Tallassee Tribune May 15 2024 by Tallapoosa Publishers

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

FAMILY CELEBRATES MISSING MAN’S

BIRTHDAY

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

t’s been a month since the family of Michael Thompson has seen him. He left a family gathering near Eclectic on April 14 and headed home to Tallassee. Thompson hasn’t been seen since. His vehicle was found three days later. On Sunday, Thompson’s

family gathered like it always does for a family celebration. This time, for Thompson’s 61st birthday.

“His birthday (was Sunday),” sister Joanne Wright said. “We are hoping and praying to find him.” Dozens of family and friends gathered in Thompson’s lawn to release balloons and sing Happy Birthday to a man they all adored. Some

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

shed tears as they watched the balloons rise through the pecan trees Thompson cut grass under.

Three days after Thompson was last seen, his vehicle was found near Franklin. It’s an area Thompson doesn’t travel to much, and never alone. He had already been reported

Family and friends of Michael Thompson release balloons at his home on his 61st birthday Sunday. The family has been searching for Thompson for a month after he disappeared.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Mason, McElrath take top honors with Sewell award

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The City of Tallassee will have almost no cast iron gas lines after another grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The $5,469,300 in grant money will be used to replace more than 13 miles of gas lines in East Tallassee. It was just a year ago

PHMSA awarded Tallassee $9,700,000 in funding to replace cast iron gas lines in the Elmore County portion of Tallassee. The grants will allow Tallassee to go from a system having one of the largest percentage of cast iron lines in its system across the country to almost none. The more than $15

See HONORS, Page A6

REELTOWN SENIORS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOOL AWARDS

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

While severe weather prevented the Reeltown High School Senior Award Day last Friday, the program went on Monday despite the rain.

Principal Audrey Stockdale reminded the seniors their time at Reeltown is coming to an end, but to remember this is an exciting time as they are beginning a new chapter in life.

“I have watched many of you guys grow up from little first grade boys and girls into the young men and women we see before us today,” Stockdale said. “Today it’s time to celebrate you guys.”

Stockdale announced the top 10 students

See AWARDS, Page A5

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT MAY 12

• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.

• Burglary was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Sunset Drive.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Asbury Ridge, Barnett Boulevard and Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Potts Drive. MAY 11

• A domestic incident was reported on Joy Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gene Street.

• Property damage was reported on Quail Drive.

• Harassment was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on North Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Alber Drive.

• A welfare check was conducted on Alber Drive.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard. MAY 10

• Panhandling was reported on Sims Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Rifle Range Road.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Powers Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Floyd Lane.

• A welfare check was conducted on McNeal Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Laurel Street.

• Property damage was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

• Property damage was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on South Tallassee Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on West Gantts Mill Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Weldon Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Riverside Avenue.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Freeman Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.

MAY 9

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Hornsby Drive.

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

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Cherokee Trail.

• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on McNeal Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Little John Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Burnt Springs Trail Court.

• An animal complaint was reported on Little John Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Zion Street.

• Theft was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• A motor vehicle acci-

dent with no injuries was reported on South Ann Avenue.

MAY 8

• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• Property damage was reported on Seventh Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Wood Street.

• A white female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A verbal fight was reported on Friendship Road.

MAY 7

• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A civil dispute was reported on James Street.

• A white male and female were arrested during a traffic stop on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.

• Assistance was given to medics on Upper River Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Property damage was reported on Lily Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on South Tallassee Drive.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Highway 229.

• Animal control was requested on South Tallassee Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Animal control was requested on Moton Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue, North Ashurst Avenue and South Ashurst Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Laurel Street.

• Animal control was requested on Third Street.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Burnt Springs Trailer Court.

MAY 6

• Burglary was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Third Street.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Third Street, South Central Boulevard and Riverside Avenue.

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

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on West Roosevelt Street.

• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place, Freeman Avenue and Riverside Avenue.

• Theft by deception was reported on Sunwood Court.

• A fight was reported on Herren Street. MAY 5

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Fourth Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Cherokee Trail.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Cottage Hill Court.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Camellia Drive.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Freeman Avenue.

ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI

Reeltown seniors stand before the crowd as the class of 2024 top 10 including valedictorian Jake Hornsby (left), salutatorian Raylee Newman, Ellie Kate Kilpatrick, Jackie Dorn, Kendal Cleveland, Aniyah Murphy, Sandrea Coleman (not pictured), Jayvian Kendrick, Madilyn Hill (not pictured) and Elijah Morris.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Plan for pets for vacation

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

My how time flies – in two weeks most will be enjoying a three-day weekend for Memorial Day (Mon, 27 May). So if you are heading out of town for the Memorial Day weekend and cannot take your pet, we sure hope you have made plans for their care and safety. If you haven’t, best pick up the phone fast as most boarding facilities are booking up fast for the holiday. We highly recommend taking your pet(s) to a reputable boarding facility if you are going to be away from home for more than a day. While this will cost you a small amount for each day of boarding, you are paying for your pet to be kept in a protected and safe environment. This is not only good for your pet, but good for your peace of mind while you

are away. Just like finding a babysitter for your children, you should find a boarding facility that you are comfortable with and that has the capability of caring for all of your pet’s needs. A good idea for your pet and for you is to get with the facility ahead of time and do a trial run with your pet. That way your pet has some familiarity with the surroundings and any issues can be resolved before you go heading off on a multi-day or week trip. Be aware – most boarding facilities will require proof of current vaccinations (ask them what vaccinations they require), so make sure your pet is up-to-date. They will also want emergency contact information and feel free to bring your pet’s special bedding, toys and even treats to make your pet as comfortable as possible. And while many a family member, friend

and neighbor has done a super job at caring for someone else’s pet, at the shelter we hear far too many sad stories of gates left open, animals who weren’t cared for, and other reasons for pets disappearing while someone else was supposed to be caring for them. If you simply do not want to or cannot take your pet to a boarding facility, check into a licensed and bonded Pet Sitter who can come to your home two-three times each day to check on your pet. When heading out for a well-deserved vacation, you want to feel confident that your pet-sitter feels as strongly about your pet’s health and well-being as you do. In the event your pet does get away from home, having a collar with the required Rabies Tag and perhaps an ID tag or your phone number written on the collar can go a long way to getting your pet reunited

Commission approves improvement district

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Elmore County Commission signed off on the Riverfell Improvement District in Prattville at its Monday meeting. The development is primarily in Elmore County with a sliver in Autauga County near the entrance to the Robert Trent Jones golf course.

“It allows the developer to seek tax exempt bonds to finance infrastructure,” Elmore County chief operations officer

Richie Beyer said. “This will allow them to build roads and conduct other infrastructure improvements.”

A similar improvement district exists within The Ridge on Lake Martin.

The commission also recognized three different groups from Edgewood Academy for winning AISA state championships. Those were the boys and girls basketball teams and Barrett Brown for a state discus championship within the AISA State Track meet.

See COMMISSION, Page A6

with you (or your pet sitter). Since tags on collars and collars can come off, we highly recommend that you have your pet microchipped at your local Veterinarian. Please make sure to ask if their fee is covering the cost of registering the chip and if they are indeed doing that right there at the time of your appointment. If not, make sure to take care of the registration as soon as you get back home. Most people today know to take a found pet to be scanned for a chip and that can make all the difference in the safety of your pet. But if the chip has not been registered, then the finder/Shelter will be in limbo until the Veterinary Clinic reopens after the holiday so they can look up to see what pet they microchipped. If you have a pet taking any medications, also make sure you have enough to last well

past the holiday, so yet another reason to get with your Veterinarian soonest.

Our pets ask for so little from us – the least we can do is make sure they are well cared for in our absence. Taking care of arrangements now might mean the difference between enjoying your Memorial Day trip away, or having to stay at home with your pet (which they will love of course).

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

Ever wonder why we do what we do? Our lineworkers work around the clock to deliver the reliable power you depend on and to constantly strengthen our grid in new and innovative ways. It’s that dependable framework that keeps you up and running, so you can do whatever you set your mind to. Now that’s power for a better Alabama.

The sweetest sound I ever heard

As my 28 years in the public school classroom comes to a close, I am revisiting some tales of bands and choirs past. This column appeared in The Tallassee Tribune in 2010.

Ican’t recall exactly when I fell in love; it seemed meant to be from the start.

After years of not really fitting in anywhere, band, and later choir, gave me a home.

By the second semester of my last year in junior high school, I was so band-obsessed, so overboard in my devotion to band, that my parents actually moved to a different neighborhood so that I could attend a high school that I felt was my destiny: Robert E. Lee High School.

Our band director was Dennis Johnson. Mr. Johnson was only about 25 or 26 years old when he was my teacher.

Mr. Johnson was tough as nails. He had come out of the Auburn band and was a part of the Spirit of Atlanta drum and bugle corps. He was a percussion instructor with Southwind, the drum and bugle corps based in Montgomery. It’s hard to imagine now, but in the 1980s, the DCI activity was more than a movement; it was a way of life for many young musicians.

What was interesting to me was that Mr. Johnson was also a Lee graduate. Lee High School did a really good job of maintaining its traditions and history, mainly by moving up longtime employees into administrative positions and hiring from within. Lee High also loved to hire its own graduates once they finished college. So, for many years, even decades, Lee High

We’d

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Obituaries: 35

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Democrat wins a House seat in Alabama

The national media has been keenly interested that a Democrat has been elected to an Alabama House of Representatives seat. I have had several inquiries from national news and political publications asking me to explain and analyze this phenomenon. They are particularly interested in the fact that women’s reproductive rights was a central focus of this special election in Huntsville.

Democrat Marilyn Lands indeed won a resounding victory in House District 10, a Madison County seat, in a special election last month. She made woman’s reproductive rights the primary issue of her campaign.

Alabama is without a doubt one of the most Republican states in America. Every statewide elected office is held by a Republican, and the Republican dominance in the Alabama Legislature is categorized as being a super-Republican majority. Therefore, the lines are drawn to favor Republican incumbents. However, I might add that Democratic incumbents are complicit, and very happily go along with Republicans when drawing heavily favored partisan districts because they entrench them in their seats also. This gerrymandering drawing of Alabama legislative seats is more to protect incumbents, than to help a party. When the dust settled after the last reapportionment, it was recognized and acknowledged that there were only two competitive, swing purple House seats in the state – one in Montgomery and the one in Huntsville, which Marilyn Lands won as a Democrat in last month’s special election.

This Huntsville district is really an anomaly. It is more reflective of the nation than Alabama. Huntsville itself is really like a different state. It

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

is as though the people in the research triangle of North Carolina and the Silicon Valley of California, were plucked up and placed in North Alabama in the super high-tech aerospace City of Huntsville. Ms. Lands’ House District 10 seat sits in the center of the Redstone Arsenal and has the highest percentage of Ph.D.’s in the nation. In fact, a few years ago, I spoke to the Huntsville Rotary Club. It was the largest Rotary Club I had ever seen, probably 300. They met in the Von Braun Civic Center. As I was getting up to speak, my observation was that I was looking at one of the most intellectual and sophisticated Rotary Clubs I had ever seen. So, I posed this question to the group, as I began my talk, “How many of you have an advanced degree, master’s, or doctorate, in aerospace engineering?” Almost half raised their hand. When I began to regale them with past Alabama political stories and legends, they looked at me as though I was talking about politics on Mars. In short, Ms. Marilyn Lands’ district is truly a purple, nationally reflective district. In the 2020 Presidential Election, it split almost evenly between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

A special election also blurs the distinction between party labels. There are no heavyweight GOP standard bearers, like Trump and Governor Ivey, on top of the ticket to steer voters to simply voting a straight lever-pulling

party vote. It becomes a local vote for the person running the race, similar to a mayor’s race, which is nonpartisan. Marilyn Lands was a better candidate and campaigner than her Republican opponent. She was an experienced campaigner. She lost a narrow race to her GOP opponent in 2022. She outworked her opponent, significantly. She did run a one-issue campaign. She ran on women’s reproductive rights, and it worked and resonated.

So, in answer to the national media’s inquiry, “Is this a bad sign for the Republican Party, nationally, in this year’s election,” my answer is a resounding, “Yes.” The abortion issue is a losing issue for Republicans. It has been since Roe v. Wade was overturned almost two years ago in June 2022. The proof is in the pudding, Republicans have lost every election since then, when they should have won. That issue was defeated two to one by voters in the most conservative state in America – Kansas. Trump is wise enough to avoid this issue, it is an Achilles Heel to the Republican Party come November. Mainstream women voters, Democrats, Independents, and yes, Republican women want the right to make that choice when it comes to reproductive rights.

Marilyn Lands might have won this Special Election closely because she was a better candidate. However, she would not have won this purple swing national seat with a 62 to 38 landslide, if she had not run on the reproductive issue.

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

Predicting the future with natural events

Ithink I’m seeing and hearing warning signs but I’m just not sure what for.

Everywhere I look everyone is commenting about seeing the Northern Lights this past weekend.

It was Saturday night and I headed to a dark area. I saw many others there too. We all had conversations and befriended each other.

I saw the near solar eclipse from here in central Alabama.

I think like everyone else I have heard the deafening click of the two batches of cicadas. I definitely have seen them.

But I wonder just what does it mean?

I have seen movies like Jaws and Deliverance.

Do you remember the music from each? Banjos in one and a heavy bass drop speeding up in the other. Each gave hints and built up suspense as to what might happen next.

I don’t think there is a significant event that is being forecast with the natural events the last couple of months.

But who am I to say? We knew for decades about the solar eclipse even predicting what part of the world would best see it. We knew for centuries that the

CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

cicadas on the 13- and 17-year cycle would come out of the ground together this summer.

The Northern Lights are a common occurrence in the north.

But this far south?

Of the three natural events, the aurora borealis being seen in the South is about as close to a warning signal as it gets. It is sporadic and unpredictable beyond about three days, that is even in the North.

It is purely dependent on the sun throwing off energy and particles and those catching the right conditions here on Earth and reacting.

Maybe there is a higher power that saw our calendar of an eclipse and cicadas and decided to scare us more.

But I want to think it is different. I want to think that a higher power, God in my case, wanted us to get out from behind the screens and talk. All of the conversations that I had were pleasant. We all talked about

how nice the weather was Saturday. We talked about how much we liked being outside. The subjects were random, but it was as if God was reminding us so much is lost in translation reading words behind screens. I have reacted unpleasantly to something sent to me via text or email. I’ve been guilty of it more than once. I will likely be guilty of it again in the future.

I hope others took notice of the coincidences of the last few weeks. Do you think they are foreshadowing something like the music from Jaws? Or do you think it is another power wanting us to talk to each other?

Let me know what you think. Either way, I want to continue to have the conversations and pleasantries I experienced Saturday night. It gave me great hope that the divisive nature of many conversations, especially on the national level, are far from what you and I want to emulate.

Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

demically as Elijah Morris, Madilyn Hill, Jayvian Kendrick, Sandrea Coleman, Aniyah Murphy, Kendal Cleveland, Jackie Dorn, Ellie Kate Kilpatrick, salutatorian Raylee Newman and valedictorian Jake Hornsby.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Christian Traylor was awarded a scholarship from Alabama State University and Huntingdon College. Adam Burton received the Benjamin and Roberta Russell Foundation scholarship.

Xavier Thomas was awarded the BTW 115 Consistory scholarship, a Talladega College scholarship and a University of Alabama at Birmingham scholarship.

Kendal Cleveland received the Carolyn C. Brown Memorial scholarship, Jackson Foundation scholarship, Lake Martin Chamber of Commerce scholarship, Sherry Downing Memorial scholarship, a Southern Union State Community College scholarship, Tri-States scholarship and a University of Montevallo scholarship.

Zachary Riley was awarded a Central Alabama Community College scholarship and Tyrese Fallin received a Columbus State University scholarship. Raylee Newman was awarded the Dixie Girls Softball scholarship, Elks Lodge scholarship, Joe H. and Mary Johnson scholarship, Lake Martin Realtor Association scholarship, NWTF scholarship, Tri-States scholarship and a University of West Alabama scholarship.

Blake Smith and Arthur Woods were both awarded scholarships to Huntingdon. Grayci Hadden received a Joe H. and Mary Johnson scholarship and a University of West Alabama scholarship. Aniyah Murphy was awarded a Kiwanis Club of Tallahassee scholarship and the inaugural Tonja Jennings scholarship.

Bethany Kilpatrick received a Kiwanis Club of Tallassee scholarship and three scholarships from Southeastern University. Natalie Spain was awarded the Mildred W. Blount Educational Foundation scholarship, the Rev. Dr. A.W. Watkins Foundation scholarship and a University of West Alabama scholarship.

Ellie Kate Kilpatrick received the

Miss Reeltown scholarship and Jake Hornsby was awarded the Neptune Technology Group scholarship. Jayvian Kendrick and Sandra Coleman were awarded scholarships to Shorter University.

Jackie Dorn received a scholarship to Southeastern University and University of West Alabama. Kaylie McGough was awarded a scholarship to Southern Union State Community College and Janyla Stewart received a scholarship to Trenholm State Community College. Leeandra Hooks received a scholarship to University of West Alabama.

ACADEMIC AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS

During the ceremony, honor roll students were announced. Kendal Cleveland, Grayci Hadden, Jake Hornsby and Raylee Newman will graduate with A honor roll. The following will graduate with AB honor roll: Madilynn Bonifay, Adam Burton, Jackie Dorn, Tyrese Fallin, Leeandra Hooks, Bethany Kilpatrick, Ellie Kate Kilpatrick, Tamiya Macon, Elijah Morris, Aniyah Murphy, Blake Smith, Natalie Spain, Xavier Thomas, Christian Traylor and Wuendy Trejo.

Ellie Kate Kilpatrick was recognized with a Girls State certificate and Jake Hornsby with Boys State certificate. Hornsby was also recognized with the HOBY leadership certificate.

Seniors were recognized with WorkKeys based on their ACT scores. In the bronze category were Arthur Woods, Garbrielle Williams, Adam Ward, Levi Waites, Wuendy Trejo, Tania Trejo, Christian Traylor, Xavier Thomas, Janyla Stewart, Carder Spain, Mariah Smitherman, Ocie Scarbrough Smith, Tyrone Randolph, Aniyah Murphy, Jayvian Kendrick, Katelynn Hurley, Jacob Hornsby, Leeandra Hooks, Madilyn Hill, Andrew Glass, Tyrese Fallin, Sandrea Coleman and Adam Burton. In the silver category were Madilynn Bonifay, Zachary Webb, Frank Tew, Natalie Spain, Blake Smith, Raylee Newman, Jessica Lawler, Demoni Holloway, Jackie Dorn and Heather Browning. In the gold category were Kendal Cleveland, Grayci Hadden, Jake Hornsby, Elijah Morris and Austin Tapley.

The graduating Beta club members include Grayci Hadden, Raylee Newman, Adam Burton, Jackie Dorn, Tyrese Fallin, Jake Hornsby, Jayvian Kendrick, Betha-

ny Kilpatrick, Ellie Kate Kilpatrick, Tamiya Macon, Aniyah Murphy, Blake Smith, Natalie Spain, Xavier Thomas, Tania Trejo and Arthur Woods. The Beta volunteerism and club administration award went to Aniyah Murphy and Tania Trejo. For their regular blood donation, Abby Cole, Jake Griffth, Katelynn Hurley and Levi Waites were presented with the cord of courage.

The math department awarded Jake Hornsby for having the highest academic average from grades ninth through 12th. The Professor Frog award went to Jake Hornsby and Natalie Spain for their passion for math. Natalie Spain was also awarded the Team Works certificate for her service hours.

The following seniors received their Career and Technology Education cord: Chase Bowins, Kendal Cleveland, Abby Cole, Sandrea Coleman, Za’niya Collins, Jackie Dorn, Tyrese Fallin, Andrew Glass, Jake Griffth, Grayci Hadden, Trent Harris, Madilyn Hill, Demoni Holloway, Jacob Hornsby, Katelynn Hurley, Bethany Kilpatrick, Kaylie McGough, Elijah Morris, Aniyah Murphy, Raylee Newman, Zachary Riley, Mariah Smitherman, Natalie Spain, Kamon Tew, Xavier Thomas, Christian Traylor, Tania Trejo, Wuendy Trejo, Zachary Webb, Garbrielle Williams and Arthur Woods.

ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR AWARDS

Athletic director Matt Johnson announced Blake Smith, Arthur Woods and Jake Hornsby as the recipients for the Coca-Cola scholarships. The following students also received their senior pins: Adam Burton, Kendal Cleveland, Abby Cole, Jackie Dorn, Tyrese Fallin, Grayci Hadden, Leeandra Hooks, Jacob Hornsby, Jake Hornsby, Jayvian Kendrick, Raylee Newman, Zachary Riley, Blake Smith, Kamon Tew, Xavier Thomas, Levi Waites, Adam Ward and Arthur Woods.

As selected by the RHS faculty, the sportsmanship award went to Arthur Woods, the school spirit award went to Jackie Dorn, the leadership award went to Aniyah Murphy, all-around girl award went to Bethany Kilpatrick and all-around boy award went to Jake Hornsby.

The following seniors then received their band cord: Bethany Kilpatrick, Raylee Newman, Natalie Spain and Grayci Hadden.

CommunityCalendar

SATURDAY, MAY 18

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, May 18.

ART SHOW: The Wetumpka Downtown Artists will host an art show on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18. MILLBROOK MAYFEST: The Art Mill will be hosting the Millbrook Mayfest at the Village Green Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. There will be handmade items and crafts, food, fine arts, music, family-friendly activities and more. There is no cost to attend.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Last week we showcased two dogs who would be good together and this week two kitties who have to stay together. Serena and Venus are tortoiseshell kitties and 1-year-old sisters, completely bonded so they need to stay together. They are sweet ladies but scared here in our noisy shelter so they would love a quieter inside living situation in a calm and loving home.

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

MUSIC FESTIVAL: The City of Wetumpka is hosting its annual River and Blues Music and Arts Festival from 4 to 10 p.m. May 18 behind the City Administration Building. There will be four bands, art vendors and kids’ zone. FUN RUN: Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary will be hosting the Tails on the Trails fun run at BTR at The Stockyard at 8 a.m. May 18. The address is 1428 Coosa County Rd. 2 in Equality. The registration is $35 for adults and $25 for those under 18, plus $7 per pet, which includes a T-shirt. Registration and sponsorship opportunities end May 12.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

IVY’S GALA: Ivy’s Closet will be hosting a gala from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. There will be live music and a silent auction.

MAY 30-JUNE 1

HONK JR.: The Penguins at the Wetumpka Depot are performing Honk Jr. May 30 to June 1 at the Depot. It is a heartwarming celebration of being different. Tickets are $18 and available at wetumpkadepot.com.

JUNE 1 - JUNE 28

NATIONAL EXHIBITION: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in downtown Wetumpka is hosting the 83rd Annual Watercolor Society of Alabama national exhibition from June 1 to June 28. The juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.

JUNE 24-29

THEATRE CAMP: The Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players are hosting a theater camp for students in the Millbrook area from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24-29 at Stanhope Elmore High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.

MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.

ONGOING

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

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

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

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

OPEN MIC: The Equality

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

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the

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

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

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information. AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments. MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

holding meats, cheeses and more as the power went out Thursday night. Friday morning power was still out and Sid was documenting the loss as the coolers had warmed up overnight.

Down Sistrunk at Sizemore and Sizemore, office manager Becky Peters looked at her desk and almost cried. Water had come through the ceiling covering her desk.

“I had the best view in all of downtown looking out over the river,” Peters said.

Peters and others stayed until almost 3 a.m. Friday morning salvaging files and servers.

“We got the brains of the computer out,” Peters said.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Elmore County about 9:15 p.m. giving everyone warning of potential issues related to wind and imminent hail.

Across social media, many residents from just west of Wetumpka to Tallassee back to Eclectic posted photographs and video of hail, rain and some trees down. It took power out for many and forced Elmore County Schools in Eclectic to go virtual for the day as power was out at the schools.

Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett said there were more than 50 reports of trees down with one on a home.

“We had one minor inju-

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missing to the Tallassee Police Department. The area was searched by canines and an ALEA helicopter in hopes of finding information or evidence of what happened to Thompson.

Family members under-

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million in grant funding is the highest in the history of the City of Tallassee.

“Now, we are able to quickly and efficiently remove these dangerous gas mains over the next few years,” Hill said. “The city is very lucky to have received back-to-back funding to address both sides of our city’s gas mains.”

Escalating costs due to supply chain issues and manufacturing costs since the COVID-19 pandemic and the time since the grant application likely means about 90% of the cast iron gas lines will be replaced instead of 100%.

But Hill believes the funding and subsequent improvements to the gas utility are very much needed.

“When we took out the bond we were looking at having to increase gas rates

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portion of Tallassee. The grants will allow Tallassee to go from a system having one of the largest percentage of cast iron lines in its system across the country to almost none.

ry,” Barnett said. “On Rifle Range Road a driver was slightly injured by a tree when the tree either fell on the vehicle or the vehicle hit the tree as it was falling.”

On Highway 14 Friday morning between Tallassee and Wetumpka there were several crews with various utility companies trying to restore services. Along the way there were fallen trees, but no significant damage.

At 11:30 p.m. Thursday Alabama Power Company reported 11,600 customers in Elmore County were without power and another 4,100 in Tallapoosa County.

By 6:30 a.m. Friday 9,000 Elmore County residents were without power and 3,400 in Tallapoosa County.

The electric utility reminded everyone that with the amount of tree and limb damage, the following are important safety reminders:

• Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Always assume power lines are energized.

• Keep children and pets away from downed lines.

• Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or limbs where downed lines may be hidden.

• Exercise caution near chain link fences. Dangerous lines may touch the metal.

• Avoid stepping in puddles and standing water after a storm as they may be touching hidden, downed power lines and be electrified.

stand law enforcement have followed all leads so far in hopes of finding Thompson, but still hold out some hope.

“We pray we are able to find him,” sister Felicia Thompson said. “We hope and pray he is still alive. We hope we can find out what happened. We want to find him alive, if not get some closure and find who is responsible.”

to help replace more lines,” Hill said. ‘This $15 million helps prevent a large increase to help repay loans or bonds.

We are really excited this is 100% funded and it doesn’t have a match.”

The city had taken out a $4 million bond issue to begin to address the gas line issue. It had started some work with the funding. Now the remaining funds can be shifted to other utility projects such as grant matching for needed renovations in the city’s water treatment plant.

Hill and other city leaders have been working with CDG Engineering to develop an infrastructure capital plan for the remaining funding left from the bond.

The more than $15 million in grant funding is the highest in the history of the City of Tallassee. “Now, we are able to quickly and efficiently remove these dangerous gas mains over the next few years,” Hill said. “The city is very lucky to have received back-to-back funding to address both sides of our city’s gas mains.” Escalating costs due to supply chain issues and manufacturing costs since the COVID19 pandemic and the time since

Downtown streetscape nearing completion

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Fresh asphalt now covers the streets of downtown Tallassee.

It is signaling the near completion of the TAP Streetscape project in the area.

“I think it will be great for our current businesses,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “I hope it helps welcome new businesses.”

The project is years in the making and is actually several phases, including the replacement of storm drains and water, gas and sewer lines to go along with the new side-

walks, handrails and street lighting.

“We are looking at a 90% completion at this point,” Hill said. “There are a few things to check off. We will have final walkthroughs and more.”

Primarily some landscaping is left along with repairing handrails damaged on South Ann Avenue by semi truck.

Hill said the city will also do some basic landscaping to the Hotel Talisi lot to make it more presentable until the Tallassee City Council decides what to do with the property. That work is outside the scope of grants.

The Tallassee City Council accepted a bid for the streetscape and repaving in the amount of $1,884,752.40. The Alabama Department of Transportation provided $1.1 million in grant funding for the project. The city’s match for the grant totals $205,000. The city also provided another $100,000 in funding to continue the streetscape project and paving down South Ann Avenue.

The city is hopeful to continue paving South Ann Avenue to Comer Street if it receives more grant funding under Rebuild Alabama.

Only ‘hurt feelings’ truck crashes into building

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

No one was injured as a truck crashed into Dash of Fashion on South Ann Street in Tallassee on Wednesday.

“But there were a bunch of hurt feelings,” Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said.

Buce was standing outside the Tallassee Police Department about 200 yards away when something grabbed his attention.

“It sounded like a bunch of broken wind chimes hitting the concrete,” Buce said. “We drove down and were the first ones there.”

A semi-truck had struck the new metal hand railings in front of Dash of Fashion. They were just like the ones installed throughout downtown as part of the streetscape project.

the grant application likely means about 90% of the cast iron gas lines will be replaced instead of 100%. But Hill believes the funding and subsequent improvements to the gas utility are very much needed.

“When we took out the bond we were looking at having to increase gas rates to help replace more lines,” Hill said. ‘This $15 million helps prevent a large increase to help repay

No one was in the truck when it struck the handrails and building, also damaging the awning to the business.

“The driver was getting out to fix the load that was on the trailer,” Buce said. “He pulled the wrong lever. The trailer came uncoupled from the semi truck.” The truck started to

loans or bonds. We are really excited this is 100% funded and it doesn’t have a match.”

across the street. The trailer dropped to the street but it too stayed in motion.

“The way the coupler fell onto the road, it slowed some before it struck the business,” Buce said.

“We have many infrastructure needs,” Hill said. “We did receive a $546,000 grant to help address issues at the water treatment plant in the pipe gallery. We have to match that with another $546,000.” Hill and other city leaders have been working with CDG Engineering to develop an infrastructure capital plan for the remaining funding left from the bond.

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memorandum of warrants in the amount of $11,441,850.78 for April 13 to May 3.

• Approved a special events retail alcohol license for The Black Jack Symphony by

• Approved the

JROK at the Lake Martin amphitheater for July 20-21.

• Approved the annual report on Insolvents, Errors, Litigations and Unsold Tax Liens for 2023.

• Approved a proclamation declaring May as Foster Family Awareness Month.

• Approved a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 28.

Commissioner Henry Hines was absent from the meeting.

roll

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

The streetscape project in downtown Tallassee is close to finish. Contractors recently laid the top layer of asphalt.

City The lot for the old Hotel Talisi will be landscaped until city leaders determine what to do with the property.

SUBMITTED TPI

Truck crashed into A Dash of Fashion on South Ann Avenue in downtown Wetumpka last week.The incident left new handrails damaged and the door and owning to the business damaged as well.

Practicing the presence of God

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! It is a very rainy Monday morning as I write this week’s column. For once, we actually have a day of rain with no threat of anything severe. Mother Nature is saving that threat for overnight!

The title of this column is taken from the final words of the book Following Jesus by the late Henri Nouwen. We started studying the book in one of our adult Sunday school classes at the beginning of Lent and just finished it on the final Sunday of Eastertide. The book features transcription of a series of lectures offered by Nouwen at Harvard Divinity School in 1985.

Henri Nouwen was a Dutch born Catholic priest who left a highly acclaimed academic career at Harvard Divinity

REV.

JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

School to share his life with people with mental disabilities as a pastor in Canada. He wrote forty books during his lifetime and died in 1996. He is widely recognized as one of the most proflic theologians of the late twentieth century. The subtitle of the book is Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety. The lectures contained in the book took place when Henri Nouwen was experiencing what many theologians refer to as a “dark night of the soul.” Simply put, Nouwen was a disciple without a cause. How is it possible that a

pastor and theologian known for prolific writing and incredible wisdom could feel so out of touch with God?

Prior to joining the faculty at Harvard, Nouwen had served as a missionary in Peru. He left that position due to feelings of loneliness and unease.

Most people in the western world would expect some sense of loneliness and unease from someone serving as a missionary in South America. Most people in the western world would expect those feelings to fade quickly once a six-figure, prestigious job came into the picture. Most people in the western world would be wrong.

The lecture series talked about the steps for following Jesus. The process begins with an invitation from God in Jesus Christ to “Come and see”. Again, most people in the Christian world assume

Tallassee Churches

that the invitation to discipleship begins with the words, “Come and follow me.” That is not the case for Nouwen. He explains that God in Jesus Christ invites children of God into relationship by saying, “Come and see what God has done and is doing.” The call to “Follow me” comes later.

The process ends with the promise of God in Jesus Christ. “I will be with you always, even until the end of the age”(Matthew 28:20) is the promise of God in Jesus Christ recorded at the end of the Gospel of Matthew. Nouwen and other theologians point out that this has been God’s promise to the earthly kingdom since the dawn of creation.

Obviously, I cannot and will not try and explain the book in this column. I will encourage everyone reading it to read the book. Regardless

of the nature of your covenant relationship with God, I can assure you that the book is worth your while. What I will share is the teaching that caused me to choose the book as something to share in study at the church I serve. The book reminds the reader of the reality of God’s promise of presence. It explains that prayer and service are the only means necessary to gain awareness of divine presence. Above all else, it affirms that God is ever-present, especially in anxious times. A life committed to prayer and witnessing to gospel truth is the only means of recognizing that presence and remaining at peace during anxious times.

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

Surrounding Area Churches

Tallassee soccer falls in Final Four

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The state of Alabama has officially been introduced to Tallassee soccer.

While Matt Tarpley’s squad didn’t walk away with a trophy, Tallassee proved it can compete with the best teams in the state.

“We lost by one goal to the state champions,” Tarpley

The Tigers made the road trip to Huntsville to participate in the AHSAA Class 5A Final Four for the first time in program history last week. Tallassee ended its season with a 2-1 loss to Gulf Shores in the semifinals, a day before Gulf Shores went on to claim the state championship with a 3-2 win over Guntersville.

said. “There’s nothing for us to hang our heads about. I feel like everyone knows where Tallassee is now, and they know we play some good soccer here. I’m proud of our boys. They didn’t shy away from the challenge and played their best for 80 minutes and came up just short.”

TALLASSEE FALLS IN FINAL STATE QUALIFIER

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

Tallassee softball almost had a comeback for the ages.

Down 9-6 in the top of the seventh to Marbury, the Tigers put up three runs in their final frame to tie the game at 9. Tallassee was then just three outs away from punching a ticket to Oxford.

But it wasn’t meant to be, as Marbury scored four runs in the bottom of the frame to eliminate Tallassee from

regionals, 10-9, in the final state qualifier game and end the Tiger softball season.

“They showed a lot of heart (Wednesday),” coach Pat Love said. “We didn’t have our best stuff, didn’t hit the best but we battled to the end and had a chance to win.”

Tallassee (14-29) found itself in the final game of the elimination bracket by going 2-2 in regional play.

The Tigers opened the tournament with a 14-7 win over Shelby County, then a 3-2 win over Demopolis to

face rival Beauregard in the first state qualifier game.

Against Shelby County, Cheyann Easterling went 5-5 with an RBI to lead a 20-hit outing by the Tigers. Reagan Easterwood put up a team-best five RBIs as well, part of an 11 RBI showing.

The Demopolis contest was much closer, as it took a two-run fifth inning to propel Tallassee into the final game. Again it was Easterling at the plate, who went 2-3 with three RBIs

By DALTON MIDDLETON

Editor

Reeltown falls in second day of regionals

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

The Reeltown softball season ended the same way for the second straight season. Reeltown (11-14-1) found itself in the second day of competition at regionals but couldn’t get all the way out of the elimination bracket.

The Rebels went 1-2 during their stay in Montgomery, losing their final game to Horseshoe Bend 7-3 to knock the team out of the tournament.

“I am super proud of this team,” coach Travis Spraggins said. “We have come a long way this season. We put in a lot of work.”

In the two years since coach Spraggins has taken over, the Rebels have made noise in regionals. Last week was the same.

Spraggins’ team started with a 9-3 loss to Lamar County, the team Horseshoe Bend defeated in the elimination bracket championship. Reeltown tied things at 3-3 against the Bulldogs in the top of the fourth, but couldn’t stop the Bulldogs late in the game.

Raylee Newman hit a grounder in the fourth that, compounded with two errors, scored a trio

of runners and put Reeltown squarely in the contest. Reeltown managed only two hits in the game though, coming by way of singles from Grayci Trash and Crisdan Dunn. While hits were hard to come by against Lamar County, they were aplenty against Isabella in the team’s first elimination bracket game.

Amelia Nicholas started the party with a solo blast to right field in the bottom of the first. The Rebels then scored three in the second, two in the third and a run in the fourth to cruise to a 7-3 victory. On the bump, Dunn struck out four.

The win put Reeltown on a collision course with area rival Horseshoe Bend in the second round of the elimination bracket. HBS won all four meetings during the regular season, and won Thursday’s early morning game 7-3 to put Reeltown out.

The game wasn’t lopsided in any way, as Reeltown took an early 1-0 lead through two innings. Again it was Nicholas who did the scoring, taking second, third and home on a passed ball.

Seven runs by the Generals in the third and

game

DAVID HOLTSFORD AHSAA Gulf Shores’ Jordan Simon (9) slides in to boot the ball away from Tallassee’s Irvin Deflin (10) as teammates rush to help.

While many teams may not have known where Tallassee was, they knew of one name on Tallassee’s roster – Irvin Delfin.

The state’s leading scorer, an All-State performer from a year ago, quickly showed what he can do against the Gulf Shores defense. Twenty minutes into the game, Delfin’s powerful left foot got around the Dolphins and found the back of the net, giving Tallassee a 1-0 lead.

As quickly as the game could reset, however, Gulf Shores tied it up with a goal of its own 45 seconds later.

That lead held to halftime, then held to the lightning delay at the 53 minute mark.

After an hour of delays and the weather not letting up, the game was postponed until the following morning and moved to a turf field.

“It was not ideal playing conditions and situations,” Tarpley said.

“I felt like we had seized momentum in that second half and were getting comfortable when the delay occurred. Coming back out Thursday morning, it was just a weird situation to be in with 27 minutes left after sleeping on it. Moving from grass to turf in the middle of a match was weird.”

Gulf Shores got its second goal a few minutes after play resumed, and Tallassee was unable to connect the rest of the way. The Tigers never stopped, though, and even attempted a free kick with just under 20 seconds left.

As time expired, Tallassee was shooting to try and tie the game.

“Gulf Shores was a fantastic team, and they were much more comfortable and relaxed in the setting,” Tarpley said.

“After that second goal, the chase was one. We created some good opportunities and kept fighting until the end. We had some good looks but it just didn’t go our way.”

While Delfin netted the Tigers’ only goal, Tallassee goalkeeper Trey Bosch turned in one of the best performances of his career. Bosch, a senior, ended the game with eight saves before having to leave due to injury in the final minutes.

He was blocking shot after shot from the Dolphins and eventually hyperextended his knee and was replaced.

“It was really a great game for Trey,” Tarpley said. “He came up big for us time and time again. I wish he wouldn’t have gotten hurt. He played so well.”

Most of Tallassee’s roster returns next season, including Delfin, as the Tigers make the move down to Class 4A. The path to Huntsville will remain just as difficult but Tarpley knows his team can grow from this loss.

“It’s very cliche but we’re hoping this loss fuels our fire,” Tarpley said. “We got a taste of Huntsville and we had fun and enjoyed our time. Now we’re looking to go back next year and get a different result.”

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including a two-RBI single to take the go-ahead lead.

The pair of wins matched THS against Beauregard, a team that had defeated the purple and gold four times during the regular season.

During Wednesday’s game against the Hornets, the game was tied 3-3 until the bottom of the sixth. Beauregard scored three in the first, answered by Tallassee’s three in the second. A lone run allowed to the Hornets in the sixth was too much for the Tigers to overcome, forcing the team into the do-or-die game with Marbury.

The Marbury contest was an offensive explosion for both teams, with Tallassee taking an early 3-0 lead, only for things to be tied at four in the third. Marbury rattled off five runs combined in the fifth and sixth to take its three-run lead, which Tallassee then answered.

Madeline Weldon started the comeback with a two-run single, followed by a Keke Hutchinson RBI-single.

With the game tied at 9, Tallassee got an out in the bottom of the seventh before the final Marbury batter walked up to the plate. A bases loaded walk scored the final runner and Tallassee’s comeback had fallen just short.

To Love, his team’s ability to battle with season rival Beauregard and score a trio of runs in their final at bats against Marbury showed his team’s long standing grit and determination.

“It shows how much heart we have,” Love said. “We are young, but they battled. They could have easily laid over. We played two good games (Wednesday) so I am proud of them.”

Wednesday’s games were the final outings for Tallassee’s pair of seniors, Hutchinson and Weldon. The majority of the roster otherwise will return and look to build off of the team’s regional show-

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awesome and I’m more than excited to see what she does at the next level.”

Price’s last game of her career was her best of the week. In the game against Gulf Shores, she hit a two-run home run in her first at-bat to put the Bulldogs up, 2-1, in

ing. Next year, Love thinks his team can use their run as fuel to make it through a state qualifier, and onto Oxford.

“I told them to hold their heads high and build on it,” Love siad. “We are thankful also to our two seniors and the leadership they put in this season. A lot of this goes to them.”

the top of the second inning. Her second home run was a solo shot in the top of the fifth inning. Both went to straight away center field with the wind blowing in.

For Claybrook, it was no surprise to see her do that on the biggest stage. And it was the perfect way to cap her career.

“To put a bookend on her career, my first game as a

fourth proved too much to come back from however, even with Reeltown being narrowly outhit 10-7. What ultimately spelled doom for Reeltown was its inability to bring runners around, leaving a dozen stranded on the base path.

“We hit the ball well,” Spraggins said. “We played well both days. But (Thursday) what didn’t help was leaving 12 runners on base. These girls worked their tails off and faced a lot of adversity.”

Injuries paid Reeltown no favors through the year, forcing a bevy of

head coach and her first at-bat for me was a home run,” Claybrook said. “For her to come here her senior season and her last game hit two out, it just shows the model of consistency with all the ups and downs in-between those two milestones.”

While her final game at the plate was impressive, her complete game in the circle against St. Paul’s was just as

different lineups and players into new situations. Regardless, the team still finished runner-up in the area and earned another regional win.

Spraggins knew the regional draw would be tough, but he had confidence his team could hang in there with some upper level talent. And hang they did.

Reeltown’s 2024 run will be just

important. Price sent the Bulldogs to the regional final with the win. She pitched seven innings and allowed just three earned runs and struck out five Saints.

When her seventh inning ended, the Bulldogs were down 4-2 and she was in line for the loss, but Avery Goff hit a walkoff three-run home run to keep the Bulldogs undefeated in the tournament.

another building block for successful seasons to come for the blue and white moving forward under Spraggins.

“We have taken this younger group of girls, and set a goal and expectation in this tournament,” Spraggins said. “We knew how good we were. We knew how well we could play. We just fell a little short.”

HENRY ZIMMER THE TPI

Tallassee’s Kam Tate fields a ball against Marbury.Tate and the Tigers went 2-2 in the regional tournament.

Tallassee senior Ava Justiss signs her National Letter of Intent with Auburn University at Montgomery. Justiss will be attending AUM on a cheerleading and academic scholarship.

Reeltown falls in second day of regionals

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

The Reeltown softball season ended the same way for the second straight season.

Reeltown (11-141) found itself in the second day of competition at regionals but couldn’t get all the way out of the elimination bracket.

The Rebels went 1-2 during their stay in Montgomery, losing their final game to Horseshoe Bend 7-3 to knock the team out of the tournament.

“I am super proud of this team,” coach Travis Spraggins said. “We have come a long way this season. We put in a lot of work.”

In the two years since coach Spraggins has taken over, the Rebels have made noise in regionals. Last week was the same.

Raylee Newman hit a grounder in the fourth that, compounded with two errors, scored a trio of runners and put Reeltown squarely in the contest. Reeltown managed only two hits in the game though, coming by way of singles from Grayci Trash and Crisdan Dunn. While hits were hard to come by against Lamar County, they were aplenty against Isabella

in the team’s first elimination bracket game.

The win put Reeltown on a collision course with area rival Horseshoe Bend in the second round of the elimination bracket.

HBS won all four meetings during the regular season, and won Thursday’s early morning game 7-3 to put Reeltown out.

The game wasn’t lopsided in any way, as Reeltown took an early 1-0 lead through two innings. Again it was Nicholas who did the scoring, taking second, third and home on a passed ball.

Seven runs by the Generals in the third and fourth proved too much to come back from however, even with Reeltown being narrowly outhit 10-7.

What ultimately spelled doom for Reeltown was its inability to bring runners around, leaving a dozen stranded on the base path.

Injuries paid Reeltown no favors through the year, forcing a bevy

of different lineups and players into new situations. Regardless, the team still finished runner-up in the area and earned another regional win.

Spraggins knew the regional draw would be tough, but he had confidence his team could hang in there with some upper level talent. And hang they did. Reeltown’s 2024 run will be just another building block for successful seasons to come for the blue and white moving forward under Spraggins.

“We have taken

all but one single frame during her team’s three games, striking out 15 total

this younger group of girls, and set a goal and expectation in this tournament,” Spraggins said. “We knew how good we were. We knew how well we could play. We just fell a little short.”

Cleaning up the pieces Storm causes minor issues across Elmore County

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The most significant damage in the following multiple rounds of storms Thursday night and Friday morning was in downtown Tallassee.

As the first round of rain and wind was coming through around 10 p.m. Thursday, it peeled back the roof of a building on Sistrunk Street in Tallassee. In the process three businesses were left exposed to the elements and left all three plus Grove Station without power.

“I have to empty my coolers,” Grove Station owner Corrie Sid. “I have so much perishable food to throw out.”

Sid’s refrigerators were holding meats, cheeses and more as the power went out

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Thursday night. Friday morning power was still out and Sid was documenting the loss as the coolers had warmed up overnight.

Down Sistrunk at Sizemore and Sizemore, office manager Becky Peters looked at her desk and almost cried. Water had come through

School was insulated in a protective bubble on Ann Street in Montgomery. The Lee Band tradition was so important to Mr. Johnson, and to all of us, that we started band camp the week after graduation. I still have the paperwork from my rookie year: drums came back June 5-9. Then, beginning June 13, we had Tuesday and Thursday night rehearsals from 4:008:00 p.m. In July, we went Monday through Thursday, from 4-8 p.m., four nights a week! By August, we were

the ceiling covering her desk.

“I had the best view in all of downtown looking out over the river,” Peters said.

Peters and others stayed until almost 3 a.m. Friday morning salvaging files and servers.

“We got the brains of the computer out,” Peters

ready for full-blown band camp. Two weeks of 8:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night, Monday through Friday. By the time school began, we were more than ready. But as enjoyable as marching band was, what I really loved was concert band. We had a magnificent set up at Lee. The top 40 players were in the Symphonic Band, which played the most difficult of the classic band literature. The other 90-100 players were in the Concert Band. We also had a Jazz Band that was by director’s invitation only. I made the Symphonic Band on trombone my first year. And I still remember the

said.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Elmore County about 9:15 p.m. giving everyone warning of potential issues related to wind and imminent hail.

Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett said there were more than 50 reports of trees down with one on a home.

“We had one minor injury,” Barnett said.

hours and hours of rehearsal on those pieces: “Procession of Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov and “Variations on a Korean Folk Song” by John Barnes Chance were the hardest pieces of band literature I’d ever played. I can remember looking out the transom windows at the overcast February sky, with Lee High School almost seeming like one of those black-and-white pictures in my parents’ yearbooks. Mr. Johnson was at the band room recently, and after all the times back in the day that he’d made fun of my geeked-out band recording habits, he had a request. He asked if I had any recordings of us. I walked

“On Rifle Range Road a driver was slightly injured by a tree when the tree either fell on the vehicle or the vehicle hit the tree as it was falling.”

At 11:30 p.m. Thursday Alabama Power Company reported 11,600 customers in Elmore County were without power and another 4,100 in Tallapoosa County.

By 6:30 a.m. Friday 9,000 Elmore County residents were without power and 3,400 in Tallapoosa County.

into the storage closet and produced a box of tapes. I put the cassette of our 1990 State Contest performance on the sound system in the band room. For a moment, we were transported back in time. To me, it sounded like those old recordings of the 1950s-era Lee Band, back when Johnny Long was putting the school on the map, and the fidelity of the recordings was not so great.

Now, removed nearly 30 years from when these recordings were made, they are about as old as the original Lee Band recordings were when I first heard them in the 1980s. But what fascinated me

The electric utility reminded everyone that with the amount of tree and limb damage, the following are important safety reminders:

• Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Always assume power lines are energized.

• Keep children and pets away from downed lines.

• Stay clear of areas with fallen trees or limbs where downed lines may be hidden.

• Exercise caution near chain link fences. Dangerous lines may touch the metal.

• Avoid stepping in puddles and standing water after a storm as they may be touching hidden, downed power lines and be electrified.

was not the recording of those great musical works, amazing as it was that we played such difficult music so well; it was what I saw in my mind as the musical notes drifted by. I saw Ann Street in black and white looking out of the transom windows in the Lee band room, and a young Mr. Johnson drilling us on some of the hardest music I’d ever played. How could my teenage self have known that I would still get that thrill, just listening to the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard.

Michael Bird is a soon-tobe-retired music educator with Tallassee City Schools.

HENRY ZIMMER TPI

ABOVE: Reeltown’s Amelia Nicholas slides into home. Nicholas was a huge force in Reeltown’s win over Isabella, going 2-3 with an RBI. One of her hits was a home run.

RIGHT: Crisdan Dunn winds up a pitch during regionals. Dunn pitched

batters.

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

The roof of three downtown Tallassee businesses was peeled by winds Thursday night, part of which came to rest on this car.

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C&M is having an auction Auction dates June 5th & June 12 ,2024 @ 8:00 am 104 Caldwell St. Tallassee,AL.36078 2006 Red Chrysler PT Cruiser Vin # 3A4FY58B06T345413

Tallassee Tribune: May 8 and 15, 2024 AV/06 CHRYSLER PUBLIC NOTICE AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

Pursuant to Section 32-131,Code of Alabama (1975), notice is hereby given to owners,lienholders and other interested parties that the following abandoned vehicle will be sold at a sealed bid auction to the highest bidder at 9a.m. on June 05, 2024 at 313 Jordan Avenue, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama: 2018 Mercedes-Benz Silver E-CLass VIN# WDDZF4JB2JA436900

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ADVERTISEMENT OF COMPLETION

Legal Notice

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Crimson Contractors, Inc., Contractor, has completed the

ment of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in conimmediately notify: Aho Architects, LLC. 1855 Data Drive,

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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-072 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

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Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE PO BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548

Tallassee Tribune: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/STANFORD, T.

Do you have available jobs? Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS H. TAYLOR, CASE NO: 2024-116 DECEASED

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DORIS H. TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to TONY MITCHELL TAYLOR on April 25, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County. Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

TONY MITCHELL TAYLOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS H. TAYLOR, DECEASED

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Seller shall have to right to reject any bid that is unreasonably low and may postpone the public auction until another expressly reserves the right to bid and purchase at the public auction.

Tallassee Tribune: May 8 and 15, 2024 AV/18 MERCEDES-BENZ PUBLIC NOTICE

SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS PAGE COTTEN, SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Tallapoosa County Schools will destroy all special education records of students who are 21 years of age or older and who exited Tallapoosa County Schools prior to June 2018. Individuals desiring to obtain their special education records may do so by contacting: Tallapoosa County Schools Special Education Services 679 East Columbus Street Dadeville, AL 36853 Phone: (256)825-0746 ext. 108. A picture ID is required of all persons picking up special education records. All special education records must be picked up on or before Wednesday, July 31st.

Tallassee Tribune: May 8 and 15, 2024 RECORDS

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, deceased, having been granted to BETTY LOIS SANFORD on May 1st, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

BETTY LOIS SANFORD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE P O BOX 780397 TALLASSEE. ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548

Tallassee Tribune: May 1, 8 and 15, 2024 EST/TAYLOR D.

Elmore County parts ways with baseball coach Michael Byrd

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

There will be a new high school baseball coach in Eclectic.

After seven years of leading the varsity program, Elmore County coach Michael Byrd was notified that the school is changing directions with the leadership of the program.

Byrd, who was hired in the fall of 2017, led the Panthers to a 125-64 overall record and three playoff appearances in six full seasons, excluding the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. He brought the Panthers their first area championship since 2005 when the team claimed the Class 5A, Area 4 title in 2023.

“I was informed this morning that they want to go in a different direction,” Byrd said. “My years here have been the most successful in the history of the program. We’ve averaged 20 wins a season and went to the

playoffs three times. I’m pretty shocked to say the least.”

Elmore County Schools released the following statement: “School administration and the athletic department have decided to go in a different direction with the baseball program. We thank coach Byrd for his commitment to the program over his tenure as head baseball coach.”

The news comes off the cusp of Elmore County’s 19-11 record in 2024. The Panthers, who were ranked in the Top 10 for most of the season, started the year with an 18-3 record.

After winning the inaugural Slapout Wood Bat Classic in March, Elmore County’s season took a turn for the worse.

The Panthers went 1-8 in the month of April, losing two of three to Tallassee in the area championship before falling in the first round of the playoffs to defending state champion Holtville.

Despite the tough stretch to

end the season, Elmore County finished with at least 19 wins for the fifth consecutive year. Byrd and the Panthers had a winning record every season he was head coach except for his first season in 2018 when they went 13-14.

The two years prior to his hiring, Elmore County went a combined 10-44 overall.

“It’s been a good run and I

was proud of what we did,” Byrd said. “We were about to take the next step. We’re right on the doorstep to making that jump. I thought in the next two or three years, we could make a title run and get a ring, which is something that’s never been done here. We’ve been to the finals three times, all in the ‘70s, so I thought that was the next step. I’m just disappointed

I won’t get the chance to make it happen.”

Elmore County’s 2025 team will return the majority of its roster. The Panthers had only three senior starters in Brandon White, Ryals McNeely and Cade Everson.

Returning to the starting lineup will be Shea and Shelton Darnell, Austin and Gage Davis, Jaden Eason and Hayden Jones.

Elmore County is also getting a brand new, state of the art baseball field, along with a softball and football field, for the 2025 season. It will be a turf field.

“I felt really good about what we had coming back,” Byrd said. “I was really excited and we’ve worked hard for what we had. Our facilities have been really behind and now we are getting a new facility. I wanted a couple of years on the new field to grow this thing.” In the meantime, Byrd’s plan is to stay and continue teaching at Elmore County.

Tallassee Tribune May 15 2024

FAMILY CELEBRATES MISSING MAN’S

BIRTHDAY

Mason, McElrath take top honors with Sewell award

REELTOWN SENIORS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS, SCHOOL AWARDS

Police Reports

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Plan for pets for vacation

Democrat wins a House seat in Alabama

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

CommunityCalendar

HONORS

Downtown streetscape nearing completion

Only ‘hurt feelings’ truck crashes into building

Practicing the presence of God

Tallassee Churches

Surrounding Area Churches

Tallassee soccer falls in Final Four

TALLASSEE FALLS IN FINAL STATE QUALIFIER

Reeltown falls in second day of regionals

game

level

Reeltown falls in second day of regionals

Cleaning up the pieces Storm causes minor issues across Elmore County

AlaScans

AlaScans

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

Elmore County parts ways with baseball coach Michael Byrd

A LITTLE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE BEFORE THE BIG DAY