ocean, after all the years I’ve found

My occupational hazard being my occupation’s just not around

I feel like I’ve drowned, gonna head uptown

I’ve been playing these Jimmy Buffett records, old and new, for a week and just can’t believe he is gone. As radio disc jockey known as The Skipper, Windle Jayroe, wrote upon Buffett’s passing: “I’m sure we will all continue to sail through life, I have to wonder if the margaritas will still taste as good with the bitter thought of Jimmy not being around.”

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

GENERATOR

Continued from A1

toilets flushing in dire times, the City of Tallassee has applied and been awarded a grant for a portable 60-kilowatt generator.

“It can be moved between any utility station like a utility station like water tank or sewer lift station or pump station,” Tallassee deputy fire chief David Rogers said. “It could be used at city hall. It is mobile, it could be used at multiple locations.”

Rogers said the grant is not only for a trailer mounted generator but to also preinstall connection points at water and sewage pumps across the city.

“It is literally a plug and play, just like plugging in an extension cord,” Rogers said. “If the power is out in a particular area, let’s say downtown and the main water tank and they need the pumps to run to fill that tank. The generator can be pulled there, plugged in.”

The permanent plug in stations do increase the cost of the project but when needed, will make using the generator easy.

“You plug a few wires in versus figuring out how to wire it up in the emergency,” Rogers said.

Rogers has been working on the grant since 2020. Then-Mayor John Hammock and he realized if sewage pumps went without power for extended periods of time sewage spills would occur at pumping stations, which could incur fines from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, according to Rogers.

The generator can also be used to help power shelters and food distribution sites during a disaster. The system can also be utilized by a network of generators in Elmore County.

“Tallassee might not be affected but Titus or Lightwood might be,” Rogers said. “This one could go there. There could be times when we need the county to come in and help us.”

The grant is the result of hazard mitigation money that was allocated for Hurricane Zeta, a hurricane affecting Alabama and the Gulf Coast in 2020. Tallassee was originally awarded $60,000 where the city match was 10%. But with inflation the grant has been increased to $78,000. Rogers and Tallassee fire chief Eric Jones brought up the topic when the Tallassee City Council was discussing the budget. It is to make sure the council is aware of funding needed to meet the match requirements.

Rogers said some facilities Tallassee such as Community Hospital and the fire station have backup power but nothing available to help with water and sewer. The generator will mean a longterm power loss in the city is not as dire.

“People still have to eat and there are necessary hygiene services such as sewage,” Rogers said.

“This is a way of how the city is thinking big picture.”

BRIDGE Continued from A1

Last week, social media posts asked about the possibility of bridge work causing a bad taste in the town’s water. The City of Tallassee water filter plant is almost under the bridge but city officials are confident the taste is not coming from bridge work.

“We take samples of the water multiple times per day,”

Continued from A1

A few years later Kinsley was helping with her siblings.

“They would come out to fix lemonade at band camp when they were little,” Kinsley’s father said. “They would probably say they didn’t have much of a choice.”

Kinsley gave dance a try but decided it wasn’t for her.

The tips on music rubbed off and two years ago Kinsley was selected to be the band’s drum major. But it was not her father deciding the matter. The senior Glasscock said a panel of judges with music backgrounds scores each student trying out to be drum major.

“It is an anonymous panel,” Glasscock said. “They don’t know names. They only see numbers.”

An accountant adds up scores from the categories and when Kinsley was trying out, Glasscock asked principal Drew Glass to be there to observe.

“In the end I saw a list of two numbers with scores but no names.

“They had to tell me Kinsley’s number,” Glasscock said.

He said everyone has the same opportunities at school to learn, even leading up to drum major tryouts.

“I work with the drum majors when we have a twoday clinic before tryouts,” Glasscock said. “I show them how to conduct and such.”

Kinsley did have one advantage being Glasscock’s daughter.

“As a dad I can work on stuff with her at home,” Glasscock

water filter plant manager Bobby Ingram said. “The taste some are experiencing 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 from bridge work.

Social media posts indicate a similar issue further upstream on the Tallapoosa River in Alexander City.

said. “I can say, ‘That is not how that goes. This is how you need to do it.’”

Kinsley handles the conducting during halftime shows and at competitions. She also serves as a leader and mentor for others in the band. Glasscock makes all the decisions related

In Tallassee, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) required work to be enclosed on both the sides and bottom as crews sandblasted and painted the bridge’s metalwork.

“The enclosure will be in place to catch, collect and remove all residue while prepping and painting the bridge,” ALDOT said.

The city is currently assessing and designing a maintenance project to improve the pipe gallery in the water filter

to music selection, drill and practice times. Glasscock said he tries to keep the band stuff at school and not around the dining room table. But band and music still come up. Sarah Jane Patterson is Kinsley’s step-sister who is on the dance line and her

plant. The $3.5 million bridge project is being paid for by the state with Rebuild Alabama funds. The maintenance project started in March. Tallassee fire chief Eric Jones speaks with contractors on a regular basis to ensure the department can respond to East Tallassee appropriately when traffic is limited to one lane due to work. Jones told the Tallassee City Council work may not take the entire allotted 16 months of the contract.

younger brother is Troy who plays the trombone.

“We will watch our shows,” Kinsley said. “He will point out things I could do differently.”

Most often though Kinsley practices her drum majoring and French horn at her mother’s home – but not last week.

“[Tuesday] I was practicing and he was already giving me things to correct,” Kinsley said.

“But, he is trying to make me better and reach my potential.”

Michael Bird is a teacher in the Tallassee High School music programs and helps out with band. Bird has been around the Glasscocks “for what seems like forever.” He said Glasscock isn’t overbearing with Kinsley.

“He hasn’t been any harder or any easier on her,” Bird said.

“He is not meaner or nicer. He is the same all the time. He is lucky enough to have a drum major that does what he asks of her. She will do it.”

Bird said the requests Glasscock makes of his daughter as a drum major are the same as they have always been. At school Glasscock tries to treat his daughter as a student.

“I like to think I treat them all the same,” Dr. Glasscock said. “I fussed at her in class for doing some of the same stupid stuff other kids do. I would hope they think they get treated the same way no matter if they are my child or a student.”

Kinsley is a junior at Tallassee. Despite the musical upbringing, Kinsley isn’t set on music in her future but hasn’t ruled it out either.

“I’m pretty sure it will be something art,” Kinsley said.

“I’m not sure what just yet.”

“It could be completed in the next few months,” Jones told the council at its first August meeting. “They need good weather to do it.”

ALDOT has stated the Fitzpatrick Bridge was constructed in 1940 and is one of the biggest in the state.

“At 1,738 feet long, it is the 87th longest bridge in Alabama,” ALDOT has stated. “It is the state’s highest bridge above water at a height of 143 feet above the Tallapoosa River.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Dr. Robby Glasscock, top, and Kinsley Glasscock, bottom, look over the Pride of Tallassee Marching band rehearsal. The father-daughter team have been at the front of the band together for two years.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

Kinsley Glasscock leads the Pride of Tallassee marching Band as drum major. Her father Dr. Robby Glasscock is the band director.

TALLASSEE ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES GRANDPARENTS DAY

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Enrollment at Tallassee Elementary School mushroomed for a few days. Grandparents were welcomed to the school for breakfast over three days last week as staff helped students celebrate Grandparents Day. The spoiled students got their favorite relatives to color, take selfies and even try a school breakfast. But it might have been the grandparents who had more fun.

confidence to step into her first year as an Auburn section leader. She said going from high school to college marching band, there’s an extra pressure of accountability. For instance, if you don’t show up on time to practice, you risk losing your spot for the next performance. The audition process is also extensive.

To be in Tiger Eyes, individuals turn in a fundamentals video, create and perform a solo routine, learn a group routine in 30 minutes and perform traveling techniques such as jazz runs, toe-heel marching and prances.

“It’s definitely nerve racking, especially in the beginning, but ‘practice makes perfect,’” Henderson said of the performances. “It’s second nature (at this point). Instead of getting nervous, I try to have fun. But it does still get nerve racking sometimes.”

As a section leader, she choreographed the performances, and she said it is encouraging seeing her work be performed. She is also glad the girls feel comfortable coming to her for guidance.

At the end of the day, the

best part is the friendships and knowing you can depend on each other.

“I actually met my best friend from majorette,” she said. “I live with her; we have been friends ever since we met. That’s definitely the most rewarding part is building friendships and also looking up to our instructors that give us so much motivation and encouragement.”

Outside of band, Henderson is majoring in Business Management with a minor in Human Resource Management. The business field gives her opportunities to connect with others and human resources offers her path to also help people. She previously interned at Sonic Tools in their marketing department and now works there parttime.

BELLA NONALES Nonales started in the band playing the baritone. Then in her sophomore year at Reeltown she became an assistant drum major and by junior year she was a full-fledged drum major. This is her first year as drum major for the Auburn University Marching Band. This season, there’s a lot of big games with the stadium selling out. Nonales said she feels both a lot of excitement and

nervousness. Going from Reeltown’s stadium to Jordan-Hare is quite a leap size-wise.

Her fellow drum majors all come from different schools with different experiences — making it easy to bounce ideas off of each other.

“They have been really great mentors and I have come to really enjoy hanging out with them, inside of the band and outside,” she said.

As for the drum major auditions, they have sessions going over fundamentals where the directors look at individual’s conducting patterns. Then, there is an interview portion, and they perform two prepared pieces.

Six to eight finalists are selected, and they perform for the whole band. There also is a test where a football play comes on the screen and the finalist must call out an appropriate cheer for it. From there, the drum majors are selected.

Nonales said as a drum major you need to be adaptable and flexible with any situation that might come up. Fellow former Rebel, Brianna Jarvis — who also was the first Black female drum major for Auburn — inspired Nonales.

“Just seeing that it’s possible,” she said of Jarvis. “No matter where you are from, no matter how small the school is,

you can make waves wherever you go.”

In school, Nonales is studying biosystems engineering in the bioprocessing track. She hopes to help manufacturing industries make product development more eco-conscious and aid in alleviating environmental issues. Outside of band and classes, she also enjoys crocheting.

JILLIAN HEASTER

Heaster’s journey in flagline started in 10th grade at Reeltown, where she later became captain. She said one of the big differences between high school and college bands is the number of shows. In high school, there’s just one show, but at the collegiate level they have five different shows, and it rotates around depending on the game. Then for the auditions, it comes down to stamina with the multiple performances individuals put on during the one-day tryout. One of the hurdles she had to work on early on was marching toeheel rather than the traditional heel-toe. Overall, Heaster said it’s a fun time. The pre-game performance is always exhilarating and half-time is enjoyable too, but it can be a little nerve-racking because there’s a lot more to

remember.

Like Henderson, Heaster enjoys the creative liberty of choreographing for the performances and being someone the girls can come to and ask questions.

“With Tiger Eyes on your specific lines, we have 28 girls and that’s 27 people you are about to spend the next five months with,” she said. “You have to get to know each other and you become friends. I’ve met some of my best friends on flagline. I can tell they are going to be at my wedding; I’m going to be at their weddings.”

As a first-year co-captain, there’s a couple things that helped prepare her. For one, her major is English and language arts education, which has helped her understand how people learn and how to teach people new things. Also, being flagline captain in high school helped as well.

“My band director in high school was a big influence for me and I think I owe a lot of that to him,” she said. “With mentoring me and always being there for his students.”

Outside of band and her English classes, Heaster is also part of Kappa Kappa Psi — a service-oriented, co-ed band fraternity.

The American Dream

At least the weather has taken a slight turn for the more comfortable.

I was lamenting the death of Jimmy Buffett with a musician acquaintance Saturday morning. We both expressed the many layers of influence Buffett had during his five decades of traveling musicianship. We talked about his incredible enterprise and remarked it must be easy to live so easy when you are a billionaire.

JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

Buffett was recognized earlier this year by Forbes Magazine as having achieved billionaire status. His empire included revenues from album sales and touring, the Margaritaville enterprises and several other investment holdings. The beach bum searching for his lost shaker of salt did pretty well, didn’t he?

have always thought it could be. A young man struggling to find himself does and goes on to be one of the most successful members of his vocational category of all time.

I don’t know about you, but I am disturbed by the income inequality present in the earthly kingdom. I am particularly disheartened by the collateral damages of free-market capitalism. The disparity between haves and have-nots continues to grow at an alarming pace. One would think a person of my convictions in this area would highlight Jimmy Buffet as an example of what is wrong with our present economic culture. As a matter of fact, I highlight him as the perfect example of the American Dream as I

The thing that stands out to me about Jimmy Buffett’s story is he remained true to himself throughout his life. Fame and fortune did not ruin him. He died the way he lived: surrounded by music, family and friends.

The consistency of his character is demonstrated by comments about his passing. Have you noticed no one has emerged claiming Jimmy Buffett was anything other than who he said he was? Has anyone come forward claiming Buffett cheated them or treated them poorly?

Tallassee Churches

He was the same Jimmy Buffett in wealth and poverty, working and relaxing, in sickness and health. Buffett refused to apologize for having a good head for business. He often remarked many musicians are taken advantage of by managers, merchandise vendors and the like. He learned early on if someone was going to be making money using his name, it might as well be him. That translated into literally thousands of people having meaningful careers working for him or because of his investment in them.

I think his most admirable quality is his humility. He never claimed to be an excellent guitarist, vocalist or songwriter. He simply recognized people

connected with his message of living life to the fullest, which meant working hard and playing hard, caring for others and valuing the love of family and friends.

Jimmy Buffett did not take advantage of people. He capitalized on the generous sharing of his gifts. Do yourself a favor and look through his philanthropic endeavors. Whether you think anyone should ever reach billionaire status or not, recognize the right way to do it exemplified by the patron saint of Parrot heads the world over.

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

GAME OF THE WEEK

Unbeaten Panthers host Central Clay County

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County football team will have its hands full this weekend.

Elmore County, which is undefeated at 3-0 and 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 4 this season, is hosting Central Clay County (2-0, 1-0) in a massive region showdown.

The Volunteers from Clay County are currently ranked in the Top 10 of the ASWA’s Class 5A polls, and they have already picked up two big wins this year. They started the season off with a 30-13 win

over an extremely talented 6A Benjamin Russell team, then raced past Tallassee with ease last week.

“They’re definitely one of the best teams in the state and have been for a long time,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said.

“They’re very well coached and they don’t make mistakes. They’ve very physical and always in the right place, and this is going to be a really tough game for us.”

Central Clay’s success stems from the Volunteers’ defense.

They are allowing only 10 points per game, and the varsity

Tiger defense looks to crack down vs. Beauregard

By DALTON MIDDLETON

Sports Editor

BEAUREGARD (2-1, 0-1) AT TALLASSEE (0-3, 0-1)

THE PLAYERS

Tallassee: RB/LB Christian McCary leads the Tigers with 2 TDs this season. … RB Mason Henderson scored 1 TD. … LB Joseph Hooks headlines the Tallassee linebacker corps.

Beauregard: RB Jayden Doolittle has 31 carries for 105 yards, 1 TD. … Wr KaJaden Holloway has recorded 5 catches for 134 yards, 1 TD. … S Brandon Dixon has 29 tackles, 9 tackles for loss.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Tallassee lost to Central Clay, 41-7; Beauregard lost to Valley, 13-7.

Beauregard beat Tallassee last year, 14-6.

Tallassee is 0-1 in region play for the sixth season in a row.

Tallassee’s defense has given up at least 41 points in every game this year.

NEXT UP: Tallassee at Marbury; Beauregard hosts Charles Henderson.

WETUMPKA (0-3, 0-1) AT PARK CROSSING (2-1, 0-1)

THE PLAYERS

Wetumpka: QB Nate Rogers has scored six rushing touchdowns this season. … WR Evan Dillard has a receiving touchdown and special teams touchdown. … DL Ethan Bailey is one of the leading forces on the Indians’ defense.

Park Crossing: QB

Brayden Graham has completed 14-of-32 passes for 190 yards, 0 TDs.

… RB Terrion Evans has 44 carries for 160 yards, 1 TD. … WR Solomon

Beebe has 7 catches for 141 yards, 1 TD.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Wetumpka lost to Pike Road, 41-18; Park Crossing lost to Carver, 27-0. Wetumpka beat Park Crossing last season, 27-8.

Wetumpka, which is 0-3 for the first time since 2011, has been outscored 54-114 this year.

Park Crossing has only scored six points in its last two games and is averag ing 10 ppg.

NEXT UP: hosts Russell County; Park Crossing hosts Sidney Lanier.

games. All of that came against Benjamin Russell, which was a feat in and of itself. In the two other games Benjamin Russell has played not against the Volunteers, the Wildcats have scored 97 points.

After holding that powerful offense to 13 points in Central Clay’s opener, the Vols then turned their sights on Tallassee last week and shut out the Tigers until the JV players entered the game late in the fourth quarter of the 41-7 win.

Elmore County’s offense, on the other hand, heads into Friday

SELMA (0-3, 0-1) AT HOLTVILLE (2-1, 1-0) THE PLAYERS

Holtville: QB Keiland Baker has completed 38-of-67 passes for 545 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs. … RB Hunter Chavis has 43 carries for 210 yards, 2 TDs. … LB Luke Strength has recorded 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss.

Selma: QB Samarion Woods has completed 7-of-15 passes for 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; has rushed 17 times for 49 yards. … RB Desmeon Conner has 12 carries for 31 yards. … LB Ja’Kobe Sanders has recorded 10 tackles, 2 sacks. FOUR DOWNS Last week, Holtville beat Shelby County, 41-18; Selma lost to Demopolis, 40-0. Selma beat Holtville last season, 18-7. Selma’s offense is averaging only 4.7 points per game this year. Holtville’s defense forced five turnovers last week against Shelby County.

TALLASSEE CROSS COUNTRY OPENS SEASON STRONG

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

allassee’s off-season running paid off this weekend. Participating in The MontgoMery TrailblAzer race on Saturday, the Tigers had an overall successful day against some very tal

ented cross country teams. The boys team featured some runners participating in their first race but still managed to place 10th over-

Tallassee’s Avery Brantley, the top finisher for the Tigers, runs with

arms spread. Brantley finished with a time of 19:33.13 and

Edgewood’s LeMaster delivers

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy needed a big game from its best player, and that’s exactly what senior Gabe LeMaster delivered Friday night. Edgewood, which was 0-3 and hadn’t scored more than one touchdown in a game yet, routed Abbeville Christian, 29-0, to give the Wildcats their first win of the season. In the process, LeMaster posted one of the best games of any player in the county this year. The

Elmore County’s Brandon White (5) sacks Marbury quarterback

FILE | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee students take part in the spirit line prior to the Tallassee Reeltown football game.

senior receiver showed off his speed and reeled in only five catches but

PICK’EMS

turned those into 125 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

For his performance in Edgewood’s first win, LeMaster is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“We were able to get the edge on them,” Edgewood coach Chad Michael said. “All three (touchdowns) came on jet sweeps and we did a great job of blocking the edge with Brock (Whitt) and Parker (Shaw). If you get Gabe out in open space, he’s really hard to tackle.”

Edgewood’s offense has gotten off to a slow start in its first three games, and the Wildcats have found themselves trailing early in all three.

LeMaster made sure that did not happen Friday. On the first play of the game, LeMaster took a shovel pass and raced 56 yards for the end zone.

After the defense forced a punt, LeMaster looked to have returned a punt back for a touchdown but it was called back due to a penalty.

Nonetheless, he still scored two more times in the first half on a 45-yard touchdown and an 8-yard touchdown. He also added 52 return yards after the penalty and scored on a two-point conversion.

Overall, he was responsible for 20 of Edgewood’s 29 points in the game.

“We started really quick and it was nice,” Michael said. “We scored a couple of times on the first few plays and got off to a hot start.”

LeMaster has now scored four of Edgewood’s six total touchdowns this season. Three of those have come on offense, while he also has a 97-yard kickoff return. The do-it-all player will now turn his sights toward Lowndes Academy, who has yet to surrender a point this season.

NEXT UP: Holtville does not play next week; Selma hosts Greenville.

LOWNDES ACADEMY (3-0) AT EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (1-3)

THE PLAYERS

Edgewood Academy: QB Ethan Evans now has five touchdowns on the season. … WR Gabe LeMaster had five catches for 125 yards, 3 TDs last week; he has four of Elmore County’s six touchdowns. … DL Zayne Talley has recorded sacks in two of Edgewood’s four games. Lowndes Academy: RB Kasen Dismukes leads a dynamic rushing attack for Lowndes. … QB Clayton Hussey is another key piece to the Lowndes’ rushing game, and he has 3 INTs on defense. … DE Pierson Hill is the team’s leading defensive player.

FOUR DOWNS

Last week, Edgewood beat Abbeville, 29-0; Lowndes beat Southern Academy, 29-0, Lowndes beat Edgewood Academy last year, 34-7.

Lowndes Academy has yet to allow a point this season and outscored opponents 121-0. Lowndes Academy has won nine-consecutive games dating back to last season.

NEXT UP: Edgewood does not play next week; Lowndes hosts Abbeville.

Holtville.

faces out there so this was their first time they’ve ever raced,” Tiger coach Danny Worley said. “A couple of them were just coming out here to see what they could do, and they honestly exceeded our expectations.”

The girls event started on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., and Glass set her new personal record just 24 minutes later.

Beating her previous best time by over a minute, Glass ran her 5K run in a time of 23:40.95 and placed 30th in a field of 105 runners. Due to being the only varsity girl runner on Tallassee, she did not earn a score, but she placed higher than any other girl from surrounding schools such as Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore and

“This is Mallory’s second year running so we expected her to start the year with a personal record simply due to her being a year older,” Worley said. “She did exactly that and beat her best time by a minute. She’s going to do really well this year and she’s exactly where we think she should be.”

Tallassee’s boys team had exactly five racers, which was what a team needed to place in the standings. The team’s total score is accumulated by the top five racers from each school.

Tallassee finished with a score of 280 and cracked the Top 10 by beating Prattville Christian by one point.

The Tigers were led by Avery Brantley, who finished 48th overall with a time of 19:33.13. Due to some players not

recording points because five of their teammates had already finished before them, Brantley recorded a score of 30 points. Not far behind him was John Robert Baxley with a time of 21:23.75. He scored 53 points. Brady Adams crossed the finish line half a minute later with a time of 21:55.25, while Wyatt Wehler (22:01.09) and Nathan Mason (23:00.58) wrapped up the race for Tallassee.

“We did really well,” Worley said. “We knew we had two runners that could do well in Avery and John Robert, and they both met our expectations. We had a time we thought our newcomers could reach, and they were all right around that time so that’s a win for them. They did a good job placing 10th in a stacked field. We’re really pleased.”

Tallassee’s Mallory Glass, right, set a

Elmore County.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

4 Wetumpka at Park Crossing, 7 p.m.

4Stanhope Elmore at Montgomery Carver, 4:30 p.m.

4Elmore County at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

4 Central Clay County at Elmore County, 7 p.m.

4 Beauregard at Tallassee, 7 p.m.

4Selma at Holtville, 7 p.m.

4Lowndes Academy at Edgewood Academy, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

4 Elmore County Block Party, TBD

4Holtville at Twilight Run (Montevallo)

MONDAY, SEPT. 18

SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

4Stanhope Elmore at Park Crossing, 4:30 p.m.

4 Montevallo at Holtville, 5 p.m.

4Edgewood Academy at Lowndes, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19 HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

4 Tallassee at Marbury, 4:30 p.m.

4Stanhope Elmore at Jemison, 4:30 p.m.

4Elmore County at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.

PANTHERS

Continued from B1

averaging 51 points per game over the Panthers first three games. That ranks Elmore County ninth in the state among scoring leaders, but Central Clay’s defense will be one that Caldwell has not seen this year.

“They tackle really well,” Caldwell said. “They don’t miss a lot of tackles. If they get your hands on you, you’re probably going to go to the ground. They’re very quick and make the right reads. They’re always

in the right alignments and space. It’s going to be a difficult task for us.”

While Central Clay’s defense is one of the best in the state, Elmore County’s defense is not one to scoff at. The Panthers are allowing just over 10 points per game as well, and that comes after allowing 28 in the opener to Marbury. In the two games since, Elmore County has shut out an opponent and held region opponent Sylacauga to seven points last week. The Panthers have been flying around to the ball and forcing turnovers like crazy. Through three games, Elmore County has eight

sacks, led by defensive end Luke Reinert. While hitting the quarterback, the Panthers have forced nine fumbles and intercepted four passes. No single player has more than one interception as the wealth is being spread across the defense.

Just two weeks ago, Elmore County held Autaugaville to negative 119 rushing yards.

That rushing defense will be tested by Central Clay, which likes to run the ball and run the ball and run the ball some more.

The majority of Central Clay’s offensive scores have come on the ground. Running back Ladamion Boyd is the

rushing leader for the Volunteers with two rushing touchdowns in each game this year.

Quarterback Damien Harris has two rushing touchdowns this year, and he added a passing touchdown last week. Backup running back Kevin Cherry has scored a rushing score in each game this year as well.

“It’s going to be a tough task,” Caldwell said. “We’ll have to get off of blocks and tackle in space as well. If we can do those two things along with lining up right, we should be able to hold our own. Those are three fundamentals of the game and we have to take care of that this week.”

FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

IVY’S CLOSET SALE: Ivy’s Closet will host its bi-annual Clear the Season Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Sept. 16. All clothing items will be $1, and shoppers are encouraged to bring a pack of diapers or wipes as a donation. Ivy’s Closet is a foster care clothing and supply organization in Elmore County; it is located at 4412 Hogan Rd. in Deatsville.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

BARK IN THE PARK: The Humane Society of Elmore County will be hosting its 17th annual Bark in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Fort Toulouse. Sept. 24 is a rain date. Featured will be vendors, activities, a microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations and more. Vendor spots are available.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

HOME & BUSINESS EXPO: The Wetumpka Civic Center will play host to the River Region Home & Business Expo from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21. Admission is one non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Elmore County Food Pantry. There will be door prizes and free food. For more information, contact Cathy Thornton at 334-399-1052 or Beverly Wright at 333315-9545.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

SONGWRITERS NIGHT: Equality Performing Arts Center is teaming up with Rodger Williamson to host the 2023 Songwriters Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29. EPAC is located at 560 Hwy. 9.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

OKTOBERFEST: Oktoberfest Wetumpka is hosted by the Oktoberfest Planning Committee in downtown starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. Featured will be a day of music, performances, vendors and food. For more information, email wetuoktoberfest@gmail.com.

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: The Titus Bluegrass Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 30 and feature three bands — McMeans Brothers with She’s My Sister, Fire Town and Allan Tolbert & Friends. The Titus Community Center is at 5859 Titus Road just off U.S. Highway 231. Tickets are available at the Titus Community Center at 5859 Titus Rd. Tickets are $10; children under 12 are free. The event benefits the community center.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

PADDLES FOR PAWS: The Elmore County Humane Society will be hosting its

first ever Paddles for Paws, a pickleball tournament at 17 Springs in Millbrook. The tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7. There is a $35 registration fee, plus a $5 service fee, and that includes one event, a tournament T-shirt, snacks and drinks. The planned format is a round robin tournament.

BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL: In honor of Ronnie Lovejoy Sr., the Love Conquers All Blues and Jazz Festival will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 7. Music will begin at 3 p.m. and the event will be held at Level Park on South Opothleohola Street in Wetumpka.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

COTTON FESTIVAL : The Town of Eclectic will host the 30th annual Alabama Cotton Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. This is a family event held every year on the second Saturday in October featuring more than 250 vendors. Events and contests include the Dog Show, the Classic Car Show, the first annual cornhole tournament, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, the Bama Flying Dogs and so much more. For more information, contact 256-794-0379 or 334-541-3581.

COOKIN’ ON THE COOSA: Cookin’ on the Coosa is a macaroni and cheese cookoff that’ll be held Oct. 14 on Merchant’s Alley in Wetumpka. Registration is now available online at www.familysunshine. org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 26

CANDY CRAWL : Main Street Wetumpka will host its Coosa Candy Crawl from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in downtown Wetumpka. Dress in your favorite costume and trick-or-treat through local downtown businesses and table sponsors. Table registration is coming soon and will cost $20 per business or organization.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9SATURDAY, NOV. 11

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: Home for the Holidays is an arts and crafts show with more than 30 local artisans, crafts and creators of all things homemade, handcrafted, homegrown and more. Admission is $5 for anyone over 12. Tickets are sold at the door and valid all three days of the show. For more information, call 334-2249109.

SATURDAY, NOV. 25

5K AND FUN RUN: Redland Middle School will be hosting its second annual Eagle Run starting at 8 a.m. November 25. There will be a 5K and a one-mile fun run. Registration is now available through the Redland PTO.

SATURDAY, FEB. 10, 2024

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL: Wetumpka’s 11th annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade presented by The Order of Cimarron is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2024. Vendors open at 9 a.m. with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. This is a rain or shine event. Visit www.wetumpkamardigras.com for more information.

ONGOING

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

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

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.

NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334541-2025

LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www. thekelly.org.

C ELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE POINT: C elebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail. com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.

AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

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Elmore County defensive lineman Landon Yawakia (60) recovers a fumble against Autaugaville.

Elmore County Community Calendar

Tech program prepares students for jobs in the aviation industry

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It takes a pilot with a license to fly a plane. But it’s not just the pilot who keeps planes in the air and the Elmore County Technical Center has an aviation program training tomorrow’s aviation technicians. It’s a program that is sure to lead to high paying jobs. James Stough started the program from the ground up in 2018 after he served in the military and worked in the industry.

“Delta is begging for 40,000 airframe and powerplant technicians,” Stough said.

There are also the manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Rolls Royce and more paying more than $50 per hour after just a few years experience.

The option to provide a decent living without a four-year college degree encouraged the parents of Wetumpka sophomore Lincoln McQueen.

“I don’t know if I want to go to college right out of high school,” McQueen said. “I thought a technical career is the right way to go. I heard aviation has a lot of job opportunities. They need a lot more pilots, technicians and air traffic controllers.”

In the classroom, Stough is teaching students the differences between steel, aluminum, titanium, fiberglass, kevlar and carbon fiber use in aircraft. He is helping students understand where and how the different materials can be beneficial in a plane. Carbon fiber is super strong and light. It can be used on panels for instrumentation or wings like the Boeing 787.

“The wings will curl up in flight,” Stough told the students. “They will flex up. The wings will move up to 12 feet from level. It is that flexible and strong. If metal moves that far, it will crack.”

Later in the school year the students will go to the lab where they will construct panels from fiberglass cloth and resin. Thanks to donations from his contacts still in the industry, Stough has plenty of parts to show his students in the ECTC hangar. Last week, the students saw how fiberglass is used as an aerodynamic cowling around a propeller at the front of a small plane and how light the overhead bins in a passenger airliner are.

Stough used the short demonstration to explain the

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE ABOVE: Students see how the cowling is lightweight and helps the aircraft be more aerodynamic.

RIGHT: Elmore County Technical Center Aviation program instructor James Stough shows students a fiberglass overhead compartment for a commercial aircraft.

differences in the various jobs in the aviation industry. He said there are crews specialized in removing just the interior parts of an airplane such as seats and overhead bins. Those same crews will also install new or refurbished parts to the interior. But he said since those jobs are not related to airframe and powerplant (A&P) and they don’t pay as well.

There is a wing from a damaged Hawker 400 business jet in the hangar. Stough is using it to teach students how to use the tools of the industry to remove and maybe replace the skin of the wing. Stough will use the dissection process to show students the fuel tanks, pumps and

plumbing in the wing.

Stough said the FAA is responsible for A&P certifications. Without military experience it will take two years in a community college environment before students can test for A&P certification. Those in the military with 18 months of continuous service in an A&P area can then take a two week class before the FAA testing.

In both cases the jobs are there.

“I had a student at Coastal Alabama Community College,” Stough said. “He was hired before he ever graduated. He called me up and said he was going to make $24 starting out as a 19 year old.”

Congressional map rejected by federal court

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

The congressional districts for the 2024 elections are still in limbo.

The Alabama legislature entered a special session back in July to redraw the congressional map after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional under a Voting Rights Act violation. The state lawmakers were required to redraw the map with two Black majority districts or “something close.”

Now, with the submitted map, the three-judge federal court ruled against it because the map continues to dilute Alabama’s Black population — most likely violating the Voting Rights Act. The state attorney general Steve Marshall will appeal this ruling to the federal supreme court.

In a statement from the general’s office, Marshall said he believes the new map does not violate the Voting Rights Act and they wish to seek the review of the supreme court.

The map submitted by the state had a Black majority district with 50-52% Black and another close to Black majority district with 40-42%. Alabama state representative

Ed Oliver argued the second district with 40-42% Black was to keep the district competitive along party lines.

Moving forward, the three-judge federal court concluded there would not be time for the Alabama legislature to submit another map and therefore the court will appoint a Special Master.

The order states the Special Master will “draw a remedial map to ensure that a plan can be implemented as part of an orderly process in advance of elections, where the State was given an opportunity to enact a compliant map but failed to do so.”

In a previous interview prior to the map’s submission, Oliver warned against appointing a Special Master as it jeopardizes the balance of power in Washington’s congress with other states such as Louisiana later following suit — as the supreme court ruled its map also has a Voting Rights Act violation.

“I don’t think that (appointing a Special Master) is good for anybody,” Rep. Oliver said. “Once again, that’s the federal government way overstepping its bounds.”

With the congressional

map now out of the state’s hands, some individuals are seeing this as a sign of hope for change. The Allen v. Milligan plaintiffs, one of the cases that took Alabama’s map to the supreme court, released a statement regarding the three-judge federal court’s verdict.

“Our nation’s highest court required Alabama to draw a map to fairly represent Black voters — yet the state refused,” the statement reads. “Alabama openly admits its intention to defy the law and the U.S. Supreme Court. But we will not back down.

“Sixty years ago, former Governor George Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door to stop Black people from desegregating the University of Alabama. He moved only when the federal government forced him to do so. History is repeating itself and the district court’s decision confirms that Alabama is again on the losing side. We demand that Alabama again move out of the way and obey our laws — we demand our voting rights.”

The Special Master will present the redrawn map to court Oct. 3 at the Hugo L. Black Courthouse in Birmingham.

The prospects of getting raises are there too. Stough has other students at Auburn University and Embry Riddle in various programs to become a pilot or technician. Some students aspire to other jobs in the aviation industry.

“I plan to go to MIT after graduation,” Holtville sophomore Gabriel Maggard said. “I want to study aeronautics and plan to work for the Air Force as an aeronautical engineer.”

Stough said he has former students pursuing aviation engineering so Maggard isn’t alone. But first students must get through Stough’s class and his final exam — constructing and launching a model rocket from a

kit. The process mimics on a small scale what A&P technicians do.

“You have to lightly sand the balsa wood,” Stough said. “You take the square edges and making them round. They have to be able to delicately put it together. We take it to the ballfield with a launch system. I said all it has to do is launch and you get an A.”

But the process of following detailed instructions accurately can get into the heads of even his most experienced students.

“I have third year students who get super nervous,” Stough said. “They don’t want to mash the button but if they want a grade, they have to.”

DHR hosting job fair next week

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Anyone looking for work will have an opportunity to meet local employers at the Wetumpka YMCA.

The Elmore County Department of Human Resources (DHR) has invited local employers to the event. DHR case manager Charlotte Crawford said the government agency is trying to help those who want to help themselves.

“We are working to get more employers there,” Crawford said.

The job fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 and is open to everyone seeking jobs.

“We have sent letters to all of our clients,” Crawford said. “There are some that are required to be there. But anyone can come. It is open to the public.”

“We want our clients to be able to find work or better work,” Crawford said. “When they work it helps save taxpayers’ money.” Crawford said employers hiring for hospitality, servers, cashiers, forklift operators, warehouse needs, correctional officers and professional staff will be on hand.

Rotary ball drop a different way to raise money

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Who wouldn’t like to have an extra $4,000 in his or her pocket?

The odds are one-in-1,000, better than most lottery odds, at the Third Annual Tallassee Rotary Club Fire Truck Ball Drop.

“It all benefits the community,” Tallassee Rotary Club president Stephanie Weldon said. “Part of the proceeds go to the Tallassee Fire Department, part to a scholarship for a Tallassee student and part to the rotary club for our projects.”

For the contest, 1,000 golf balls will be dropped from the top of a ladder fire truck. At the bottom will be a target similar to a golf course green, and the closest ball wins. Each ball is numbered and registered to the purchaser. The Fire Truck Ball Drop will follow the Tallassee football game Nov. 3. Balls can be purchased for $10 each at Logan Steers State Farm Insurance office on Gilmer Avenue, at home football games or by calling Weldon at 334-415-9422 and using Venmo.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County once again has four beds with Alabama Youth Services for juvenile detention.

The Elmore County Commission approved annual agreements some of which have been in place for years. Elmore County Juvenile Probation manager Delane Goggans said two of the beds are through Montgomery County at a cost of $35,000 to Elmore County. Another bed is provided through a long-term detention subsidy contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services and another is through a diversion grant agreement with the department.

The agreements provide appropriate facilities and staff for juveniles detained through the courts.

Also at Monday’s commission, it approved a restaurant retail liquor alcohol license for Lil Fish Tail on Lightwood Road after no one spoke at a public hearing.

The commission vacated a portion of Dismukes Road in Millbrook that is in the 17 Springs project. No one spoke at a public hearing prior to the vote. In other action the Elmore County Commission:

• Approved minutes of the Sept. 1 meeting

• Approved memorandum of warrants in the amount of

$6,636,372.27 for the period Aug. 5 to Sept. 1.

• Recognized commission executive assistant Brittany Myers for Association of County Commissions of Alabama certification.

• Approved a Constitution Week Proclamation.

• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 for comments for a retail off premises and retail table wine off premises alcohol license for Firetower Grocery at 3803 Firetower Road.

• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 for comments for a lounge retail liquor Class II package alcohol license for Firetower Liquor at 3801 Firetower Road.

• Set a public hearing for

5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 for comments for a retail beer on or off premises and retail table wine on or off premises alcohol license for Sunken Tractor at 859 Mehearg Road.

• Authorized commission chairman to execute dispatch agreements setting reimbursement with the county’s municipalities and County E-911 board.

• Authorized the commission chair to execute an ADEM ARPA Drinking Water/ Wastewater project agreement to facilitate the West Elmore Sewer Group project.

• Approved modifications to the ARP Allocation Plan.

• Moved $68,956.12 in unclaimed funds held more than 10 years in the county’s fiducia-

ry account to the general fund.

• Approved fiscal year 2024 annual competitive and public works bid inquiries.

• Authorized the commission chair to execute an agreement with ALDOT for resurfacing and striping of portions of First Avenue.

• Authorized the commission chair to execute an agreement with ALDOT for slope and shoulder repairs on Redland Road near Redland Elementary School.

• Set a public hearing for comments on vacating a portion of Maverick Circle off of Dozier Road. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25

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TALLASSEE MUNICIPAL GAS SYSTEM “NOTICE”

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That distinctive odor is the harmless chemical we add to natural gas so you can detect even the smallest amount that might escape. It smells bad... but that’s good! Natural gas has no odor on its own. Everyone should be able to recognize our built-in system safety signal. If you ever detect faint whiffs of this odor, INVESTIGATE If possible, “follow your nose” to the source. It may be only a pilot light that’s out, or a burner valve partially turned on. Something easily and safely corrected. If the source of the gas cannot be located or the odor persists, call Tallassee City Hall, 283-4298, during normal hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. At night or on weekends or for any emergency reporting of gas line breaks, call Tallassee Police Department 283-6586 Please give adequate directions as to the location of the leak.

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EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT COMPLETED POSTHUMOUSLY

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Gardner Cameron wanted to honor veterans with his Eagle Scout project. Gardner died before the project even really came to life. But his community — Eclectic, friends and fellow Scouts — made his project come to life.

Just days before Gardner died at 16 in a tragic car accident on March 16, 2022, he visited with Living Word Church Pastor Daren Davis after Wednesday evening services. It wasn’t unusual but what was different was Gardner ran back into the sanctuary and asked Davis to pray for him. Davis spoke Saturday as many in the town gathered at Panther Palace. They were there to dedicate Gardner’s Eagle Scout project and recalled the moment — the last time Davis saw Gardner alive in this world.

“Not only will my final memory of him be a memorial, this flag pole in the heart of Eclectic will serve as another memorial of a young man who impacted our small town in such a big way,” Davis said.

Gardner was contemplating Eagle Scout projects. His father David Cameron said everyone was giving him ideas. Gardner likely had 10 more ideas presented to him by people he trusted. But there was a problem.

“I don’t want to do any of them,” David said his son told him. “I want to do something for this town. It’s my project. I want to do what I

“Not only will my final memory of him be a memorial, this flag pole in the heart of Eclectic will serve as another memorial of a young man who impacted our small town in such a big way.”

— Living Word Church Pastor Daren Davis

want to do.”

Gardner met with Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport in the fall of 2021 to discuss his idea for an Eagle Scout project. They met three different times with Gardner bringing sketches and more ideas. Just before Christmas 2021, the Eclectic Town Council approved Gardner’s project around the flagpole at Panther Palace. It included personalized pavers of local veterans, flower beds and more.

Gardner’s mother Teresa Champion served in the military for 6 ½ years herself. She said her son saw all veterans in the same light.

“Gardner loved veterans,” Champion said. “He was proud of the veterans in his family.”

But there was a problem.

Gardner couldn’t get right to work. The town was planning to renovate the playground at Panther Palace and drainage for three springs needed to be installed before any other work could start.

Gardner died a few months after the council approval but not his project.

After the installation of new playground equipment this summer, everyone came together to complete Gardner’s Eagle Scout project.

Davenport was there as was scoutmaster Dale Alexander. Friend and now Troop 307 assistant scoutmaster Joshua Alexander was too.

“He was a good friend,” Alexander said. “His project, we had been trying to get it done. It is kind of sad. It is the end of an era.”

Scoutmaster Dale Alexander said Gardner’s “dash” may have been short, referencing the time between date of birth and death, but he still left a significant mark on Eclectic and beyond.

“His peers and community stepped in to put this project together,” Alexander said.

“This dash that was Gardner’s life has now touched everybody that comes to this park.”

Friend and assistant scoutmaster Josuha Alexander is convinced if still alive, Gardner would have left his touch on the project.

“He would have done it so much better,” Alexander said. “He would have made it so much more beautiful like he did with everything else.”

Davenport said Gardner is likely reveling in heaven about his ability to get out of trouble and get others to help with his causes.

“Gardner is up there smiling,” Davenport said. “This is what he wanted.”

TOP: Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport speaks

Remembrance Court of Honor Saturday. Scouts honored the memory of Gardner Cameron by finishing and dedicating his Eagle Scout project as the city rebuilt Panther Palace.