SPORTS, PAGE A8
LOCAL, PAGE A12
Jaiden Gordon puts on defensive show
Bassmaster Open heading to Lake Martin
Dedicated to the Growth and Prosperity of the Greater Tallassee Area
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | Vol. 126, No. 41 | tallasseetribune.com | $1.00
Cancer survivor helping hurricane victims CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Joan Wood sorts donations for Hurricane Helene relief after she felt called to do something.Wood has helped with the church’s pantry and closet in the past.
Although she is battling Stage 4 cancer, Joan Wood hasn’t let it slow her down. This past week the Tallassee native organized a donation drive at the East Tallassee Methodist Church to benefit See HURRICANE, Page A5
SUBMITTED | TPI
Blek, a German Short-haired Pointer canine officer with the Tallassee Police Department is getting a bullet proof vest thanks to a grant. Blek has been successful in the department’s efforts to get illegal drugs off the streets.
TPD to receive body armor for K9 Blek By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
GO REBELS
The Tallassee Police Department’s only K9 officer is getting body armor. The bullet and stab protective vest for Blek is thanks to the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s and Robert Willens
LLC of New York. Tallassee police chief Todd Buce is thankful for the donation to protect Blek. “We didn’t have the funds in the budget to get him one,” Buce said. “Our officers found a grant where they will See ARMOR, Page A5
Reeltown hosts annual homecoming parade the marching band, the homecoming court, cheerleaders, football eeltown High School players, Reeltown fire, was ready to take on the sheriff’s office and Lanett High School select alumni classes. for its homecoming game Along with the parade, and the school had many RHS had its bonfire festivities to get students, Thursday night, a pep fans and alums into the rally Friday morning and school spirit. an alumni tea before the The homecoming game started. parade invited all ReelDuring pregame, town students out to senior Ryleigh Whitaker watch at 1 p.m. last was crowned homecoming queen. Friday. The parade had By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
R
ABIGAIL MURPHY | TPI
TOP: Students and educators alike get excited to hear the Reeltown firetruck’s horn. ABOVE: The Reeltown Rebel himself rolls in during the RHS homecoming parade.
FILE | TPI
Melody Jackson was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and through Make-A-Wish Alabama she wished for the Reeltown Marching Band to receive new uniforms.This Friday, the wish will become a reality.
Melody’s wish to be granted at upcoming Reeltown football game STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Make-A-Wish Alabama is set to grant its first legacy wish this Friday at the Reeltown High School’s Senior Night football game, where the band will reveal a brandnew full set of uniforms. The wish came from Wish Kid Melody Jackson, who
was an alto saxophonist with the Reeltown Band prior to her diagnosis with cancer in 2023. “Our school’s uniforms were nine years old,” Reeltown band director Eric Thompson said, “and replacing them was going to cost upwards of $30,000. Melody See WISH, Page A5
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