Vigil held for missing Tallassee man
sister Felicia Thompson said.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The last time the family of Michael Thompson saw him was Sunday, April 21. Almost two months later family members are still holding out hope the 61-year-old man is alive but also understand the chances.
“We are hoping to find him,”
Baxley sworn in as Elmore County district judge
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The promotion of judges set in motion by the appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals is over. Friday, Ben
Baxley was sworn in as Elmore County District Judge replacing Judge Patrick Pinkston who is now in Lewis’ position. All three positions were filled by Gov. Kay
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said his department is still investigating the case.
“We still have the case and it is assigned to an investigator,”
“We are hoping he just needed a break but it is not looking too good. We are holding out hope.” Thompson was last seen leaving a family function in Eclectic. The family filed a missing person’s report with the Tallassee Police Department two days later. Thompson’s vehicle was found the next day in Macon County where a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, a helicopter and canine teams occurred.
FOR ALL AT THE TALLASSEE
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI The family of Michael Thompson light candles to keep the missing man in everyone’s mind. Thompson has been missing for more than two months.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
New Elmore County District Court Judge Ben
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
JUNE 22
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Industrial Parkway.
• Reckless driving was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• A Black male was arrested on Friendship Road.
• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.
• A white male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
JUNE 21
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Laurel Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on North Johnson Street.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to medics on Tallassee Highway.
• Drug activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Poplar Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on
James Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Harassment was reported on Kent Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Friendship Road.
JUNE 20
• Reckless driving was reported on Quail Run Drive.
• Property damage was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Bucks Pocket Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Menacing was reported on First Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue, Third Street and Ashurst Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.
JUNE 19
• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• A child custody dispute was reported on Birch Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Birch Street.
• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Peachtree Street.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on South Wesson Street. JUNE 18
• A civil disturbance was reported on Thomas Circle.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Delta Road.
• Harassment was reported on Herron Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Cannon Road and Ingram Street.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on South Wesson Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Ingram Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Joy Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Bucks Pocket Road.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Ashurt Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue and Freeman Avenue.
• Menacing was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue and Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Ray Street.
• Animal control was requested on Apple Avenue.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• Robbery was reported on Second Avenue. JUNE 17
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue, Eubanks Street, Freeman Avenue, Notasulga Road and James Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hickory Street.
• An animal complaint was filed on Sims Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue and Riverside Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.
• A disorderly subject was reported on West Gantts Mill Road.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue and Freeman Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Notasulga Road.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on McNeal Street.
Support one of our adopted dogs
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is a birthday week for a very special dog adopted from our shelter. Phoenix, adopted from our Shelter by Elizabeth at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, is not only a very special dog, but perhaps one of the luckiest dogs ever getting to
spend her life with Elizabeth & Russ. So THIS week is Phoenix’s 9th annual ‘Yappy Barkday Pawty’ Fundraiser at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, 4422 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery (in the Tallapoosa Crossings Shopping Center). This is a week-long ‘party’ starting today through Fri, 28 June from 7:30 am - 5:30
pm daily (and the clinic will also be open at lunchtime this week).
Phoenix celebrates her birthday by asking for donations for our Shelter. Elizabeth has a list at the Clinic or check out our website wish list at http://www. elmorehumane.org/hsecwish-list.html . Phoenix & Elizabeth will also take monetary donations
which will help us pay for medical treatments, vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries and more. Phoenix will have T-Shirts for sale, swag bags, refreshments for us humans, puppacinos, pet treats, bandana station, kissing booth photos and so much more!
Phoenix has raised thousands of dollars and truckloads of supplies for our Shelter which is just incredible and a testament to so many Blue Ridge Animal Clinic clients and their friends and families. So stop by Blue Ridge Animal Clinic this week and thank Phoenix, Elizabeth and everyone at the Clinic for helping our Shelter like this!
Looking ahead, another fantastic local organization, Wetumpka Depot Players, is also helping our Shelter. Tickets are on sale for the upcoming ‘Hooray for Harry Wood’ (11-27 July), starring, Baxter, a very loved pup! Baxter’s human, Janet Cothran Robinson (Depot stage manager) has a heart for taking in older pups and giving them their best life. In honor of her love for
See ADOPTED, Page A5
Pet of the Week — Buster
Buster is a ten-month-old male Terrier mix, about 30 lbs. He came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Buster is very friendly and happy. He is playful and great with both male and female dogs. Like many terriers, Buster can be quite talkative at times.
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
Join Community Hospital in celebrating Men’s Health Month by empowering men and boys to make healthier lifestyle choices. Awareness, prevention, education and family engagement are key to a healthier future.
Health Tips:
• Check-ups: Regular visits to the doctor.
• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Stay active and keep moving.
• Mental Health: Take time for self-care.
Help us spread the word and support the men and boys in your life. ♥
#MensHealthMonth #HealthyLiving #MensHealth #ALHospitals
the humane society. HSEC The phone number is 334-
Sports tourism at its finest
on that same family vacation, I see
Our View Opinion
Ijust abruptly stopped reading the June 18 edition of The Wetumpka Herald, mid-article, to jot down my two cents on recent developments in Elmore County. Was it that urgent? I would say so.
Continue supporting local businesses
There is nothing more important than community. And at the very center of Wetumpka’s community is local businesses.
Down any road, whether that is Company Street, Highway 231 and now Highway 14, local businesses are everywhere. And they need support.
At TPI, we have seen and written about countless businesses that have popped up around town just to see that business leave its spot a few months later because it wasn’t making the money needed to continue.
Now we’re about to see even more.
A new retail center, the River Town Center, had its groundbreaking ceremony Friday. The retail development is going to be located directly across from the main entrance of the Wetumpka Sports Complex on Highway 14.
When businesses begin opening up in the retail center, it will add an opportunity for business to flourish on that side of town since the majority of businesses in Wetumpka are currently on Highway 231.
The city already has three letters of intent from businesses serious about locating in the complex such as a food business, a coffee retailer and another retail operation. When these businesses open up, it will be more important than ever to support them.
This will help a large portion of community members. It will save time and gas for people who live on that side of town and it will help parents and athletes who are playing at the Sports Complex.
And if everyone is supported the way it should, it will help local citizens open up and live their dreams of being business owners.
Owning and running a business is tough. We see that every day with new businesses constantly opening and closing on Company Street.
So when the River Town Center opens up, make sure to head over and support some of our community members.
We’d
Obituaries: 35
must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer. Follow.
If you haven’t already heard of this little ole development in Elmore County called 17 Springs, well buckle up! The project is now in Phase 2 and by all indications, a freight train couldn’t stop this brilliant concept from becoming the next big boom to the river region economy. I say brilliant because of the collaborative efforts by the City of Millbrook, Grandview Family YMCA, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Economic Development Authority and Elmore County Commission.
“This is an example of what you can do when you extract personal agendas and egos and operate as government entities,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. “If you truly want to serve the people you represent, this is what it looks like.”
There have never been truer words spoken.
Years ago on a family vacation, I noticed a sign in Orange Beach that read “Small Town, Big Beach.” At the time Orange Beach wasn’t as crowded as it is now and I thought the concept was genius. In an ongoing attempt to get my money’s worth out of my degree, I immediately started thinking about what Lake Martin could do to mimic the idea. This was preCOVID and the lake hadn’t quite become the hot spot it is now and seeing firsthand what the Gulf Coast was doing for economic development by promoting the beach looked promising.
Fast forward a few years, and
yet another sign in Orange Beach that says “Sports Tourism at its finest.” My head spun around. They have the Gulf! We’d just passed an antique car show with thousands in attendance. Why do they care about sports tourism?
As loudly as I can type this — because we should all care about sports tourism!
Anyone who knows me from my younger days probably thinks I have no business speaking on sports tourism. I did good to toss a flag. “Coach” Steve Savarese had us write on the board in health class what we were grateful for and I wrote “Friday night with friends.” His nickname for me for the rest of my BR days was “Friday Night.” I’ve come a long way and even though I didn’t play sports, I did pay a lot of money for years and years for my daughter and son to play outside of regular school leagues. I’ve seen firsthand what a strong tournament schedule can do for a community. I’ve been to Millbrook’s current complex more times than I can count. They had the most active tournament director of any other complex we traveled to in the state. Thousands of people flocked there week after week to pay for parking, lodging, tournament tickets, tournament fees, food and shopping. Yes, shopping, because a smart director will conveniently space the schedule out enough to give visitors plenty of time to shop between games on multiple days.
In 2014 a community in Texas reported $11.4 million in additional business revenue in just its first year of sports tourism. In recent years the idea has been referred to as a phenomenon. It is considered recession-proof. It is
TIPPY HUNTER General Manager
for the good of the community’s children. It is for their health and well-being. There have also been studies indicating the presence of a sports and entertainment complex has the potential to reduce crime. Sports tourism is smart business.
In the case of 17 Springs, sales and lodging tax increases have already allowed the county commission to fund $20 million quality-of-life projects across Elmore County including adding artificial turf to fields in Holtville, Eclectic and Tallassee. Tallassee is also getting a new recreation center. Hotels have already opened or are under construction, and the potential for two additional are in the works. Already, 100,000 guests have visited Phase 1 in the short time the complex has been operational.
17 Springs is about more than sports tourism. I highly recommend reading Cliff’s latest update in the June 18 Herald for all the jaw-dropping details. Even if you’re like me and don’t live in the immediate area, you need to know what’s in your backyard. For those who live in Elmore County, write, call or go see some of these folks who are working tirelessly for your community. They deserve an enormous thank you! They did it for the greater good and they did it together as a team. That’s not something that happens in every community. My hats off to each of you.
Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
The perilous state of public education
As I conclude 28 years as a public school classroom teacher, I have been revisiting columns that originally ran as “Bird’s Eye View” opinion pieces in The Tallassee Tribune. This one was more bitter than I remembered – and it ran in the spring of 2007. Reading it again now, I’m a little ashamed at how I chose to express my views, but this one was strong enough that it was also carried in The Montgomery Advertiser at the time (I was still working for a radio station in Montgomery back then and the Montgomery newspaper would feature selected Tallassee articles.) Here we go.
This week I had traffic cop duty because I guess our regular police officers think school has ended. Lord knows, the students think it’s over already! Parents don’t like anyone telling them what to do. Try directing traffic while SUVs and school buses blow past, some with arms extended from a drivers-side window displaying a
one-finger salute. We just completed our spring testing schedule, which was spread out over three weeks of school. Now, the springtime assemblies begin, where – almost daily -- various government agencies speak to hormonal teenagers about sex, drugs, and anything else that might be considered bad for their bodies at this age.
Earlier this week, I was involved in breaking up a girl fight. Two girls were goaded into a fistfight because a third girl talked trash about both of them. Boys may push and shove, but girls often have dust clouds, pulled hair, and pieces of clothing flying around during their disturbances -- this was the case
the other day.
It reminded me of the fragile and sometimes perilous state of public education today. We are treading on thin ice supported only by high-stakes standardized test scores, and it scares me to death. Kids are kids, yes. There will be disagreements and disturbances. The occasional bomb threat or rowdy audience at a ball game or concert is expected. My friends who do not work in education often say, “they pay you guys for 12 months’ worth of work and you have 3 months off – must be an easy job”. And the truth is, our educational system can be a wonderful thing. I am blessed to be in a wonderful school system in Tallassee where our administration, faculty, and community is supportive of the efforts of its educators.
Still, there’s got to be a better way. For all the beautiful things
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
I love about teaching school -- seeing that ‘light bulb’ occasionally go off, having students who are the textbook definition of “positive role models”, the parades and pep rallies and games and the school pride – it’s all a delicious flurry of activity that keeps my youth somewhat eternal. But, sometimes, it is difficult to accept the junk that passes by during a typical school day. Like fights. Teenagers are so willing to show their emotions, whether tough or tender. It seems to happen so easily, and all too frequently.
Bomb threats were in vogue earlier this year. We had three or four within the first few weeks of school, and now that we’re getting toward the end, I’m sure our resident terrorist will once again make a few of his intentions known, though nothing has ever been found on our campus.
Critics, such as Neal Boortz, call us “government schools”. The free-thinker in me is very resentful of the fact that my teacher’s union publishes pages and pages of literature that tells us who to vote for, how early, and how often – and lately, they are supporting people who may stand for public education, but not much else. The very people who say they support public school teachers seem to find it difficult to support our students; similarly, these same politicians would be just as happy at a Free Tibet rally, hugging a tree, and eating granola with a spotted owl while holding a sign that reads, “Keep Abortion Legal”. Every single one of us – from the fighting and threatening students, to the argumentative parents in the bus lane, to many of us in this profession – claim to act selflessly, when just about everything we do is as selfish as it can be. In fact, a lot of what we do has very little to do with the children themselves and is more about checking off boxes created for us by some politician somewhere.
Do I sound bitter? Maybe I need to head over to the Teacher’s Lounge for a few minutes to relax. And, after next month, I get three months off from my cushy job as a public school educator.
Michael Bird is a retired music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
ADOPTED
Continued from A2
Baxter and others like him, they will be accepting donations of dog food or cash throughout the Hooray for
Dash of Fashion relocates to Wetumpka from Tallassee
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Dash of Fashion is now open in Wetumpka.
Owner Jenna Wright has brought her upscale consignment selection of clothing to Company Street and it was well received on opening day last Wednesday.
“Everyone has been very supportive,” Wright said. “Several business owners have introduced themselves to me and talked. Some have even shopped.”
Wright wasn’t sure what to expect on the first day.
“I thought we would be busier with consignment than shoppers, but it has been very steady,” Wright said. “We have been very busy. There hasn’t been five minutes that I haven’t had somebody to help.”
All of the clothing in Dash of Fashion is consignment and very little of it is new. There are options for women, men and children. The clothing is gently used in most cases.
“On the men’s side we have more name brands like Polo, Nike, Under Armour and Adidas,” Wright said. “On the
Harry Wood showing to help our pets. They will thank donors with complimentary concessions, and we cannot wait to get our tickets to join in on this fun show!
Don’t forget that you can donate food as well while doing your grocery shopping
women's side we take a lot of brands but are very picky. We have to look at it and see if it is something we take. We don’t take as many dress clothes as we do cute tops, cute pants. Most everything is casual.”
Wright opened Dash of Fashion in Tallassee when she purchased the business in 2013. Three years ago an Eclectic location was opened.
“We had an abundance of consignment and nowhere to put it so we
at our local Wetumpka Winn Dixie! They are keeping this going all summer while our food need is at its greatest so thank you Wetumpka Winn Dixie for thinking of our pets like this. If you have pets and are planning to be away for the
CommunityCalendar
Elmore High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.
JUNE 29
INDEPENDENCE DAY
set in post World War 2 Hollywood and the comedy highlights the struggle of a former silent film star moving into retirement.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
opened in Eclectic to split it up,” Wright said.
“Eclectic has been really good. The people have been really supportive. The businesses are supportive. Overall it has been good.”
Customers had been approaching Wright about coming to Wetumpka for almost two years. Wright saw declining foot traffic in downtown Tallassee and when the truck wrecked on the front door, the decision to move to
4th of July holiday, we sure hope you have made your pet boarding reservations already. Boarding facilities tend to book 100% for long weekends, so don’t delay making appropriate arrangements if you have not already, And this can
Wetumpka was sped up. In six weeks Wright and family moved the store. Hours are still being determined as Wright looks at the shopping patterns of customers.
“We are trying to figure out what works best with this location and with the Eclectic location staying open,” Wright said. We are hoping to eventually be Tuesday through Saturday or Monday through Saturday like Eclectic.”
include updating your pet’s vaccinations as required by any boarding facility so don’t wait til the last minute!
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
sion 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.
CELEBRATION: The City of Wetumpka and Main Street Wetumpka are hosting an Independence Day Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown. The celebration will feature music, fireworks and free family fun.
JUNE 30
PATRIOTIC CONCERT: The City of Prattville is hosting a Patriotic Concert at 3 p.m. at the Doster Community Center at 424 S. Northington Street.
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The Town of Coosada is hosting a Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks Show July 4 at the Coosada Community Center on Pecan Grove Road. Festivities start at 2 p.m. There will be music, vendors and more.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The Lake Jordan
HOBOs are organizing Fourth of July activities on Lake Jordan. First off is the boat parade at 10 a.m. at the state ramp. Text 334-580-0308 to get a number for judging of a decorated boat. The pier contest is open to anyone who decorates with red, white and blue.
Text name, address and location on Lake Jordan to 334-318-9471 to enter.
Fireworks will start about 8:30 p.m. but weather could impact the time.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The City of Prattville is
hosting a Fourth of July Parade in downtown at 9 a.m. Prattville will also hold a Cardboard Boat Race at 10:30 a.m. at Pratt Pool. Fireworks will be at 8 p.m. centered on the Clock Tower.
JULY 11-27
HOORAY FOR HARRY WOOD: The Wetumpka Depot Players are performing Hooray for Harry Wood July 11-27. It is
MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.
JULY 15-19
THEATER CAMP: The Wetumpka Depot Players are hosting a Heroes and Villains theater camp for children ages 8 to 15 July 15 to 19. The cost is $225. To register email Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com.
AUG. 17
CAR SHOW: Cars on the Coosa will be Aug. 17 at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka.
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: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.
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 ses-
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 334-541-2025
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.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE
POINT: Celebrate 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 Christ-centered, 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.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Dash of Fashion has moved from downtown Tallassee to downtown Wetumpka. It offers consignment sales of causual clothing.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County most likely will have its fiscal year 2025 budget approved before the year starts Oct.
1. For the last few months county employees have been working with department heads to pull together the necessary information for commissioners to make a decision about how money will be spent in
Elmore County well on way to 2025 budget
the next fiscal year. “The first draft of the budget is nearly finished,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer told the commission at its Monday meeting. All the document lacks is some information from the Alabama Department of Revenue for Elmore County Revenue Commissioner's Office. It is funding that should be plugged in already, but officials are awaiting confirmation.
The budget is far enough along to most likely allow a few weeks of review by the commission before a vote in August. While the approval is more than a month before the start of the fiscal year, the early budget approval allows county staff to more effectively close the books on 2024 and be ready for 2025. At Monday’s meeting the commission also recognized recent Wetumpka High School graduate Julius Williams for being awarded
a lot.
Baxley was at the Elmore County Judicial Complex working late as he was trying to get accustomed to everything.
“I thought it was time to go home,” Baxley said. “I walked out the door and thought my predecessor Judge Patrick Pinkston had already gone home. I walk out in the parking lot and his truck is still here. I immedi-
the Class 6A Bryant-Jordan Student Achievement Award. IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the June 10 meeting.
• Approved a memorandum of warrants in the amount of $9,194,327.16 for June 1 to 14.
• Set a notice of a public hearing for 5 p.m. July 22 for the proposed vacation of Brantley Road off of
Even with a happy marriage, Charlie relives his The Fourth of July 52 years ago Charlie rode his first bull at the Reeltown
“Everybody said I was gonna get killed,” he said. “I wound up winning the bull riding. I then went on started going to rodeos.”
He got started in clowning on a whim in Gadsden.
“The clown didn’t show up and I told them I would do it,” Charlie said. “I have been doing it ever since.”
Life changed when Margaret came into his life. Now he was responsible for children and taking care of the automotive shop and wrecker business. Although he gave up his regular rodeo attendance
Rigsby Road and an unnamed road off of Brantley Road to an adjoining property owner.
• Approved dates for fiscal year 2025 Elmore County Commission meetings. Most are the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 5 p.m.
• Approved the fiscal year 2025 holiday schedule.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, July 8.
almost four decades ago, he is ready to restart his rodeo clown career in the same community that introduced him to the rodeo. On July 4 and 5, Charlie will revisit his old habits to benefit the Reeltown High School FFA.Charlie has spent months preparing for the big return. He even built a clown car from scratch using metal he has around the shop.
“My first one was built off an A-model frame,” Charlie said. “I sold it back in the day.” Charlie has been practicing his comedy act to be performed on the plowed dirt floor of the rodeo ring. His introduction starts with him driving to the Reeltown rodeo in his homemade yellow car.
Like all investigations, the police can act only on information given to them.
“If anyone sees anything in any case, they should speak up,” Buce said. “Even if they think it is trivial, that small bit of information may help connect evidence in a case.”
The Thompson family is holding out hope. But it’s also not the first time either. According to the family, Jackie Thompson, a nephew of Michael Thompson went missing in 1995 and was found dead two years later. His killer confessed to his murder while being investigated for another death in hopes of getting a plea deal.
“It took us a couple years to get closure,” Felicia said.
Family and friends of Thompson gathered at the gazebo in Tallassee for a candlelight vigil last Tuesday night. It was an effort to keep Thompson’s name out there but also to help the family deal with the emotions.
“I don’t know what to say,” Felicia said. “We are a family. We are going to stay strong. We are going to find Michael Thompson. When we find Michael Thompson, there will come some justice. We are going to look high
ately sent him a text and said it is time to go home.” Pinkston has helped the newly minted judge learn the many things a new district court judge must do. But Baxley noticed one part of the job reminded him of a “There is a thing called a motions queue,” Baxley said. “In Star Trek there are these creatures called Tribbles. They have an amazing ability to breed and multiply. Every motion you rule on, just breeds more motions. They can go on forever.”
Baxley was a 1990 graduate of the University of Alabama Law School along with Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall
“It is gonna be the honeymoon mobile,” he said. “Jethro and Nadine Webster just got married. We stopped by the rodeo on the way to Las Vegas. It’s gonna throw them out the back, blow up and all kinds of stuff.”
Margaret is not gonna be the bride in the car; however the act will be a family affair with grandchildren involved. Charlie believes the Reeltown rodeo will help him get back into the rodeo — so much so, he’s built a trailer to carry his new car. He’s not afraid of injury either.
“I fear nothing,” Charlie said. “I’m gonna step back in it just like I never stepped out of it. I’m getting back into the clown business — I hope.”
and low until we find Michael Thompson. All we have to do is stick together as a family.” David Butler is a friend of the family and helped with the vigil. He shared the story of his brother David Benson who was shot on a Coosa County road. Butler cautioned about pointing blame until more is known. He said during the early stages of the investigation a lot of anger built up in him and he started to blame others for Benson’s death.
“His killer was from Montgomery,” Butler said. “He wasn’t from the area he was in.” Butler said his situation is a little different from what the Thompson family is going through currently.
“I find consolation in that we have answers,” Butler said. “Y’all don’t have any answers.”
Butler offered the Thompson family advice on how to cope in the difficult situation of not knowing what happened to Thompson.
“Stay prayed up because we don’t know,” Butler said. “Keep your head up in all this. I know this family went through this once before. God kept you. He is able to keep you here.”
and Elmore County district court judge Glen Goggans. Baxley’s fellow district court judge gave him some advice especially knowing there are circuit and appeals courts above them.
“I remember hearing district judges say if they don’t like it, they can just appeal,” Goggans said. “Most people don’t appeal. It is very important to remember we are all human beings. We need to all be polite and courteous. We have to call it fairly and accurately.”
Baxley has served as a prosecutor in multiple districts in Alabama, in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and under Marshall in the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,
most recently over the opinion’s division. Marshall said Baxley is well suited for the job he has recently taken in Elmore County calling him highly intelligent, a gifted communicator and a hard worker.
“The man we honor has the disposition and makeup to treat litigants and lawyers in the same manner,” Marshall said. “He will be respected and trusted by all.” Marshall said even attorneys who didn’t win a ruling from Baxley will still respect him.
“When they go home they will have to admit he got it right,” Marshall said.
Interdependence
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge!
There was a very strange liquid coming from the sky earlier this morning. Call me crazy, but I believe people call the stuff “rain”! Next week, our nation will celebrate Independence Day. The holiday recognizes the declaration of independence from England made by the newly formed United States of America. We celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday this year!
I have always loved the Fourth of July. I love fireworks, but there is much more to my admiration for the holiday. I have always experienced it as a time to celebrate what is good about our nation, especially those things derived from our founding.
Over time, I began to be exposed to the not so goods from our nation’s history. Fortunately, I learned these lessons from teachers and elders who understood the relationship between good and not so goods. The two are connected, but they do not cancel each other out. In other words, wrongs do not eliminate rights, nor do rights eliminate wrongs. Rights and wrongs can diminish each other, but they do not cancel each other out. They affect each other, but do not define one another. This is essentially right and wrong on God’s terms. The goodness of God and ongoing revelation of it does not eliminate the not so goods of the human condition. The
goodness of God informs the not so good and has sovereign authority, but it does not negate the not so goods present in life in the flesh.
One of God’s blessings is sometimes overlooked in Fourth of July celebrations. God created the earthly kingdom to be interdependent. In other words, all of the things God created and proclaimed good need each other. Humankind was created to be keepers of God’s interdependent creation.
Interdependence and independence are competing terms according to human definition. You cannot be both. A person is either independent or dependent. We either depend on others or we are self-sufficient, and we all know which option is
Tallassee Churches
identified as the best one. I am one who believes that Independence Day celebrations, observances, and remembrances should be engaged on God’s terms. As such, the foundation of it all is interdependence, not independence. Honoring our nation’s history, the goods as well as the not so goods, should remind us that we need each other.
Think back to the times and places when we have truly come together as a nation. I am not speaking of some “good old days”, because history reveals that what some remember as good others do not. That is the problem with the past, but I digress. The times and places we have
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
flourished as a nation are the times and places we have put difference aside in the name of greater good. This involves sacrifice of self and self-interest. It is God’s definition of interdependence lived out in the mortal life.
The person volunteering or contributing at the food pantry, for instance, is sharing a blessing. The client shopping at the food pantry is as well. The shared blessing is meeting human need as it is where it is. Neither is more valuable than the other. They are interdependent. We should thank God for that!
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Delfin leads the nation in scoring
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Irvin Delfin jumped onto the scene in 2023 as a sophomore. Now in 2024, he’s a household name across high school soccer.
Only a junior, Delfin led the entire nation in scoring this season with Tallassee. Delfin scored 65 goals and added a county-best 21 assists. His 65 goals was 13 higher than the next closest player from Mississippi and his total points (151) were 25 more than the second-place finisher.
Tarpley leads Tallassee to historic season
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee’s soccer season was one for the history books.
Tallasssee, which had been to the playoffs only once, put together the best boys soccer season in program history.
The Tigers went 20-5-4, claimed the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 championship with a perfect 8-0 record, won back-toback playoff games and reached the 5A state tournament.
The team traveled to Huntsville and fell to eventual state champion Gulf Shores, 2-1. Despite the season ending earlier than hoped, Tallassee put itself on the soccer map. For the team’s success, coach Matt Tarpley has been named the 2024 Elmore County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.
“This was a pretty magical season,” Tarpley said. “The boys joked all season that this was the makings of a Disney movie and it really kind of was. For the school and the little town and certainly for the boys to take this ride, it was an honor and a blessing and I enjoyed every minute of it.
They worked hard and earned it.”
Tallassee’s success certainly didn’t come out of nowhere. The Tigers went 16-4 in 2023, but they missed the postseason after going 5-3 in area play and finishing in third place.
Because of what he described as a gut punch, Tarpley knew his team had to change things up to ensure another great season didn’t go to waste.
The Tigers upped their intensity and training in the offseason and Tarpley made one of the toughest schedules in the surrounding area.
Tallassee scheduled four Class 7A teams, including Auburn, and went 2-1-1 against them. Tarpley then scheduled five Class 6A teams including Wetumpka, Stanhope, Ben Russell and Chilton County. Tallassee went 4-0-1 against Class 6A opponents.
Most of those games were close, and it prepared the Tigers for area play.
Instead of going 5-3 and finishing in third place, Tallassee was prepared and swept through its area opponents. The Tigers went 8-0, undefeated for the
His goal total set the school record for Tallassee and finished fourth in AHSAA single-season history. For his historic season, Delfin is the 2024 Elmore County Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY BOYS SOCCER TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: IRVIN
DELFIN, TALLASSEE JUNIOR
Delfin put the country on notice this season. The Tallassee striker scored a nationbest 65 goals to set the school record. He also added 21 assists as the Tigers reached the AHSAA Class 5A Final Four for the first time in program history.
FIRST TEAM
TREY BOSCH, TALLASSEE SENIOR
Bosch was one of the toughest keepers to score on in the entire state this season. He helped Tallassee secure seven shutouts as he recorded 145 saves in 29 games, including six penalty kick saves. He allowed just 1.4 goals per game.
AUSTIN HOLLEY, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Holley, part of Wetumpka’s two-headed monster up top, capped off his career with a stellar season that found him scoring 32 goals, good for third in the county, while adding 15 assists from the striker position.
ASHER JUSTICE, ELMORE COUNTY SOPHOMORE
Justice played one of the most versatile roles in the county this season. Whether he
was trailing an opposing team’s best offensive player or finding the back of the net for Elmore County, he proved to be one of the best.
LEWIS MOSELEY, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE
Moseley proved to be one of the most efficient wingers in the state this season. The young Tallassee star recorded 11 goals but had a knack for great passes as he tallied 19 assists on the season.
JAY MYERS, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR
Serving as one of the team’s captains, Myers scored 10 goals and was one of the team’s leaders in assists as well. His versatility allowed him to succeed both on offense and defense for the Mustangs.
TOM OVERDEIK, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
Overdeik’s first season in Elmore County was a successful one for the talented offensive player. Overdeik was one of the Panthers’ top goal scorers while also tallying up the assists. He had a hand in nearly every goal Elmore County scored this season.
RHETT PINKSTON, WETUMPKA SENIOR Already signed to Virginia Southern, Pinkston proved to be one of the county’s best
defenders this season. While holding teams to just 1.7 goals per game, he also found himself contributing to the offense as he recorded 5 goals and added 10 assists.
YUREN RODRIGUEZ, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE
Rodriguez has the most powerful leg of any player in the county, and the sophomore midfielder showed that off over and over again this season. He scored 25 goals, second best on the team only behind Delfin, and added 8 assists to help Tallassee to 20 wins.
SAM SEGARRA, HOLTVILLE SENIOR Segarra is a multi-sport star for the Bulldogs as he also landed on the All-County wrestling team in March. The senior forward was a big part of Holtville’s success this season and he was also named to Class 5A’s All-State team for his efforts.
STEVEN VASQUEZ, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR Vasquez, who has manned Stanhope’s defense for the past few seasons, moved to center back this season and helped anchor a strong Stanhope defensive line. He was a key piece of the Mustangs’ +45 goal differential this year.
FILE | TPI
Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley led the Tallassee boys soccer team to its playoff win and Final Four appearance in program history.
FILE | TPI
Tallassee sophomore Yuren Rodriguez scored 25 goals for the Tigers this season. He helped lead Tallassee to its first Final Four appearance in program history.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tallassee impresses in summer play dates
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee girls basketball
coach Alfonzo Johnson likes what he’s seen from his team this summer.
Tallassee, which went 16-11 and had a winning season for the first time since 2018 last year, hit the road for a summer play date at Wetumpka last week.
The Tigers went 2-1 in the tournament and beat Class 5A Sipsey Valley by six points, beat Class 5A Elmore County by around 20 points, then lost the final game to Class 6A Pike Road by around six points.
“Overall, I think we did a good job of just flying around,” Johnson said. “We really haven’t done much in terms of putting in plays and presses. But I just told them to get out there and fly around and have fun and get back on defense. We tried to keep things as basic as possible this week and they did that, which was exciting.”
Tallassee’s usual suspects were as good as normal, but Johnson left the play date impressed with two of his youngest players.
Cheyann Easterling, a rising sophomore, and Reese Gough, a rising freshman, both played well. Both were honorable mention selections on the 2023-2024 All-Elmore
Continued from B1
“He certainly had an amazing season,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said.
“It was one that may not be replicated again anytime soon. He’s a supremely talented player, but he also works harder than probably anyone else on the team. Whether it was condition-
County teams, and they look to be making that next step.
Easterling missed parts of basketball season after an injury, and she came in recording a lot of steals and helping the JV girls who were trying to get experience.
Gough, the tallest member of the team, improved on her rebounding and understood her role more, Johnson said.
“At this point, those two are probably the most improved players for us,” Johnson said. “They both did really well and are taking big strides in their game.”
Tallassee’s team is still young. Last year, only one senior was on the Tallassee roster while two freshmen, an eighth grader and a sophomore started. The team was streaky, with the Tigers knocking down shots at a high rate then not making any for minutes on end.
Johnson’s goal this summer is to get more consistent.
“We have to have more spacing on offense,” Johnson said. “Last year, we had a problem of too many people standing around and not making shots and we were too streaky. This summer, we’ve talked about how to get open and what to do when they do get open. We want to figure out how to get more people to make shots instead of it just being a one-person shooting show.”
ing and fitness work in October or a freezing cold practice in January or the semifinal game in Huntsville in May, Irvin showed up and worked every day. That led to his success.”
After Delfin’s scoring abilities were discovered last season, he was moved to striker instead of midfielder so he could take advantage of finding the back of the net.
With that, one would
The team is still young, but inexperience is no longer an issue. All 10 players on the varsity roster have starting experience. Even players such as ShaNiya Gray, who currently is playing a bench role, was a Second Team All-Coun -
expect his goals to increase while his assists decrease.
But both categories doubled from his sophomore season.
He tallied 21 assists, which was one more than the next closest player in the county. While it showed teamwork skills, his ability to find other players also helped himself out because he wasn’t the only scoring threat.
“Irvin made a point this
ty player last season. The team also welcomed London O’Neal, first-year football coach Lawrence “L.A.” O’Neal’s daughter, to the team. She was a First Team All-Outlook player last year for Reeltown. “Everyone now under-
season to get his teammates involved,” Tarpley said. “He understood with the amount of goals he’s scoring, he’s going to draw a lot of attention. It will make his life easier if he shares the ball and gets his teammates involved so opposing teams can’t focus all their attention on him.”
Delfin saw teams’ attention set on him early in the season. The striker scored 12 goals in the first five games, then the double teams came. Then triple teams. Then individual players keying on him and just playing his body instead of a specific position. There were games late in the season where he had two players tailing him; their only goal was to stop him from It didn’t work. None of the strategies stopped him from finding the back of
WETUMPKA SENIOR
Worrell capped off his high school career with a massive senior year. After winning Player of the Year honors in 2023, he improved on his numbers and scored
Continued from B1
stands what has to go down and everyone is doing things with experience,” Johnson said. “This isn’t their first play date and this isn’t their first year on varsity anymore. Even if they’re sophomores, they know what's going on and have done it before.”
the net. His goals actually increased as the season went on. After scoring only 10 goals in the month of March including the only game he was held scoreless, he was on a different level in April.
In 13 games that month, he scored 40 goals which resulted in an average of 3.08 goals per game. He scored at least three goals in nine April games and was held under two goals just twice.
As the season turned into the playoffs in May, he continued his scoring ways. He scored in every Tiger playoff game. He netted two goals against both Demopolis and Brewbaker Tech then scored the team’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to eventual state champion Gulf Shores in the semifinals.
“There were times
38 goals and added 20 assists out of the midfield position. He is signed to play college soccer at the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
SECOND TEAM
Ricky Murillo, Tallassee Francisco Diego, Tallassee Chris Romero, Tallassee Nathan Phelps, Holtville Colt Wesson, Holtville
first time, and outscored Elmore County, Beauregard, Valley and Brew Tech a combined 50-7.
That clinched the area championship and a first-round playoff game for just the second time in program history.
“We knew we had to do something different this year,” Tarpley said. “Our fitness in the fall was ramped up and we were more intentional about our training. Then playing the larger and tougher schools paid off. Nobody laid down or rolled over for us and we had to go out there and compete 29 times this season. Thankfully, it worked out for us more times than not.”
Every achievement Tallassee accomplished also came with a plethora of fans lining the stands of J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
The Tigers were a special team at home. They finished the year with an undefeated record on the home pitch, going 12-0-2. They also got to celebrate some of the biggest moments of the year
when we would try to move him from up top to maybe a wing to try and hide or disguise him,” Tarpley said. “That helped sometimes, but the field isn’t that big and everyone knows what he looks like and what number he’s wearing. When teams would find success defending him, it would just fall to his teammates to find him opportunities to get involved. They did a good job late in the season of getting him the ball in advantageous situations.”
Following the season, Delfin was named to Class 5A’s First Team All-State team for the second time in his career. He was also named to the Super All-State Team, honoring the Top 25 players in the state regardless of classification.
Tate McNeely, Elmore County Dragos Petrov, Elmore County Alexis Cano, Stanhope Elmore
Thomas Ricahrdson, Stanhope Elmore Colby Beyer, Stanhope Elmore Angel Gabriel, Wetumpka Ashton Sipes, Wetumpka
right there in their backyard.
In a 4-2 win over Wetumpka at home early in April, Tallassee claimed the informal Elmore County championship after going undefeated (5-0) against county opponents and beating all four – Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County and Holtville.
Tallassee then clinched its area championship at home in an 11-1 win over Valley.
Nine days later, the Tigers celebrated their first playoff win in school history by beating Demopolis, 5-0.
Later that week, the Tigers hosted their second playoff game of the year and punched their ticket to the program’s first Final Four with a 4-2 win over Brewbaker Tech.
“It’s great being at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium,” Tarpley said. “There’s no place like home and it was phenomenal to experience an undefeated season at home. Every accomplishment we had there got more and more special, especially with the support and the crowds we had. It felt really good to give the Tallassee community something to cheer about and something to get excited about this year.”
TARPLEY
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN | TPI
Tallassee sophomore Cheyann Easterling shoots the ball against Elmore County this summer. Easterling and the Tigers went 2-1 in Wetumpka’s play date.
Tallassee cheerleaders earn honors at cheer camp
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Tallassee cheerleading team had an award winning weekend.
Tallassee participated in the Masters Cheer Camp held at the University of Alabama and walked away with multiple All-American honors and even more awards.
The squad was awarded the Overall Best Transition: Stunt Sequence for its overall performance.
To go along with the big team award, six Tallassee cheerleaders were named UCA All-Americans. Evan Coburn, Caitlin Emfinger,
Katelyn Fussell, Carly Hughes, Chloe Smith and Ava Turner all earned the award. Coburn and Turner also earned a second award when they were given one of the most prestigious awards in the camp: the Pin it Forward award.
Pin it Forward is one of the special duties of a UCA Camp staffer to recognize a camper for a quality that makes them stand out. The award can be awarded at any time throughout camp and for any reason, but specific qualities that camp staff seek out are stepping up to be a leader, setting a good example for their peers, going above and beyond in classes, having a great spirit and smiling.
a.m. at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
Battle for the County returns for second year
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka is looking to keep its bragging rights for another calendar year.
The second annual Battle for the County 7-on-7 Tournament is back this week. Wetumpka, the defending champions, is set to host Stanhope Elmore, Holtville, Elmore County and Tallassee at 5 p.m. Friday at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
The five teams will all play each other one time in a round robin format to begin the tournament before seeds are determined.
Then the five teams will play in a single-elimination tournament with the winner earning the trophy for the next season. The Indians claimed the trophy last year as they went 5-1 and beat Elmore County, 32-0, in the championship game. Elmore County finished second, and Stanhope and Tallassee were third and fourth, respectively. At least three of the county teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks with Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers, Stanhope’s Jacob Bryant and Elmore County’s Ryals McNeely all graduated this past spring.
Ansley hosts 2nd football camp
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Derrick Ansley’s camp is just around the corner. The former Tallassee great and now NFL coach will host his second annual Driven Athletes Free Football Camp from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. The free camp will provide t-shirts, lunch, hydration, performance training and gift bags to all attendees. It is open to players from ages 5-14. Kids or parents can register at www.derrickansley. eventbrite.com.
The former Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator and current Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator returned to Tallassee last summer for the inaugural event. It was a huge success and featured multiple area coaches such as Stanhope Elmore’s Hunter Adams, Elmore County’s Kyle Caldwell and Reeltown’s Torran Smith helping the young players. Current high school players will also be patrolling the fields to give a helping hand when needed.
The Tallassee cheerleading team had six cheerleaders named UCA All-Americans after the Masters Cheer Camp held at the University of Alabama.
Tallassee great Derrick Ansley, now coaching with the Green Bay Packers, talks with a camper in last year’s Driven Athletes Free Football Camp. The second annual camp is on Saturday at 10
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS STATEWIDE (CENTRAL REGION) ENERGY CONTROLS MODERNIZATION
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by The Armory Commission of Alabama, at the State Military Department Building, 1720 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, (P.O. Box 3711), Montgomery, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., Central Time, Thursday, July 11, 2024, for Statewide (Central Region) Energy Controls Modernization, Various Locations, AL (IFB# AC-24-B-0040-S), at which time they will be publicly opened and read in the Second Floor Classroom (Room 201), of the State Military Department, 1720 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, Alabama.
(Power of Attorney is required) payable to The Armory Commission of Alabama in an amount of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 per project, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Completed Disclosure Statements are preferred to accompany the proposal. Performance and Payment bonds will be required at the signing of the contract. All entities must be registered to do business in the State of Alabama. All bidders bidding in must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, open to public inspection at the State Military Department, 1720 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, State Property and Disbursing Point of contact: Larry Crawley, samuel.l.crawley.nfg@army.mil. be obtained from the Architects,
ris, amorris@ahoarch.com), set, which will be refunded in full upon return of documents in good condition within ten (10) calendar days of the bid date. Questions should be addressed, in writing, to Amanda Morris at AHO Architects, LLC, amorris@ahoarch.com no later than 2:00 p.m. CT, Tuesday July 2, 2024. Only those bidders who havements” from AHO Architects, LLC, will be included on the holders” for Addenda or other project information during the bidding period. Any prospecplan holders” must notify, in writing, AHO Architects, LLC of their intent to bid the project by 2:00 p.m., CDT, Tuesday July 2, 2024. A Pre-Bid Conference will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Second Floor Classroom (Room 201), of the State Military Department, 1720 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, Alabama. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend. Any errors or omissions made as a result of not attending will not be grounds for additional compensation.
J. BURTON ROWELL Acting State Property and Dis-
Tallassee Tribune: AC-24-B-0040-S
PUBLIC NOTICE
AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Pursuant to Section 32-131,Code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given to owners,lienholders and other interested parties that the following abandoned vehicle will be sold at a sealed bid auction to the highest bidder at 9a.m. on June 05, 2024 at 313 Jordan Avenue, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Silver E-CLass VIN# WDDZF4JB2JA436900 Seller shall have to right to reject any bid that is unreasonably low and may postpone the public auction until another expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction.
Tallassee Tribune: June 26 and July 3, 2024 AV/18 MERCEDES-BENZ
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
* Please take notice that Central Alabama Automotive & Towing, will offer for sale at Public Auction to the highest bidder for
Public Notices
g cash, for the following vehicles: 1.) 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO vin: 1GCUYDED1MZ144705 2.) 2007 MUSTANG GT vin: 1ZVHT82H975306216 3.) 2012 BMW 328i vin: WBA3A5C51CF257827 4.) 2004 NISSAN FRONTIER vin: 1N6DD26T14C464614 5.) 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN vin: 2C4RDGBGXDR732744
The Public Auction will be held at Central Alabama Automotive & Towing, located at 839 Rock Springs Dr. Tallassee, Al. 36078 during the business hours of 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on August 2nd, 2024. The seller shall have the right to reject any bid that is unreasonably low and may postpone the public aucand place. In addition, the seller expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction. CENTRAL ALABAMA AUTOMOTIVE & TOWING 839 ROCK SPRINGS DR. TALLASSEE AL. 36078
Tallasee Tribune: Jun. 26 and July 3, 2024 AV/21 CHEVY
SUMMER READING FUN
WELL UNDERWAY IN ECLECTIC
Elmore County girls see growth in play dates
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County’s girls
basketball team has seen some growth this summer, but coach Kyle Caldwell is still looking for a consistent scorer.
Elmore County has played in two summer play dates the last two weeks. The Panthers made the trip two weeks ago to Wetumpka where they faced off with Tallassee and Benjamin Russell.
A week later, they played Dadeville and Beulah at Reeltown.
While the first play date didn’t go quite the way Caldwell and his team would have liked, it was a much better experience at Reeltown.
“From the first week, you could really tell we were much more prepared and played cleaner with more practice,” Caldwell said.
“We had less turnovers and we scored more points.
Scoring is going to be the biggest thing for us this year. We need girls to step up and score every game if we are to sustain any success this year.”
Caldwell’s roster is full of guards, and he has plenty of depth just like he did last year.
The issue is with his two main scorers from a year ago, All-County stars Emily Mason and Kyasia Brown both graduated. Now, the scoring is being turned over to role players. In the last two weeks of
play dates, Caldwell has seen players such as Cherish Foye, Lalah Culpepper, Addison Hicks and Avery Hull step up and play those roles.
“Lalah and Cherish did a really good job of scoring the ball this summer,” Caldwell said. “Avery shot the ball well from outside in the Reeltown play date. Now we just need to keep that consistency going into the fall and the winter.”
While Caldwell looks for scorers, he also has to strategize the best way to use them and the rest of the team. He is trying to figure out whether it’s better to run more zone defense than man defense, that way his team doesn’t get as tired out chasing offensive players around on possessions.
Elmore County’s defense has been a staple of the team the last few years, and the team has pressed teams with much success. That is another question mark as Caldwell figures out what this team can do defensively.
“We have to figure out how to keep our main scorers energized enough to continue scoring,” Caldwell said. “I think the fun part of the summer is seeing what we can work on and figuring out what the girls pick up. And I think it’s fun for the girls too. They’re not wanting to sit there and do the same thing every day so finding new schemes and strategizing is the fun part of summer.”
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN TPI
ABOVE: Elmore County’s Cherish Foye, left, drives to the hoop against Tallassee in a summer play date last week.The Panthers have played in five games the last two weeks.
BELOW: Elmore County’s Addison Hicks looks to pass the ball against Tallassee in a summer play date.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED TPI
The Eclectic Public Library hosted a program on the outdoors last week as it celebrates children’s reading with “Let the Adventure Begin in Your Library.” The library recently hosted Jimmy Lanier and Bill Garnett at the Eclectic Warehouse for a program on trails, mountains and towers in Alabama. The library’s ukulele group, The String Alongs, entertained the children and parents. They all joined in a song written just up the road — Hank Williams’ Kowaliga. An Indian and Indian maiden also made an appearance in the program.