Grant aids to enforce speed limits
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Policing in small towns is hard. Patrol makes sure neighborhoods are safe as everyone works or sleeps. Patrol also responds to calls for help.
For small departments such as the Tallassee Police Department, it can be difficult to set aside time to slow speeders because of the cost of manpower. Recently the department was awarded a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Consumer Affairs (ADECA) to aid in
the costs. The results speak for themselves.
“Our guys have been doing some great work,” Mayor Sarah Hill said. “I have seen a large increase in patrol and traffic stops.”
Between 6 p.m. Sunday, April 21 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 28
the Tallassee Police Department performed 86 traffic stops on Gilmer Avenue, Central Boulevard, Barnett Boulevard among others. Over the last few years the department has seen many wrecks — some of which were fatal. Almost all were a result of
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
n 1965 Bernice Paschal Rivers Barton-Simmons Cooper was one of seven Black students to integrate Tallassee City Schools. Two were her sisters but she was the only high school student. The students in the lower grades might have had an easier time than Cooper, but she found a way to persevere.
“I didn’t get any studying done that first year,” Cooper said. “I made all Ds accept an A in PE. I think the loneliness brought me closer to God during the time.”
She had been at the all Black R. R. Moton High School when she started attending classes just up the street at Tallassee High School.
Cooper’s experience with integration was not as bad as
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
others experienced elsewhere.
“When I look back over my experience in Tallassee, I was truly blessed,” Cooper said. “There were struggles but not as hard and obvious as other places.”
After the first year, everything improved for Cooper leading to a fruitful life.
“I figured it out for the next year and got back on track by See FIRST, Page A6
Bernice Paschal Rivers Barton-Simmons Cooper was inducted into this year’s Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride. The 1970 graduate helped integrate the school in 1965.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
School board mulling a change to cell phone policy
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Jim Davis works for Tallassee City Schools. He has crawled all over the new building. Davis led the tour of his classmates but took time to play the drums ine band room.
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Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
APRIL 28
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Tallassee Highway.
• Harassment was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A suspicious subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An assault was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A missing person was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Coon Creek Landing Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Highway 229.
• Assistance was given to another agency on South Dubois Street.
APRIL 27
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Evergreen Street.
• A missing person was reported on Jefferson Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Herd Street.
• A domestic incident was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Wall Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Log Circle.
• A noise complaint was reported on Evergreen Street.
• Gunfire was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverside Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Washington Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on James Street.
• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Darnell Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
APRIL 26
• Criminal mischief was reported on Hickory Street.
• Disorderly conduct was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverside Avenue.
• A fight in progress was reported on West James Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard, Freeman Avenue and Riverside Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Walnut Street.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
APRIL 25
• A juvenile complaint was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Lakewater Drive.
• A noise complaint was reported on Evergreen Street.
• An arrest was made on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Animal control was requested on Softball Way.
• Theft was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given
Pet of the Week — Finley
to a citizen on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Third Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on East Patton Street.
• A domestic incident was reported on Freeman Avenue.
APRIL 24
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on First Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Adams Street.
• Animal control was requested on First Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Third Street and Freeman Avenue
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
APRIL 23
• Harassing communications was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on Herd Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Reckless driving was reported on McArthur Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Grimes Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ashley Lane.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Barnett Bou-
Finley is an 8-month old male Great Pyrenees mix who weighs about 80 pounds. He was surrendered to us for escaping his 4-foot, 5-inch fence to go eat neighboring chickens so he needs a 6-foot fence to keep him home safely. We were told he was housetrained, good with children, other dogs and cats. He is a big goofy boy who loves head scratches and attention and is very easily distracted. 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
levard.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Potts Drive.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.
APRIL 22
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.
• A domestic incident was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Log Circle.
• Animal control was requested on South Ann Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on McNeal Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Cricket Ridge. APRIL 21
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on James Street.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• Animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
APRIL 24
• Robbery and burglary was reported on Coosa River Parkway.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. APRIL 20
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
APRIL 19
• Criminal trespass was reported on Nolen Lane. APRIL 18
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
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 334-5673377 and the website is www. elmorehumane.org.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Recognizing vets and pets
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This past Saturday was World Veterinary Day, but we think that should be 365 days/year.
Because the vast majority of us were not visiting our vet on Saturday, please take a minute to send a note or make a call or just remember next time you are at your vet to thank them for all they do.
Veterinarians are pretty special medical experts when you think of it — they are general practitioners, surgeons, parasitologists, anesthesiologists, orthopedists, neurologists, behaviorists, oncologists, pharmacists, epidemiologists, gerontologists, dentists and so much more all wrapped up into one
person. And, oh by the way, they have to have that knowledge for more than one species and about breeds of these species that may have very specific medical needs and challenges. Please never short-change the medical knowledge and skills of your veterinarian as they are doctors who have made it through a very rigorous, competitive and demanding educational hurdle to attain the title of DVM. And for those who don’t have pets – you need to also be thankful for all those in the veterinary profession as they keep our food supply safe, see to the welfare of animals in our food production system, zoos, natural environments and further protect us from disease and issues affecting animals and humans
together through research and hands-on work.
This Tuesday was also National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
We love this day to bring awareness of all the wonderful pets that are in Shelters locally and across our country.
Right here in the River Region we have three shelters that are housing a total of approximately 800-900 pets in all of our shelters and foster homes. And that number will climb rapidly with the advent of kitten season and will easily top 1000 by summer. That is a lot of displaced pets in need of new and loving homes for one three-county region.
In this day and age you can easily check out pets looking
for homes using the internet –the two oldest and most active sites are www.petfinder.com and www.adoptapet.com. Now will you see 800+ pets online between our three shelters? No, as many are in the various stages of being held in hopes their owner will reclaim them, or under medical treatment, or too young for adoption, or being evaluated for any behavior issues, possibly being held for court actions, waiting spay/neuter appointments, etc. Shelter staff play a kind of animal Rubik’s cube all day long as new animals come in, medical issues are addressed, fosters step up, animals are readied for adoption, adoptions & transfers (to rescue partners) happen, and yes, euthanasia is determined to
be necessary. What you will get when adopting from our area Shelters are pets that have been fully vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, spayed or neutered prior to (in our Shelter’s case) or as a condition of adoption and microchipped.
Shelter staff also evaluate these pets and do their best to help potential adopters make a good adoption choice based on numerous factors that take into account the pet’s personality, activity level, breed propensities as well as the adopter’s lifestyle, living situation, personal preferences, etc. Since far too many of these pets have been discarded at least once, our goal is to help make a ‘good fit’ placement that will be successful for pet and human alike which is the key to successfully ‘adopting’ a pet.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Council using ARPA funds to pave parts of South Ann
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
With no news yet on grant funding to pave a street in downtown Tallassee, the city council approved using city funds to pave a pothole-riddled South Ann Avenue.
The city has an application in for Rebuild Alabama funds to pave South Ann to Comer Avenue. With the downtown Tallassee streetscape project coming to an end, city leaders wanted to make sure portions of the street looked as nice as the side-
walks and other streets downtown.
“This fixes the immediate problem of the potholes on South Ann Avenue to James Street and just past the barber shop,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said.
The council approved at its Tuesday meeting using $60,000 to make it happen but hopes the grant comes through to allow more paving on South Ann.
“If we get the grant we will pave it down to Comer,” Hill said. “The funding might come this year or next.”
The council solved
some issues of potholes on a public street with a vote and city funding. But it is limited what it can do on private property.
Resident Heather Burton told the council a Waste Management truck that has used her driveway to turn around at the end of a dead end street. The weekly maneuver has all but destroyed the driveway.
“This has been an ongoing problem,” Burton said. “I noticed chunks of my driveway were being taken away.”
In November 2021 Burton came home to find a
Ivey appoints Baxley to Elmore County District Court Judge
ty with the same fair justice that they have come to expect from the Elmore County court system.”
Waste Management truck in her driveway almost to her carport.
“He saw me and said he was just trying to pack it down for you,” Burton said. “I know it has been messing up when I turn around here. He said there is no other way for him to turn around. He said he has been turning around in my driveaway and it’s torn up.”
Burton has been trying to contact Waste Management to no avail. She sent emails to the city council and Hill about the issue.
Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Ben Baxley as Elmore County District Court Judge on Wednesday.
Baxley replaces Judge Patrick Pinkston who was appointed to the 19th Circuit Court as a judge.
“A dedicated prosecutor and legal scholar, Ben Baxley possesses 35 years’ solid experience in both the state and federal judicial systems,” Ivey said in a release. “He brings to the bench integrity and great knowledge of our legal system. I have no doubt that he will serve the people of Elmore County with honor and professionalism.”
Pinkston was sworn in on April 5 as Circuit Judge, Place No. 1 on the 19th Judicial Circuit serving Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties. Pinkston was appointed to the circuit judgeship position by Ivey on April 1 to fill a vacancy created by Ivey’s appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals on Feb. 28.
“I am grateful and humbled to be selected for this position,” Baxley said.
“Being chosen to serve the people of Elmore County as District Judge is one of the greatest honors of my life. The judges and staff of the 19th Judicial Circuit have already welcomed me with open arms, and I look forward to providing Elmore Coun-
Baxley began his legal career in 1990 as Assistant District Attorney in Tuscaloosa County where he handled drug prosecutions. In 1995, he became Chief Deputy District Attorney for DeKalb and Cherokee counties, where he prosecuted drug cases and major crimes of violence. There, he was instrumental in creating the Partnership for a Drug-Free DeKalb County. In 2007, he was appointed as prosecutor for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office handling public corruption and violent crimes throughout the state. In 2015, he assumed the position of Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama where he implemented the Smart on Crime initiative, served as the Re-entry Coordinator, District Elections Officer, Indian Country Liaison and finally, Deputy Criminal Chief. In 2020, Baxley returned to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office as Chief of the Opinions Division.
A Sylacauga native, Baxley graduated from B.B. Comer High School at the age of 16 before receiving his undergraduate degree with a double major in English and History from the University of Montevallo. He earned his law degree from The University of Alabama.
Baxley plans to begin serving on May 17. A formal investiture ceremony will be scheduled following May 17.
While the city can’t officially do anything about it, Hill has made contact with Waste Management who is supposed to contact Burton.
The only thing the city can do is possibly go with another garbage provider when the contract with Waste Management expires in 2026. Hill noted others have complained about Waste Management. Tallassee has been using Waste Management for 24 years.
Hill suggested starting the bidding and negotiating process for garbage in the next year before the deadline gets too close. Other garbage providers in the area include GFL and Arrow Disposal.
IN OTHER ACTION THE TALLASSEE CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the March 12 meeting.
• Approved the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention report.
• Waiting for a presentation from the Alabama Department of Revenue on collecting sales tax. Avenu is currently contracted to do it.
The next meeting of the Tallassee City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.
Baxley
It was beautiful until it wasn’t
The weather was great Saturday. There was plenty to do
around. The evening in Tallassee promised to be fun evening of music.
Wetumpka was busy. People were downtown walking by the hanging baskets as they visited shops.
The City of Wetumpka was hosting an Earth Day Celebration at the farmers market. It was the largest crowd I have ever seen there. People had parked all the way up the hill to the city’s shop where they stage everything for landscaping downtown.
Just outside the fence is a fresh mound of some of the blackest topsoil I have ever seen.
I can only imagine the vegetables that could grow in the fertile dirt.
The crowd was large enough I parked on the hill next to the mound of dirt. I had followed a dark green Chevrolet Silverado up the driveway to the shop.
I was on my phone and didn’t think too much about the truck backing in with its tailgate to the pile of dirt. I thought it would be easier for the driver to leave when they were finished at the market.
But before I could finish my phone call, something shocking happened.
I saw the driver of the truck lower the tailgate, remove a shovel and yes, he started to load the top soil into the bed of the truck.
I walked down the hill to the market and reported it to city staff. They shook their heads in disbelief.
I went about my job talking to a few vendors and taking a few photographs of some of the beautiful items for sale for the paper
I thought surely the driver was only getting enough to fill a small bucket.
After a while I returned to my car. The truck had moved just down the hill as if the driver was trying to
One year. 365 days. 525,600 minutes.
That’s how much time has passed since my little brotherin-law died May 1, 2023.
One year feels like a lifetime and feels like a split second all at the same time. It’s hard to describe grief, and y’all know I’ve used this space enough to describe that conundrum.
Grief is all encompassing, even in the moments when it’s not as strong. Even in the happy moments, the grief is there. It’s like a cloud over everything — sometimes that cloud is dark and rainy, and other times the cloud shows the sun a little from behind it. But either way, it’s always there. But it’s important to try to find strength in those small moments, the moments where the grief isn’t so bad and it feels more like a warm blanket to think about the memories of a lost loved one.
Recently, our staff remembered the one-year mark since the April 15 shooting in Dadeville, and on that day, I was pleased to see my
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Email: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries:
.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
timeline flooded with pictures of strength from the survivors. Shamiyah Laney was shot in the jaw, and she posted a few pictures of just how far she’s come since the shooting. She is a walking miracle.
Trinity Richards is another one who I developed a relationship with after interviewing her about her journey of survival. She was in a coma for three weeks, and when I asked what she’d accomplished she wasn’t supposed to, she said simply, “Well, I lived.” Yes, girl. Yes you did. I find strength in these girls — girls I just hope I can be a little bit like.
When I reflect on my brother Dylan (we don’t use “in law” or “step” much around my family), all I think about is his strength.
He was a soldier in the U.S. Army, he was a great husband and he was on his way to being a father. I remember the last text I received from him before he died, and he was sending me words of strength after the mass shooting. He always had the right thing to say, even if it was just to make you laugh. And that laugh gives me strength — even just the memory of it.
sure, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long. It’s enough time for a bit of healing, but it’s certainly not enough time to close the wounds. the good times, and to remember that life still goes on. Surround yourself with the ones you love and try to make the most of
V-E Day to the Embassy Rooftop
These days mark a couple of significant anniversaries in United States – make that world – history. The world remembers May 8 as V-E Day, Victory in Europe. This week is the 79th anniversary of that historic day.
World War II had taken its toll in Europe. By the spring of 1945, the Allies had turned the tide of the war. The Axis Powers, led by Germany and Italy, were faced with surrender. Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, was executed on April 25. Days later, on April 30, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his underground bunker. While Germany and its conquered territories hung on a few more days, the end was near.
V-E Day was declared on President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday. Celebrations were held all over the world, but in the U.S., especially Times Square. In President Truman’s address to the nation, he expressed his only regret was that President Franklin Roosevelt had not lived to see the historic occasion (he had died on April 12).
World War II is rightly remembered as a time of heroes, one of the few times in our history in which Americans were all on the same side. The entire globe was engulfed in a war against the worst evil humankind had ever seen.
This week, we also remember the 49th anniversary (April 30, 1975) of the official end to our involvement in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War had been going on a long time before the U.S. got involved in French Indochina in the late 1950s. America was in no mood for the expanse of Communism, particularly in those post-World War II years, and had been involved with the war in Korea during the interim.
President John Kennedy came
in fighting Communism on nearly every front: the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race with the Soviet Union, to name a few. It was understandable, then, for the U.S. to get involved with South Vietnam.
As the years went by, following President Kennedy’s assassination and throughout all of President Lyndon Johnson’s term in office, the Vietnam War escalated at a frightening pace. Public opinion turned against the war effort by the late 1960s, and President Richard Nixon was elected thanks to his so-called “secret plan” to end the war.
The war continued through the Nixon years, and even expanded into other countries such as Cambodia and Laos. By 1973, the United States had decided to leave, and troops were withdrawn.
58,000 Americans were estimated to have been killed and 300,000 wounded during the war. It was one of the longest, bloodiest, and most divisive conflicts in American history.
So, in 1975, as the U.S. prepared to leave the embassy in Saigon, we watched helplessly as the last Americans out were doing all they could to help the South Vietnamese before the North took over. Helicopters loaded with refugees landed on aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean, then were pushed out to sea to make room for more. Desperate Vietnamese clung to ladders on the last choppers off the rooftop, but we left them behind as the North Vietnamese tanks stormed the gates of the presidential palace.
What is striking as we recall these anniversaries is that the country used to care about what was happening around the world. It has been replaced with a bitter cynicism that penetrates every corner of our society. On V-E Day, we celebrated the liberation of Europe and honored our veterans returning home. When Saigon fell, many disrespected the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought so valiantly. Today, while many of us are buried in our cell phones responding to social media posts about celebrities and politicians, the seeds are being planted for World War III.
Hamas viciously attacked Israel – a country created at the end of World War II – back in October. Iran recently sent drone attacks into Israel, as well. The far left and far right appear to be united in their anti-Israeli sentiment, while middleof-the-road politicians, including President Biden, are criticized for their unwavering support of Israel. College campuses are currently hotbeds of pro-Hamas, anti-Jewish protest. When did it become chic to hate the Jewish people?
For nearly two years, the people of Ukraine have been brutalized by Russia and thuggish leader Vladimir Putin. My sister-in-law, who is Ukrainian, reported that the building next door to her father’s workplace was bombed – the people who live in Ukraine are so accustomed to wartime, it has become a normalized part of their lives.
As we recall the anniversaries on this week in history, may we be prayerful that the United States always remains on the side of what is right as we do our best to support the cause of democracy around the globe.
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY
PHOTOS BY CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
A few hundred friends of the Tallassee and Friendship fire departments took over South Ann Avenue Saturday for Sounds and Sirens. The music festival brings back the Street Dance once held in downtown Tallassee — this time to benefit the fire departments. All three acts had local connections to firefighters and performed for hundreds. They sang a mixture of classic covers and original songs. Local group Mother Moonpie performs all across the area. Autauga County native Brandon Jordan played got everyone to dancing and Jessie Wilson closed out the show.
Local food vendors joined Grove Station and Talisi Olde Grill to help the firefighters provide something fun for all to do on a Saturday night.
Law enforcement to get mental health help
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Editor’s Note: This story contains information about suicide and may be triggering to some readers. If you are suicidal or having suicidal ideations, please call 988 immediately.
Many police departments, sheriff’s departments and even fire departments have a volunteer chaplain program. But sometimes those volunteers are unavailable to assist officers and victims in emergencies.
The Wetumpka City Council has already approved its portion of funding the position. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the county’s portion will go through the budgeting process with the Elmore County Commission starting in June. Franklin has already had preliminary talks with county leaders about the need for such a position.
“It is one of the main topics in developing our budget going forward,” Franklin said. “It will help our employees and will help Wetumpka and those in the
To help combat the problem, the Wetumpka Police Department and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office are creating a shared position to aid first responders. “This is a peer support program,” Wetumpka deputy police chief Ed Reeves said. “It will be coordinated by one person as a chaplain.”
UNTIL Continued from A4
hide it. I saw the truck was now squatted. I saw black dirt on the bumper.
My interest spiked and I walked closer to the truck and noticed some-
thing — the bed was now filled with the black dirt when just 30 minutes ago it was empty. It was dirt intended to make Wetumpka more beautiful.
The driver was trying to save himself a few bucks, but at what cost?
The cost of the dirt is
surrounding area. It is something we will all benefit from.”
The departments have a chaplain program, but leaders realized more needed to be done to help with possible mental health issues related to scenes and victims officers encounter.
Discussions sped up following the unexpected February death of Elmore County deputy sheriff Stephen Sims. The Fultondale Police Department called it a suicide and said Sims died of a self inflicted gunshot wound while attending law enforcement training on sex abuse cases.
“That event brought the idea of the need for a full-time position to the front row,” Reeves said. “It will serve many purposes. The main one is for the
inexpensive. What the driver took might have cost less than $100. While there is no way to truly quantify the return on investment of $100 of top soil, I am willing to bet it makes ten fold the cost.
But that is $100 of taxpayer money meant to
officers to have a source to go to if they have issues they need to talk about or need to decompress from scenes they have been to.”
The FBI reports suicide among law enforcement officers is not uncommon.
In 2022, 32 law enforcement officers died by suicide in the United States, according to FBI nine attempts were not successful.
The FBI said potential factors contribute to law enforcement suicide such as relationship problems, burnout, depression and PTSD.
The position will also aid officers in death notifications, and here are more ways the position will aid not only law enforcement but the public.
beautify the town. It was an investment to make downtown and beyond more beautiful. An investment to get people to spend more time in town. An investment to encourage people to spend more money in town. I know the city will still go on.
“Any time there is a critical incident with officers or deputies involved, they can assist the officers in working through issues so they don’t take it home or keep it bottled up,” Reeves said. In the past a scaled down program to help officers has been handled with the assistance of volunteer chaplains.
“This creates the position to make it a full time,” Reeves said. “It makes sure someone is always available. In a volunteer program, someone might not always be there.”
Sharing the position means no one agency is footing the costs of the position. The salary and benefits for the position will be split between the city and county.
I know city staff will still make things beautiful. And Saturday was a beautiful day until it wasn’t because of a driver taking advantage of a pile of dirt. Maybe karma will strike and the driver’s garden will not be as
good this year as he took a shortcut to a fruitful harvest.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.
Creature Chronicles
Peafowl, local Airbnb attracts visitors with a farm
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
The Bella Luna Farm is an Airbnb outside of Tallassee off of I-85 in Shorter.
Owners Jason Price and Teresa Forbus-Price have peafowl, turkeys, chickens, chicks, cats, a dog, goats and alpacas all at Bella Luna.
Forbus-Price said they are both widowers and once they started getting more serious about their relationship they started talking about where they wanted
to live and what they envisioned for their lives. They both wanted space for some farm animals like maybe chickens, maybe a goat or even an alpaca. Then it grew from there.
Price said overall the goat care is fairly low maintenance. The goats get vaccinated, plenty of food and water and trim the hooves — the hooves trimming is the hardest part.
With both Price and Forbus-Price working full-time, they haven’t tried milking
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024
Building Lots, & Commercial
the goats yet. Instead, they primarily breed goats for pet purposes. Some of the goat breeds they have are Anglo-Nubians and Nigerian Dwarf goats. As for the other animals, the alpacas are the next most similar to the goats. They too are lower maintenance than most might think. The only thing that could get tricky is shearing, but Price and Forbus-Price know of a company that travels around shearing alpacas, so the company comes by every
once in a while. The main Airbnb set up is within the alpaca enclosure in the form of a treehouse. The treehouse is 30 feet high and sleeps four guests. For-
bus-Price said they get quite a few visitors coming back from the beach or another destination, who are looking
for a neat place to stop. With 17 acres and a range of animals, Bella Luna provides just that.
getting right with God,” Cooper said.
Cooper overcame by realizing she was representing her church — Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Black community. The struggle was more personal for Cooper as she was going through puberty at the time she moved to Tallassee High School. But she had to wait to talk such issues through with her friends in the church choir.
“The only time they really talked to me was during PE,” Cooper said.
SPEED
Continued from A1
“Sometimes you need to judge a hand on the shoulder or handshake to feel better. I always kept my faith in God. He was my best friend.”
Cooper missed her friends at Moten but she was doing more than paving a way for other Black girls. “I had better books and more opportunities,” Cooper said. “My experience was pretty good. I still have good relationships to this day.”
Cooper was used to being around the community both white and Black before her move to Tallassee. She was raised by her grandparents Elma
“People are trying to get in and out,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said. “Some of the entrances have dips for the entrances. There isn’t much the city can do to improve them.”
The dips mean automobiles have to move slower and need extra time.
The city can request changes but the decision to increase or decrease
CLASS
Continued from A1
Thompson, a housekeeper for Mr. and Mrs. Roberts Blount at Seven Gables and Chester Paschal, a textile worker for Mt. Vernon Mills.
At Moton, Cooper was a member of the choir and drama club, played softball and was treasurer of the Student Government Association. At Tallassee she continued her involvement beyond the classroom excelling in track and field, volleyball, the civic squad, and gymnastics. She was given a standing ovation for her rendition of “Rambling Rose” during her class play, “Girl Crazy.” Cooper left Tallassee for school in Tuskegee and in Florida. She was a nurse for 45 years State of Florida and Orange County Corrections departments. Macon County Commission chairman and former dean of Southern Vocational Community College Louis Maxwell has been around Cooper much of her life.
the speed limit rests with ALDOT.
Last summer the Tallassee Police Department concentrated on speeders, especially on Gilmer Avenue following complaints from business owners and residents on the four lane road.
Just a couple of hours in, more than 200 vehicles had been radared doing more than 10 MPH over the posted 35 MPH speed limit.
“We only found two that were traveling the speed limit,” Buce said.
The grant funding helps the
“Bernice is a perfect example of a servant professional who dedicated her talent and commitment to service to mankind,” Maxwell said. “I am impressed by her dedication to her spiritual calling and how she has never wavered in her faith in God.”
department cover the cost of the extra patrol. He said the state and courts collect the majority of the fines and costs assessed in a speeding ticket.
“When officers go to court with a traffic ticket, we normally have to pay some overtime somewhere,” Buce said. “We have to pay to cover the shift while the officer is in court. We also have to take the officer out of normal patrol for the speeding detail. We are thankful for the grant because it helps make the streets safer for everyone.”
“This is all coming together here now,” retired Army SFC Danny Hunter said. “The principal’s office is in the same spot. The hall was longer with more classrooms. How it leads to the gyms is the same.”
Hunter played basketball in what is called the new gym and took PE in the old gym. Those buildings are still in use for similar functions.
Hunter’s military career took him around the world and back. All together Hunter served 21 and half years in places such as Germany and retired
POLICY
Continued from A1 reunion.
from the recruiting station in Miami. He returned to Elmore County to the JROTC at Wetumpka High School where he is still at 30 years later.
Hunter took a tour of the new school led by classmate and Tallassee City Schools IT director Jim Davis. He gave his classmates an idea of plans for the future such as a new cafeteria, more classrooms and a new gym.
“When we can get the funding,” Davis said.
They all climbed the stairs and Darrell Brooks chimed in.
“This looks familiar,” he said. “Turn down that hall and that was science with Mr. [Paul] Boulware.”
into modifying the current policy to add technology such as smart watches.
“The policy as written has been there for years,” superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said. “They are not supposed to be on and they are supposed to be hidden.”
Nolin said prior high school administrators had grown lax when enforcing the board policy. With the language update needed, Nolin and the board are investigating other steps such as a pouch-like device similar to the Yondr used at Stanhope Elmore. Staff and parents were surveyed.
“Most of the staff liked the idea,” Nolin said. “Most of the parents are against the idea.”
The survey received 298 responses and 67.8% of respondents said no to a pouch.
“If a personal, wireless communication device is brought by a student to Tallassee City Schools, it must be kept hidden and in the off position at all times during the school day,” the
current policy states.
Brooks grew up in the Redland community and now lives in Newnan, Georgia. He drives through town as he heads to Clanton to visit family. But never stops as his family has moved on.
Brooks remembered Boulware’s paddle — “The Board of Education.” He also remembered a familiar way Boulware gave back papers.
“He flipped your test back to you,” Brooks said. “If it didn’t fly he would say, ‘Your paper has no backbone.’ My paper never flew.”
Brooks chatted with Sylvia Farrow Phillips in the new science lab. Phillips said the lab looked much like the one she remembered.
Of those taking the survey, 58.7% said the current policy should not be enforced, yet 65% said cell phones were a distraction to the learning environment.
Several parents left comments saying it should fall to parenting.
“If current policy is enforced there is no need for the pouch,” one parent said. “If the policy is to place phones somewhere in the room as they enter and take when they leave that should be enforced.”
The parent believes there needs to be consistency in enforcing the policy for it to be effective.
Other parents said parents should be the ones to handle the discipline issues related to cell phones.
“If my child becomes disruptive with his phone, and I am notified, I will take it away,” the parent said. “I believe students should be allowed to have their phones during non-instructive downtimes.”
Another parent said their child has a cell phone to contact them in case of an emergency. They track their child’s use of the phone through an app.
“I know for a fact she turns it off
“We could have killed two or three frogs in here,” Phillips said. “I remember dissecting them.”
Phillips too grew up in the Redland community. After she returned to be a special education teacher in Elmore County for 17 years. Then went on to be a special education coordinator in Bullock County for 10 years.
Phillips remembers the old halls from 50 years ago and wonders what she would have done in the new building.
“This is awesome. It’s state of the art,” Phillips said. “I can’t see an excuse why children can’t learn these days. If I had it like this, I probably would not have left high school.”
when she gets on the bus and turns it back on when she’s on the bus ride home so I can track where her school bus is, too,” the parent said in the survey.
Another parent said they had taught their student when it is appropriate or not to use the phone.
“I expect them to also demonstrate that at school,” the parent said. “Improper use of a phone should follow the same violations as any of the other punishments that the school board has already outlined.”
Some parents believe the punishment should follow that of many other infractions: first offense should be a verbal warning, second offense should be detention and a letter sent home to the parent and third offense should be suspension. Nolin hasn’t yet made up his mind on what to recommend to the board of education on a possible change to the policy.
“I’m still thinking about it,” Nolin said. “I have shared the responses with the board last week so they gather their own thoughts. We will discuss it at the next board meeting this month.”
Eclipse a reminder of God
An event occurred recently with millions of people driving cross country and spending thousands of dollars to view the total eclipse of the sun. Granted, for many, this was a once in a lifetime event. Many will not be living to see the next eclipse in 2044 with totality only occurring over North Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada. The next total solar eclipse with a coast-to-coast path spanning the lower forty-eight states will occur on August 12, 2045. If I made wagers, I would bet I will not be here to see it again! Looking toward the Heavens, it was quite a phenomenon as we witnessed the partial eclipse in Alabama. While gazing upward, thoughts of a familiar hymn written by Ray Palmer, 1808-1887, came to mind. Hebrews11:13-19 so aptly tells the story. “These all died in faith, not having received the
things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on earth.” My faith looked to the sky to see what only the hands of God could have planned for man to witness.
As darkness covered the land on Monday afternoon, the words of a very familiar hymn became more and more vivid, “While life’s dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread, be Thou my guide. Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away, not let me ever stray from Thee aside”.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”, (Hebrews 11:1). Sounds kind of cray! But that is how the heroes of faith lived. Abraham never witnessed a resurrection, but he believed it possible. Even when God told him
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, he obeyed. He reasoned that God’s promise to bring a great nation through him could still happen … somehow. Thus, Abraham began the walk to the mountains along with his son and his knife! He did not act on what he did not know. He acted on what he did know; that God is Creator; that God guided him; rescued him; that God did not condone human sacrifice; that God had given him a miracle son once –from a dead womb – and could do it again.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”, (Hebrews 11:1). Sounds kind of cray! But that is how the heroes of faith lived. Abraham never witnessed a resurrection, but he believed it possible.
The heroes of the faith were sure of what they could not possibly know. That is the essence of faith. When one believes in God the Father, His resurrected Son Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the truth of the Word, then faith is reasonable. Believing God, above all other, makes sense. Teach us through our relationship with You to rest on our confidence in You, that things unseen does exist and on that bright and cloudless morning, all the dead in Christ shall rise! Do you have the faith to believe?
Tallassee Churches
Surrounding Area Churches
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Team.
Tallassee’s Delfin reaches 60 goals
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
rvin Delfin is in elite company.
IIn the Tigers’ final regular season game of the year, Delfin became just the eighth player in AHSAA history to score 60 goals in a season. He is the first to do it since Andalusia’s Gage Theus in 2021 and he is the single-season record holder for Tallassee.
Delfin went on to score two more goals in the Tigers’ first round playoff game against Demopolis, pushing him into sev -
HISTORY
Tallassee soccer wins first postseason game
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
History continues to be made at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
Just a week after going undefeated in area play for the first time, Tallassee’s boys soccer team has now won a playoff game for the first time in program history.
The Tigers (19-4-4) beat Demopolis, 5-0, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs. Tallassee will now host the winner of Sylacauga and Brewbaker Tech in the second round on Friday.
“I’m so happy for these kids and their parents and all the fans who have endured long hard years,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “It’s nice to be playing well this time of the year and it’s nice to host a playoff game. It’s really nice to host Round 2. We’re an excited bunch right now.”
The Tigers cruised to Monday night’s victory. They jumped up on Demopolis 3-0 in the first 30 minutes of the game. Irvin Delfin, the state’s leading goal scorer, knocked in the first goal of the game before Yuren Rodriguez knocked in a free kick from
over 30 yards out. Sophomore Francisco Diego added a goal and the Tigers were sitting comfortably at halftime.
“Scoring those first three goals really helped us relax,” Tarpley said. “Yuren’s rocket calmed everybody down and made us realize we could play with them early. After that, we just started playing our game.”
Just 10 minutes into the second half, Rodriguez struck again. Delfin was fouled in the box on a breakaway and the Tigers were awarded a penalty kick. While the distance was much closer than his previous free kick, the end result was
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
The Tallassee soccer team poses after winning the first playoff game in program history. J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium was rained down with confetti after the win.
Milner’s blasts lead Tallassee into quarterfinals
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Brue Milner’s first home run sparked life into Tallassee’s dugout. His second home run electrified the entire city. Milner slugged two home runs, including a go-ahead three-run homer in the fifth inning, to lead Tallassee’s baseball team past No. 3-ranked Gulf Shores, 6-4, in Game 3 of the second round of the playoffs.
Tallassee (19-9) won the series, 2-1, with a 5-1 win in Game 1 on Friday night.
“Brue gets that first one and that really puts a charge in us,” Tallassee coach John Goodman said. “That second one, that really put us over the edge. He got two good ones. … I love this team. I really love this team. This team reminds me of old school Tallassee baseball. They just keep fighting, fighting, fighting and they want to learn.”
Tallassee trailed, 4-0, when Milner’s first home run left the park.
Brody Wisener led the
fourth inning off by reaching base via error. Then on a 1-2 count to Milner, he deposited a breaking ball over the left field wall to cut the lead to 4-2. In the bottom of the fifth, Chase Chumley drove in a run on a RBI single to cut the lead to 4-3. After Wisener reached via fielder’s choice, Milner stepped back up to the plate with runners at the corners and one out. The first pitch thrown to him was high. The next pitch was straight down the middle. He watched both. On a 1-1 count, however, Gulf Shores’ John Luke Stephens hung a breaking ball directly down the middle.
Milner hit once again to left field, and it just hooked around the foul pole for a three-run home run that put the Tigers up, 6-4.
“I was hoping it stayed fair,” Milner said. “There was so much excitement going through my mind when I hit it. He threw me that curveball right there.
Rebels rematch with Ariton
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
This one will be a rematch for the ages. After Reeltown took a 2-1 series win over Washington County, the Rebels will host 2A defending state champion Ariton in the third round.
Last year, in Reeltown’s first round matchup in the first season under head coach Matt Johnson,
the Rebels fell. This season, Reeltown is rolling at the right time and has more than a solid chance to dethrone the defending champs.
Reeltown (23-10) and Ariton (20-6) start Thursday at 4:30 p.m., with the second game scheduled for 7 p.m. An if-needed game will be played at 5 p.m. on Friday if the series is tied 1-1.
Ariton is coming off a 2-1 series win over Wicksburg, where the Purple Cats lost the opener 7-3 but won the following two games 12-5 and 4-3. Reeltown also dropped its opener over Washington County, falling 7-4 in the opener but rebounding with a 10-5 and a 5-3 win to take the series. Against Washington County in the must-win Game 2, it took the Rebels until the fifth inning to finally get on the scoreboard.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Tallassee’s Brue Milner celebrates rounding the bases after his go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning.
See BLASTS, Page B2
Reeltown baseball will host a rematch of last year’s first round with Ariton this Thursday and Friday at home. Led by Jamarkius Smith on the mound and the plate, the Rebels defeated Washington County 2-1 to advance.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Tallassee junior Irvin Delfin (10) dribbles against Demopolis on Monday night. Delfin is the eighth player in AHSAA history to ever score 60 goals in a season. As of Monday night’s playoff win, he is at 62 goals.
See HISTORY, Page B2
Tallassee’s Jones, Lozada sign wrestling scholarships
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
After years of dominating the high school wrestling scene, two of Tallassee’s wrestlers are headed to the next level.
Tallassee seniors Ethan Jones and Ramon Lozada signed National Letters of Intent to wrestle at Andrew College, a Division I junior college in Cuthbert, Georgia.
They are both signing to be part of Andrew’s inaugural wrestling team after the sport was added to the school in October.
Jones capped off his high school career with
a stellar senior season.
The 150-pound wrestler went 47-11 and finished in the Top 6 of the AHSAA Class 5A state tournament. Following the season, he was invited to the AWCA North/South AllStar Duals Tournament, where he won his match by major decision. He is a two-time All-County wrestler.
Lozada capped his senior season off with a state championship. He was one of only a handful of wrestlers from across the entire state to finish undefeated. He went 43-0 and won the 120-pound weight class in 5A. To go
along with his 43 wins, he pinned 21 opponents. He had one of the best careers of any wrestlers in Elmore
County. He has wrestled at Tallassee, Elmore County and Wetumpka high schools in his high school
career and is a three-time state placer and five-time state qualifier. He was also invited to
Golson delivers first and final blow to Ben Russell
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Noah Golson wasn’t ready for his senior season to end.
The Wetumpka infielder turned No. 1 pitcher turned in a performance for the ages against Benjamin Russell in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.
In the three-game series, a 2-1 series win for Wetumpka, Golson went 2-for-5 at the plate and reached base nine times. He drove in six RBIs and earned the win in Game 1 on the mound after pitching 6 ⅔ innings allowing zero earned runs.
His performance helped lead Wetumpka to the third round for the first time since 1992. Because of that, he is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“Noah is playing with a lot of confidence,” Indians coach Michael Dismukes said. “He gives our team a spark of energy and gives us a chance to win every week. Right now, he’s the catalyst for what we’re doing. He’s a big part of how we play and he’s doing really well for our team to get started.”
Just four batters into Game 1, Golson let his presence
Wednesday, May 1
High School
Baseball
AHSAA/AISA third round of playoffs
4 Chambers Academy at Edgewood Academy (DH), 3 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Mobile Christian (DH), 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 2 High School
Baseball
AHSAA/AISA third round of playoffs
4 Holtville at Valley (DH), 4:30 p.m.
4 Chambers Academy at
known. After two walks and an error put runners at second and third, Golson drove in the first run of the series on a sacrifice fly.
With a 1-0 lead behind him, he stepped on the mound and delivered one of the best performances of his short pitching career. He scattered seven hits through 6 ⅔ innings and walked just two Wildcats. He struck out three batters and allowed one run, unearned, in the bottom of the third inning.
“He just throws strikes,” Dismukes said. “He challenges hitters and at the end of the day, he’s there to compete. You have to beat him off the mound. He won’t beat himself. He gives himself a chance to win every game he’s on the mound.”
To help himself out, he drove in his second run of the game on an RBI single then was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded that put Wetumpka up, 6-1.
In Game 2, an 11-4 win by Ben Russell, the Wildcats didn’t pitch to him. He got only one at-bat and finished 0-for-1 at the plate, but he walked three times and scored a run.
Ben Russell should have
Edgewood Academy (if needed), 3 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Mobile Christian (if needed), 1 p.m. High School Softball
AISA Class AA State Softball Tournament (at Lagoon Park)
4 No. 1 Edgewood Academy vs. No. 4 Jackson Academy, 10 a.m.
4 No. 2 Southern Academy vs. No. 3 Abbeville Christian, 10 a.m.
4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 2 p.m.
4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 4 p.m.
4 No. 1 Patrician
kept that strategy in Game 3.
Wetumpka senior Noah Golson pitches against Benjamin Russell. The Indians’ ace got on base nine times, drove in six runs, and pitched 6 2/3 innings in Wetumpka’s second round win over Ben Russell. Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week now!
After walking in two of his first three at-bats, Golson stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and Wetumpka leading, 4-3, in the top of the seventh. He then delivered a single into center field on a 3-1 pitch to drive in two runs. Mason Fuller, who was on second, came around to score and make the lead 6-3. That ended up being the decisive run as the Indians won, 6-5, and walked away with a series victory.
“He came through in the clutch,” Dismukes said. “He walked or got a hit almost every single at-bat. For the
SPORTS CALENDAR
Academy vs. No. 4
Chambers Academy, 12 p.m.
4 No. 2 Hooper Academy vs. No. 3 Pickens Academy, 12 p.m.
4 Loser G1 vs. Loser G2, 2 p.m.
4 Winner G1 vs. Winner G2, 4 p.m.
Friday, May 3
High School
Baseball
AHSAA/AISA third round of playoffs
4 Wetumpka at Spanish Fort (DH), 5 p.m.
4 Holtville at Valley (if needed), 4:30 p.m. High School Track & Field
4 Wetumpka,
series and year he’s had, it seemed fitting for him to get that big hit. I knew when he was up there that the ball would be put in play or he would walk and he delivered big in that spot.”
Tallassee, Stanhope Elmore, Holtville, Elmore County at State Championships (Gulf Shores), TBD
Saturday, May 4
High School
Baseball
AHSAA/AISA third round of playoffs
4 Wetumpka at Spanish Fort (if needed), 1 p.m. High School Track & Field
4 Wetumpka, Tallassee, Stanhope Elmore, Holtville, Elmore County at State Championships (Gulf Shores), TBD
Monday, May 6
High School Softball
4 Wetumpka, Holtville at South Regionals (Gulf Shores), TBD
4 Stanhope Elmore, Tallassee, Elmore County at Central Regionals (Lagoon Park), TBD
Tuesday, May 7
High School Softball
4 Wetumpka, Holtville at South Regionals (Gulf Shores), TBD
4 Stanhope Elmore, Tallassee, Elmore County at Central Regionals (Lagoon Park), TBD
the
All-Star Duals Tournament but did not wrestle in the event.
Tallassee sends 9 to state meet
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee will be well represented in Gulf Shores this weekend.
The Tallassee Track and Field team will be sending nine qualifiers to the AHSAA Class 5A State Championship meet held in Gulf Shores on Friday and Saturday.
JD McKenzie and Jay Terry each qualified for three events to lead the Tigers.
McKenzie qualified in the 4x100 meter alongside Terry, Joseph Hooks and Trent Morris. The quad ran a season-best 43.14, which ranks second best all-time in the Tallassee record books. The time was good for first place in sectionals. In individual events, McKenzie finished third in the 100 meter with a time of 11.16, his best time of the season. In the 200 meter, he finished fifth at 23.69.
Terry also qualified in the 200 meter, placing two spots better than McKenzie at third place. He finished with a time of 23.38. Showing off his versatility, Terry was also in the long jump and placed third with a distance of 20-6.5.
Tallassee’s resident jumper, Rowen Thornton, qualified in the other jumping events. He participated in both the high jump and the triple jump. His best jump of the day came in the high jump, a height of 5-10, which landed him sixth place. His triple jump distance of 40-9 earned him eighth place.
Tallassee also controlled the hurdles with both Tra’Mel McCoy, Marquese Griffin and Shawn Ward running well. McCoy qualified in both the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles. His time of 16.58 in the 100 meter earned him fifth place while his 300 meter time of 43.18 earned him sixth place. That was a season best for the hurdler.
Griffin also had a season best in the 300 meter hurdle with a time of 43.79, just two spots back of McCoy.
Ward ran the 110 meter hurdle with a time of 17.81.
In the long distance, star soccer player Irvin Delfin took on the 3200 meter run and finished second, showing off the speed that has allowed him to score 60 goals on the soccer field this spring. Delfin had a season-best time of 10:48.62.
He hung it and I banged it.” Milner’s big hits stole the spotlight, but Chase Webster was the force that kept Gulf Shores at bay.
The Dolphins scored four runs on five hits against starter Walker Wells, who
pitched 2 ⅔ innings. After the fourth run, Goodman brought in Webster to pitch in relief. Webster pitched the remaining 4 ⅓ innings and allowed just four hits to the Dolphins. He struck out only one batter and let his defense do the dirty work. Webster ran into trouble in both the fourth and the fifth innings. He had
runners at second and third in the fourth before forcing two ground balls to end the inning without allowing a run. In the fifth, he got two fly balls to end the scoring threat.
Following Milner’s go-ahead home run, he carried that momentum back onto the mound.
the last two innings. With a man on first and two outs in the seventh, he struck out his only batter of the day with a fastball.
“Chase came in and threw lights out for three or four innings,” Goodman said. “He allowed us to get back into it and we finally made some plays and got where we needed to be.”
He retired eight of the last nine batters he faced, including six of seven in
In the Game 1 win,
Tallassee’s lone senior was lights out on the mound. Brady Mason, a Huntingdon signee, pitched a complete game and allowed no earned runs on just six hits. As he held the Dolphins to only one run, the Tigers gave him all the run support he needed with a four-run fourth inning. Wells and Mason led off the inning with a sin-
gle and double, then Cash Gough drove in two runs on a Gulf Shores error.
The next batter, Bry Hathcock, drove in the final run on a single up the middle.
The Tigers will now hit the road for the first time this postseason. Tallassee heads to Mobile Christian for the third round matchup. The date and time have not been decided yet. BLASTS Continued from B1
AWCA North/South
Tallassee’s Ethan Jones, left, and Ramon Lozada, right, both signed National Letters of Intent to wrestle at Andrew College in Georgia.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
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enth place in a season at 62.
“The season he is having is crazy,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “He is such a special player and we’re going to go about as far as he takes us. It’s an awesome achievement for him. He really deserves it. He works hard and he’s a good kid and student. He deserves all the blessings coming his way.”
Delfin was already known as one of the best players in the state before his junior season. Last year, while scoring 30 goals, he was named First Team All-State.
He never expected to double his goal output, and he only had 21 goals as the team wrapped up the month of March.
But when April 2nd hit, Delfin turned a switch on and started scoring at an insane pace. His first game of April was a hat trick against Class 7A Opelika. He followed that game with four goals or more in three of his next four games.
In 13 games in April, he has scored 41 goals. He has been held to one goal only three times and has scored in every single game that Tallassee has played since then. In nine of those 13 games, he has scored at least a hat trick.
“It’s just been my big dream,” Delfin said. “I’ve been trying to step up and be a leader for this team.”
While Delfin isn’t watching the record books, he is climbing them at an insane pace. Two former players –Holy Spirit’s Fernando Zambrano and Priceville’s Ryan Kirschbaum – are tied at 63 goals.
Tallassee is currently waiting to play its second round matchup against the winner of Brewbaker Tech and Sylacauga, and he needs just two goals to pass both players and reach the Top 5.
He doesn’t care about being better than players from nearly 20 years ago. When it comes to individual goals, there’s only one player he wants to be better than – his dad.
“This is something I’ve been working towards my whole life,” Delfin said. “My dad messes with me a lot but he really motivates me. He will tell me I’m a good player but then he’ll tell me I’ll never be as good as him. He gives me motivation when he tells me that and I’m really just trying to be like him.”
For now, Delfin will focus on the team. The Tigers won their first playoff game in school history on Monday night and are now hosting the second round. With a win, they’ll punch their ticket to the Final Four and they’re just three games away from potentially winning a state championship.
“We’re working on making it there,” Delfin said. “Hopefully we can make it and play for the title.”
REBELS Continued from B1
Reeltown sending big numbers to state
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
After a strong showing at sectionals, the Reeltwon Rebels are sending yet another big contingency of athletes to state.
The Rebels finished up sectionals on Saturday at Red Level, with the boys team as a whole coming in second place. The boys came just three points shy of first place St. Luke’s, which was a repeat of what happened last season. Even still, the team will have a chance to redeem itself this coming weekend in Cullman.
“On the boys side, we are a little frustrated because we were leading going into the last race when St. Luke’s passed us,” coach Jarrod Wooten said. “Other than that though, we competed really well. The effort was there, we just came a little short.”
Both Arthur Woods and Tae Martin unsurprisingly qualified for state in the 100 meter dash, coming in second and fourth respectively.
At sectionals, Wooten saw his top top runners fight a little fatigue. The pair didn’t jump as well in the long jump as they normally do because of it, which in turn hurt the overall point total.
The duo did help the 4x100 relay team to a first place finish, taking the top overall seed in state. There, Reeltown will likely duke it out with Goshen for a top podium finish.
“Any little mistake can take you out because there is so much speed in those events,” Wooten said. “There is zero margin for error. We are hoping
they can take it up to another notch.”
Martin also qualified in the 200m dash while Woods took home first in the 110 hurdles.
JJ Kendrick finished in second in the 110 hurdles and the 300 hurdles, qualifying in both events. Jaedon Brooks will join the hurdling groups in both the 110 and 300. In the 400, Larry Butler and Gaines Tapley will represent the school.
The 4x400 relay team also qualified, posting its fastest time of the season (3:46.23) and finishing in fourth place.
In the field, Tapley helped his team by coming in fifth in the long jump, which qualified him for state. Alijah Woods came just ahead of Tapley in the triple jump, finishing in fifth, but did not qualify.
Rounding out the boys side, Zack Riley came in fourth in the shot put, qualifying him for state. At state, Wooten will need every last point out of his boys–
specifically in the field– if Reeltown is to take the top team spot. At state, Wooten predicts there will be a logjam at the top of the leaderboard with upwards of seven teams all jockeying with 10 or so points.
“This could go any number of ways,” Wooten said. “If our main guys pull our points, that should get us in the mix.”
As for the girls, the Lady Rebels finished sixth as a team but more than doubled their point spread from last year’s sectional showing.
Led by senior field athlete Sandrea Coleman, the girls too will be well represented at state.
“Sandrea obviously did what we expected out of her,” Wooten said.
Coleman finished third in the discus and second in the shot put, qualifying her as one of the top seeds in both disciplines. Leeandra Hooks, who had a banner day, also qualified in the field by coming in fourth in the
javelin. Hooks, a senior, will be competing at state for the first time.
While Hooks and Coleman are the elders of the team, Wooten’s youngest runners were the ones to make the most surprising impact at sectionals.
Anniston Winfree, Kaysen Garner, Leah Reeves and Blair Johnston qualified as a unit in the 4x800 relay. Garner also picked up an individual wildcard entry in the 800.
All four girls are in the class of 2028, giving them plenty of years to continue to grow and learn in the sport of track. During their first introduction at state, Wooten simply wants them to build off their impressive sectional performance.
“They are young and for them to make it is huge for us going forward,” Wooten said.
“All we want for them is to keep on running and improving our times. If we get points, that's great. We want them to just have a better time than at sectionals. Whether that means points or not.”
This weekend, Reeltown will be looking to bring a blue map home as blue as the team’s colors. The opportunity is there, especially with the boys, but both sides need to be at their best levels to take home a trophy. If everyone competes like Wooten knows they can, good things might be in store for the Rebels.
“Hopefully we can carry our points to the next level to state,” Wooten said. “Everybody is back to zero now. Everything is on the line this week. We have to pick up every possible point we can.”
Tallassee softball clinches regional berth
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Tigers are headed back to Montgomery.
Tallassee upset No. 1 seed Elmore County, 2-1, in extra innings in the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 Tournament. With the win, Tallassee not only eliminated the Panthers but also clinched their own regional berth and will play at least two more games in next week’s Class 5A Central Regional held at Lagoon Park.
Following the win over Elmore County, Tallassee lost to Beauregard 8-0 in the championship game and will be Area 5’s No. 2 seed.
“It feels good,” Tallassee coach Pat Love said. “We’re a young team. Elmore County beat us twice in the regular season but we really put it together for a whole game and played lights out defense. At the plate, we did what we had to.”
HISTORY
Continued from B1
The previous two times the teams met in the regular season, Elmore County walked away with a 4-0 no-hitter and a 17-2 mercy rule win. In the 17-2 loss, Tallassee starting pitcher Madeline Weldon gave up seven runs in one inning. That wasn’t the case on Monday afternoon.
Weldon pitched all eight innings and gave up just one run in the sixth inning. She only struck out two batters, but she relied on her defense as she threw only 65 pitches in the entire game.
“Madeline was big today,” Love said. “She was hitting her spots the entire time and she was getting ahead in counts. She’s one of the main reasons why we beat them.”
Tallassee was the home team in the matchup and ultimately got the last at-bats. In the bottom of the eighth, following a quick 1-2-3 inning from Weldon in the circle, third baseman Reagan Easter-
the same, as Rodriguez drained his second goal of the game. As the game went on, Tallassee took shot after shot against Demopolis goalkeeper Ben Johnson. Johnson made multiple stops, but Delfin snuck one final goal past him in the last 15 minutes.
Down 5-0, Baylor Clayton scored on a passed ball to beat the scoring drought. Jamarkius Smith then hit a single to score a pair and get Reeltown within striking distance.
In the sixth, the Rebels blew the doors off the game with a seven-run frame.
Clayton, Hagan and Hutson Lewis, Smith and Jake Hornsby all collected RBIs to force the third game.
The Lewis brothers combined for five hits and two RBIs, while Smith led the team with a 2-3 showing at the plate with a team-best three RBIs.
Hagan Lewis and Blake Smith did the work on the mound, striking out seven combined batters and giving up
wood led off the inning with a single to left field. After making her way around the bases, Lila Kate Fulgham hit a ground ball to third base that allowed the game winning run to come across.
Tallassee has now won five of its last eight games as regional play begins. In the three losses, two are by one run. The only loss worse than one run was the 8-0 champion -
“We came out with a lot of heart,” Tarpley said. “We were very aggressive. Their keeper was phenomenal. It could have easily been eight or nine goals but he made some great saves. I tip my hat to him.”
Tallassee is now in uncharted territory. The Tigers will play just their fourth playoff game of all time and their first game in the second round. Nonetheless, Tallassee is in the Elite
just eight hits.
In the final game of the series, Reeltown struck first with a three-run top of the first.
Smith hit an RBI-single to start the scoring. Blake Smith then drove in two runners off a single of his own. The Rebels scored a single run in the fourth and seventh to keep Washington County at bay and move on to the third round.
ship loss.
But with some momentum, Love hopes his team can make a run at a regional championship.
“We’re dangerous,” Love said. “We didn’t hit like we can (Monday) but we played good defense. If we can get our bats going, we can make a run at it. This was big for us, confidence wise. We’re a young team and that experience is big for them.”
Eight of Class 5A. Tallassee has not played Sylacauga this year, but the Tigers are 2-0-1 against Brew Tech and have won each of the last two games. To Tarpley, however, it doesn’t matter who they play. The Tigers are focused on themselves.
“We just have to stay focused for 80 minutes,” Tarpley said. “We have to be locked in. We can’t take any time off. We’re just looking forward to Friday.”
Adam Burton earned the final game win, going 4 ⅔ innings with five Ks and three hits allowed.
To his credit, Jamarkius Smith threw an 11 strikeout game to open the series, allowing just one hit. He went five innings.
Smith has been the Game 1 starter in both games for Reeltown, and has dealt tremendously. He has combined for 22 Ks and just two hits between his starts.
Reeltown’s Sandrea Coleman qualified for the state competition in discus and shotput, leading a large contingency of Rebels to state.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Tallassee third baseman Reagan Easterwood (2) throws a runner out at first base.
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Kindergartners learn teddy bear healthcare at ECHS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
One by one, kindergartners brought in their favorite patients. Some had breaks and tears, others just needed checkups. It was all part of Wednesday’s first ever Elmore County High School Teddy Bear Clinic.
“We want to help them feel more comfortable going to the doctor, dentist or hospital,” HOSA sponsor Wanda Baker said. “It helps my students who are thinking about going into a medical career. They get to practice their skills, taking blood pressure and other vitals, talking to a patient through fun activities.”
Just like any visit to the hospital the “patients” were tagged by the older students with identification. Vital signs were taken by both the high schoolers and the kindergarten students. There was a waiting room with arts and crafts and a game — Operation of course. Everyone had stops in
imaging with X-rays and MRIs, the emergency room and vaccinations. All students got involved in teddy bear surgery and a dental visit.
While it’s an effort to help the young students get more comfortable going to a medical appointment, it also exposes the members of HOSA to what a medical office might be like. In some ways, managing the mass of kindergarteners mimics the stress a medical professional might be under in a hospital or doctor’s office. The program also emphasized healthcare practices the youngest can do at home, such as brushing teeth.
“Mrs. Baker is great, all she wants to do is help kids,” ECHS junior Drew Knighton. “We are trying to help educate them on basic health items. It also lets them see some of what might happen if they go to the doctor or hospital.”
Knighton and the other members of HOSA who hosted the Teddy Bear
Clinic are students in Baker’s Foundations of Health Sciences and Sports Medicine. It is a class Knighton
Elmore County softball falls in area tournament
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County’s season came to an unexpected end Monday afternoon.
The No. 1-ranked Panthers, hosting the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 tournament, lost to Tallassee, 2-1, in extra innings of the loser’s bracket.
The loss eliminated Elmore County and ended its season as Tallassee moved on in the tournament and clinched a berth in next week’s regional tournament.
Playing as the home team, Tallassee started the bottom of the eighth inning off with a single to left field from Reagan
Easterwood. After moving all the way to third base, Lila Kate Fulgham ended the game and Elmore County’s season on an RBI ground ball to third base.
Elmore County went 1-2 on its own field in the tournament. The Panthers started the tournament on Saturday with a 7-3 win over No. 4 Valley. Addi Stephenson pitched a complete game in the win, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out eight batters. The Panthers broke it open with a three-run fifth inning that featured three Valley errors. In the winner’s bracket against No. 2 Beauregard, Elmore County
fell 8-7 in extra innings as well. The Panthers, which led 4-3 most of the game, gave up four runs in the sixth and seventh inning before tying it up with two outs. Stephenson reached via error, then Addie Patterson hit a single to left field. Morgan Spear then drove both in on a double to tie the game, 7-7.
The Panthers got a runner on second base in the eighth inning, down one run, but back-toback strikeouts ended the game and sent Elmore County into the loser’s bracket to face rival Tallassee.
Under first year coach Tranum Blackwell, Elmore County went 15-11-1.
became interested in while playing three sports.
“I enjoy the health field,” Knighton said. “I am looking at athletic training as a career path and thought this would be an option.”
Elmore County soccer falls in first round
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County’s young soccer team had its heart broken on Monday night.
Hosting Marbury in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs at Burt-Haynie Field, Elmore County lost to the Bulldogs, 3-2.
The Panthers (12-3) went up 2-0 in just the first seven minutes of the game before slowly giving up its lead.
Elmore County was on the attack from the very start. Just six minutes into the match, a deep pass from the defense was able to land behind Marbury’s defense where seventh grader Cadi Crews was able to dribble past defenders and
knock it into the goal.
The celebration quickly turned into a larger cheer as the Panthers found the back of the net again not even a minute later. Crews broke free down the left sideline and kicked it past the goalkeeper.
Teammate Caden Jordan and the goalkeeper raced to try and get to the ball but it found the back of the net before another Panther could reach it.
Up 2-0, Marbury went into attack mode. The Bulldogs started applying pressure on the Elmore County defensive line and the Panthers could only hold on for so long.
After a mess up resulted in a Marbury corner kick, the Bulldogs found paydirt.
The ball was rebound-
ed back and forth between defenders and offensive players before a small opening resulted in Marbury cutting the lead to 2-1 right before the half.
That lead stayed until 13 minutes left when Marbury tied the game on a laser beam of a shot down the middle. With three minutes left, Marbury ripped Elmore County’s heart out of its chest.
The Bulldogs knocked a header right past Elmore County’s Ansley Caudle’s outstretched hands and took the final lead of the night, 3-2.
Elmore County was unable to get back to the Marbury net as time ran out and its season came to an end.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Eclectic Elementary School students were treated to the Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by HOSA students at Elmore County High School. Students of all ages got to practice various healthcare skills including monitoring breathing and cardiac rhythms.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Elmore County’s Addi Stephenson pitches against Valley in the first round of the Area 5 Tournament.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Elmore County’s Ansley Caudle saves a goal in the first half of the Panthers’ first round playoff game. Marbury beat Elmore County, 3-2.
Arts & Entertainment
Brown named Kowaliga Idol winner
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
This famous line from Edward Hickson’s Moral Song reigns true in all aspects of life for Sarah Brown, especially when it comes to perfecting her craft. After
competing once before, Brown was recently named the winner of the 16th annual Kowaliga Idol. Brown first competed in Kowaliga Idol when she was 17 years old. The idea sparked from a simple conversation with her friends.
“I was singing while doing garage karaoke (with
Shake the Lake to return as three-day festival
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Memorial Day Weekend is becoming more than just a time to hit the lake, it’s also a weekend of live music.
Shake the Lake is a three-day music festival at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters. While the band Blackberry Breeze has been playing at the venue for Memorial weekend since roughly 2016, Shake the Lake came into its own last year.
Trey Foshee with Blackberry Breeze said for last year’s performance, they invited multiple artists to perform and sold tickets with some of the proceeds going to the Caring for Dadeville Fund, benefiting those affected by the April 15 shooting.
“Every year we got
more and more people,”
Foshee said. “We decided if we sold tickets, it may cut down on the overall amount of people, but everyone will get served. It will be a more comfortable event.”
Now the event averages 800 attendees and last year they were able to donate $10,000 to Caring for Dadeville. This year, the proceeds will go toward a scholarship for a Dadeville High School senior who is a child of a veteran.
While Memorial Day is for those who died in active duty, Foshee said they still wanted to recognize living veterans and their families through this scholarship.
The weekend also incorporates Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber
National watercolor show coming to The Kelly
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The husband and wife
duo of Steve and Debbie Garst are duking it out again. This time in the 83rd Annual National Exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Alabama as the national show comes to Wetumpka’s Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts.
The Garsts call neighboring Blue Ridge home and were excited to see the juried show in their backyard.
“We were like we have to get into this show,” Steve said. “It would be terrible if we didn’t because it is our hometown. We are thrilled we both made it.”
They join Anne Barero as the only artists from Elmore County to be selected for the show. All told 81 artists had pieces selected for the show. Some artists are from as far away as New Mexico, Minnesota, Ohio and New York.
“It is a big deal,” Steve said. “The quality of art in this show will be phenomenal and stunning. We recognized a lot of the names because they are great artists and we have seen their stuff around the country. Now we get to compete against them.”
There is one small problem for the Garsts but it’s nothing they haven’t
my friends),” Brown said. “Someone there knew about Kowaliga Idol, and they were like, ‘hey, I think you should do this.’ So I signed up not knowing much about it.”
Before Brown joined the competition, she had only sung to a large crowd three
LOCAL ARTIST WINS STATE PHOTO CONTEST
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
John Denney is a selftaught artist who discovered his passion for photography early in life. His talent recently earned him awards in a statewide photography contest.
Denney won first and second place in two categories of Outdoor Alabama’s photo contest. The contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Tourism Department.
“Pulpit Rock at Cheaha State Park” got Denney the first place award in the contest’s State Parks category. He placed second in the Scenic category for his photo “Train Trestle over Lake Martin.”
“I enjoy different kinds of photography,” Denney said, “but I am known for wildlife and nature photos.”
Much of Denney’s work comes by chance. He took the photo at Cheaha State Park while on a camping trip with his girlfriend, who is the
subject of the picture. As soon as they arrived at their camping spot, Denney made a mental note of Pulpit Rock.
“When I’m there, I always pick out one spot to go out and shoot a sunset,” Denney said. “You never know what kind of sunset you’re going to get, but that one turned out fairly well.”
The photo of the train trestle caught Denney on a huge whim. He had spent the day riding his Waverunner on Lake Martin until a storm came across. To avoid the storm, he camped out at his brother’s house, which happens to be right beside the train trestle.
“Based on my years of experience on the lake, you always get a spectacular sunset after a storm,” Denney said. “Sure enough, the storm blew over, and the sun was setting. I knew there was
going to be a nice sunset.” He rode his Waverunner out to the train trestle and captured what would be the award winning photograph.
“I was lucky to get it,” Denney said. “When I do shows people ask me if there’s a story behind every photo. I tell them most of the photos I get are just lucky, I just happened to be there.”
Denney’s affinity for art began with painting, drawing and graphic design. Throughout his life, he spent lots of time in nature – the subjects of most of his artwork are wild animals or nature scenes. For the last 25 years, Denney has worked at perfecting his craft of capturing meaningful and aesthetically pleasing photos. He’s even had the opportunity to use his talents on a professional level
MELODY RATHEL TPI Sarah Brown is the winner of the 16th annual Kowaliga Idol.
FILE TPI
Shake the Lake is coming back this Memorial Day Weekend with a three day music festival. The event will be held at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters.
SUBMITTED
TOP: “Pulpit Rock at Cheaha State Park” received first place in the State Parks category of the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest.
ABOVE: “Train Trestle over Lake Martin” placed second in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest’s Scenic category.
The photo of the train trestle caught Denney on a huge whim. He had spent the day riding his Waverunner on Lake Martin until a storm came across. To avoid the storm, he camped out at his brother’s house, which happens to be right beside the train trestle.
KELLY Continued from E1
encountered before.
“The only problem I have is competing against her,” Steve said. “She beat me last year in a show.”
Debbie was quick to respond, “He beat me the year before.”
Steve created a painting called St. Andrews Blue.
Debbie’s is Summer Powered Down based on a blue heron she saw on the Gulf Coast last year. Debbie is known for her abstracts but always using a feather in her work. She used the feather this time but in a different way.
“I researched the blue heron and dissected it in a way,” Debbie said. “I used the breast feathers of the bird. It is a different feather design than I have ever done.”
Steve has learned watercolor from Debbie. She has taken a few watercolor classes.
They will have to wait to see who Iain Stewart determines is the better painter.
In the meantime Debbie has saved up for a special birthday gift for Steve. Stewart is hosting a watercolor workshop and Debbie is sending Steve.
“It’s his first watercolor workshop,” Debbie said. “He is always teaching them in other mediums.”
Stewart will settle the friendly husband-wife competition and Debbie is fine with whoever comes out first.
“Getting into the show itself is an award because not everybody gets in,” Debbie said. “You get juried twice most often before you get in the show. We both got in.”
The Garsts role is more than just artists. They are the most local artists in the society to the Kelly.
Most of the board of the Watercolor Society of Alabama lives in north Alabama and the Garsts have been designated to help unpack the paintings as the show is prepared to open with a reception on June 2.
“I walk around trying to think how in the world they did it,” Steve said.
The show will hang in The Kelly until June 28.
CONTEST
Continued from E1
both locally and nationally.
“I have always enjoyed photography since I was young,” Denney said. “I got more serious about it when I started working for several outdoor companies like Ducks Unlimited, Cabelas and Mossy Oak.”
He was scouted by Ducks Unlimited after his illustrations and designs from the Covey Rise magazine were recognized by the company. Since then, he has completed illustrations and designs for several large corporations.
Denney was proud to receive awards in not only one, but two categories. Although his work is seen on large scales through multiple outdoor companies, he is proud to be recognized alongside many talented photographers.
“It was an honor to receive these awards,” Denney said. “There are many great photographers in this contest every year, some of which I know personally. To be selected is truly special.”
Continued from E1
of Commerce’s ninth annual cornhole tournament. There will be two tournaments: a Blind Draw and Bring your Own Partner. The cash prizes to the Blind Draw will be paid out to multiple places and the Bring your Own Partner will be a winner takes all.
The weekend will kick off Friday night with Blane Rudd playing along with an opener. Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. folks can return for the cornhole tournament. Saturday evening Charlie C and the Cuzamatics will be playing, and Sunday night will be Blackberry Breeze with two openers. Tickets are on sale now through shakethelake2024.eventbrite.com. The weekend festival pass for all three nights plus the cornhole tournament and a VIP experience for Sunday night is $180. General admission for Friday night is $15, Saturday night is $15 and Sunday night is $25. For Sunday night, there is a VIP experience ticket option with early entree, VIP seating, T-shirt, dinner, specialty drink and swag bag.
WINNER Continued from E1
times. She decided to take the risk and join the competition, not knowing where it would lead. Her talent took her to the final round of the 15th season, but she did not receive the winning title.
“I was so proud of myself,” Brown said. “I was such an anxious little thing. I would get on the stage shaking; I was so nervous.”
At the start of the second season, a year older and wiser, Brown was determined to return to the Kowaliga Idol stage despite not winning her first season. This time, she knew what to expect.
“I definitely practiced a lot more,” Brown said. “Stage presence and confidence are
Carib Kitchen A unique but fantastic taste
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor, Elmore County
For this month’s food spotlight, I found myself in Alexander City with my co-workers trying something I had never had before. We ate at the famous Carib Kitchen, known for its southern take on Caribbean and Trinbago cuisine.
This was something I had never had before, and probably never really even thought about. I usually stick to what I’m used to, but I’m sure glad I didn’t in this case.
Carib features a buffet table and you really can just pick whatever you want. In my case, I got one of every single thing on the table. That featured carib fried rice, stir fry cabbage, red beans, and three types of chicken. There was stew chicken, jerk chicken and even fried chicken.
It was the first time Carib had ever made fried chicken for customers. For me, the carib fried rice was the star of the show. I tried it both with and without the homemade hot sauce, and it was good either way. The
hot sauce, however, was a game changer. It turned my meal from a 7/10 to a 9/10. It was perfectly hot – I like spicy – and unlike some hot sauces, it actually added flavor to the meal. I enjoy cabbage, and theirs was good. At the end of the day, it was cabbage. If you don’t like it normally, you likely won’t like it here either. The red beans were cooked well and seasoned great. They were the perfect amount of softness
and were not too mushy. The chicken was good. I put hot sauce on all three of my pieces of chicken and they were great. I especially enjoyed the jerk chicken, and it lived up to its name. It was spicy and flavorful, and it was even spicier once I added the sauce. It was some of the best chicken I’ve had in a while.
The fried chicken was just fried chicken. It was their first time selling it, and for me, I wouldn’t
get it again if I was to go back. I thought it was fine, but nothing special in comparison to other chickens they had. All in all, this was one of the better restaurants I’ve done a food spotlight at. It was cheap at just under $15 for an all you can eat buffet, and everyone inside the restaurant was extremely nice. I don’t know how often I’ll get a craving for Caribbean food, but if I do, I know where I’m going.
Chuck’s is where the fun happens
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor, Tallapoosa County
Beyond a couple winding roads, on a small peninsula outside of Dadeville sits Chuck’s Marina.
You might not ever drive down this road if you didn’t know where you are going, but once you do, you might just find your new favorite spot.
The first time I ever went to Chuck’s was last July last year on a whim. My friends and I wanted to do something different and had heard that Chuck’s might just be the place to be.
Once you arrive at Chuck’s, you get the feel that you are transported to a bit of an island oasis. You get in line for food immediately upon entry, and are greeted with an outstanding assortment of options, notably pizza.
There are options from wings to burgers, but my friends and I always split a big 16-inch pizza.
The Chimney Rock option is the way we usually lean, going for lots of meaty toppings with some onions and peppers involved as well. The Chuckwalla’s Gourmet pies are indeed worth the price, running a group about $30 for the 16-incher. I have not had the Key Lime Pie yet, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that a desert would be a good addition to any trip to Chuck’s.
The venue itself is tiered, with multiple seating areas outside on the ground floor and up on the top deck looking over the water. Up
probably what changed and made the difference for me.
Last year, I could barely hold a microphone without shaking.
This year, I was able to move around the stage and entertain a little more.”
And entertain she did. She sang nine of her favorite songs, including “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones and “Standing Room Only” By Barbara Mandrell.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was given to Brown by the judges, but it was still a special experience for her after her close friend passed away in September.
“It was hard to get through,” Brown said, “but it was special.”
The rest of the songs she chose to sing reminded her of singing them in the car with her mother while growing up.
top you will find communal, long tables to sit and enjoy your extra large pizzas, and likely make some new friends along the way.
As any waterside bar and grill might have, there is a huge live music presence at Chuck’s on the main stage. While pizza and live music are half the draw, the other part for me is the seemingly endless list of cold adult beverage options to enjoy.
When I go, I always find myself taking down a few 32 ounce draft beers. Somewhere along the way, I found myself a big fan of Mango Cart beer, and of course Chuck’s has it on draft.
The bar itself serves quite literally anything under the sun. If you can drink it, they have it.
You really cannot get much better than a beer the size of your forearm, a ginormous pizza and
Despite her improved confidence this season, Brown had many ups and downs throughout the season.
“There were definitely weekends where I felt more nervous,” Brown said. “One weekend I was sick. I had three ulcers in my mouth, so I couldn’t even talk; it was awful.”
She was blown away at the talent in this year’s competition. While watching her friends perform, she felt certain another contestant would win.
“I was already picking out what songs I was going to sing next year,” Brown said with a laugh. “Everyone was so good.”
She did not let her doubts bring her down, however. Her passion for music is reflected in the sacrifices needed to be on stage every weekend.
“I had to skip my prom to
make it to the finals,” Brown said. “I’m more into jeans and boots, and prom is more dresses and heels, so it worked out in the end.”
On April 6, Brown and the other finalists took the Kowaliga Idol stage for the last time. When it came time to announce the winner, Brown had no idea she would hear her name.
She clung tightly to her friend and co-contestant Ramsey Whitney as they anticipated hearing who won.
“When they announced fifth place, I thought it would be me,” Brown said. “Then fourth, and so on. When they announced me (as the winner) I was in disbelief.”
Music has played a large role in Brown’s life. Since she can remember, she has always loved to sing. She likes to write her own lyrics; however, she never
live music on the lake. Though I personally don’t own a boat, Chuck’s is a marina afterall, so you can pull your vessel right on up to the dock to finish off a great day on the water. The marina does offer boat services and gas, so the place truly is a one stop shop for everything you may need.
I have yet to ever leave Chuck’s without a smile on my face or with an empty stomach, and don’t plan on ever doing so anytime soon.
Chuck’s Marina and Chuckwalla’s Pizza is open on Saturdays and Sundays opening at 11 a.m. If you need an excuse to go, May 4th at Chuck’s will feature Opelika Extreme Power Sports for Seadoo De Mayo. There are fun times to be almost everywhere around the lake. But at Chuck’s, the fun is just that much better.
had the means to put music to her words. Now, she’s working on perfecting new musical abilities.
“I’ve been singing since I could talk,” Brown said. “I picked up guitar last September; I’ve been taking lessons at Martin’s Music. I feel like learning to play an instrument gives you more knowledge of music, and I can write my own stuff to it.” Brown is a senior at Benjamin Russell High School, and will graduate in May. Although she will pursue a pre-law major, she has no plans of leaving music behind.
“I’m hoping I can get to the point with my guitar that I can start doing gigs and stuff,” Brown said. “I want to try to pursue a music career, and a big part of that is putting yourself out there.”
LAKE
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Alexander City’s Carib Kitchen’s fried chicken, stew chicken, red beans, stir fry cabbage and carib fried rice.
FILE | TPI
Chuck’s Marina is the perfect place for families to gather on the weekend, enjoy the water and some fresh food.
River Fest to bring community together
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
For three years now, paddlers from across the Southeast have been embarking on a journey down the Tallapoosa River for the annual River Fest. But this year, it’ll be that much more exciting as Explore Lake Martin has partnered with the Town of New Site to add a festival to the day.
“We were trying to get a community to partner with and put a festival on,” Explore Lake Martin director Sandra Fuller said. “We brought it to New Site’s attention and this year they really stepped up and said, ‘Hey, let’s do this.’ That’s where the festival comes in. We have festivals in Alex City and Dadeville, and this was just another target area to host a festival.”
There will be about 100 paddlers on the river and groups of 15 boats will leave at a time to paddle at their leisure from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird, one of the prettiest stretches of the river especially with the Cahaba lilies in bloom.
“The lilies will be in full bloom, so it’ll be beautiful,” Fuller said. “It’s just a really great time to get out on the river and see that. There’s only a handful of places that have those lilies blooming and we get to be one of them.”
Before or after embarking, paddlers as well as the public will get to the experience the festival, which will be reminiscent of the old trade days in New Site. Joey Lain is heading up the vendor coordination and expects more than 25 vendors and food trucks to be in attendance.
“It’s important to me because I want to bring the community together,” Lain said. “I want everybody to come in as one and bring back the old traditional things that New Site used to have to offer. This is one way to bring people together.”
Lain has paid careful attention to the uniqueness of vendors, ensuring he doesn’t have more than one person selling the same item. A vendor himself, Lain said this is the perfect way to ensure every vendor can make some money and it also offers a great experience for the guests.
In addition to arts and crafts, there will be tumblers, jewelry, live bait, candles, woodcrafts and more. The festival will also have a kids’ area with a building workshop by Home Depot and bouncy houses.
“Years ago, we had what was called New Site Trade Days and that was a huge event for the community,” New Site town clerk Sheila Fuller said. “Like many things, it just kinda faded out and we wanted to bring that type of event or festival back to the community to some degree. It’ll be a time where the community can come together and visitors can come into our community, that’s a big part of it as well.”
With already 75 participants signed up for the paddle, about 85% are from out of town. Sandra Fuller the paddle and festival will be a great experience for those from out of town and those local to Tallapoosa County.
There will also be a cornhole tournament benefiting the New Site Fire Department. The cornhole tournament begins at 11 a.m. at the old gymnasium.
The Landing opens second location
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
With The Landing being at Parker Creek for nearly 10 years, owner
Herb Winches has decided to open up a second location at Lake Martin.
Now, The Landing will not only be in the Real Island area, but also at Harbor Pointe near Stillwaters.
“I have had so many people over the years say, ‘Golly it’s such a long boat ride. Herb, have you ever thought about doing something on the other side of the lake?’” Winches said.
When the opportunity came, he decided to take it up. Winches said the Harbor Pointe location will have the same great food and service as the original location. With Harbor Pointe being a higher density
area, this second location will have extended hours.
The open season will go through the end of September for part of football season. It also will be open Wednesday and Thursday 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Winches said The Landing is well-known for its specials so there will be dinner specials Wednesday-Friday at Harbor Pointe before the weekend rush.
“We are very excited about this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a different concept. I did (Parker Creek’s location) with shipping containers and (Harbor Pointe) is an actual building. It has a big kitchen, which is something we needed. We will have seating underneath a big pergola that goes from the kitchen out
to the bar, and it will be covered. Then we will have all kinds of tables and chairs outside around the property because it’s a beautiful view.”
The Landing at Harbor Pointe will also have soft music over the speakers rather than live music to keep down the noise. With the original Landing being known for its Bushwacker, the Harbor Pointe location will have its liquor license and Winches said they will do it with respect. Both of The Landings are family establishments designed for good, clean fun.
Similar to the original, Harbor Pointe will be accessible by boat and car as well as golf cart to accommodate Stillwaters residents.
The Landing at Harbor Pointe will tentatively open May 15.
Lots of fun in Wetumpka May 18
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There’s no reason to drive anywhere but downtown Wetumpka on the third Saturday in May.
Art will fill the streets and music will fill air as the Downtown Artists hold an art show and River and Blues returns. For almost a decade the City of Wetumpka has hosted River and Blues, a free blues style concert behind the City Administration Building at the edge of Gold Star Park. Only thing is changing this year. It is moving from July to May 18.
“We are trying to beat the heat,” City of Wetumpka’s Nicole Dodd said.
“We are excited more people can come out because of the better weather.”
Nathan & The Zydeco
Cha Chas are headlining the event. Piper and The Hardtimes are coming in from Nashville to take the
River and Blues is behind the City Administration Building on South
stage. For the second year in a row, Greensprings and The Fabulous Fliptones will perform.
Music starts at 4 p.m. and coolers and chairs are welcome.
There will be bounce houses and face painting for the children along with some hand-crafted art vendors and food vendors.
“It is a totally free family friendly event,” Dodd
said.
Even before the music starts the fun begins on Company Street with the Downtown Wetumpka Artists. In conjunction with the River and Blues Music Festival. More than 50 artists will line Company and Bridge streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The artist event will include something for those with a sweet tooth.
“There will be about six vendors who are home -
made candy makers,” Downtown Artists’ Don Sawyer said. “They will be scattered among the artists.”
The sweet treats aren’t there to distract from the artists. Sawyer said many of the artists have been showing in downtown for years.
“The quality is there,” Sawyer said.
The arts scene has been growing in downtown Wetumpka and shows like the Downtown Artists are partly responsible for the revitalization of downtown.
“I am excited about the growth of the Downtown Artists and the impact that we can have on the town,” Sawyer said. “We are all doing this for Wetumpka. The exciting thing is we are going to have a big art show, certainly the largest Wetumpka has ever had.”
The Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center will also be open.
Harris to debut in Downtown Artists Show
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
From New Orleans to Panama City to Costa Rica to Wetumpka, Dow Harris is a true traveler at heart, and his art has evolved with his travels. Harris really started getting into the arts while a student at Savannah College of Art & Design. Initially, he was involved in the theater program but that morphed into more design projects and film, and that’s when his art truly started to take off.
In 2008, Harris left Savannah and embarked on a journey to
Panama City, Panama. He traveled to New Orleans then Austin, Texas, before selling his van in Brownsville, Texas. “I literally hiked into Mexico with my dog and a backpack,” Harris said. “I went all the way down to the Panama Canal, hitchhiked and rode buses.”
Ultimately, Harris ran out of money and ended up in Costa Rica, where set up shop for two years working on digital design projects such as websites.
But it was in Costa Rica where his current art really took off.
The Landing is getting ready for a second
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Wetumpka’s
Main Street bordered by Gold Star Park.
LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN TPI
Dow Harris’ art focuses on magical realism. See HARRIS, Page E4
OLD 280 BOOGIE A HIT
The one where they play trivia
AU Chamber Choir and Singers rock the new THS auditorium
By CARMEN RODGERS For TPI
The Auburn University Chamber Choir, and Singers, along with the Tallassee High School Chamber Choir put on a fantastic show inside the new high school facility recently.
The THS Chamber Choir opened with African Psalm, Shenandoah, Bach (Again) Come Sweet Death, and Wind Nights.
The AU Chamber Choir performed Lobet den Herren alle Heiden, The Sweetheart of the Sun, Signs of Judgement, Even When He is Silent, Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?, and Unclouded Day.
The AU Singers performed Don’t Stop Me Now, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Build Me Up Buttercup, Old Time Rock and Roll, Nella Fantasia, Sing, Sing, Sing, At This Table, and Be the Hero.
HARRIS
Continued from E3
Because THS has long boasted a highly enriched music program, the school’s auditorium was designed for performances such as the one community members attended Tuesday evening.
Hosting the AU Chamber Choir and Singers sets an example that THS students can aim for.
“To have Auburn University come into our new facility, to show off our new facility with a collegiate means a lot. It shows our students
what they can strive to achieve, and I love that,” Tallassee principal Drew Glass said.
There were two THS grads in the AU Choir, Margaret Ann Burnham and Samuel Gantt. This performance was special because while they performed many times in the former high school, this was their first time performing in the school’s new facility.
“When you have two alumni performing here, because they didn’t have
“There was a point where my computer started not working as well,” Harris said. “I’m in the jungle and I was frustrated creatively, and I was just like, ‘All right, I’m going to start drawing with whatever I can find.’ I began to develop a new style with what you would describe as an oil crayon.” He started to develop a body of work and even debuted in his first show. Harris’ style is what he describes as magical realism. “The idea is that the figures or the settings are realistic, but then there’s elements that are
this when they were students here, for them to perform in this new auditorium is awesome,” Glass said. “I thank the professors for bringing the students, and the students for putting on a great show. That’s an amazing show. Any time there is a choir, or of the arts, in Tallassee, the community backs it. They are well supported by the community.”
This event was brought to Tallassee courtesy of the
kind of outlandish or imaginative and not of this world or time,” Harris said. After developing some work and gaining some traction, Harris left Costa Rica and went to try to make a name for himself on the west coast of the United States, ultimately landing in Santa Barbara. There, he got involved with
McCraney-Cottle Arts Council. Jerry and Donna Cunningham are now the directors of the MCAC, and Jerry was the director of the THS music program for many years. Their son Jordan is also very involved in the arts programs in Tallassee.
“The Cunninghams have built it up, and Dr. Glasscock, Mr. Bird, and Mrs. Hill are now continuing the legacy that Mr. Cunningham set,” Glass said. “And Jordan, his son, he’s still
involved everywhere.” Gantt, who graduated in 2020, was among the AU Choir performers. This was his first time inside the newly constructed high school’s auditorium.
“It’s amazing,” Gantt said. “I haven’t been in this new facility yet, so it is just amazing to see what it has become,” MCAC has worked to bring the arts to the Tallassee community for 60 years.
Alvin McCraney was a local educator, a well-known vocalist, and performer. He was also a member of the Tallassee Glee Club and Choir Director. After he died in 1963, Dr. John Cottle helped found the McCraney Arts Council. Cottle was also a local musician, choral director, and vocal coach.
In 1994 the council agreed to add Cottle’s name, making it the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council.
a weekly art walk on the beach and even became a judge of sorts. Ultimately, Harris returned to Alabama to take care of family and landed a job at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. in advertising. That helped him connect with the Wetumpka community, where he will debut his art in the Downtown Artists Show on May 18.
Harris’ current series of art is on black cardstock with vivid pastels. All of his work is freehand; he doesn’t trace anything. “I switched to black paper because I found that the color seems to pop off the black in a way that it doesn’t do with the white,” Dow said. “I liked that.”
CARMEN RODGERS | TPI
Auburn University Singers perform at Tallassee High School.
PHOTOS BY BEN SMITH | TPI
The Standard Deluxe in Waverly played host to the annual Old 280 Boogie recently.The weekend kicked off with the Wand Band, then Billy Allen + The Pollies closed out Friday night with an energetic set.
PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HIMES | TPI
The Local at 41 Main in Alexander City recently hosted a Friends trivia night and has been hosting weekly pop culture nights every Thursday.