No injuries in Reeltown fire
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Help came from all direc-
tions when a residential fire was reported on Churchill Road north of Reeltown last Wednesday morning.
Firefighters from Reeltown, Union and Stillwaters volunteer fire departments responded. They were later aided with manpower from the Tallassee Fire Department. When firefighters arrived they found smoke coming from the home and trucks from Reeltown and Union stretched their hoses to battle the blaze. Tankers soon pumped water to the trucks to aid in fighting the blaze. No one was reported injured in the fire. The cause is under investigation. Tallapoosa EMS and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the call.
REELTOWN REBELS HAVE NEW GYM
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Reeltown High School has quite a bit to be excited about as its new gym officially opens. Replacing the mid-1950s model gym that was originally on the Reeltown campus, the Rebels now have a brand-new gym to practice and play in. The gym is equipped to host basketball games and volleyball games with areas for referees, coaches, boy’s and girl’s locker rooms. There also are rooms dedicated to cheerleading practice, the band and a
ABIGAIL MURPHY TPI
weightlifting facility. It has taken roughly three and a half years to complete and superintendent Ray Porter said he was excited to get to cut the ribbon on this much needed facility.
“The thing that doesn’t go unnoticed with this new facility is we now don’t cross a state highway multiple times a day,” Porter said. “For safety, that is a huge improvement. Also it allows us to be
See GYM, Page A5
The new Reeltown High School gym has space for basketball games, volleyball games, a cheerleading practice
Firefighters from several departments responded to a residential fire on Churchill Road north of Reeltown Wednesday morning. There were no injuries reported.
Historical society to hold storytelling festival
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
Get ready for an evening full of stories.
The Tallassee Historical Society along with the Friends of Tuckabatchee and Talisi Historical Preservation Society will host their first Storytelling Festival this weekend. The event is partially funded by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
From 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, guests will enjoy a series of stories by four storytellers. From humorous stories, to historical accounts about southern living, the event will have a story for everyone to enjoy.
The event will kick off at the Patterson Log Cabin with music from Highway 280 Bluegrass. Following the band, four storytellers will present their account: Bill King, Randy Nix, Carol Cain and Dolores Hydock.
Tallassee Historical Society member Liz Britt said each storyteller will bring a different narrative to the event. Dinner will be provided, and the event will conclude with another performance from the band and different stories from the four storytellers.
Each storyteller comes from a different walk of life, and they are ready to bring their stories to Elmore County. Hydock, for example, is originally from Pennsylvania, but currently resides in Alabama. In her stories, she discusses the cultural changes she underwent after moving, including her experience learning to make cornbread. The other storytellers hail from Georgia and various parts of Alabama.
As storytelling festivals have grown to popularity around the southern region, president of the Tallassee Historical Society Bob Taunton wanted to bring a storytelling event to town. Britt said he and his wife attend storytelling festivals throughout the state, and they wanted to bring such an event to Tallassee.
“Storytelling is a very comfortable and long-standing tradition,” Taunton said. “For hundreds, even thousands of years, folks would sit around and talk about their history, times past and interesting stories.” Because Tallassee has deep historical roots, Taunton wanted to bring a traditional event to the city.
room and a new band room.
Obituaries
TOM D. MILLER
Tom D. Miller, 83, of Red Hill, AL passed away after fighting so hard and long with illness at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, AL at 3 am Tuesday May 14, 2024. Doug was born at home in Elmore County, AL on June 5, 1940 to Bufford O’Neal Miller and Dannie Clayton Miller. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Leonard Miller, Kenneth Miller, Jerry Miller, and Phillip Miller; and three children Stanley, Jeffrey and Vicky
Police Reports
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT MAY 19
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Sims Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Cliff Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Grant Street.
• Harassment was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on East Patton Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Highway 229.
• An animal complaint was reported on Friendship Road.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Highway 229.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Friendship Road.
• Disorderly conduct was reported on Hillcrest Street.
MAY 18
• Suspicious activity was reported on Ladies Lane.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.
• A fight was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on Quail Run Drive.
• A domestic incident was reported on Cliff Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Sims Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A child custody
Miller. Doug, as he was called by his wife and family, is survived by the love of his life, wife, friend and dance partner of 41 years, Myrtle Blanche Nelson Ross Miller; two sisters Lenora Sanderson (Coach Dwight) and Phyllis Miller; three brothers James Miller (Susie), Jimmy Miller (Betty), Rodney Miller (Marie); eight children David Ross (Amanda), Ray Miller (Bonnie), Patricia Green, Sherrie Miller (Dawn Peterson), Kimberly Whitfield (Tommy),
dispute was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Burney Road.
MAY 17
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• A welfare check was conducted on Burnt Springs Trailer Court.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Powers Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Alber Drive.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Birch Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on James Street.
MAY 16
• A stolen vehicle was reported on Third Street.
• A Black female was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Third Street, Central Boulevard and James Street.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
Eric Miller (April), Jimmy Ross, Jennifer French (Earl); sixteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews, too many to list. The family invites you to join them in celebrating Doug’s life on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will begin at 11 am with funeral services to follow at 12 pm.
Charles Chambers will be officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. He
• Theft by deception was reported on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Joy Street, Central Boulevard, James Street and Third Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Hillcrest Street.
MAY 15
• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistant was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was filed on Freeman Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Paxton Drive.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Herd Street.
• Animal control was requested on Notasulga Road.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on East Patton Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on John Street.
• A Black female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
MAY 14
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Road.
• Trespassing was reported on Magnolia Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Magnolia Street.
• A suspicious person was reported on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Third Street, Central Boulevard and Cliff Street.
• Fraudulent use of a debit or credit card was reported on Robert R. Moten Street.
• Animal control was requested on Cliff Street, Third Street, Central Boulevard and
was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing softball at the Kent ball field in his younger days. He also loved to dance whether it be at Blue Creek, the Wooden Nickel or the Red Hill School and he loved to garden. He retired after 30 years of service 1972-2002 from Uniroyal Tire. Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.
Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama
Magnolia Street.
• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Cherokee Trail.
• Animal control was requested on Cliff Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Property damage was reported on Third Avenue. MAY 13
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.
• A fight in progress was reported on Lily Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue and McNeal Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on McNeal Street.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• A domestic incident was reported on Third Avenue.
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Rickey Lane.
• A white female was arrested on Highway 14.
• Animal control was requested on Third Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Little John Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Second Avenue.
• A downed power line was reported on Tallassee Highway.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Hickory Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency was reported on Highway 229. MAY 12
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue and Stewart Street.
• Livestock was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Cherokee Road.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Do your homework before getting a pet
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
“Free to a good home” is a sadly common ad/post this time of year as pet owners need homes for unwanted litters of kittens or puppies, or adult pets they choose to no longer keep in their lives. But are all of these homes really ‘good’ homes?
From our intake statistics, easily 90+% of owner surrendered pets to us were obtained “free” and the vast majority of those have had little to no Vet care of any kind. While there are, of course, wonderful families who do everything right by their free pet, reality is that ‘free’ pets are less likely to ever be taken to a veterinarian for basic immunizations and checkups, let alone an illness or injury, and even less likely to be spayed or neutered eventually leading to even more unwanted puppies and kittens. Free pets are also more likely to be neglected and/
or discarded because “there are plenty more where that one came from!”
And sadly, not all people who get these free pets have the best intentions no matter how nice they may seem at that one short meetup. For some, these puppies or kittens are just summer ‘toys’ for the kids/grandkids and will be discarded at the end of the summer. Some people’s pets simply don’t last very long so they just go and get another freebie. Some may get them to ‘flip’ them for a few bucks to anyone for any reason. And there are other, hopefully rare, but real and far worse fates as well that we will just not go into here, but suffice that the solution to all of this is to NOT let your pet have yet another unneeded litter or to do your homework before taking on a pet so you don’t have any need to rehome it.
So what to do if you need to re-home your pet? If your pet came from a responsible
breeder, call them to see if they can take it back or assist with placement as a truly responsible breeder will be there for the animal they produced. You should consider charging a fee that will not only ‘value’ your pet but discourage resale of pets to others. Spay or neuter your pet BEFORE rehoming it to avoid an accidental litter or make it unattractive to backyard breeders or puppy mill operators. Interview potential new owners by asking for their identification, phone number, previous pet experience, their current pets and children in the household, how the pet will be contained, and their veterinarian’s name as a reference. Keep their contact info, call their veterinarian for a reference and if at all possible, visit their home to see how and where your pet will live before you release it to the new owner. If you cannot afford to have your pet spayed or neutered, ask the new owner to pledge that they
And if you take home a new Shelter Pet and it does not work out for most any reason, we will take our adopted pet back. We actually have it in our Adoption Contract language, and we do that to protect our pet. We committed to it once, so once back with us will do so again. Best way to ignore everything above? Do your homework before getting a pet, plan for a 15-20 year commitment and have your pet spayed or neutered BEFORE it has/causes an unwanted litter. Oh, and if a stray dog or cat shows up that you end up ‘keeping’ then get it to your Veterinarian ASAP for vaccinations and a checkup and have it spayed or neutered also ASAP to prevent a surprise litter.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
will have the puppy/kitten fixed by the time it is six months old and the adult immediately. If a potential adopter isn’t willing to give you their information or let you visit their home our advice is to politely send them away empty handed. You owe it to your pet to take the time and effort to make sure it goes to a good home. If time is critical or you are simply not willing to screen potential owners, then please take your pet to a reputable public or private shelter rather than give it away free to someone you know nothing about. Each county in our tri-county area has an open-admission shelter and while none of us can guarantee placement due to overwhelming numbers, we will do our utmost to find adoptable pets loving and lifetime homes. We work to screen & educate adopters to make sure they are appropriate and ready to take on a new pet. Our adoption fees cover immunizations, de-worming, microchip (includes the registration) and the mandatory spay or neuter.
More teens become CERT trained in Elmore County
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A group of teenagers is now certified to help Elmore County after a disaster. There are now 28 teens who tested and received certification as Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) volunteers.
“This was a pilot program,” Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett said. “It is the first time we have tried it.”
EMA staff along with extension employees worked with the Wetump-
ka High School JROTC program to teach needed classes and help with
Pet of the Week — Bogey
Bogey is a 1-year-old Shepherd/Aussie mix who weighs about 35 pounds. He came to us as part of a multi-dog intake. Bogey is a bit reserved at first but then warms up and is a very curious boy. Just give him a bit of time to be comfortable. He is good with most other dogs but best to meet a potential buddy. He was an outside dog so he’s likely not formally housetrained. Bogey really loves treats.
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
training. All 31 students who started the program finished. Three didn’t take
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.
the test, but Barnett feels confident in their abilities to take care of themselves and family following a disaster.
The CERT program is designed to create a group of volunteers to aid first responders following a disaster. It was created in 1985 in southern California following a major earthquake. It was adopted in 1993 by FEMA to be a national program. There are now more than 2,700 CERT programs across the U.S.
The volunteers help with searches and organization of volunteers following
Alabama could affect the bourbon industry
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Bourbon can be produced in only Kentucky. Whiskey almost anywhere.
One of the requirements for bourbon is it must be aged in wooden barrels made from white oak. Kentucky is running out of white oak to make barrels. This is where Alabama comes in. Alabama Forestry Foundation’s Chris Erwin believes the state can grow white oaks similar to the way it grows pine. Smaller white oaks are currently being harvested in Kentucky, but with work Alabama can be the next supplier of white oak for the bourbon and furniture industries.
“Right now Alabama is not feeling in pain,” Erwin said. “But the demand is shifting south into Alabama. It is great for Alabama landowners because it is creating new markets.”
The new market is still
decades away. As slow as timber grows, especially hardwood, planning needs to start now.
“We want our Alabama landowners to understand what it takes to manage for regeneration of white oak so that 40 years from now we are not in the situation Kentucky is in,” Erwin said. “There is a huge gap between really young white oak and really old white oak. We want to keep it from happening in Alabama.”
Alabama has about 150,000 acres of white oak stands with the species growing across about 9 million acres. Its acorns are treasured by hunters and nature enthusiasts for the wildlife it attracts. It currently isn’t really harvested on a large scale by the timber industry. Recently Erwin and others planted about 1,500 white oak seedlings in an orchard on a parcel near the Tallapoosa River in Tal-
lassee. It is the only orchard of white oaks in the state that Erwin knows of.
The idea is for those trees to grow for about 15 years then thin them to maximize acorn growth. Then the acorns could be used through nurseries to grow white oak in two ways. It could be planted under pine and poplar trees or plantation style similar to pines now.
“We currently don’t actively manage for regeneration of white oak,” Erwin said. “The shortage is not a problem yet. Currently raising awareness to make landowners aware of potential markets in the future.”
Through research with Kentucky and the forestry industry, it will take about 40 years for Alabama to get to a point where managing white oaks in a plantation style becomes similar to how pine is currently grown in the state.
Global demand for bour-
bon is at an all time high and action is needed now to be prepared.
“They are building warehouses to age it,” Erwin said. “The projections are that the growth is going to grow. It means there will be an increase in demand for white oak. If we dont’ start now, we won’t get there.”
disasters. The volunteers understand they are not first responders and only activate when called.
Wetumpka JROTC instructor Capt. Joey Hutto was pleased the unit was chosen to be a part of training tomorrow’s volunteers.
“They took a chance on certifying teens and they deserve to be credited for that,” Hutto said. “It wasn’t
the easiest route to take.”
Now, five graduating seniors, five juniors and 18 sophomores are certified. It is the largest group of teenagers to become CERT certified in Elmore County and Hutto wants more.
“It is huge for Wetumpka High School,” Hutto said. “We are looking forward to next year where we can get more students qualified.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Members of the Elmore County Commission posed with staff from the Elmore County EMA who all congratulated members of the newest CERT team.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Graduation from a different perspective
Agolf ball had the best seat in the house for graduation last week.
The idea presents two questions. What does a golf ball have to do with a high school graduation and how can a golf ball have the best seat?
I saw it done with my own two eyes and my camera as Holtville principal Sean Kreauter presided over commencement services at his alma mater for the first time. Kreauter even invited the big guns — his 2001 Holtville classmate and valedictorian Jason Bobo who is currently a staff attorney with the University of Alabama System — the same system Coach Nick Saban retired from. the same Holtville that can lay partial claim to Georgia’s Kirby Smart. Bobo reflected on his career and even repeated part of his speech from 2001.
While Bobo talked about what he would do differently and gave advice to the Class of 2024 who had yet to receive their diplomas, I saw something. There was a graduate with a golf ball. Then another and another. It quickly dawned on me the senior class planned to present Kreauter with the round balls in a variety of colors when they shook hands with him. In the past I’ve seen Hot Wheels passed at the handshake. On Thursday night I saw coins and little plastic ducks passed to Elmore County High School principal Jason Eason. There was always a place to quietly dispose of the graduation gift.
Kreauter soon walked up to the table covered in diplomas and flowers. But there was nowhere for the golf balls. No box, no jar, nothing.
Kreauter reached for a handshake realizing in front of thousands he was in trouble. He took the golf and turned. As Kreauter started to grab the next diploma, he gave the
See GRADUATION, Page A5
address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Tallassee Tribune 211 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee, AL 36078 Email: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a
.jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
Graduation is a time of celebration. It’s all about the pomp and circumstance. It’s about getting dressed up and celebrating accomplishments that sometimes took years to complete. Graduation season is also award season. Every high school in the area hosts an honors or awards day where various scholarships and other accolades are given. Those accomplishments should certainly be celebrated.
But I want to talk about the kids who aren’t the valedictorians or the honor roll students. I want to talk about the kids who tried so hard just to get there, and give them a giant pat on the back.
I was one of those kids. I had a measly $500 leadership scholarship for college. That was it. Of course I’m thankful for that, but I wasn’t getting a full ride anywhere and my name wasn’t being called over and over at an awards ceremony. I get it. Sometimes you start to feel a little left out, but there’s so much more to celebrate than just those accolades. There’s a reason every student gets a diploma and always has.
Diplomas aren’t like today’s participation trophies that get handed
Award ceremonies are great and all
out like cookies. Diplomas must be strived for by all students, whether it comes easy to them or not.
I had friends who could open a book and memorize the entire contents within minutes, it felt. I had friends who could sit through one lesson and understand every word the teacher said. I wasn’t that way, and it certainly didn’t come easy.
When I was in 11th grade, I moved to an alternative high school — proud alumni of the Murray High Dragons, by the way. It was a charter school based on choice theory, and it was what made me a high school graduate. See at Murray, you couldn’t get less than an A or B. Now that’s not to say good grades were given out. Quite the opposite.
In fact, at Murray, you had to redo your assignments until you got an A or B. Our teachers truly wanted to ensure we understood the material. Getting an F or even a D
certainly doesn’t prove that. So if we failed, we tried, tried again.
couldn’t get less than an A or a B and immediately think, “Oh your school was a cake walk!” Quite the contrary for people like me, who struggled to get those good grades. I had to assignments four, five, sometimes six times — and if we didn’t do it, that was OK. We just didn’t graduate.
It was all about our choices.
Some people are born with natural smarts, just like some are born with natural beauty. Other people are gifted with work ethic or athletic ability. We all have our God given talents, and even if you aren’t the person who was awarded scholarship after scholarship, you deserve to celebrate your accom plishments too.
lege like I was or you plan to forge your own path in work or the mil itary, I wish all our area graduates the best of luck.
Soli Deo Gloria
This newspaper column has recently featured reprints of tales from the music department’s past. Last week, we held our annual music banquet at First Baptist Church. I put myself at the end of the program so our captive audience would be able to listen to a few final words of thanks. These are the last words of a grateful educator to the fine people of Tallassee City Schools.
In the old days of vaudeville as entertainment, if a performer was on stage too long, somebody behind the curtain would reach around with a giant hook and drag the performer off the stage. For the past five years, Mrs. Hill has been that person, but tonight I asked that she give me a chance to say a few thank-you’s as I don’t know that I will have a chance to speak with you all again. You know, Mrs. Hill was telling me that when she was a little girl, she used to line up her stuffed animals and play teacher with them. I didn’t play school with my stuffed animals, but I did put records on the turntable and pretended to be the radio disc jockey talking over the songs. So we both have been into music for a long time. I think it was a ‘God thing’ that our last five years in public education were spent together and I am so thankful for Mrs. Kelley Hill and her husband, Dr. Adam Hill, whom I have looked up to since kindergarten. I know we are all better musicians because of you. While I have this opportunity, I would also like to make sure to publicly thank a few other people. There is someone without whom our program just wouldn’t have been as suc-
cessful as it has been. She has worked behind the scenes with dozens of our band students over the past two decades and helped many of them realize their goals of achieving AllState Band honors or college music scholarships through her work at Bird Academy of Music. But she’s also tolerated my being a public school music teacher for all these years, too, while doing a great job raising the seven BirdKids. Please help me in thanking her for everything: Mrs. Sena Thibodeaux Bird. I also wish to recognize a person who made tonight – and every other event – happen. As a matter of fact, there’s nothing we do that doesn’t somehow have her logistical mind putting it together. Every T-shirt, every meal, every phone call, every purchase order, is all done by this force of nature. Y’all like to call her Honey, but I’m the only one here who can say she’s my roommate. Please, everyone, let’s show our appreciation to Mrs. Debbie Rogers. We also love to look and sound good everywhere we go. Tallassee is blessed to have a man who not only grew up in the program, but made it his mission in life to help performers look and sound their best. His company Sound & Stuff travels with us everywhere we go on the show choir circuit, and whether we’ve been in the new Performing Arts Center or in the Old Gym, everyone who comes to see us is amazed by the professional productions we put on at Tallassee. None of them would be possible without the best in the business. He’s so much more than a drummer: Mr. Jordan Cunningham. I’ve said it before but will say it
aging editor of Tallapoosa Pub lishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi. gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
again: I just don’t know what my life would have been like had I never met this person. She is more than a choreographer, more than a problem solver, more than a daughter or a mom or a twirler. No matter what is happening, this girl finds the silver lining, the positive approach, the happy side. She has been the only choreographer that Gold Edition has ever known, and the fun personality of that group is a direct result of the hard work of someone very special, whose favorite phrase is ‘fist bump blow it up’. Thank you to the one and only “Miss Amanda” Glasscock! Obviously, we wouldn’t have any of the things we have as a department or as a school without our administration. I know I am not always easy to deal with and can sometimes be your problem child, but I promise my intentions are always good! Thank you to Mr. Drew Glass and Mrs. Brooke Barron for leading our school through the most challenging years in its history as we faced covid and construction, then moving into our new building. You have had a difficult and often thankless job, but we appreciate you and your leadership. I know I will never work someplace as long, with as wonderful a group of students, with as much support and participation, for as great of people as I have here. And that starts at the top. Dr. Nolin, I can finally say this.. you’re the best boss I ever had. Yes, you gave me every schedule I asked for at Southside, including
GWIN Managing Editor
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
GRADUATION
Continued from A4
golf ball a quick toss over the table to the feet of assistant principal Lana Moore who was calling out the names.
The seniors all smiled.
The next golf ball met a similar fate. Maybe even the third. But rather quickly one bounced on the table and landed on the ground in front for everyone to see. It had the best seat to see all the handshakes.
Graduate after graduate continued to come up. Most with a golf ball. Kreauter got almost all of them over the table. It was as if he was at the driving range perfecting his shot.
Another dropped in front for all to see. The principal squatted down to pick it up. He tossed it behind the table to even more laughs from the seniors.
Kreauter’s game was progressing. It was consistent. He figured out how to swipe the ball from the graduate and dispose of it at Moore’s feet. That is until Samuel Spangler came up.
Spangler shook Kreauter’s hand passing the golf ball and taking the diploma. But before he shook the hand of superintendent Richard Dennis, Spangler dropped and did the worm. In the process he lost his green diploma amongst the wet green grass.
Kreauter spotted and retrieved it. He held it back from Spangler as if the teenager wasn’t going to be allowed to grad-
Continued from A4
having a jazz band period, but you also are the only principal for whom I’ve worked who could shred on a guitar for a recruitment assembly or turn around and tenderly accompany students on piano when they wanted to perform gospel songs and praise choruses.. you’d drive the bus when we had places to go.. you’d share devotionals when I needed it.. and you were the first person to visit and pray with me during a scary time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I know I’ll never have it this good again, so I want to make sure to thank you again: Dr. Brock Nolin.
As a teenager, and even as a young adult, I seemed to have
uate. But with a grin from ear to ear the principal let the graduate pass.
After the ceremony and a crisp $100 bill in his hand Spangler admitted he did the worm on a dare.
Bobo said he only remembers giving Dennis a hard time when he and Kreauter graduated from Holtville.
Dennis has a few trophies from graduation ceremonies in his office — spirit sticks, cars and such.
Stanhope Elmore graduates got in on the fun last year with principal Ewell Fuller. They passed small representations of cell phones Fuller bagged during the school day.
The phones are now presented in a cage in Fuller’s office.
Bobo thought about collecting some of the golf balls to work on his game but figured out they were plastic. Kreauter admitted he had never thought much about golf before Friday night.
Even as Dennis remembered graduations gone by, he collected a few balls. He might present them to Kreauter at an appropriate time.
Regardless of the time, 2001 or anytime in the future, the Holtville Class of 2024 reconnected a principal and two Holtville grads in a way no one else could. And it was all while a golf ball looked up at them from the best seat in the house.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.
trouble finding my place. I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. However, I was lucky in my twenties to be teaching at Zion Chapel High School, where I had the good fortune to have a student in my band named Melanie Perry. She was the kind of student who comes along once in a career, and I happened to be there those first few years she was learning about band but she has taught me a whole lot more than I ever taught her. The only thing that would’ve gotten me to leave Zion Chapel was my alma mater calling. I was hired to work at Robert E. Lee High School, my dream job, as a band director. But I was not successful there, and was let go after a couple of years. I thought my career was finished and entered a phase of deep depression. And here’s where I want to make sure and mention a couple
GYM
Continued from A1
self-contained, which means we have more security procedures in place.”
With this being the last ribbon cutting in Porter’s administration, he thanked McKee and Associates
FESTIVAL
Continued from A1
“From our struggles during the Creek Indian War, back to the Civil War and our participation in World War II producing supplies, equipment, cloth and
of names as I conclude my time here. Mr. Linwood Erb had been the band director here and when he found out I’d been terminated, he was the very first phone call I received with an offer of help. Mr. Erb said he’d put in a good word for me with Coach Carl Stewart and Coach Ron McDaniel, who were the principals here at the time. Mr. Erb made it his mission to rehabilitate my career, and my broken spirit. But he wasn’t alone. Coach Mac was the first principal I ever had who defended me even when I was wrong, and supported me when I was right. He believed in me and in the band. He would take his own money and buy instruments at pawn shops, get them repaired, then donate them to students who couldn’t buy their own. He also would use school funds to get the school instruments serviced every summer. I wish I
CommunityCalendar
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.
Architects, First Team Construction, the county commission as without the one cent sales tax this project would not have been possible, the board for their dedication behind the scenes, the stakeholders, students and staff. The Reeltown High School gym officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday.
uniforms for our army,” Taunton said. “Tallassee is rich in history, and we want to cherish that.”
Recently, the historical society has added restroom facilities to the Patterson Log Cabin that was built in 1855.
“(We) are proud of the fact that we’ve
could thank Mr. Erb and Coach Mac in person, but they are no longer with us so this will have to do. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve in this department and continue the traditions established by great people like Mr. James Bush, Mr. Ed Watkins, Miss Vicki Baker, Mr. Jerry Cunningham, and yes – Dr. Robby Glasscock. Dr. G, you will never know how much I have appreciated serving as your sidekick, your paparazzi, your Bus #2 chaperone, and occasional whipping boy over these years. Because of you and Mr. C., our students have traveled the country and people everywhere know about Tallassee because of our music program. You may not realize it, but I have been observing you the whole time and have found you to be a great role model Christian, husband, father, and educator, and someday when I
recently built restroom facilities,” Taunton said. “We will have a (place) for this kind of event.”
Tickets are $20 and include a supper of soup, cornbread and dessert. There is no extra charge for children who are accompanied by an adult.
grow up maybe I will be as good of a man as you are. Thank you. Our former accompanist, Mrs. Leslye Ames, often said there was no greater composer than Johann Sebastian Bach. It makes sense –the tuning of the instruments, the names of the notes, and the music staff itself were all developed by him. Bach never took any credit for himself because he saw his work as a holy thing. Beside his name on every piece he composed, he also wrote the phrase ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ – To God Be the Glory. Mrs. Ames used to remind us of that, and so I conclude my Tallassee experience with those words . . . for the Tallassee Music Department, and for what it means to so many . . . Soli Deo Gloria. To God be the Glory.
Michael Bird is a retired music educator in Tallassee.
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.
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.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
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 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
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
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.
CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
GLORIA
ABIGAIL MURPHY | TPI
The Reeltown High School gym opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was at 10 a.m. May 20. Faculty, staff and students were all invited in to see the new space.
One thing in life is free
Have you ever found things in your life that you find irresistible or perhaps things that you cannot refuse? The slogan BOGO is the craze of today, buy one and get one free. BOGO’s are win-win strategies! They make customers feel spoiled and grateful as they love getting a good deal. In turn, this boosts customer satisfaction, engagement, and can help businesses not only make additional sales but also attract new clientele.
This purchase concept is not new as Richard Bradley, in 1721, offered one of the first deals of buying seven items and getting one free. The item
REV.
JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
was a book he had written by the name of “A Philosophical Account of the Works of Nature”. There is a phrase that is often used saying that “nothing in life is free.” The basic meaning of this statement is there is either a hidden cost somewhere or what you are getting has no real value.
A perfect example is lots of times we get free things that then require further purchases or maybe require you to sit through a long boring presentation.
Just to ease you brain and heart, there is one thing that is absolutely free, no strings attached, no boring presentation, no hidden fees! “He is a precious value to them that believe”, (1 Peter 2:7a). Christ is indeed the greatest treasure to believers above any earthly treasure. Christ himself said that where your treasure is there will your heart be (Matthew 6:21). Jesus’ precious gift verse that always comes to
Tallassee Churches
mind is recorded in John 3:16. In this one verse, eternal life along with bliss and comfort is found. Each believer is given the free gift of forgiveness for all their sins committed yesterday, today, and every tomorrow. It seems so obvious that the choice offered should be accepted but sadly not everyone accepts. Who would not jump at the opportunities offered? What strikes me most in these choices is God’s generosity. He never had to offer forgiveness and He surely never had to go to the next step and offer eternal life. But He kept offering more and
more including the opportunity to spend eternal life in His Holy presence. What human being would ever be bold enough to dream of asking God for such things? Yet He offers them freely if we just accept.
Hebrews 12:25 admonishes us, “see to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks.” God certainly made us an offer we cannot refuse. Let’s make sure we don’t. Salvation is free and is a gift from our Father.
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
Surrounding Area Churches
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
A8 • May 22, 2024
Tallassee football sees successful spring
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Lawrence “L.A” O’Neal
didn’t let the weather ruin
Tallassee’s spring football season.
Heavy rainfall canceled
Tallassee’s scheduled spring football game with Wetumpka on Friday night, but the Tigers still pulled off a successful two weeks.
Tallassee practiced nine times over the course of two weeks, four of which came in full pads. O’Neal was able to gauge where his new team is in terms of physicality and not just in the weightroom like he has seen since he was hired in January.
“I am really pleased with where we’re at coming out of the spring, and now we can start deciding depth charts
and evaluate where we are athletically and where we’re at in the trenches,” O’Neal said. “ I really wish we could’ve seen how we did against another team, but we can’t control the weather. We had nine really good practices so I’m pleased with where we are going into the summer.” Going into the spring,
ALL-STAR
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The country’s leading scorer will play one final game this season.
Tallassee junior Irvin Delfin was selected to participate in the AHSAA North/South All-Star soccer game held during the summer. The talented striker was one of 36 rising seniors to be selected to play in the 28th annual event.
“I think Irvin getting selected is just further validation of how special of a player he is,” Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley said. “He’s getting the opportunity to play with the best juniors in the state, regardless of classification. When all those kids get together, there are going to be college coaches everywhere which is a great opportunity for him. He can showcase his talents and skills in front of those coaches and give himself an opportunity to get seen.”
Delfin jumped onto the scene a year ago when he scored 30 goals and was named All-State from the center attacking midfielder spot. Tarpley and the Tallassee coaching staff liked what he was able to do around the net, so they changed his position going into his junior year.
Instead of having him in the midfield creating opportunities, he was moved to forward and asked to finish those opportunities. He did just that and more as he scored 66 goals this season, good for fourth best in a season in AHSAA history. He led the entire country in goals scored, scoring 13 more than the next closest player — Miller Lashlee from Northpoint Christian in Mississippi.
“Irvin’s season was ridiculous and his numbers are a testament to that,” Tarpley said. “We moved him up front and
he really thrived in that role. The crazy thing about his goals was the fact that he also had 21 assists too. That often gets overlooked but I’m really proud of the season he had.”
Delfin has already succeeded against some of the best teams in the state. While he was seen scoring three or more goals against numerous teams during the regular season, he showed it wasn’t a fluke when it came to the playoffs.
In the postseason, facing the best competition he’d faced all year, he scored two goals against Demopolis, two goals against Brewbaker Tech and one goal against Gulf Shores in the team’s first Final Four game in program history.
“Irvin thrives in those settings,” Tarpley said. “I fully expect him to score a goal on the end of a through ball or create
Tallassee’s Weldon commits to Chat Valley softball
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Madeline Weldon has achieved a lifelong dream.
After a stellar senior season where she helped lead Tallassee to the AHSAA Class 5A Central Regional finale, Weldon has committed to play college softball. She has committed and will sign to play softball at Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
“This has been a dream of mine since I started playing travel softball as a kid,” Weldon said. “One of my first coaches sat me down as a kid and asked me what I wanted to do. I told them I wanted to play college softball and I’ve been working on that dream ever since.”
It hasn’t been an extravagant recruiting process for Weldon.
Chat Valley is her second offer, with the first being Reid State Technical College. It hasn’t been an extremely long process either, as she just got the offer two weeks ago during the regional tournament.
In the regional tournament, Weldon pitched Tallassee to a 2-2 record.
In the first three games she pitched, she allowed just eight earned runs in 21 innings. That impressed the Chat Valley coaching staff, and an offer immediately followed.
Once Weldon looked into the school, it was an easy decision.
“They were closer to home than my other offer, which was big for me,” Weldon said. “Then I saw that they had a good nursing program, which is what I’m looking into. They have a good program and I already know a couple of girls on the team. It was a no-brainer.”
Weldon has been mainly used as a pitcher at the high school level and started nearly every game for the Tigers in the circle. At Chat Valley, however, she won’t just pitch. She will also hit and be used as a first baseman when needed.
No matter where she plays or how she is used, Weldon has confidence she can be a valuable asset to the team.
“I feel like everybody is unique with their own personality,” Weldon said. “What I bring is different from other girls because every pitcher is different. I think I’ll bring some good to the team and I’m excited to get there and start working with my new teammates. I’m easy to get along with so I’m excited about that.”
Weldon and her teammates just wrapped up what was another successful season for the Tigers. After a tough regular season
Tallassee rising senior Joseph Hooks (2) rushes against Reeltown last season. Hooks, who played both running back and linebacker as a junior, has been a standout on the offensive side of the ball during spring training.
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Tallassee senior Madeline Weldon (1) pitches against Valley earlier this season. Weldon committed to play college softball at Chattahoochee Valley Community College last week.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Davenport shines in state tournament
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
With all eyes on Wetumpka in the AHSAA Class 6A state tournament last week, Lily Davenport showed up and showed what she could do.
The Indians hit the road to Oxford looking to claim back-to-back state championships but came up just short in their attempt. They went 1-2 in the tournament, beating No. 1-ranked Helena but losing to Hartselle and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.
Despite the season coming to an end, there were some memorable performances from Wetumpka players at Choccolocco Park. Davenport, for example, ended her junior season with a great week at the ballpark.
Davenport, an Anderson University commit, went a combined 4-for-7 batting with four singles, one RBI, three runs scored and one walk. She reached base every game the Indians played in. For her performance on the biggest stage, Davenport is the Elmore County Player of the Week.
Davenport’s run started in her first at-bat of the tournament. She stepped up to the plate in the top of the first inning against Hartselle with the bases loaded and one out. On a 1-2 count, she then hit a blooper into left field that Hartselle’s shortstop caught running backwards into the outfield.
Ava Farmer took off from third base and scored, plating the team’s only run.
Davenport’s only other at-bat in Game 1 was a leadoff single in the top of the fourth inning. She was stranded in scoring position. Facing elimination, Davenport and the Indians took down No. 1 Helena and Davenport was a big reason for it. She singled in her first at-bat on the first pitch she saw, then Wetumpka went up 1-0 three batters later. She then singled in the top of the fourth inning and the top of the seventh.
Continued from A8
O’Neal’s biggest worry was about his team’s physicality. He liked how the Tigers were in the weightroom, but the weightroom doesn’t always translate onto the field like coaches hope. He also wanted to just get the overall number of players up. He was shooting for mid 60’s, and ended spring with 62 total players. That is an increase from the fall where the Tigers only had 53 kids on the roster at most.
All of those worries are now gone for O’Neal.
“These kids did a phenomenal job,” O’Neal said. “They were flying around playing with a lot of speed. They were getting around with good leverage at times. Going into the summertime, we have to work on tackling. A lot of times, we were just a little too high when we went in for a tackle.”
Tackling and defense were the biggest issues that Tallassee’s 2023 squad had. The Tigers went 1-9 last year in Mike Battles’ last season as head coach and allowed 39.7 points per game.
The Tigers allowed 397 total points to be scored against them in the 10-game season, which set the school
Continued from A8
With two outs, she singled to left field after fouling off three pitches. She scored on a Riley Dismukes triple the next batter. She went 3-for-4 in the game and scored three of the team’s six runs.
In the final game of the tournament, a 4-1 loss to
Hillcrest, she went hitless with an 0-for-2 performance but was walked once. Overall, she reached base five times in eight at-bats.
Davenport’s junior season is now over but she will take a few more swings this summer as she has been invited to the AHSAA North/South All-Star Softball Game held at Lagoon Park. She is one of just 36 rising seniors selected to the game. She is the third Wetumpka player on the current roster to be selected after Mya Holt and Ella Watson made the roster last season. She will look to make back-to-back MVPs after Holt claimed the award previously.
record for most points allowed during a year.
Tallassee held only one opponent under 34 points and O’Neal’s then-Booker T. Washington team scored 44 against the squad.
Now that he’s had time to see where the issues lie, he knows how his team will spend the summer.
“We have to find some creative ways to work
on tackling and become a really good tackling team,” O’Neal said. “We did a good job of getting to the football and getting people around the football. We laid some good licks, but it’s really about grabbing cloth and playing with a little bit more leverage. We have to get a little lower than the guy with the ball. It’s hard to simulate that in practice without accu-
SOFTBALL Continued from A8
that found Tallassee as the No. 3 seed in the area tournament with a 10-25 record, the Tigers pulled off some late magic.
mulating some lower leg injuries and stuff. So we’ll have to get some pads out and work on tackling dummies.”
On the other hand, O’Neal was really impressed with his offensive line and skill players. Chase Chumley, who just helped the baseball team reach the third round of the playoffs, came back out to the team and is playing
Tallassee upset No. 1 seed Elmore County in the area tournament to clinch a regional berth and eliminate its rival then won the first two games of the central regional to clinch a spot as one of the Top 3 teams there. The Tigers came just
the “X” receiver.
“Most of the time, he was winning his 1-on1s,” O’Neal said.
Jaiden Gordon and Joseph Hooks were two more skill players who also stood out over the two weeks, but it was in the trenches where O’Neal was most impressed.
“The offensive line was a big question mark for me going into
spring,” O’Neal said.
“We rotated about six or seven guys on the o-line. To come into the summer with six guys who can play offensive line, that’s a good problem to have and that’s guys who aren’t playing both ways. I’m happy with where they are, now we just have to get stronger and get our footwork a little better. If we can do that, we’ll be fine.”
one run shy of advancing their season to state but made an unbelievable run in the postseason – largely thanks to Weldon’s pitching. “It’s been a really awesome year and just a dream come true,” Weldon said. “I was happy that I could be a part of the team this year. I’m really impressed with how we got through the area tournament and got into regionals. We fought really hard to make it as far as we did. We’ve worked really hard. We’ve spent hours working to get to that point. It was a great ride.”
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
Wetumpka’s Lily Davenport drives in a run against Hartselle in the AHSAA Class 6A State Tournament. Davenport, a junior, went 4-for-7 with one RBI and three runs scored in three games.
Tallassee rising senior Chase Chumley (3) carries the ball against Marbury. Chumley had a breakout spring for Tallassee’s football team as he moved to one of the Tigers’ main receivers.
Collector Cars
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Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
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, Crimson Contractors, Inc.
to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
WILLIAM GARY RAMSEY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM A. RAMSEY, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE P 0 BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548
Tallassee Tribune: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/RAMSEY, W. 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
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 PO BOX 780397 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548
Tallassee Tribune: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/STANFORD, T.
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM A. RAMSEY, CASE NO: 2024-107 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
ECHS CLASS OF 2024 REMEMBERS CAMERON
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Gardner Cameron was not at Thursday night’s Elmore County High School graduation in person, but his spirit was.
Cameron was a member of the Class of 2024 and would have graduated with his classmates had he not died in an automobile accident two years ago.
The teenager was remembered by his classmates as they signed a yearbook for his family and passed by a chair on the football left in his memory at the graduation ceremony.
As it stood, 105 students graduated this year from ECHS and graduates are using more than $2.1 million in scholarship funds to further their education.
ECHS valedictorian following dreams into engineering
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The world is opening up for Elmore County High School valedictorian Lucas Luster.
Luster’s roots run deep in Eclectic as his father is also a graduate of ECHS.
“It is a whole heritage thing,” Luster said.
“It is a cool thing to graduate from the same place as him.”
Luster has been in Eclectic’s schools since kindergarten. Along the way he discovered math and science as his favorite subjects. The recent ECHS graduate is hoping to major in mechanical engineering at Auburn University.
“I have always loved the design of things,” Lucas said. “Mechanical just clicked with me with what I like doing most.” The love of numbers has Luster continuing to follow the footsteps of his father Josh as he is headed to Auburn in the fall. But the decision to attend the school is founded in something more than heritage.
“Auburn is currently ranked the highest in Alabama for engineering,” Luster said.
His path to Auburn was built on family, church and Scouting. Luster attends Vessel Church. It was the church’s sign that helped Luster obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.
Luster already understands the connections and importance of Scouting — especially the rank of Eagle.
“It will open tons of doors,” Luster said. “People who know what it means understand it is a symbol of leadership and resilience in following through.”
Luster has applied for several scholarships, some of which require the Eagle rank, but not all.
“I know I have gotten a couple of scholarships that I have been told the Eagle really helped with that,” Luster said.
While Luster values education and how it will help him become a mechanical engineer, church and Scouting has taught him his most valuable lesson. It also was reinforced at ECHS.
“I always strive to help other people at all times,” Luster said.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Just over 100 students graduate from Elmore County High School last week.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Elmore County High School valedictorian Lucas Luster gets help with cords and stoles prior to graduation in Eclectic Thursday night. Luster plans to become a mechanical engineer.
Congratulations Class of 2024
TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL
The 2024 Tallassee High School graduating class includes , Adam Aldridge, India Allen, Trystan Andrews, Braden Arnold, Sullivan Baker, Ian Bankester, Taira Barris, Brandon Barrow, Sarah Barrow, Joseph Beltran Solis, Danica Bishop, Trey Bosch, Aer’ryka Brooks, Aaron Brown, Brena Browning, Alexis Burkett, Ethan Butler, Alec Carswell, Benjamin Carwile, Ella Chavedo, Taylor Clayton, Macy Crain, MAdison Crawford, Carter Davidson, Christal Davidson, Ivy Davis, Megan Diaz Chocon, Sincer’e Dooley, Emily Durbin, Amelia Easterling, Alyson Eller, Anna Eller, Brodie Ellis, Ta’Karey Ford, Brianna Fulmer, Jackson Gantt, Roderious Glover, Scarlett Gomez, Brody
Goodwin, Zakerria Gordon, Ja’Twon Griffin, Anna Griggs, Tristan Hagans, Jasmine Hayden, Draven Haynes, Maddox Haynes, Joel Holocomb, McKenzie Holloway, Monzavious Hooks, Cameron Hughey, Akeeiah Hutchinson, Cara Johns, Allison Johnson, Ethan Jones, Logan Jones, Shaneidria Jones, Ariaunia Jordan, Ava Grace Justiss, Patricio Lara, Jackson Logan, Ramon Lozada, Raul Lozano Alvarez, Maria Lynn, Michael Markham, Brady Mason, Z’myia Mathews, Christian McCary, Ja’Marion McCoy, Jakai McCoy, Grant McCraney, Chloe Mosely, Remarke Neely, Morgan Nichols, Avery Nolen, Jackson Parker, Kanaisa Parrott, Jacob Patterson, Sarah Jane
Patterson, Kindal Price, Dalyn Provitt, Omarion Quinn, Cristian Rawls, Abagail Rhodes, Kyra Rich, Dakotah Rivers, Abril Rodriguez-Leon, Jacqueline Sanchez, Jasmine Sanchez, Janaiyah Sanders, Tiara Sanders, Kiarra Santos, Caleb Segrest, Hunter Self, Samantha Sexton, Tsali Sixteensuns, Amaya Skipper, Ja’Marion Smith, Macy Stewart, Mar’Ja’Nae Taylor, Gabrielle Thomas, Kate Thrash, Trevor Towery, Grace Walker, Michael Walker, Gracie Wallace, Slomoria Washington, Trey Washington, Madeline Weldon, Kieshia Williams, Alexus Youngblood
Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
Adam Aldridge
Taira Barris
Aer’ryka Brooks
India Allen
Brandon Barrow
Aaron Brown
Trystan Andrews
Sarah Barrow
Brena Browning
Braden Arnold
Joseph Beltran Solis
Alexis Burkett
Sullivan Baker
Danica Bishop
Ethan Butler
Ian Bankester
Trey Bosch
Alec Carswell
Benjamin Carwile
Scarlett Gomez
Ivy Davis
Anna Eller Taylor Clayton
Brody Goodwin
Megan Diaz Chocon
Brodie Ellis
Macy Crain
Zakerria Gordon
Sincer’e Dooley
Ta’Karey Ford
Madison Crawford
Ja’Twon Griffin
Emily Durbin
Brianna Fulmer
Carter Davidson
Anna Griggs Amelia Easterling
Jackson Gantt
Christal Davidson
Tristan Hagans
Alyson Eller
Roderious Glover
Shaneidria Jones
Raul Lozano Alvarez Ariaunia Jordan
Maria Lynn
Ava Grace Justiss
Michael Markham
Patricio Lara
Brady Mason Jackson Logan Z’myia Mathews
Ramon Lozada
Christian McCary
Cameron Hughey Akeelah Hutchinson
Cara Johns
Allison Johnson Ethan Jones Logan Jones
Jasmine Hayden Draven Haynes Maddox Haynes Joel Holcomb McKenzie Holloway Monzavious Hooks
tallasseetribune.com
Ja’Marion McCoy Jakai McCoy Grant McCraney Chloe Mosley Remarke Neely Morgan Nichols
Avery Nolin Jackson Parker Kanaisa Parrott Jacob Patterson
Sarah Jane Patterson Kindal Price
Dalyn Provitt Omarion Quinn
Cristian Rawls
Abagail Rhodes Kyra Rich Dakotah Rivers
Caleb Segrest
Self
Tsali Sixteensuns
Amaya Skipper
Tiara Sanders
Smith
Kiarra Santos
Macey Stewart
Michael Walker
Alexus Youngblood
Mar’Ja’Nae Taylor
Gracie Wallace
Gabrielle Thomas
Siomoria Washington
Kate Thrash
Trey Washington
Trevor Towery
Madeline Weldon
Grace Walker
Kieshia Williams
Madilynn Bonifay
Sandrea Coleman
Jacob Hornsby
Jake Griffith
Ellie Kate Kilpatrick
Chase Bowins
Za’niya Collins
Jake Hornsby
Grayci Hadden
Jessica Lawler
McKenzie Browning
Jackie Dorn
Katelynn Hurley
Trent Harris
Tamiya Macon
Adam Burton
Cody Endress
Andrew Jackson
Madilyn Hill
Kaylie McGough
Kendal Cleveland
Tyrese Fallin
Jayvian Kendick
Demoni Holloway
Elijah Morris
Abby Cole
Jacob Glass
Bethany Kilpatrick
Leeandra Hooks
Aniyah Murphy
Carder Spain
Raylee Newman
Tania Trejo
Natalie Spain
Tyrone Randolph
Wuendy Trejo
Janyla Stewart
Zachary Riley
Levi Waites
Kamron Tew
Ocie Scarbrough Smith
Adam Ward
Xavier Thomas
Blake Smith
Zachary Webb
Christian Traylor
Mariah Smitherman
Gabrielle Williams
Arthur Woods
Not pictured: Austin Tapley