Tallassee Tribune Jan. 10 2024

Tallassee murderer sentenced to life in prison

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The courtroom in the Elmore County Judicial Complex was full of emotions as Clifton Potts admitted to the March 2022 murder of his wife Britney.

On March 18, 2022, less than 24 hours after Potts was released from prison for drug distribution, he killed his wife at her place of employment in Tallassee.

Monday, Potts was before Circuit Court Judge Amanda Baxley to plead to murder and receive a life sentence.

“Two years ago, I could never imagine we would be sitting here,”

Potts said during his plea and sentencing hearing on Monday. “She didn’t deserve this. The family didn’t deserve this. My kids didn’t deserve this.”

As part of a plea deal in 2021 for drug distribution, Potts was sentenced to 45 months in prison with 12 months to serve and the

remainder on probation. He was released March 17, 2022. A day later Britney was dead.

Potts said at the time of his release from prison in 2022 he was on methamphetamines and fentanyl. Drugs he said he

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STORM EVENT

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

In recent years, there have been a rash of tornadoes affecting the East Central Alabama region, and Merry Hardy has taken this to heart. Through Lake Martin Storm Shelters, Hardy helps resident install their own storm shelters.

After an EF4 tornado ripped through the Beauregard community, killing 23 people in March 2019, the

company installed 90 concrete shelters and steel safe rooms in the area — thankfully too as another tornado struck the same area last year.

“It is amazing how some of the tornados come back to the same areas,” Hardy said.

Lake Martin Storm Shelters installs Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved shelters designed to withstand the largest tornadoes.

“FEMA used to say the

safest place to be was underground,” Hardy said. “They have changed their stance on that. Now is the safest place to be is a compliant shelter where you can get into the quickest without having to go out into the weather.”

Lake Martin Storm Shelters manufactures all its above ground shelters in Alexander City. The concrete shelters are designed to be installed outside, oftentimes

Teacher of the Year

Griggs sees himself teaching until ‘called home’

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It took him a little while, but Mark Griggs

finally followed his dream. For decades Griggs had thought of teaching. He spent 20 years in telecommunications before he pulled the trigger to teach. Six years after getting his first classroom, he has

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Across Alabama, the arts are not widely taught in schools. However, at Reeltown High School, the administration is trying to change that narrative.

Greg Shelton recently became the instructor of RHS’ newest visual arts class, which begins

with an introduction to drawing. Students are then divided into groups focusing on photography, acrylic painting, charcoal and colored pencils or pastels.

The students will rotate to different media throughout the semester, which is meant to maximize materials.

SUBMITTED | THE TRIBUNE

Mark Griggs has found a second career as a teacher at Tallassee Elementary School. After five full years in the classroom he was selected as the school’s teach of the year this year.

THE TRIBUNE

Clifton Potts Jr. is called before Elmore County district court Judge Glenn Goggans for a first appearance hearing in 2022. He pleaded guilty to murder Monday in the death of his wife Britney Potts.

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 7

• A fight was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Corner Lane.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Noble Road.

• Animal control was requested on Whatley Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.

JAN. 6

• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.

• A domestic incident was reported on Poplar Street.

JAN. 5

• Gunfire was reported on First Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Truman Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.

• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Whatley Drive.

• A Black male was arrested on Cotton Ridge Road.

• A hit and run motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hillcrest Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 14.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on James Street.

JAN. 3

• Assistance was given to another agency on West Butler Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 2

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Lane.

• A fight was reported on Hickory Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A noise complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Robbery was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Theft by deception was reported on Langley Street.

• Leaving the scene of a vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Friendship Road.

• Suspicious subjects were reported on Dixie Circle.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Seventh Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Honeysuckle Lane.

• An assault was reported on Friendship Road.

• Harassment was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Barnett Boulevard.

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 1

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

DEC. 31

• Domestic violence was reported on Chapel Lakes Loop.

DEC. 28

• Theft was reported on Coosa River Parkway.

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

DEC. 26

• Criminal mischief was reported on First Street.

Community Christmas aids 210 kids in the area

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Community Christmas with LIFT Ministries had its biggest turnout this past Christmas season.

Founder Hannah Johnson of LIFT Ministries said this is the seventh year of Community Christmas and overall, the program has helped over 900 children. This year, Community Christmas provided for 210 kids.

Community Christmas is a virtual take on the Angel Tree. Individuals can take an angel through commenting on individual Facebook posts with the kids’ Christmas wish list. The wish lists themselves remain completely anonymous. Before the wish list gets posted, parents or guardians fill out an application for Community Christmas with the child’s Christmas list. This helps make the gift giv-

ing process personalized. Johnson said you always hear lower income children have to grow up fast, but Christmas should be the one time a year when they can be a kid — even if the rest of the time they don’t get to.

“We cannot make this happen without the community’s support,” she said.

Each child receives an outfit, a pair of shoes, a pack of underwear, a pack of socks and a minimum of three items on their wish list. Johnson said she also encourages those who take an angel to maybe make it a group effort. For example, if a kid wants a swing set that could be a lot for one person to give, but if there’s three people going in on the swing set, it makes it easier.

“When we lived in Georgia, I had a sixth-grade student come into school and he just put his head on the desk and was crying

— he listened to other people with what Santa Claus had brought them,” Johnson said. “He had received nothing for Christmas. The teachers got together, and everyone pitched in to get him a tablet because that was what was on his list. To see him happy to receive that, that was all we could ask for.”

LIFT Ministries is already gearing up for the 2024 Community Christmas and are accepting donations now if people would like to give to the fund. Johnson said the program has never had a child not get chosen. If a child is not chosen, she makes sure their needs and wants are met.

“There’s no shame in needing help and asking for it and receiving it,” Johnson said.

LIFT Ministries is a community women’s ministry that aims to help and support women in any way that is needed.

GOP outreach aims to bring allies into the party

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Eclectic native Kenneth Paschal surprised a lot of voters in 2021 when he was the first Black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature since the Reconstruction Era.

Now a Pelham resident, Paschal is helping the Alabama Republican Party reach more voters through its Outreach Coalition. Paschal told members of the Elmore County Republican Party there are plenty of voters within reach of the party, and state party chair John Wahl tasked Paschal with reaching them.

At a recent meet and greet, attendees got a chance to meet local officials and representatives including Paschal.

“At the state and national level, our mission is to go to the Democratic communities and convert them,” Paschal said. “We have always done that, but how is that working out?”

Paschal intends to reach out in those communities, but first wants Republicans to find those among them who

share similar values of “God and country,” who vote in Republican primaries or are not politically active.

“Let’s go in our own backyard and find the people who look like me, Asians, Hispanics and the young generation,” Paschal said. “We want to reach out to those who are already voting (with) our values.”

Names of voters are readily available through voter lists, and Paschal’s goal is to reach voters in the last three Republican primaries, then two of the last three followed by

just one of the last three.

“We just want to invite them to a local meet and greet,” Paschal said. “We have found they vote Republican but have never been invited. We want them to have a chance to plug in, especially locally.”

The state party already has diverse groups such as Alabama Minority GOP, College Republican Federation of Alabama, Alabama Federation of Republican Women and the Young Republican Federation of Alabama. Those voters Paschal

hopes to reach might also be interested in such groups.

As a Black Republican, Paschal has faced challenges but he said his journey also accomplishes part of the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“‘I look to the day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the contents of their character,’” Paschal said, quoting King. He went on to say, “I’m honored to serve in the Republican Party. I’m living proof we are open to all.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TRIBUNE

Alabama State Rep. Kenneth Paschal of Pelham and native of Eclectic speaks to the Elmore County Republican Party about the GOP’s Outreach Coalition he chairs. Paschal was the first Black Republican elected to the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Take your dog for a walk today

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

January is Health Awareness Month as well as National Train Your Dog and Walk Your Pet Month. After all the indulgences of Thanksgiving and Christmas, no wonder January focuses on health and fitness and the same goes for our pets.

Many dogs are surrendered to shelters because they are “too active.” This generally means they are simply in need of more exercise than they are getting.

Another common thread is some of those dogs were often never taught decent leash manners, so a walk becomes sort of a battle between the owner and the dog leading to no walks and an increasingly frustrated pet and owner. So why not start the New Year off great for both yourself and your dog by doing some simple leash training and adding your dog into your new exercise program? It’ll be good for you and good for your dog.

With just a little work your dog can happily be your walking/hiking/

jogging partner so you can both get in shape together. Bottom line is a tired dog is a more well-mannered dog too, so it is a win-win for both of you.

Teaching your dog to walk or run with you on a leash, to not jump and just to have basic nice manners is not rocket science. But if owning a dog is new to you, then you might want to seek a professional trainer. Our dogs simply love making us happy so reward when they do what you want as they will quickly figure out what makes you happy. Some dogs are motivated by treats (use a treat they do not get at any other time and small so they don’t stop to chew), others are motivated by toys and others just by your praise.

Dogs understand clear, concise commands and most owners simply talk too much so the dog is confused and has no idea what is being asked of it. This is why a professional trainer can take your dog from you and in five minutes likely have it responding to commands. A good trainer knows how to clearly communicate

Pet of the Week - Dream

with your dog. For your dog it is an “OH, THAT is what you want me to do” moment.

In reality, training a dog is about 75% training the owner as to how to effectively communicate with their own pet.

Of course, our dogs are as different as we are so some pick up on lessons quickly while others take a bit longer. Knowing your dog’s attention span is very important as one dog may work great for 15 minutes before losing interest and for another five minutes is all they can give you before they simply tune out.

Some are quicker on the uptake than others and knowing what really makes your dog tick also makes a big difference. Does your dog respond to treats? Or toys? Or clicks or whistles? Every dog is different so finding what gets their undivided attention can greatly improve the chance of training success.

One caution: Some folks think they can send their dog to a trainer and they will come back and be the perfect dog — not true. Remember, you, the

Dream is 7 months old as of early January and weighs about 40 to 45 pounds. She is an extremely loving girl. She is active so not a couch potato, and she is house-, leash- and cratetrained. Dream is great with children, dogs and cats. She knows sit, shake, stand and lay. She has stayed in a fence but is not a huge fan of car rides. 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.

Arrest made in Tuesday robbery

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Tallassee resident was arrested Friday night for a Tuesday robbery.

The Tallassee Police Department asked for help with the identity of a robbery suspect Wednesday. Friday, law enforcement located Zyquarius Collins, 19, and booked him into the Elmore County Jail on first-degree robbery

charges. Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls said the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“We were able to locate him on Wall Street and take him into custody without incident Friday night,” Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls said. “We got a couple of tips from the public.”

Collins’ arrest stems from an alleged Tuesday robbery at the Marathon in Jordanville according

owner, are a huge part of the training process and you have to also learn how to communicate what you want so your dog will understand.

You can send a dog to a trainer but part of that will also be you spending time with your dog and the trainer so the dog trainer can train you, the owner.

Training of any kind takes patience and perseverance on everyone’s part, and it never really ends. Refresher training should honestly take place throughout your dog’s life – for both of you!

A professional golfer isn’t successful playing golf only during tournaments. They practice, get coaches, research and practice more. True success entails dedication!

So get out those comfy walking or running shoes, teach your dog first how to walk nicely on a leash, and start out 2024 with

daily nice long walks/ runs with your dog. The reward will be a tired and better behaved dog, and perhaps a more fit and more relaxed you as

to Rawls.

“The victims said a Black male (between the ages of 18 and 25) dressed in all black with a mask and backpack entered the store Tuesday afternoon,” Rawls said. “The suspect presented a handgun and threatened deadly force.”

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Collins was in the Elmore County Jail with a $60,000 bond available to him.

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

Tallassee Talks

Obituaries:

Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

Stop using Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is all the rage right now.

Seemingly every time

I’m on Facebook, I see a new AI photo from one of my friends or an advertisement for a new Artificial Intelligence app.

Of course there are some great things about AI. One of which is Otter AI, which transcribes interviews — a true thing of beauty for a journalist. There’s the self-checkout lanes that make shopping easier.

But in a lot of ways, AI is a dangerous game.

I recently read an article about a service offering AI touch-ups for children’s yearbook photos. Let’s think about that for a second.

Kids struggle with self-esteem and identity more than ever now. Because of social media, children are competing with each other for the best looks, most money, and the greatest pictures at an even younger age. Parents aren’t always helping the issue.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

But now to add Artificial Intelligence to the recipe makes it even more difficult.

I mean, I get it. I have a solid four years of yearbook photos with a bowl cut. If anyone needed AI as an elementary school kid, it was me. But there’s something beautiful about those embarrassing photos too. Kids these days deserve to have that too.

Artificial Intelligence is taking over, but it’s also going to start taking over people’s jobs — it already has. The Writers Guild of America was recently on strike in the film industry, and a big part of that was due to the use of AI in movies and TV shows. The screenwriters know AI writing

Stay calm. Nothing (that we know of) is happening, but without a local newspaper source providing public accountability, this may not always be the case.

DISCLAIMER: This is hypothetical and not a reflection of Tallapoosa, Elmore or Coosa counties. Let’s pretend we live in a small town with no newspaper presence and a government that doesn’t conduct business properly. It has no transparency, can’t afford oversight authority and faces political corruption, fraud, bribery and a high crime rate. Public servants are the spenders and keepers of taxpayer money and owe a high duty of care to the role but because of lack of oversight, they operate their agenda and no longer work for the people.

Most citizens aren’t aware, and the ones that know don’t ask. Let’s face it, small communities have less pushback. Everyone knows everyone, which makes it difficult to question authority. In worst-case scenarios, those same close-knit relationships can amplify corruption as parties could be in partnership.

Also, in our hypothetical community with no local newspaper

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

is a threat to their job security (and mine), but more important ly, it’s a threat to decent writing.

articles on news sites now, and it’s almost like a red flag wav ing, showing you no one was actually covering whatever it is you’re reading about. You may or may not be getting correct information.

Moreover, actors joined the strike as AI can now use their likeness to produce a film with out them even in it most of the time.

ples of the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, and there are many more. Make sure when you upload that picture to Facebook you don’t have an extra finger or two.

editor at Tallapoosa Publish ers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityout look.com or via phone

Last week, with apologies to Cousin Rendell at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, we said Hail and Farewell to the people who left us in 2023. And locally, there are several more who have moved on lately who left a void in our lives and in our community. We will miss them all.

As we look ahead to 2024, here is one more look back - Part II of our review of 2023.

BEST TELEVISION SHOW - TED LASSO (APPLETV+):

Without a doubt, one of the best series to ever come along ended its three-season run in 2023: “Ted Lasso.” Our main character, played to perfection by Jason Sudeikis, is asked by his wife for some space. Ted leaves the comfort of successfully coaching college football in the midwestern United States to take a job coaching British football, a.k.a. soccer. The team owner, Rebecca Welton, secretly

source, with no one covering council meetings and proposed plans, it’s easier for municipalities to raise utility rates, award contracts to friends or slip last-minute agenda items into policy with citizens left in the dark.

The same can be said for any organization in our hypothetical community. If donated funds are earmarked for charity but are mishandled, having no accountability may have exacerbated the problem. It is an unfortunate fact small communities can be more susceptible to corruption because they have fewer employees and limited oversight. Through no fault of their own, they lack ethics commissions and typical checks and balances. Smaller communities are more likely to fly under the radar of state and U.S. authorities. Organizations and governments in small communities operate with the majority of power led by a few people.

wants the team to fail as she inherited the team in a divorce settlement from her rich and ruthless ex-husband. What begins as a fish-out-ofwater comedy develops, over three seasons, into a beautiful display of kindness, caring, friendship, and understanding. I knew it was good when I realized I didn’t want the series to end.

DIDN’T SEE IT BUT HEARD IT WAS GOOD:

Going to the movie theater dressed as Barbie or Ken and watching “Oppenheimer.” Or going dressed as J. Robert Oppenheimer and seeing the “Barbie” movie? I’m not sure.

BEST DOCUMENTARY – WORLD WAR II FROM THE FRONTLINES (NETFLIX):

This was brutal. Color footage, mixed with colorized film, shows World War II from all fronts. Eyewitness accounts of servicemen from all over the world give the viewer a small glimpse into the various battles of World

Corruption You Didn’t Read About!

Without accountability this can sometimes have catastrophic con sequences, intentional or not. Individual accountability is another area that newspapers provide a level of security. With the overall masses’ best interest in mind, accountability for one’s actions outweighs the safety risk of no accountability. Crime is a public safety risk; therefore, keeping the public informed is a civic responsibility. It’s only in cases where the public has a personal feeling for the offender this touches a nerve. An ethical, unbiased paper, however, will not pick and choose coverage. If journalists are aware, they must investigate. Unknown criminal cases are not covered and I implore the public to understand reporters simply cannot know everything. If you are concerned about a specific case, please call the TPI tip line or submit your tip on our website.

Journalists promote accountability on a fair, unbiased, neutral platform. Knowledge is power and if you know certain roads are under consideration for paving with taxpayer money or utility rates may increase, you

See CORRUPTION, Page B4

2023 in infotainment

War II. Hearing stories of bravery, even from Japanese or German veterans, is fascinating. The story moves chronologically, which shows how quickly the conflict escalated. Highly recommended.

WORST PERFORMANCE – SAM SMITH AT THE GRAMMYS (CBS): Maybe it was because this came right after the Stevie Wonder/Chris Stapleton performance, one of the best in Grammy show history. Or maybe it was because Madonna looked like a Bratz doll come to hideous life in her introduction. But I think it was because Sam Smith’s hell-themed performance of “Unholy,” complete with the singer dressed as the devil and a bunch of caged dancers writhing about him in the flames was meant to be provocative, and instead caused a lot of viewers to tune out in disgust.

BEST VARIETY SPECIAL – “98 YEARS OF MAGIC” (CBS): In a year where NBC feted Carol Burnett

MICHAEL BIRD

for turning 90 and ABC celebrated Norman Lear for turning 100, the best of them all was for a man who turned 98 this year: Dick Van Dyke. The still-active performer was truly surprised by a cast of dozens of entertainment luminaries paying respect to one of the greatest to ever grace a stage or screen. It was good, old-fashioned singing, dancing, and clowning. It was just a charming way to spend two hours smiling in 2023.

BEST SHOW THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE – “THE WONDER YEARS” (ABC):

Saladin Patterson, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, did our city proud by rebooting the classic series “The Wonder Years” and making Montgomery the location for the show. Alabama looked good on

See INFOTAINMENT, Page A5

Columnist

CORRUPTION

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have a voice and can be a champion for change by asking questions.

Local news is essential because no news is bad news.

Citizens must know what’s going on around them. Bad things sometimes happen in quiet communities. The best way to make sure officials are working for you and your safety and well-being is to support your local newspaper. Investigative journalists are your watchdogs and have the experience to closely examine what’s going on. Journalists do an outstanding job of upholding accountability. Besides, people tend to act better when someone is watching, right?

There are other reasons to join the newspaper club and getting the accurate story is a critical perk. In today’s social media society, people sometimes don’t realize when they share false information. Your local paper only reports accurate facts. When you reference your newspaper you don’t waste time following rabbit holes filled with what people “assume” they know. You also prevent yourself from becoming part of the problem by sharing false narratives.

Equally as important, being an active reader means you have access to public and legal notices. For example (only), if a landfill is being considered for your area, wouldn’t you want to know? If a bid for a project your business specialized in were coming available, wouldn’t you want the option to apply?

Local newspapers foster debate and connect the com-

INFOTAINMENT

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television and the series never represented us as a backwards bunch of racists. The storylines were really getting interesting for Dean and his family, when ABC abruptly pulled the plug. Hopefully, someday Mr. Patterson can give us another series with the heart and humor he employed so well on this show.

BEST FEEL-GOOD ENTERTAINMENT

– “ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL” (PBS): “All Creatures Great and Small” rolled on for an eventful third season and it was excellent. This series brings James Herriot’s adventures as a rural veterinarian in the

GRIGGS

Continued from A1

munity. They give citizens a voice and encourage civic engagement. Journalists are agents of change. If someone is passionate about an issue reported on by local media, the community feels the connection and inspiration to keep the dream alive. Without coverage, there is no connection.

Subscribing to your local newspaper also allows you to know your community. It means following super-talented local athletes to the next level. It means you know who your local heroes are and how to celebrate them. It means you’re in the loop on progress. It means so much.

An informed community is a smart community. Similar to being a voter, everyone should be a reader. Don’t you need to know? Don’t you want to know? Who wins in communities without a local newspaper? Those that operate in the dark.

Who loses in communities without a local newspaper?

Everyone.

We can all agree we’d rather not lose so let’s come together and make sure we’re winners. Thomas Jefferson once said he’d prefer to have “newspapers without government” to “government without newspapers.” We at TPI care about this community, and making it a better place is central to our mission. To continue our mission, we need people to subscribe and advertise.

Please call Sam at 256234-4281 to subscribe today. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor!

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

1930’s Yorkshire Dales to heartwarming life. The show is so comforting, with its picturesque scenery and quiet plot happenings. Well done. The fourth season began January 7 on PBS, but the older episodes are occasionally shown as well.

BEST RE-RELEASE OF THE BEST MUSIC FILM OF ALL TIME – “THE LAST WALTZ” (AMAZON PRIME): Robbie Robertson died in 2023, right around the time “The Last Waltz” sneaked back into theaters for a 45th anniversary release, which was also available for streaming. The Band were the greatest group of multi-talented musicians in one place that have ever been. Each of them could sing, play multiple instruments well, and compose music.

proven to himself it was the correct move. Griggs was named the 20232024 Teacher of the Year at Tallassee Elementary School.

“The journey has been interesting,” Griggs said. “Teaching has always been on my radar. I was leaning that way but never quite pulled the trigger. It got to the point where I realized I needed to do it. I just didn’t feel like I was making a difference.”

Griggs started taking classes to start a new career path. At the same time he was substitute teaching in Tallassee City Schools. He had classes at Southside Middle School and Tallassee High School, but they didn’t tug on his heart quite like the younger students.

“I was just really drawn to the elementary school,” Griggs said. “I learn something new from them everyday. One thing about starting later in life like this is kids keep you on your toes.”

Six years in the classroom have taught Griggs a few things. He started in the first grade but now teaches fourth. He found out he likes to give homework.

“I try to hide that it’s homework,” Griggs said. “You might be able to fool first graders but you can’t fool fourth graders. You can’t

Opioid settlement funding narcotics analyzers

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Law enforcement is facing issues almost daily with the presence of illegal narcotics.

The Elmore County Commission approved spending nearly $59,000 for two hand-held TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzers at its Monday meeting. The analyzers will help officers identify narcotics, giving them a layer of protection in the process.

“We are starting to see some of the settlement funds coming from the opioid lawsuits,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said. “This includes buying the units and the training to go along with them.”

WEDNESDAY, JAN 10

ART GUILD: The Elmore County Art Guild membership meeting is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Coaches Corner in downtown Wetumpka. Discussion will be about the upcoming winter show.ca

THURSDAY, JAN. 11

EXTENSION MEETING:

According to Thermo Fisher Scientific the analyzer enables officers to scan more than 530 suspected controlled substances in a single, definitive test.

Beyer said Elmore County has already received about $600,000 in settlement funds and there are other pending lawsuits remaining.

The commission approved the transfer of a retail beer and wine off premises only alcohol license for Revv Store on U.S. Highway 231 and the vacation an unnamed road off Gray’s Ferry Road in Titus.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

ELMORE COUNTY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The 4-H Livestock Club will host its meeting at the Elmore County Extension Office at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 11. The poultry industry will be the subject matter.

AUTHOR TALK: Maverick: A History of the Television Series co-author Linda Alexander will speak at the

Four men from Canada and one from Arkansas made some of the best American music ever recorded, and this final performance of the original lineup was caught on film for all posterity. Highly recommended for any fan of music.

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL FILM – “ELVIS”: Technically, it was released in late 2022 but became widely available for streaming in 2023. The Baz Luhrmann-directed biographical picture may leave you dizzy, but one thing is certain: Austin Butler’s turn as the King is unforgettable. He looks, and sounds, just like Elvis Presley at the various stages of his life. The story is told by a dying Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. Good stuff, but depress -

bluff them either. They are going to know if you know what you are talking about.”

Griggs isn’t the most veteran teacher at the school but it doesn’t make him less valuable, especially in the hallways.

“Sometimes we will have a pest show up in the hallway,” Griggs said. “I’m usually the person who gets to catch the critters, hornets or wasps.”

Tallassee Elementary School principal Shanikka Beacher said Griggs is always willing to help in the school.

“The spirit of collaboration among the teachers at TES is exceptional and plays a vital role in creating a dynamic and effective learning environment. Mr. Griggs is a key component in this factor,” Beacher said. “He actively seeks opportunities to work with colleagues, sharing insights and resources. Mr. Griggs is a tremendous asset to Tallassee Elementary School.”

A few years ago there was a need for substitute bus drivers. Griggs stepped up and got his CDL just to help out. Now some of the students on the bus recognize him, but in the capacity of a bus driver, he has one main focus.

“The bus might be a classroom, but the No. 1 job is driving the bus,” Griggs said. Griggs still uses every opportunity he has to inspire his students

Wetumpka Public Library about the book and show at 6 p.m. Jan. 11. FRIDAY, JAN. 12

GRAND OPENING: Scooter’s is hosting its grand opening from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 in Wetumpka. It will have a buy one, get one free deal when customers order from the mobile app. A free sticker will be given out with every order. Scooter’s will be located at 5331 U.S. Highway 231.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

SELF-DEFENSE COURSE: A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals course will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 13 in Tallassee. The

ing to see how people who claimed to love Elvis the most were the ones who used him up.

THE GREAT MIDWESTERN ROAD TRIP OF 2023: My wife and I, along with a couple of BirdKids, traveled for eleven days in July through north Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Mississippi. Most of our time was spent following parts of Route 66 in Illinois and Missouri, with stops along the way, but a full visit to Iowa. People may say that Southerners have the market cornered on hospitality, but after several visits to the Midwest, I believe they have us beat. For those who asked where the other BirdKids were, they were at summer camps and such. We didn’t abandon anybody

and bus riders to be the best they can be.

“We talk about making wise choices,” Griggs said. “I want them to get the importance of being a leader and not a follower.”

Griggs said the award surprised him, as he likes being a member of a team. He likes working with the teachers and staff at the school.

“It meant a lot knowing I had support from my teammates,” Griggs said. “I always loved being a part of a team. This is just a great family. I have been so blessed to be around them. Everyone is so supportive and eager to help.”

Beacher said Griggs helps the staff of the school be better models for their students by demonstrating a commitment to academic and personal development of students.

“He goes above and beyond the call of duty to create a positive and nurturing learning environment,” Beacher said. “His passion for education is evident in his countless efforts to ensure his students are prepared for success and fostering a love for learning among students.”

Beacher should have Griggs around for a while. The teacher doesn’t see his classroom tenure ending soon.

“I want to do this as long as the Lord will let me do it,” Griggs said. “I really love it. The kids keep you young. I want to keep doing it as long as I can.”

• Approved a proclamation naming January Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

• Approved minutes of the Dec. 11 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants for the period Dec. 2 to Dec. 22 in the amount of $7,831,493.23.

• Approved the reappointment of Jerome Broughton to the Crenshaw Park Board.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22.

• Recognized Wallsboro native and Wetumpka High School graduate Jamie Winborn for being named to the 2023 Southeastern Conference Legends Class.

course is a complete guide to understanding the basics of firearms ownership, safety and nomenclature, and how it applies to home or self defense. The cost is $75 and includes the Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals book. For more information, visit usconcealedcarry.com.

HEALTH FAIR: The Central Alabama Neighborhood Health Initiative is hosting a Health & Wellness City Fest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. There will be exercise demonstrations, free services, free food, live music and activities for children.

– we think. LIFE CHANGES A-PLENTY: In late 2022, one daughter got married. That same one had our first grandbaby in 2023. The next daugh -

ter down got married in late 2023. Who knows what 2024 will hold?

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tal -

adjacent to a home. The steel safe rooms are added in existing garages or during new construction. In all cases, the designs have been tested and approved by FEMA.

“Our safe room went through a 250 mph wind tunnel,” Hardy said. “It mimics an EF5 tornado. Then there is a pressure test because there is so much pressure in a tornado. They put air in and suck it out. Nothing can come loose. It is very intense.”

Lake Martin Storm Shelters installs shelters across Alabama and most recently has

used in prison. Potts said he was under the influence of drugs as he left prison and headed to Tallassee with Britney and other family members. He said the drugs helped him cope with prison life.

“I wasn’t in my right mind,” Potts said. “I went

been performing local installs in Tallassee. That’s because storm shelters are becoming more and more popular, Hardy said.

She said social media and storm trackers have increased curiosity and demand for shelters.

“I think they have become more popular because we know more about weather,” Hardy said. “We track weather more and better.”

Elmore County officials are constantly tweaking plans to respond to storms. But Elmore County Emergency Management Agency director Keith Barnett said it starts at home.

He said residents need to do a few key things to be prepared

through a lot in prison seeing murders, fearing for my life. I had to get on drugs to stay awake to keep from being killed in my sleep.”

Potts said the drugs are the reason he killed his wife.

The next day Potts drove to his wife’s workplace on Highway 229 in Tallassee. Assistant district attorney Brittney

for the majority of situations to face Elmore County. On top of the list is a properly programmed weather radio.

“They are fairly inexpensive,” Barnett said. “They can be purchased pretty much anywhere. You need one at home and your business.”

Barnett said his agency can help with programming if needed, and having a secondary notification is also necessary. Those could include ones from the Elmore County EMA apps or Baron Saf-T-Net.

Barnett said outdoor sirens should not be depended on because of old technology and difficulty hearing them inside homes and during storms.

Having a small kit and

Pinon said Britney got into the vehicle with Potts.

“She exited the vehicle and began running across the parking lot with Mr. Potts chasing her,” Pinon said evidence would show if the case went to trial. “He pulls a gun and fires once striking Mrs. Potts. As she falls, Mr. Potts then approaches the victim lying on the ground.”

Pinon said Potts attempted to take his wife’s cell phone and she put up a fight.

“Mr. Potts fires a second shot striking her in the face,” Pinon said. “She was pronounced dead on the scene.”

Potts said he was not of

storm plan is a necessity, and it should include where in the home to shelter and where to meet after an event. The kit should at least include some water and basic first measures. “One of the most important things is something to wear on the head like a helmet and shoes,” Barnett said. “Most of the deaths in a storm come from being struck in the head. Many injuries happen to feet and legs as people try to leave the debris bath barefooted.”

Elmore County has a safer places to shelter program it activates as a tornado watch is issued. Elmore County EMA has access to many public buildings and even private structures such as churches.

clear mind at the time of the shooting in 2022 and would never do something like if was clear headed.

“I can’t believe I did that to you. I had no intention,” Potts said. “I loved my wife. I loved her. I can’t believe I did that to her.”

Britney’s family said they took Potts in like he was their own and couldn’t understand why he did this.

“We treated him like family,” Britney’s mother Lynn Denmark said. “That Thursday when we picked him up from prison, he came to our home like he was all good. He took my baby and didn’t consider his children.”

Potts agreed.

For example, there’s one camera and it’s a lot easier to share a camera with five people than 25. The rotation also helps students get exposed to multiple types of media.

He said the idea for this art class really originated from the administration, which approached him about teaching the class. It’s partially funded through the Mildred Blount Foundation grant, based out of Tallassee.

The school’s administration applied for and received the grant last year, which allowed Shelton to begin an art club. This year Reeltown was awarded the grant again to be used for the class.

“Administration was pushing for this,” he said. “I was really pleased to find out that was a goal of theirs. If we didn’t have the grant money, it would be hard to do this. (The administration) knew about the art grant, they went to it immediately. There was no dragging of the feet.”

On top of that, students are interested. The class is full with 25 students this semester. Plus, through his own art, Shelton had students showing him their works before Reeltown even had the art class.

Since 1983, Shelton has taught and coached at various schools across the county, but he never thought he would teach art. But after seeing the work of a colored pencil artist, he was inspired.

Barnett said EMA checks with volunteers at private structures and publishes a list with addresses of available safer places to shelter on social media for each storm event.

After a storm Barnett said many think government agencies, especially FEMA, will come to the rescue. He said state and federal agencies do help when overall damage meets certain guidelines, but there are limits on the help.

“FEMA does not come in to make a property owner whole,” Barnett said. “If they meet all the requirements, they will help some. We encourage people not to depend on FEMA and have their own insurance.”

“They treated me more like family than my family did,” he said.

Britney’s sister Tyreckia Pennington said Potts shattered more than just her world.

“Not only mine but our entire family when he decided to selflessly take Britney from us, he took a mother, a daughter, a sister, aunt, niece and a friend,” Pennington said. “She was the glue of the family. Britney was loved by many. She always had a smile.”

A plea agreement was reached before trial.

Potts said he was guilty of murdering his wife in exchange for a prison life sentence.

“We wanted you to

get the electric chair,” Britney’s uncle Flint McKenzie said. “We wanted you to fry. He was a coward. He wasn’t man enough to walk away from her and let her live to raise her kids.” Denmark said, “I feel no remorse. I hate him and want him to know because he took my baby’s life.”

Potts said he understands why Britney’s family feels the way they do.

“They are supposed to hate me for what I did. I still love them,” Potts said. “I’m not OK with what I done. I will never be OK. I blanked out. I miss her so much. I just want to say I’m sorry.”

“I told my wife, ‘I’m headed to Micheal’s’ and she asked me, ‘Do you just want to sit in the parking lot?’ and I said, ‘No, I’m going in this time,’” Shelton recalled. “I bought pencils and a pad and a book that said, ‘How to Draw Anything in 15 Minutes’ and I just haven’t stopped.”

From his own experience, Shelton said he knows some students just need the opportunity to get exposed to art and it could be a love for life.

Part of what he hopes the class provides is a space for the students to display their work publicly. Students’ artwork will be hung along hallways and in the cafeteria so the students can show off their talents.

“A lot of what high school is about is kids trying to find out what they are interested in,” Shelton said. “It’s another offering that lets kids dip their toes in something different and see if they like it, see if they are adept at it.”

Shelton said he hopes the class helps some students foster art into a possible career. There are art programs at universities students can get scholarships for and there are artistic career paths that can be viable.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

A former student of Greg Shelton’s creates visual art. Reeltown High School starts up a visual arts class.

Resolutions

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! It is a beautiful, albeit slightly chilly, Monday morning as I write this week’s column. It is January after all!

First and foremost, I pray that everyone reading this week’s column had a meaningful Christmas season. The holidays have the potential to provide time for reconnecting with family and friends and taking a break from all that “regular” days in the earthly kingdom deliver. I pray the blessings God makes possible through the incarnation were revealed in and through us all. When was the last time you

participated in the presentation of a resolution? I am not talking about the sharing of New Year’s resolutions. I am speaking of the time-honored practice of drafting a resolution in the name of honoring a person or situation. You know what I am talking about. These documents are also known as the “Whereas” documents. They typically include a litany of “whereas” statements followed by a “therefore” statement. We most often encounter them at retirement celebrations, building or business dedications, and the like. Sometimes these resolutions are serious. Sometimes

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

they err on the side of silly. In either case, the idea is that a series of supporting statements are provided in the name of justifying a particular declaration. With that in mind, I would like to offer a New Year’s resolution aimed at all of us.

Whereas in the beginning God formed the earthly kingdom out of a formless void, with the winds of the Holy Spirit blowing everything into place, and Whereas the Word of God was present in the beginning with God, and the Word was

Tallassee Churches

with God, and the Word was God, and Whereas through the Word all things were made; there was nothing made without the Word, and Whereas the Word was life, and that life was the light for all of humankind, and the darkness will never overcome it, and Whereas the Word became flesh and made its dwelling among us, so that all might see the glory of God in perfection and completeness, and Whereas the God who created all things issued a call to the whole of the earthly kingdom to listen to the Word, and Whereas the Word of God is the guide for every child of God, regardless of any distinguishing characteristic of mortal identity, and Whereas every child of

God, regardless of covenant relationship with God or even lack thereof, has the capacity to participate in the ongoing revelation of the Word of God, and

Whereas every child of God is made in the image of God as a blessing to be shared with the whole of the earthly kingdom, and

Whereas the word of God was sent in the flesh in order to redeem the earthly kingdom, not to condemn it, be it therefore resolved that:

Every child of God should strive to follow God’s Word, the perfect and complete example for life in the earthly kingdom, in every time and place to the best of our ability.

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

Surrounding Area Churches

www.TallasseeTribune.com

Tallassee boys starting the year strong

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Tallassee boys basketball team is not at full strength, but coach Keiven Mixson likes where his team is.

After a strong first half of the season, Tallassee entered 2024 with an 8-9 overall record and an 0-1 record in Class 5A, Area 7 play.

The Tigers dropped six of their last seven games to end 2023 and lost starting point guard Jaiden Gordon to a dislocated finger for a few

weeks. But that didn’t stop Mixson’s group from starting the 2024 calendar year with a 1-1 record against some tough competition.

The Tigers dropped the first game of the new year to a very talented Lafayette team before beating Class 5A Marbury last week. Monday’s game that was scheduled for Class 6A’s Sidney Lanier, a playoff team from a year ago, was canceled due to rain.

“We’ve been trying to piece some things together right now

TALLASSEE DOMINATES REGION DUALS

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

After 29 duals matches, the Tallassee Tigers are still undefeated. Taking to the mats at Beauregard for the 5A, Region 2 duals, the Tigers defeated Carver-Birmingham and Shelby County to claim the tournament’s top spot and another plaque for the Tallas-

see trophy case. “We did well,” coach John Mask said. “The kids wrestled well. There are great teams here, a lot of talent. I was impressed.”

On Wednesday, Tallassee defeated Valley, Elmore County and Beauregard heading into Thursday’s tournament. The Tigers opened up Thursday against Carver and

won swiftly 75-6. Tallassee lost just one match against Carver, dropping the 285 class by way of a pin. The closest match between the two programs was in the 215 weight class, with Jude Rogers earning a 3-2 decision over his opponent. Every other match was a pin by the purple and gold.

See DUALS, Page B2

Reeltown

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Over the past week, the Reeltown wrestling team competed in both the Class 1-4A Region 2 Duals and the Julian McPhillips Invitational at St. James. At the duals tournament, Reeltown picked up a win of Beulah and losses against Prattville Christian, Montgomery Catholic and St. James. Against the Bobcats, Reel-

while we’re not at full strength,” “That’s given us the chance to get young guys experience who are going to be able to help us over the next few years. We’ve played a solid schedule so far and we’ve played a lot of teams with winning records. I feel good about how competitive we are night in and night out.”

Losing an eighth grader to injury doesn’t seem like it would hurt many teams too bad, but Gordon is not the typical eighth grader.

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County heavyweight wrestler Myles Eyerly started his 2024 off with an impressive week.

Wrestling in the AHSAA Class 5A, Region 2 duals and the Julian McPhillips Tournament held at St. James, Eyerly went 7-0 with seven dominant wins.

The 5A defending state champion earned three pins over opponents from Tallassee, Valley and Beauregard in the region tournament, then opened up the weekend tournament with a pin vs. Reeltown and Dothan.

In the final two matches, he took down two of the top heavyweights in the state back-to-back. He beat Holtville’s Tyson Ratliff, 8-0, then took down Class 1A-4A’s No. 1-ranked wrestler in PCA’s Aidan Cockrell, 1-0. For his performance, Eyerly is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“He had some really, really good performances in our region duals,” head coach Mason Thornton said. “Then he faced a few ranked wrestlers and pulled out two really great matches. It was a

wrestles in duals, McPhillips Invitational

town won handily 57-24. The Rebels picked up wins by Justin Thomas (138 pounds), Jackson Renfroe (144), Ethan Hill (150), Harrison Renfroe (157), Jacob Sessions (175), Devin Bragg (215) and Benjamin Ledbetter (106). Blake Hadden (113), Drake Wood (120) and Luke Cotten (132) all were awarded wins by forfeit. Reeltown’s win over Beulah came on the heels of the team finishing third in the PCA

Duals on Dec. 16. The team’s third place finish was the best in program history. Facing Prattville Christian in the squad’s second match, Reeltown kept things close but ultimately lost 48-33. Wood, Thomas and Harrison Renfroe were the only three wrestlers to win their matches. Hadden picked up a second forfeit victory, while Bragg and Ledbetter picked up a combined 12 points through forfeits as well.

Against Montgomery Catholic, things were even tighter as Reeltown narrowly lost 46-36. Bragg kicked things off with a win in just 65 seconds, followed by wins from Ledbetter, Adam Ward, Wood, Thomas and Harrison Renfroe.

The team’s final match of the duals tournament was a 54-30 loss to St. James as Ledbetter, Harrison Renfroe and Wood won their matches. Harrison Renfroe and Bragg both went 4-0 during the duals competition, and Wood went 3-0. Competing in the 18-team McPhillips Invitational, Reeltown placed 10th overall with a final team score of 66 points. Tallassee won the tournament, running away with the title with a score of 291.

The Rebels were again led by the combined efforts of Bragg and Wood who each

County’s Myles Eyerly, posing with the Panther Pin Belt, went 7-0 with five pins and two decisions over the course of the AHSAA Class 5, Region 2 duals

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

wrestler Mason Nelson holds Carver’s Javarious Dates down in the 5A Region 2 duals match on Thursday morning.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee point guard Jaiden Gordon goes up for a layup against Barbour County earlier this year. The Tigers are coming off a win over Marbury.

EYERLY

great showing on his part all the way around.”

In the win over Cockrell in the heavyweight championship, the two No. 1-ranked wrestlers went back-andforth early. The score remained 0-0 after the first period with neither wrestler able to do much, but Eyerly took a 1-0 lead on an escape early in the second period.

After a reset, Eyerly started on top and held Cockrell down and didn’t allow an escape for the rest of the two minutes. The third period remained much of the same back-and-forth until the final quarter of the match. With around 25 seconds left, the two locked up and went flying off the map and crashed into the scorer’s table. Instead of the match being called, however, both wrestlers went back out and closed out the final 20 seconds and Eyerly finished with his 1-0 win.

“It’s a difficult task holding down a heavyweight for two minutes, but he stepped up and held Cockrell down,” Thornton said. “It worked out in our favor and was a very exciting finish.”

Eyerly likely doesn’t mind winning by decision, but he’s done the most of his work with pins this year. Out of his 21 wins, he has 16 wins by pins this season.

He did much of the same during his state championship run last year as he pinned six of his last seven matches in super sectionals and the state tournament.

“That shows his strength as a wrestler,” Thornton said. “His game has improved so much on top where he’s able to turn these guys and pin them. It’s difficult turning a heavyweight and some of these guys he faces are heavier than he is, and that’s a testament to his strength and the work he’s put in.”

Eyerly entered the 2023-2024 season with a target on his back. He finished his junior campaign with the state title and a 40-6 record, but he wanted to be even better to finish out his high school career.

So far as a senior, he’s done exactly that as he is unbeaten at 21-0.

Included in those wins are ranked wins like he got this weekend. He’s also taken down the No. 5-ranked wrestler in Class 5A, St. Clair’s Michael Gomer, with a first period pin.

With Elmore County not advancing in the duals postseason, Eyerly looks towards the individual state championship and is trying to repeat.

“He knows that these kids are out there trying to beat him,” Thornton said. “He’s stepped up to the challenge. He just goes out there and takes care of business. He’s not a kid who goes out and thinks he’s so much better. He goes out there and fights and he wrestles well no matter who the opponent is.”

Post players helping to lead Reeltown

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Reeltown basketball’s two most important players are an eighth grader and a senior.

What London O’Neal and Chizyiah Riley may lack in age similarity, they are almost carbon copies of one another under the basket.

During Friday’s loss to Horseshoe Bend, 50-34, the pair combined for 24 of the team’s points.

For Reeltown, their combined successes will be the main focus of this season. As they develop alongside one another, the Rebels only stand to get better and better.

“I thought London and Chizyiah played really well on the offensive and the defensive end,” head coach Will Solomon said. “We did a really good job continuing to get them the ball.”

Thursday, Jan. 11

Stanhope Elmore at

Road/Lanier, 4:30 p.m.

Jemison at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.

Edgewood Academy at Evangel-Alabaster, 4 p.m.

The eighth grader O’Neal led her team in scoring with 15. Riley, a senior, finished with nine.

With the duo’s high scoring, the team had put itself in a position to win. However, shots from anyone not under the basket simply were not falling.

Leenadra Hooks finished with just one made 3-pointer, despite taking plenty of shots from deep all night.

Once the team gets more burn together, having only played in two games so far this year, things should really start to look up.

“One thing that hurt is that Leeandra took some good shots, but they rimmed out,” Solomon said. “She will hit those shots, and once she starts hitting those, I think combined with Chizyiah and London’s shots that will be a big positive.”

In the first half, O’Neal

Wetumpka/Valley at Elmore County, TBD Tallassee at Opelika, 5 p.m.

Pike Road at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 12

and Riley combined for 11 of the team’s 16 total points. At the varsity level, O’Neal has scored in double-digits in both games for the Rebels. Against Holtville to open Reeltown’s shortened season, O’Neal put up a team-high 10 points while also grabbing 10 boards. Against the Generals, O’Neal boasted her second straight double-double, snagging another 10 rebounds.

Riley finished with eight. Using the pair’s size, Reeltown was able to score second chance buckets down low. Shooting from the outside is where the team faltered. But much of that is to be expected when O’Neal is just a middle schooler and the team had to cancel almost 10 games to start the year. As for the team’s veterans, Riley and Hooks are the only seniors with big minutes.

Elmore County at Marbury, 5 p.m. 4 Beauregard at Tallassee, 6 p.m. 4 Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

4 Holtville at PCA,

“I think we can work the ball in and out no matter what defense we are facing,” Solomon said. “What hurts us is turning the ball over, and a lot of that is due to inexperience. I have a lot of young girls still adjusting.”

The Rebels (0-2, 0-1) finished with 20 turnovers to just 11 made buckets. Solomon’s team picks up again on Tuesday with a game against LaFayette, then a matchup with Lanett on Friday.

Both games are region tilts, and will be a huge litmus test for how impactful O’Neal and Riley can be moving forward. If Friday’s hardfought loss is any indication, the more games the team plays, the better they stand to become.

“The effort was there,” Solomon said. “We gave ourselves a chance. I was really pleased with our effort.”

Tuesday, Jan. 16 High School Wrestling 4 St. James/Tallassee at Elmore County, TBD 4 Holtville at Stanhope Elmore, TBD 4 Montgomery Catholic/Beauregard/ Ben Russell at Stanhope

Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

School

4 Edgewood Academy at Autauga Academy, 4 p.m.

4 Holtville at Isabella, 4:30 p.m.

4 Wetumpka at Sidney Lanier, 6 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Carver, 6 p.m.

in this state. You hope these great matches continue to grow.”

Against Shelby County, things were much the same as Tallassee lost just two matches and forfeited one.

The Tigers won 60-15.

Braden Arnold got revenge for his earlier 285 loss by way of a major decision, winning 16-2.

Winning all but three matches may seem like a heavy handed sweep, however Mask pointed to a couple close matches that could have swung in the opposite direction. He was more than happy his team got tested at just about every turn, as the road only gets tougher as Tallassee marches along.

“We know the other teams have a lot of talent and some great wrestlers,” Mask said. “There were some matches that could have gone either way. Most of the guys expect to win, so we never want to lose but we know as you advance and keep wrestling that there is so much talent

Over the two days and five matches, Tallassee’s 15 points given up to Shelby County were its most. But if you are a team like Tallassee, two losses could be the difference later in the season between bringing home a state title or bringing home nothing at all.

“You don’t want to make mistakes,” Mask said. “You don’t want to take bad shots and give the other team two points. You don’t want to try to throw somebody then go to your back. You have to wrestle smart.”

Winning in the duals tournament was obviously the expectation for Tallassee, though wins and trophies are still great to build off of.

As the team took turns posing with their newly earned hardware after the tournament, their coach took note of how special his team is.

“They are great kids, they work hard,” Mask said.

finished the tournament in second place in their respective weights. Wood earned his silver medal finish in the 122 class, falling in the title fight to

“They are all talented wrestlers. They want to win and push each other. Amongst themselves, they have a lot of pride.”

The wins at Beauregard pushed plenty of Tallassee wrestlers into incredible season records.

Land Bell is now 34-0 on the year, Ramon Lozada is 26-0 and Christian McCary is now over 200 wins for his career.

In total, the Tigers have wrestlers in the Top-5 in 12 of the 14 total weights.

“They all want to break records,” Mask said. “They are motivated individually and they work with each other and push each other. They all expect it and expect to win.”

TIGERS WIN JULIAN

MCPHILLIPS INVITATIONAL

Taking a break from duals play, Tallassee made the short trek over to St. James and dominated the Julian McPhillips Invitational. The Tigers more than doubled the score from the next closest team as they

racked up 291 total points.

Second place PCA scored 145, while third place St. James scored 135 points. Thirteen total Tallassee wrestlers placed in the Top 4 of their weight classes during the event. Out of those 13, eight wrestlers walked away as champions. Thomas Patterson (108), Mason Nelson (115), Ramon Lozada (122), Land Bell (146), Ethan Jones (152), Christian McCary (167), Nolan Addeo (192) and Jude Rogers (217) all finished in first place. The other four placers were second place finishers Aiden Bridgman (128) and Marques Freeman (217), third place finishers Avery Brantley (140) and Joseph Hooks (177) and fourth place finisher Jacob Patterson (159).

McCary, who recently earned his 200th career win, was named the Tournament’s MVP for going 4-0 with four first period pins. His longest match of the weekend was only 67 seconds long.

championship stage. In the 217 class, Bragg defeated wrestlers from Holtville, Percy Julian and Stanhope Elmore before

facing off against Jude Rogers from Tallassee. In the championship bout, Rogers just barely edged Bragg out by way of a 5-4 decision.

Ramon Lozada from Tallassee. Wood defeated wrestlers Elmore County, St. James and Tallassee to reach the

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Joseph Hooks wrestles with Carver’s Artez Jones. Hooks won the match

Reeltown improves to 2-0

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

Despite a shortened start to the season, the Reeltown Rebels are 2-0.

After a 59-38 region win over Horseshoe Bend on Friday, the Rebels have started undefeated despite having canceled seven games to start the year.

Coach Jonathan Gardner couldn’t remember the last time the program had started a year this strong, but didn’t want to get ahead of himself with only two games played. Still, Friday was an excellent start to the back half of the schedule.

“This feels really good,” Gardner said. “We can’t get too high, we have a big one on Tuesday.”

Reeltown hosts LaFayette on Tuesday, for yet another region game. If their first region matchup was any indication however, the team is in a great spot.

Junior Finn Henderson led all scorers with 24 points, collecting 16 after halftime.

Before the halftime break, it looked to Gardner like his star player

Continued from B1

was trying a bit too hard and not playing to his natural strengths.

After half however, Henderson let loose and no one on the Horseshoe Bend side could stop him. The sharpshooter connected on four 3-pointers in the game, with three makes in the second half. Under the basket, Henderson was one of an army of Rebels that dominated the boards and generated second chance opportunities for his team.

“I tell him that he has to get in a groove, he can’t force it,” Gardner said of Henderson.

“Sometimes he gets to forcing it and he gets frustrated. He found his groove, though.”

Things were knotted up until the third quarter, when Henderson started to come alive. He wasn’t alone, as running mate Dee Brown also had a solid showing.

Brown finished with 12, but had 10 after halftime. Brown and Henderson combined for 13 in the third quarter, outscoring the entire Generals’ offensive output by nine points.

In the second half, Brown found himself

Gordon is the No. 5-ranked player in the state in his class, and he has been a full-time starter since the beginning of his seventh-grade season. Already midway through his final middle school season, he’s started over 40 games at the varsity level.

This year, he’s averaging 6.5 points per game, good for fourth on the team.

But where his skills come in is taking the ball up the court. He and Jamarrion McCoy are both very skilled ball handlers, and teams aren’t really able to press when they’re both in the game.

With him out, teams press more and can cause a few more issues than they normally can.

That’s something that the Tigers have been working on improving in his absence.

“I have a lot of guards on our team, but I don’t have a lot of point guards,” Mixson said. “When you lose him, it really changes the way teams press you and come after you. But we still have enough to still fly around and still press and that’s going to be our go-to. We thrive in chaos so we’re going to do a lot of that. I was happy with how we played against Marbury last week.”

Tallassee’s next matchup is an area matchup with Beauregard on Friday night.

The game will serve as Tallassee’s Senior Night and its second area game. The Tigers dropped their area opener to defending state champion Valley, 74-42, midway through December.

Beauregard will not pose the same physical presence that Valley did, but Mixson is still impressed with the way the Hornets are playing this year.

Beauregard is 7-2 this season and has lost two of its last four games. Those losses came to LaFayette by nearly 30 points and to Horseshoe Bend by nearly 20 points.

“Beauregard is about like us,” Mixson said. “They look almost exactly like us as far as their size goes. They have a few football players out there who are big and stocky. I’ve watched them and they are not the same team they’ve been in the past. They are well coached and they have some good players. They’re doing things, like pressing, that they haven’t done in the past. It’s going to be a challenge.”

with a full head of steam driving to the basket on numerous possessions. He was fouled on almost all of his drives, much to the enjoyment of his coach.

“He can do that every night,” Gardner said of Brown. “He rushes, but once he slows down, he can really go.”

Tae Martin added eight of his own and five other Rebels also recorded buckets.

So far this year, with wins over Holtville and Reeltown, the Rebels have held their opponents to under 40 points in each game. In both games offensively, the Rebels have scored in the 50s, but have done more than enough on both ends to earn two wins.

LaFayette is on the horizon, sitting at 9-3 and coming off a win over Lanett.

Gardner knows his next opponent is tough, and can’t celebrate being 2-0 for too long. But going into the weekend undefeated still has got to feel good.

“We are not looking too far ahead, we just have to take this thing game by game,” Gardner said.

Missoula brings children out of their shell in Tallassee — again

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It is hard to imagine “Mistress Mary, quite contrary” and The Secret Garden can bring some children out of their shell. But for the Missoula Children's Theater , that is exactly what it does.

Two staff members come with the week-long MCT production to hold auditions, practices and finally a production. Along the way children come to life and develop personalities, not only in character but as themselves.

“We teach life lessons through the shows,” MCT’s Mandi Fielding said. “When bad things happen, you got to look to the good things in life.”

Fielding credits MCT for getting her into acting and theater. MCT was her first experience on stage and she hasn’t left.

“I did it from when I was little all the way to my senior year in high school,” Fielding said. “I’ve been back on the tour for a few years now.”

This week MCT is using The Secret Garden to teach children about acting, how to work backstage and a few life lessons along the way.

“It is a more serious topic than most Missoula shows,” MCT’s Eliza Brisban said. “Kids will

still identify with what happens.”

Patrons and benefactors have helped bring MCT to Tallassee for more than 20 years and in recent years the McCraney Cottle Arts Council has helped. Donna Cunningham has served as the McCraney director for when MCT comes to town. She helps guide children and their parents through the mechanics of getting to rehearsals and necessary paperwork. Cunningham has seen what the program can do for students. Her daughter was part of one of the first MCT productions in Tallassee some 25 years ago.

“They get to be a part of a musical,” Cunningham said. “It gives them a good introduction to performing arts. It gives them an avenue for theater and drama.” Parents like the program as it introduces their children to something new, but it also helps them overcome obstacles along the way. Ashley Mays said her son Andrew has now participated in five MCT productions in five years. She also has a daughter in the program for the first time this year. Mays believes it is good for children but not just for the things they learn on stage.

“It brings Andrew out of his shyness I think,” Mays said. “It’s

his favorite thing to do. He’s not a sports person. It’s a good way to introduce kids to theater.” Southside Middle School eighth grader Evan Coburn is back on the stage again for the third time with MCT. He got his first experience in theater as a third grader at Tallassee Elementary School. He gave MCT a try and keeps coming back. “It just seemed fun,” Coburn said. “It has always been fun memories. I’ve gotten a lot of friends because of it.”

Michael Bird teaches choir at Tallassee High School. This year he has a daughter in the MCT program. It is theater and not the show choir experience Bird teaches.

“It is a tradition in this community for young people to come in and try their hand at acting and singing on stage,” Bird said. The MCT program concludes with a production at the Tallassee High School auditorium at 2 p.m. Saturday, but Bird believes MCT helps open the doors to performing arts for all who try it.

“It builds them up for future opportunities at the high school,” Bird said. “They will feel more comfortable on stage and speaking. They start to come out of their shell. It really is a great tradition here in Tallassee.”

HENRY ZIMMER | THE TRIBUNE

ABOVE: Reeltown’s Finn Henderson (3) attempts to dribble past Horseshoe Bend’s Braxton Wilson on Friday night.

BELOW: Reeltown’s Dee Brown (5) attacks the rim over Horseshoe Bend’s Hayden Harris on Friday night.

BOYS

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Kam Tate passes the ball against Barbour County. The Tallassee girls, which are 0-1 in area play, host area opponent Beauregard on Friday night.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE TRIBUNE

MCT’s Mandi Fielding, left, and Eliza Brisban said it is interesting to see how children develop during the week before the Saturday production.

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LMRA LOOKS TO ENHANCE ITS ORGANIZATION

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

With Jodie McGirt wrapping up her first year as Lake Martin Resource Association president, the organization has hit multiple accomplishments and has more in store.

INITIATIVES

McGirt explained LMRA has three strategic initiatives: boater safety, advocacy and environmentalism.

Boater safety includes the buoy management program, which takes up 60% of the budget. ALEA decides where the buoys go and LMRA’s volunteer team places the buoys out on the lake.

One of LMRA’s upcoming events with buoy management is Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Polar Plunge on Jan. 13. The proceeds from the Polar Plunge go toward Light Up the Lake, which is an effort to place lights on the lake’s buoys.

Another program is boater training. LMRA works with both Russell Marines and ALEA for the training. It not only helps people with getting boat licenses, but the training also provides hands-on experience.

McGirt said going into next year she would like to expand on the training and add even more hands-on experience. LMRA also started working with Children’s Harbor to provide boater training for the camps. The other initiative is advocacy. McGirt said that largely has to do with ensuring Lake Martin keeps its water quality. She said it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state and LMRA wants to help maintain that.

The final initiative is envi -

ABOVE: Don Clark, left, and Neal Butler remove a damaged buoy to

ment takes up 60% of LMRA’s budget.

of

ronmentalism. The main environmental efforts are the trash clean ups. LMRA aids with Alexander City’s second Saturday cleanups and the organization also hosts clean ups around Kowaliga and the Red Hill community. The big clean is Renew Our Rivers, which is also a partnership with Alabama Power. This year’s LMRA had six to eight dumpsters around the lake, and McGirt said volunteers gathered a significant amount of trash.

Some of the other programs the organization participates in is the Tallapoosa County Water Festival, and LMRA will soon be collecting undecorated, real Christmas trees to create fish habitats out of.

MOVING FORWARD

McGirt said as people can see through the initiatives

LMRA’s partnerships from Russell Lands to Alabama Power to Children’s Harbor are vital for the organization. Going into 2024, she said she wants to continue to enhance those relationships.

On top of that, LMRA recently moved to an electronic customer management system in order to streamline communication with members and potential members. McGirt said she wants to find ways to better organize volunteers around the lake.

With LMRA’s board of directors, the organization has three to four board members moving to emeritus status and there are six new board members coming on next year as well.

McGirt said her vision is to carry on the heritage and the mission of LMRA and then expand upon it.

“Our goal this year is really to get better community engagement all the way around the lake — enlisting fire departments, enlisting other organizations that serve the community and figure out how we can partner a little bit better,” she said. “Our board members are going to take the lead on a lot of the committees and then we are going to enlist a lot of volunteers and better manage our volunteers through the customer management system as well.”

McGirt said she is continuing to work on tapping into key individuals around the lake, but overall, she is excited about what they have and what they have coming.

Elmore County football faces tough 2024 slate

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Elmore County coach

Kyle Caldwell will face his former team in 2024.

The Panthers released their 2024 football schedule last week and Elmore County opens the upcoming season on the road against Chelsea.

Caldwell, who has coached Elmore County for the last two seasons, was the offensive coordinator at Chelsea for four seasons from 2018-2021. This is the first-ever meeting between Elmore County and Chelsea.

“It’ll be a cool experience for the kids,” Caldwell said. “That Shelby County/Birmingham-Metro area has some really, really good football. I’m trying to get our kids some more exposure to some different areas around the state. I think it’ll be a good experience. Coming from 7A, they’ll have a good game speed.”

Chelsea has moved down to Class 6A this year from 7A, but the school still has almost 600 more students in its daily enrollment than Elmore County.

Elmore County, at 385 students, is the fourth smallest 5A school.

Playing in what could be argued was the tough -

est region in football last year, Chelsea went 2-8 and missed the playoffs. The four teams that did make the playoffs out of that region – Thompson, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills and Hoover – all advanced to at least the second round.

Other non-region games for Elmore County will be Chilton County, which is coming off a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs in Class 6A, Region 3, and against Class 5A teams Carroll-Ozark and Tallassee. Carroll went 4-7 last

year and was the No. 4 seed in a tough region before falling in the first round of playoffs.

“Hopefully these games will prepare us for the playoffs,” Caldwell said. “I feel like we’re at the point after two years where we need to schedule a little bit tougher of a schedule. We need to play some tougher teams to prepare ourselves for the playoffs.”

As for other games, keeping Tallassee on the schedule was a must for Caldwell.

With about 370 students, Tallassee will move down to Class 4A and will not be region opponents with the Panthers anymore.

Despite that, the two teams have played every season since 1971 and that was not going to change for this upcoming season.

“It’s an important game for both communities,” Caldwell said. “Each community can’t really survive by themselves as much as both communities want to say they could. They

need each other. It’s good for the students and the alumni. These kids grow up playing against each other and since I’ve been here, it’s been a really good, clean rivalry. You always want to keep those.”

With Tallassee moving out, Elmore County welcomed in Marbury and Holtville to the region, both of which the Panthers played regularly However, it means six reigning playoff teams will be fighting for four spots

in 2024.

In this region, Holtville (7-4), Beauregard (6-5), Elmore County (8-3), Valley (7-4), Central Clay (10-1) and Marbury (2-9) all made the postseason last season. The only team to miss the playoffs was Sylacauga, which was eliminated on a 39-38 loss to Beauregard.“It’s definitely a pretty tough region,” Caldwell said. “I think every single team lost key players from their teams this year, even Clay Central, but they still have a lot of talent returning. Obviously they’re the guys everybody in our region is chasing. We have to have a great offseason program to put ourselves in a position to win the region. We have to work harder than everyone else.”

2024 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 23 - at Chelsea Aug. 30 - Tallassee Sept. 6 - at Carroll-Ozark Sept. 13 - Holtville* Sept. 20 - at Beauregard* Sept. 27 - BYE Oct. 4 - Central Clay County* Oct. 11 - at Valley* Oct. 18 - Marbury* Oct. 25 - at Sylacauga* Nov. 1 - Chilton County * - region game

Elmore County’s football team will be in a tough region as six of the seven teams made the playoffs last year. In non-region play, Elmore County will travel to Chelsea and Carroll-Ozark while hosting Chilton County and Tallassee.

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

Tallapoosa Publishers is getting hip

I’ve always considered myself kinda cool and kinda not.

I try to keep up with the trends of the times, and I’ve always been fairly tech savvy at work. But when it comes down to it, I’m really just a nerd at heart. And there’s nothing wrong with that. For the record, I also kinda hate technology — I didn’t even have Venmo until like six months ago.

As I get older, I feel even more out of touch. With young guns like Tallapoosa Publishers’ staff, I’ve got to keep with the changing times.

Arts & Entertainment

So what’s cool in the tri-county area Tallapoosa Publishers covers? Well, I’ll tell you: A lot.

When the brain child behind our new Arts & Entertainment section Samantha Himes, our audience development director, approached me about this, I had the most fleeting thought, “Would we have enough to cover?”

Boy, was I wrong about that. There is so much going on in Tallapoosa, Elmore and Coosa counties, and we never want anyone to have the excuse of saying, “There’s nothing to do in this town.” And that brings us to our Arts & Entertainment section.

From venue spotlights to artist features, from food and drink reviews to a full calendar of upcoming events, these pages are going to be filled with all there is to do in the arts and entertainment world of our tri-county area.

These pages are for one person and one person only, and that’s you: the reader. If you want to see something on these pages, let’s talk. I’m always wanting to talk about new venues, musicians who are doing big things, upcoming art shows, professional workshops. Whatever it is, I want to hear about it.

In just one short month, the staff has put together these pages and we’re excited to learn we’ll have no problem with having enough to cover. If anything, there’s too much to do around here. Plus, when you tack on the food and drink reviews, there are plenty of places around our counties you’re going to want to tour soon.

In another effort to “be cool,” as they say, Tallapoosa Publishers is always stepping up its game on social media. You may have noticed an uptick in our Instagram posts as we bring you daily updates from our staff, and we look forward to branching into the wide world of TikTok more in 2024.

This is all about a new Outlook for a new year, and it starts by bringing this community one place to go for all things live music, art shows, foodie news and events geared more toward adults. Our pages will still be filled with kid-friendly stories, and our calendar will still be chock full of community events — some may even overlap on these pages. But once a month, you can expect an Arts & Entertainment section to grace these pages and we want to know what you’re looking for. Drop us a line.

Lizi Arbogast is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com or via phone at 434-962-9420.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Listening to music in Allan Stevens’ car can be quite the adventure.

“If I put my iPhone on shuffle, there is no telling what will come out,” Stevens said. “It could be something from the Muppet Movie. It might be Beethoven or it could be some old EPMD from the 80s. Maybe old hip hop.” Music has been in Allan

KOWALIGA IDOL

RETURNS THANKS TO NEW PARTNERSHIPS

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

It almost didn’t happen.

Kowaliga Idol was set to end after its 15th year due to losing its main venue with the closing of the Rodeo Club in Dadeville.

However, thanks to a few new partnerships and some very encouraging fans and participants, Kowaliga Idol is back for No. 16.

“In truth, we were thinking last year would be the last year,” said John Kennedy, owner of Lake Broadcasting, which runs the contest. “To go a little deeper to the reason why was because we didn’t have the Rodeo Club but we wanted to finish out and do our 15th season. Going into it, we didn’t know how it would go. Coming out of it, there was so much success we had to do it again.”

Partnerships with Martin’s at Lake Martin and Lil Bit of Texas in Wetumpka have been the key to that success.

“Due to the high success with those two partners and the all-time participation rate with our most singers, we did some

soul-searching and decided to continue,” Kennedy said.

Modeled after the national American Idol competition, Kowaliga Idol starts with the Golden Ticket rounds. Those are anywhere from 20 to 25 karaoke try-out nights. Judges then award the “Golden Ticket” to anyone they believe should advance.

From there, there are different rounds of karaoke and even some original music opportunities. Some nights singers have to choose from a list of songs and other rounds, they’ll have to sing certain genres or bands.

“The big thing that made it really cool last year was they had to perform a track live to a band at Lil Bit of Texas,” Kennedy said. “They actually sang with the band in the finals and that will continue this year. That was a big difference because it can be a lot harder singing with a band than to a (karaoke) track.”

So far, Kennedy said there are 17 Golden Ticket nights booked with the first ones beginning in mid-January. The competition is over the course of several weeks. Some of the Golden Tickets already booked include venues like JR’s Sports Bar and Fermen-

‘I play other people’s misery’

Stevens’ blood for years. As a teenager Stevens’ favorites were AC/DC Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. A few decades later, the list has changed, but mainly through additions.

“I still really like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd,” Stevens said. “The stuff you listen to when you are younger tends to be the same stuff you listen to as you get older. But I broadened my horizons. I listen to a lot of Allman Brothers, love the Grate -

ful Dead, Men at Work from the 80s, Willie Nelson.”

There have been many concerts and live shows too. Stevens’ love of music turned into playing as a teenager. He first picked up the drums and fiddled with the guitar. Stevens settled in the River Region in the late 1990s and started playing music again while working as an X-Ray technician.

“You can’t play drums around

ter’s on the Green in Alexander City, Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, Martin’s in Dadeville and even Fermenter’s in Sylacauga.

“We’re looking forward to going to The Funky Goat and some other newer venues,” Kennedy said. “We’re adding Castellucio’s on the Lake and having a special night there.”

One of the things Kennedy prides himself and the competition on is the level and number of venues. The competition has expanded and due to the success of some past winners, Kowaliga Idol attracts singers from around East Central Alabama. Kennedy expects singers from Phenix City, Auburn, Lake Harding, Lake Martin, Wetumpka, Prattville and Montgomery in addition to the Tallapoosa County locals.

“The biggest part of Kowaliga Idol that makes it work is we give amateur singers to intermediate singers an opportunity to get on a bigger stage with better sound than they’d normally get, then challenge them to get outside their bubble,” Kennedy said.

“We want them to get outside of the regular songs they’d sing at a different karaoke.”

Alexander City’s Baylie Kizziah was one of the past winners of Kowaliga Idol.

here and hope to make money,” Stevens said. “There are a couple of really good players. They are that good.”

Instead, Stevens picked up the guitar again and worked some on his vocals. He got good enough to join up with a few other local musicians to form Wishbone more than a decade ago.

“I was a utility player,” Stevens said. “I would play some drums from time to time —bass, guitar. I quickly realized that I wasn’t going to make money playing the drums. I can sing OK and pass playing guitar.”

Stevens left Wishbone with another musician and is now on his own. He plays at the Coosa River Craft House, the Autauga Creek Craft House and Common Bond Brewers in Montgomery among other local venues.

“I love playing Rex in Millbrook because it is close to the house,” Stevens said.

“Basically I love to play anywhere nearby.”

Stevens hosts an open mic night at the Coosa River Craft House every other Monday.

But don’t ask him to play anything original; Stevens only plays covers.

“I’ve been asked if I write anything, the answer is always no,” Stevens said. “No good art comes from having a great life. I have a great life, a wife of 27 years, children. I play other people’s misery. All good art comes from it.”

Annual Polar Plunge to benefit LMRA

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Writer

The eighth annual Polar Plunge will be held Saturday at Kowaliga Restaurant. Every year, Lake Martin Young Professionals hosts this event to raise money to support the Lake Martin Resource Association and its efforts to make regular improvements around the lake. Tickets are on sale for $20 for plungers, and $25 for dockers who prefer to stay dry while they support the cause. Tickets include access to food trucks and live music, and will benefit LMRA. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and The Plunge will take place at noon Food trucks and live music from Jonathan Bloom will be available until 4 p.m. when the event ends.

Creating connections for

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The inaugural River Region Art Summit is coming to The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts.

It is a great chance for artists and organizations to come together to connect. The summit started small and grew exponentially.

“We talked to a couple of organizations and they wanted to meet with our artists,” The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said. “We would love to get our artists in touch with other organizations. Then we got in touch with a few

After the initial plunge, another shotgun will go off to indicate the start of the Dash for the Cash. In this contest, participants will run back into the lake and swim around a designated buoy. There will be an item placed near the buoy, and the first person to grab it and return it to the shore will receive $100.

Big Mike’s, Chick-fil-A and LJ Concessions will have food trucks set up. In addition to food trucks, Kowaliga’s bars will be open and ready to serve beverages.

To indicate the start of The Plunge, a shotgun will go off, and plungers will run into Lake Martin.

Those who choose to plunge in this event will arrive at Kowaliga restaurant in whatever attire they choose to wear. There will be a costume contest with a prize of $100, so attendees are encouraged to wear costumes for a chance to win.

artists

more organizations and were like this is more than a meeting. We made it a summit.”

Eifert said The Kelly’s artist associate’s program is full at 50 with a waiting list. But the event is from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27.

“We wanted to show all the artists in the area all the opportunities, not just through us, but other organizations too,” Eifert said. “We are bringing together the organizations and artists so they can meet each other, find out about all the opportunities.”

Eifert said The Kelly and other organizations are open to exhibits

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce vice president Liz Holland advises plungers to wear swimsuits during The Plunge before changing into any costumes.

“My pro tip for any plunger would be to plunge in a swimsuit, then have a bathrobe ready as soon as you get out,” Holland said. Changing tents will be available for plungers to dry off and change as soon as they finish their plunge. Towels will not be provided, so plungers must bring their own towels for this event.

After the initial plunge,

from artists not in their associate programs.

“The summit is a great way for everyone to connect,” she said.

The art summit is open to all artists young and old.

“It is for artists of all levels,” Eifert said. “We want to see artists, art organizations and people who want to become artists. There will be information on classes and things like that.”

The summit already has Alabama State Council of the Arts, Alabama Arts Alliance, Montgomery Art Center, King’s Canvas, The Millbrook Arts Center and the Wetumpka Crater and Visitor Center on board with many others planning to be there. Eifert said the arts coun -

another shotgun will go off to indicate the start of the Dash for the Cash. In this contest, participants will run back into the lake and swim around a designated buoy. There will be an item placed near the buoy, and the first person to grab it and return it to the shore will receive $100.

In the past years, Polar Plunge has been successful when raising money for LMRA. This year, Holland and the rest of the chamber hopes for another successful Polar Plunge.

“Every year, we strive to beat our goal. It’s all about supporting Lake Martin through LMRA,” Holland said. “Though it is a good time, and everyone is laughing and jumping in the water, it’s all about raising money for a good cause. It helps keep our lake safe and clean.”

cil will have a presentation in the morning and the arts alliance in the afternoon.

“Everyone else will have tables set up with information about their programs and their exhibits,” Eifert said. “It is really just an opportunity for artists and art programs to come together to see what everyone has to offer.”

The two presentations are the only things scheduled for the summit at The Kelly. The arts council presentation will center around its fellowship program and the benefits it can offer artists. Eifert said it is open to the public.

“People can come for half the day, the whole day,” Eifert said. “It is up to the attendee.”

Plungers will run into Lake Martin during a recent polar plunge in support of Lake Martin Resource Association.

The Main Street Mule: A minty treat

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor

If you are ever thirsty and in the mood for some mint, head on down to The Local. With a classic, traditional cocktail in mind The Main Street Mule might just be the

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ELKS LODGE TO HOST CHILI COOKOFF

The Alexander City Elks Lodge will host a chili cookoff on Feb. 10. The public is invited to attend and participate in the competition. Tickets are $20. Those who would like to compete must pay a $25 entry fee. First-, secondand third-place awards will be trophies will be awarded as well as a people’s choice trophy. Registration to compete is due by Feb. 2. The Elks Lodge hopes to recruit new members through this event. Proceeds will help the local Elks Lodge to raise money to disperse to local charities when needed.

POKER RUN COMING TO MAIN STREET Main Street Alexander City will be hosting a poker run on Wednesday throughout downtown. The poker run begins at 5 p.m. Scorecards are $5, or five for $20, and can be purchased at the Jeep CruiseIn in the Court Square parking lot. The rules are only one scorecard can be played at a time and must be presented before the playing card is drawn. Participants must draw an additional card if an identical card is drawn. The checkpoint personnel will write the card on the scorecard. An additional card can be purchased for $5, and your best five cards can be played to win. Scorecards must be turned in by 6:30 p.m. at Lake Martin Brewery, where the winner will be announced at 6:45 p.m. Payout is 50% of scorecard sales.

drink for you. This drink, set inside of a hefty size copper mug, is a delight in every sip. The ingredients for a mule are simple: vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. With the size of the mug the Local serves the drink in, you get plenty of bang for your buck with a

price tag of only $10. This libation can be served with your choice of vodkas, and I chose Opelika’s own John Emerald vodka. You can even spruce up your drink a bit by changing up the flavor to either blueberry or cran-apple.

The Local is also a relaxing place to enjoy live music or watch a sporting event with friends. Look around the bar and you will likely see many other patrons sipping on their own mules. It is hard to go wrong with this drink. On a blisteringly hot or

chillingly cold day, the iciness of a mule in general is enough to soothe. But the Main Street Mule takes it up a notch with a solid price tag and sizable portion. Before you know it, you might be three or four deep and feeling like singing with the band yourself.

Songwriters Festival set to bring more music to the area

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival will be back again in July, but first the festival board must sort through what artists will be featured in the lineup. Since December, songwriters’ applications have been pouring in; the board has received roughly 65 applications as of Jan. 2. Vice president Vivian Autry, who also owns The Mitchell House, said generally there are around 150 applications and she is expecting more over the next couple of weeks.

Submissions close Jan. 12 then the board will move on to the selection process. The board members listen to each of the artists then vote on their top favorites and decide

who is a good fit to create a well-rounded festival.

“The reason I love the festival so much is I love to hear the stories behind the songs — how they decided to write those songs and why,” Autry said.

By mid-February, the artist will know if he or she has made it into the lineup. Last year, the songwriter’s festival had 22 artists, which is the goal again this year.

The aim is to have a mix of returning and new artists. Two special events from last year’s festival were the 20-and-under competition and the local’s stage. There are plans in the works to bring those events back.

Autry said the special thing about the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival is it is sponsor-funded, meaning attendees don’t have to pay

for a ticket to any of the shows. Fellow board member

Robert Gunn with Russell Lands added the free attendance is even more impressive considering the festival is in its fourth year. Gunn has been involved in Lake Martin’s music scene since the early 2000s. When he first got started there were very few venues for live music.

“The talent pool in the area has really grown as have the outlets for the talent to perform,” Gunn said.

“Over the past several years, it's been a great impact for live music almost anywhere on the lake and off the lake.”

On top of that, the festival is getting attention beyond the Lake Martin region.

Autry said when she went to a music event in Nashville, artists told her their plans to

apply.

Autry said another appeal of the songwriters’ festival is it brings a certain level of hospitality for the artists that other music festivals might not. The artists get to spend time on the lake, are toured around the area and taken to different restaurants around Lake Martin.

“As the festival continues to grow, we bring in more artists, more venues are opened to allow these artists to come play and expose our community to some really talented people,” Gunn said. “I think it’s a win for everybody — for those of us who live here, for those who visit here and for those who come to play and sing.”

The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival will return in full swing July 24-28.

ABIGAIL MURPHY TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS INC.

The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival hosts its last songwriters round at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on July 29, 2023.