Tallassee Tribune April 9 2025

Tallassee attempted murder suspect arrested

Ja’Zarian Keante Gray, who was wanted for attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle, has been captured according to Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson. At approximately 7 p.m. on April 7, Brunson advised Gray turned himself over to a Macon County Sheriff’s Deputy and was taken into custody without incident, according to a press release from Central Alabama Crimestoppers.

As of Monday Night, Gray was being held in the Macon County Detention Facility under an unrelated bench warrant for robbery. Gray was wanted after a shooting that occurred on Friday, March 28 on Ashurst

Tallassee woman sentenced for federal program fraud

Michelle Denise McIntyre, 34, of Tallassee, received a sentence of 114 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire

fraud and money laundering charges related to grants received through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program, according to United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.

have consistently represented the highest ideals of Christian leadership. The award serves to honor the legacy of Joe Sewell, a native of the Titus community who established a very 21st Joe Sewell Award to be presented next month

The Joe Sewell Memorial Award will award $19,000 in scholarships next month to outstanding high school senior athletes in Elmore County who

Road in Tallassee. According to a Central Alabama CrimeStoppers release, investigators allege Gray chased after the victim in a black 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck with license plate number 7629BM5. Gray then allegedly shot into the victim’s vehicle while the victim was in the car.

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

One in 36 children are estimated to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the U.S., according to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

As a developmental disorder, autism can impact how a person communicates, behaves and learns. With April being Autism Awareness month, local

organizations are spreading awareness and helping others better understand people with autism.

“Autism is not a mental disability,” program director Heather Fulford with Growing Independence Behavioral Services said. “They can understand things; you just have to teach them in a different way than you do other kids who do not have developmental delays or anything like that.” Autism awareness is also about embracing differences

and helping individuals with autism and those who do not have autism better understand each other. Growing Independence Behavioral Services is a part of a wider organization called The Learning Tree, which offers statewide support for those with disabilities. Growing Independence focuses on specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

“We implement behavior therapy to work on

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 6

• Harassment was reported on Redden Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Riley Road.

• An animal bite was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

APRIL 5

• Harassment was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on South Dubois Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

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

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hillcrest Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on James Street and Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citi-

zen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic incident was reported on Hicks Store Road and Muskogee Trail. APRIL 4

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on McNeal Street and Log Circle

• A welfare check was conducted on Central Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue. APRIL 3

• Trespassing was reported on Taylor Road.

• Burglary was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.

• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on East Patton Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.

• Theft was reported on Benson Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Yates Dam Boat Ramp.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Eubanks Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Jordan Avenue. APRIL 2

• A welfare check was conducted on South Wesson Street.

• A domestic incident was reported on Joy Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Criminal mischief was report-

ed on Yates Dam Road.

• Theft was reported on West Main Street.

• Property damage was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Burglary was reported on Cannon Road.

• Harassing communications was reported on Warrant Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Hillcrest Street. APRIL 1

• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Drive.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

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

• A welfare check was conducted on Hillcrest Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Rushing Circle. MARCH 31

• Criminal mischief was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Powers Avenue Extenstion.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Benson Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Taylor Road.

• A Black male was arrested during a theft call on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Ashurst Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Joy Street.

• A child custody dispute was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

YESAC to expand its Tallassee operation

YESAC is adding two new production facilities in Tallassee and in Monterrey, Mexico. Both plants are scheduled to be operational by September.

It’s an effort by the global manufacturing company to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and reinforce its presence in the North American market. The addition of these two new plants is expected to significantly expand the company’s manufacturing capacity and enhance its ability to meet growing customer demand.

“This new facility investment is a strategic step to enhance our competitiveness in the global market,” YESAC CORP CEO Hyunmin Shon said. “It will enable us to deliver products to our customers more efficiently and at more competitive prices.”

The company currently operates at three sites in Tallassee, Lagrange and Monterrey, Mexico.

The new facility in Tallassee is being developed within the Tallassee Corporate Park on a 450,000-square-foot site. Phase 1 will span 100,000 square feet and will be equipped with advanced powder coating systems and a diverse range of metal processing machinery to support high-quality production.

In Monterrey, the new Mexico Plant 2 is being built on a

170,000-square-foot site, with an initial 50,000-square foot building. The facility will feature five overhead cranes to maximize production efficiency. Currently, YESAC CORP supplies handling units to a wide range of automotive parts manufacturers. With increased capacity from the new plants, the company plans to expand supply to previously underserved customers, both within and beyond the automotive industry. This growth will further reinforce its role in the automotive supply chain while opening new market opportuni -

ties. “This new facility investment is part of YESAC CORP’s global growth strategy and will further solidify our position in the North American market,” YESAC CORP chairman Jin Weon Lee said. “We are committed to ongoing investment to deliver the highest quality and reliability to our customers.”

In addition to enhancing operational capabilities, YESAC CORP aims to deepen its collaboration with local communities and drive long-term sustainable growth through this strategic investment.

Chase lands one in jail, three damaged patrol vehicles

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Editor’s Note: This story contains information about suicide and may be triggering to some readers. If you are suicidal or having suicidal ideations, please call 988 immediately.

A call about a suicidal person quickly turned into a multi-agency law enforcement chase Wednesday evening.

Tallassee police chief Todd Buce said officers were speaking to someone near the 200 block of Main Street about a call to dispatch concerning a suicidal person.

“Officers were trying to deescalate the situation when he hopped into the car and took off,” Buce said. “The two officers gave chase and they went around town.”

In the process, the driver ran into two Tallassee police vehicles.

He also nearly ran head on into another police vehicle.

Buce said the chase went down Highway 229 towards the interstate. The driver turned around then turned onto Rifle Range Road.

“I had our officers stop because of the danger it was presenting to the public,” Buce said. “About that time Elmore County deputies had caught up.”

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the chase on Rifle Range Road approached speeds of 70 to 95 mph.

“He brake checked one of the deputies damaging the brush guard on a patrol vehicle,” Franklin said.

“He did collide with another vehicle about Dozier Road. Thankfully there were no injuries.”

Jason Downs, 35, of Duluth, Georgia, was the driver of the vehicle and taken into custody. He

is currently in the Elmore County Jail.

Buce said Tallassee will likely charge him with two counts of criminal mischief and felony attempting to elude.

The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has charged Downs with driving under the influence-controlled substances, attempt to elude, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental operations, disorderly conduct, failure to possess ex-felon registration card, first-degree criminal mischief, improper lane usage, driving on wrong side of road, reckless driving, driving without insurance, no passing zone, speeding, obstructed windshield, improper lights and failure to register vehicle. Downs currently has a $54,500 bond available to him on the charges from Elmore County.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Tips to preventing dog bites

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

We have two important overlapping “National Weeks” next week, so going to talk about one a week ahead - National Dog Bite Prevention Week. While we hope it never happens to anyone, dogs bites do happen, but most commonly as a response to something. A dog may bite to defend itself or its territory to include its puppies, toys, food or treats, or because it is scared, feels threatened, or has been startled. Dogs might bite because they are sick or sore due to injury or illness and might want to be left alone. Some dogs nip and bite during play which is one reason wrestling or playing tug-of-war with

your dog is not advised. And many people are bitten trying t break up a fight between two dogs (in many cases their fight looks and sounds FAR worse than it really is, and a slow, calm approach is best so you can devise a safer way to handle it).

So what can you do to prevent dog bites?

Socialize your dog with children, adults, other animals – this will help your dog be more at ease, and less reactive when confronted with new situations, people and activities.

Be a responsible pet owner by first selecting a dog that is right for your family and living situation so that it can get the exercise and mental stimulation it needs. Leash train your dog for its safety. Having it spayed or neutered can

go a long way to reducing conflicts with other dogs that might endanger others. Ensure your dog is healthy through routine Veterinary visits so an issue can be diagnosed before your dog is in pain or distress and becomes reactive. Understand your breed! Some breeds are very social with people and other animals where others are protective or guarded in their interactions. Don’t try to make a shy or overly protective dog be a social butterfly it was never meant to be. Many working breeds go into protective mode about ‘their’ person while other breeds are happy-go-lucky and look at every new person as a chance for more fun.

Educate yourself and your children about how to reduce risk by avoiding

Pet of the Week - Bo

risky situations:

• If the dog is not with its owner

• If the dog is with its owner but the owner does not give permission to pet the dog

• If the dog is on the other side of a fence— don’t reach through or over a fence to pet a dog

• If a dog is sleeping or eating

• If a dog is sick or injured

• If a dog is resting with her puppies or seems very protective of her puppies and anxious about your presence

• If a dog is playing with a toy

• If a dog is growling or barking

• If a dog appears to be hiding or seeking time alone

• If the dog is clearly

Bo is a male Boxer mix who is 3 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. He was surrendered to us for escaping his fence. Bo is a wonderful dog, loves attention, good with other dogs, actually seems scared of cats, knows sit and shake; he’s playful but also happy to be a couch potato. 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,

SENTENCED

Continued from A1

According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, McIntyre will be on supervised release for three years following her prison sentence. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which was directly administered by the Small Business Administration, was established in March 2021 by the American Rescue Plan Act. The RRF was a financial assistance program designed to provide eligible restaurants with funding equal to their COVID-19 pandemic-related revenue losses, the release states. RRF recipients were not required to repay the funding if used for eligible expenses.

The release states according to her plea agreement, McIntyre admitted that in May 2021, she

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 Bo 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.

applied for RRF grants, falsely claiming she began operating a catering business on Dec. 16, 2019. In the application, McIntyre included false receipts and documents purporting to show food orders for the business, the release states. McIntyre’s false representations in her application and supporting documents caused the SBA to award her grants totaling $131,478.76. Court documents indicate McIntyre did not use the funds for eligible expenses. Instead, McIntyre used the illegal proceeds to purchase a vehicle, among other unauthorized personal expenses.

According to court records and statements made during her sentencing hearing, McIntyre was also responsible for fraudulently applying for Paycheck Protection Program Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advances and additional RRF money on behalf of herself and others. All these

indicating to leave it alone

And if you get a new dog, don’t rush everything — bring it home and let it explore, meet people and decompress on the dog’s schedule — not yours.

funds were intended to help struggling small businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. McIntyre operated a business where she charged up-front fees to file pandemic relief applications on others’ behalf, regardless of their eligibility. In total, McIntyre caused losses to the Small Business Administration exceeding $700,000, the release states; and if all of her false applications had been funded, the SBA would have suffered additional losses exceeding $14 million. Restitution will be determined at a later date. “Fraud committed against federal programs is fraud against the American taxpayer,” Davidson said in the release. “I commend the investigative agencies for their diligent work in this case. My office will continue to do its part in prosecuting those who seek easy profit at the expense of every hard-working United States citizen.”

Definitely give your new puppy/dog time to get to know you, your family and home before subjecting it to the big scary world of dog parks, pet stores & public events. Sadly dog bites do happen, and, if so, please seek medical attention and report to local authorities for everyone’s safety.

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

TIPPY HUNTER General Manager

Why supporting local newspapers is crucial in age of AI

Artificial intelligence is making its mark, and fortunately (or unfortunately),

here to

What we considered science fiction in the 1980s is no longer fiction. It was 1982 when KITT gave us our first glimpse with his talk-responsive screen disguised as a black Trans Am.

In 1987, RoboCop introduced us to the good versus bad of AI and the ethics associated with it. The good AI being the creation of streamlined processes that lead to more efficiency, and the lack of human emotion from an AI-generated robot that allowed for greater objectivity. The bad AI being the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence, which brings up the ethics of it all.

Is it ethical to develop machines with human-like capabilities that lack humanness? Is it ethical to forgo human oversight by putting our trust strictly in AI?

I ride the fence on AI’s place in our lives. The social media capabilities, design options, location and navigation services, chat features, facial recognition and personalized recommendations are gamechangers. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying there are a lot of AI components I hope we never have to live without. When it comes to news, and local newspapers especially, AI is a big NO for me. Recently, AI-generated newsletters have popped up in 47 states. These

See LOCAL, Page A6

POSTMASTER:

“Records were meant to be broken.”

We’ve all heard the phrase, but we’ve also seen records that weren’t meant to be broken.

If you know me, you already know what this column is going to be about. Over 31 years ago, Wayne Gretzky finished his NHL career with 894 career goals.

Ever since then, it’s been the record that’s impossible to break.

It was so unreachable that the second-best player in the NHL, Gordie Howe, also known as Mr. Hockey, scored only 801 goals — a full 93 less. That’s like two full seasons of really good goal scoring Gretzky was ahead. Over the past 31 years, untouchable records across sports have fallen.

LeBron James has become the highest scorer in the NBA. Tom Brady earned his seventh Super Bowl ring — more than any other single player. Emmitt Smith passed Walter Payton with the most rushing yards in an NFL career. Nolan Ryan crushed the strikeout record in the MLB.

Even sports like tennis and golf have seen the height of their sport with guys like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods arguing for the titles for the best players in their sport’s history.

The past 31 years of sports have been incredible, to say the

least.

But one record has always remained the same. Gretzky has always been the best hockey player in the world.

And that likely hasn’t changed. Gretzky still holds almost all the offensive records in the NHL — and even some defensive ones. Wayne Gretzky is hockey.

But there’s a new goal scorer in town, and he hails from the unlikeliest of places — the Washington Capitals.

Nothing is impossible

the way — but he achieved Gretzky’s numbers in the same amount of games. It’s a truly amazing feat.

For many years, the Wash ington Capitals were the laughing stock of the NHL, even during Ovechkin’s career. Whether it was truly bad sea sons — the Caps still hold the record for the worst season in the NHL, another unbreakable record most likely — or getting bounced from the playoffs in the first round year after year after year, the Caps were the guys you broke records against. When you were on a long los ing streak, you could count on the Caps to give you a win. We had the best player in the NHL for years and years and could never win a Stanley Cup.

There are many wonderful things about the month of April.

It traditionally signifies the birth of spring. There are April showers which bring May flowers.

Springtime events are going on constantly, from yard sales to barbecues, and the spring sports are in full swing: baseball, softball, track and field, and more. And yet, I always fear the third and fourth weeks of April because of all the strange, and sometimes terrible, things that have happened on these days.

On the third week of April, 1983, the United States Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, was bombed by terrorists. 63 people died in the attack.

It seemed like good news in 1989 when 100,000 young people protested in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. The iconic photo of a student standing up to a tank doesn’t show the gruesome Communist crackdown to come.

the Arbogast curse. Teams the Arbogasts root for were teams that lost.

In case you didn’t know, Alexander Ovechkin unbelievably — and in style — broke Gretzky’s goal-scoring record on Sunday against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal in his 1,487th regular-season game. What’s crazier: That’s exactly the number of games Gretzky played in his career as well.

lesson sports can teach us all, especially those who feel cursed.

There’s lots of arguments as to why all these unbreakable records have been broken. The most common of which is athletes’ careers are much longer now than they were before. But not Ovechkin. Yes, he will play one more season and add to his goal total — making his own untouchable record along

David Koresh and the Branch Davidians engaged in a final, brutal shootout with law enforcement on this week in 1993, ending with the entire compound exploding into flames. 81 people died.

Two years later to the day in 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was destroyed by (at the time) the worst bombing on U.S. soil. 168 people were killed. (I was working in the Troy State University Library that day, and remember going to the box to pick up the afternoon newspapers. The picture on the front page was fireman Chris Fields holding the dying baby, Baylee Almon. I was so distraught I could barely finish the work day.)

The Virginia Tech shootings occurred on this week in 2007. 32 people died, and 17 others were wounded. It was on this week in 2010 that the BP oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and gushed oil for the

Ovechkin taught us this les son once again this weekend. No matter what other people think or the obstacles you are up against, nothing is impossi ble. Records were meant to be broken.

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

next six months. On this same week in 1999, two high school students terrorized Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, killing 13 people and injuring 21 others. In 2013, the Boston Marathon bombings occurred, injuring 264 people and killing three. We have unfortunately become too accustomed to bad news. Perhaps it’s the 24/7 media cycle that keeps things stirred up while we stay glued to electronic devices. I am of the belief that we simply know more details about events, and know them sooner, than ever before in history. The irony: the more we communicate, the less we care about others – or, more to the point, the more we know, the more we know we don’t know!

Planting pinwheels for child abuse prevention

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Pinwheels are on the lawn of the historic Elmore County Courthouse to mark April as child abuse prevention month.

The toy is symbolic of the childlike whimsy and lighthearted world everyone hopes children grow up around in order to be happy and healthy. It is a toy several county leaders planted Friday to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse, many of home help fight the issue daily.

“It is our first step into the month and trying to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect,” Elmore County Department of Human Resources (DHR) director Michelle Wood said. “We do this every year to start the month. There are several events during the month that take place within the county that recognize child abuse prevention.”

Wood was joined by 19th Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Mandy Johnson, Children’s Trust Fund field director Tammy Marshall and Elmore County District Court Judge Ben Baxley to speak to children advocates such as the Elmore County Extension Agency, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, Ivy’s Closest, Alabama Parent Education Center, Elmore County Family Resource Center, CASA of the River Region, Family Sunshine Center and the Elmore County Commission.

Wood said DHR investigated 438 reports of suspected abuse and neglect involving 605 children living in Elmore County in 2024. The agency also served an average of 29 families each month in 2024 in Elmore County in their own home through protective services. Elmore County also averaged 76 children in foster care in Elmore County in 2024. Many of the agencies that work with DHR get involved after a report of child abuse. CASA has been helping children in Elmore County for three years.

Wood said the CASA volunteers help get more people involved in investigations of potential abuse.

“They are a second set of eyes for DHR,” Wood said. “We work in partnership with them. They are in full communication with DHR and caseworkers. When a CASA

CommunityCalendar

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

MOM PROM: The Town of Eclectic will host its second annual Mom Prom from 7 to 9 p.m. April 11 at the Eclectic Warehouse. Mothers with sons and daughters of all ages are welcome. It is a cash-only event and tickets will be sold at the door.

volunteer is appointed, they contact us and we immediately share information about the case.”

CASA volunteers operate independently of DHR and can bring a different perspective.

“We share information between the two agencies to make sure that we are seeing everything that is happening and are aware of what is happening in the household,” Wood said. “It is like a second person with a different view.” Wood said she hopes Friday’s event and the pinwheels help bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and prevention.

kasbattleofthebrushes.com.

JULY 7-11

YOUTH THEATER CAMP: The Wetumpka Depot Players is hosting a musical theater camp for ages 8 to 15 July 7 to 11. Send an email to kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

SPRING MARKET: The City of Wetumpka will host its annual Earth Day Celebration and Spring Market.

This is a rain or shine event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12. Featured will be a plant swap from the Master Gardeners as well as arts & crafts vendors, farmers with produce and a place to drop off recyclables.

School cafeteria. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.redlandelem.ptboard.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

JULY 14-27

YOUTH THEATER CAMP: The Wetumpka Depot Players is hosting a two-week teen intensive camp for ages 13 to 18. Send an email to kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com for more information.

ONGOING

5K: The Samson Strong 5k is at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 12 with check in at 8 a.m. at Restoration 49 in Tallasse. The fun run is in memory of the children in the community who are no longer here.

EGG HUNT: There is an egg hunt in downtown Tallasse at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE: Lighthouse Ministries of Central Alabama presents Edify Women’s Conference. The conference will focus on worship and exploring God’s word. The cost is $20 for early birds or $30 general admission. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 at the Eclectic Ballroom.

SUNDAY, MAY 4

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

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

FIREARMS CLASS: Wetumpka Police Department will be hosting a Citizen’s Firearm Class beginning at 7 a.m. April 19. The cost is $25 per person and citizens will be trained on firearms safety, fundamentals of shooting and firearms maintenance. All registered participants must bring one unloaded firearm (pistol or revolvers only), approximately 50 to 100 rounds of ammo, eye and hearing protection and a concealed carry permit if needed. EGG HUNT: The Town of Eclectic is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19 at Aaron Park. Don’t forget your basket.

APRIL 24 -MAY 10

UNNECESSARY FARCE: The Wetumpka Depot Players are presenting Unnecessary Farce from April 24 to May 10. Go to www.wetumpkadepot.com for more information and tickets.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

FATHER-DAUGHTER and MOTHER SON DANCE: The Redland Elementary School PTO is hosting its Legendary Royal Ball from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Mothers are welcome to bring their sons. Fathers can bring their daughters to the Redland Elementary

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Blue Ridge Baptist Church will be hosting its 60th anniversary at 11 a.m. May 4 in Wetumpka. Special music by Reborn Harmony and Clarence Mann. There will be a message, testimonials and a meal.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

MAY MARKET: Eclectic the Beautiful will host its fourth annual May Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10. It is a fundraiser for the organization and will feature more than 75 vendors ranging from food, crafts, artwork, jewelry, paintings, wreaths, bows and more. There will also be food vendors. CRAWFISH BOIL & MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a crawfish boil and music festival beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday May 10 at 19700 Highway 49 South Notasulga. Music will include Jeff Bates, Andy Griggs, Russell Craig, Devin Moon, Jeff and the Johnsons and Shades of Gray. Admission is $35 and food is separate.

BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES: Sunshine and Pixie Dust is hosting Battle of the Brushes at the Wetumpka Depot Saturday, May 10. It is a live painting competition. For more information go to www.wetump-

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

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

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

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

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

TCBOE progresses on Dadeville, Reeltown infrastructure projects

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

The Tallapoosa County Board of Education has a few projects in store for the next couple months.

At Tuesday’s work session, the board went over project updates and some of the things that will come up for the next board meeting.

The Dadeville High School drainage project to repair the sideline of the football field is still underway. Superintendent Casey Davis said a few more materials will be delivered at least in the next two weeks and then the contractor will start breaking ground.

Davis said he has stressed to the contractor the importance of getting the project completed before football practice starts back up. While the weather is a big factor when it comes to projects like this, the contractor is onboard with keeping a tight schedule as much as possible.

The old Reeltown Elementary demolition project will also begin at the end of April. The section to be demolished is the 1929 Reeltown Elementary School, also called the E building, and the adjacent wing facing Highway 12.

socialization, behavior, communication, all types of different skills for preschool aged kids,” Fulford said. “So, we’re basically getting them ready to leave us and go to school. Whatever that school may look like, if it’s just a general education classroom situation, if it’s a special ed class, but we work on those different skills for about two years.”

In addition to therapy, Growing Independence also offers parent training. Fulford said they are with the child for just two years of their life, but the parent is with them for significantly longer. She said it’s

important for parents to understand their child’s autism since it is specific to the individual. Fulford said, to that point, it can be difficult to say certain signs to look for when it comes to deciding to seek a diagnosis. There can be certain tendencies like signs of being nonverbal, difficulty socializing with other kids, repetitive behaviors or disruptions to routines causing, what could be considered, meltdowns or shutdowns. However, these are just some tendencies. Really deciding to seek a diagnosis is going to come down to knowing your kid — since autism presents differently for every person. If a child is diagnosed,

newsletters were created by an individual who uses AI to curate local news content lifted directly from trusted community newspapers without permission and without paying journalists for their work. The sites for these newsletters are strategically designed to look like local sources, but in reality it is merely AI scraping websites and extracting (stealing) content.

According to a recent Trust in Media study, local newspa-

then they may come to Growing Independence by referral, and most ABA therapy will be covered by health insurance. Growing Independence has four clinics in the state: Anniston, Albertville, Montgomery and Mobile. Most kids from Tallapoosa County and Elmore County go to the Montgomery clinic. Growing Independence creates a treatment plan every six months to set up goals for the therapy process. Fulford said there is a great need for more board-certified behavior analysts. They are the ones who develop treatment plans. Growing Independence is also hiring registered behavior technicians, who are the ones actually implementing the therapy.

pers are America’s most trusted source of news. Local newspapers outperformed national papers, television and social media on every trust measure.

Eighty percent of Americans believe it is critically important to have a local newspaper, and nearly three out of four say their community would suffer without one. According to the study, readers consistently cite local newspapers as more transparent, more ethical and more invested in their communities. I couldn’t have said the last sentence better myself. Readers rely on local newspapers because we deliver facts

“The industry right now is wide open,” Fulford said. “That is something that would be wonderful if somebody is interested. If they’re interested in social work, special education, anything like that, this is another avenue of being in that same kind of field. We have a lot of social workers who have changed their majors to apply behavior analysis to become a BCBA.”

Additionally, The Learning Tree is a proud partner agency with the Lake Martin Area United Way.

“We really like to make the community aware of what we do and the children that we serve,” Fulford said. “We are just appreciative of all the support we get.”

and accountability. We didn’t generate trust by an algorithm. Our journalists earned it by reporting from the frontlines on the stories that matter most, and they know because they live, shop and work in our communities. When AI steals community news, it affects not only your local newspaper but it affects you as well. Why buy a subscription to your local newspaper if AI is going to steal the content and serve it up for you?

This directly affects employees’ salaries at your local news source, and the community risks losing critical coverage.

successful baseball career in the Majors from 1920-1933 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Sewell’s athletic skill was apparent as he holds two of Major

Davis said this company is well-acquainted with these types of projects. There are plans to save some of the bricks from the old school to be used in a possible memorial project later down the road.

The intercom project is also still in the works. The board is working on getting each of the schools an updated intercom system. Right now, the project is still out for bids.

Davis also informed the board that deputy superintendent Dr. Penny Johnson is working on redoing their code of conduct and combining it with their academic guide to make one student handbook. This will help consolidate things for the school, parents and students. The handbook will likely be ready for the board to approve in the next couple of months.

At the upcoming board meeting, the board will be approving to recognize Month of the Military Child and approving personnel action items.

This month’s board meeting will be at 5 p.m. April 14.

If we were to reduce staff and could no longer cover local news, AI would have no content to scrape. These bots are not going to come to the Benjamin Russell football game and run up and down the field for four quarters or show up at the next Tallassee school board meeting. At the worst point, our communities become a news desert which leads to the spread of misinformation, loss of trust, reduced accountability and, in some cases, increased isolation and corruption. There’s a lot at stake in the battle with AI. It’s not just your community’s news. It’s your

League Baseball’s records including the lifetime record for fewest strikeouts in his 14 year career with only 114 in 7,132 at-bats. His outstanding character and leadership are qualities that serve as the foundation of this award.

community. It’s your livelihood, and it’s your trust. The best way to protect your local newspaper is to support it. Subscribe to it. Advertise to its enormous audience. And back the business that we do for you on a daily basis. If you’re not already a subscriber, I’m asking that you please consider joining our club of knowledge and accountability-driven journalists who show up every day for our readers.

Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook. com.

Bios of the 24 finalists can be found inside today’s paper. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award is the only program of its kind in the River Region that presents scholarship money in conjunction with the awards to overall and category winners.

His cousin John Sewell, for whom the top scholarships are named, loved sports and spent much of his free time coaching and helping young people. Both men left a legacy in Elmore County that youth and adults alike can emulate.

The award began in 2005 and this year a top prize of $3,500 will be awarded to one male and one female from the 24 finalists. Male and female category winners in academics, athletics, leadership and church, community and character will receive $1,500 scholarships.

This year’s Joe Sewell Memorial Award banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award Board of Directors also names ninth grade certificate winners, who exemplify the same criteria as the seniors to encourage these youth to continue to excel.

The keynote speaker will be 10-year veteran MLB pitcher and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Scott Sullivan. Sullivan joined Auburn University’s baseball team as a walk-on in 1991,

pitching three seasons for the Tigers, finishing with a 13-9 record as a relief pitcher. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 1993 MLB draft, and holds the MLB record for leading the league in relief innings pitched for four consecutive years. Sullivan finished his 10-year career with an ERA of 3.98 and 622 strikeouts. In 2024, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Sullivan and his wife Leann are the parents of three children and reside in Auburn. A limited number of advance banquet tickets are available for sale to the public at Eventbrite. com, an online ticketing website. Tickets will not be available at the door. For more information regarding the award and scholarship program, visit www.joesewellaward. com.

2025 JOE SEWELL AWARD FINALISTS

Ava Faith Baxley is a student at Edgewood Academy. She participates in cheerleading and is engaged in her church’s children’s ministry, youth group and has supported Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child at Mulder Methodist Church. Ava also volunteers at the Elmore County Food Pantry and Redland Elementary School as a Book Buddy, while helping out with Ivy’s Closet. She has been recog-

Robbie Grace Bolton is a student at Elmore County High School, where she excels in volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. She is also actively involved in Church in the Pines at Children’s Harbor. In volleyball, Robbie helped her team become Area Champions, participated in the Super-Regionals and served as team co-captain. As the captain of the basketball team, she led them to an Area Runner-up finish and an Area Championship. In cheerleading, she contributed to

nized as an AISA All-Star Cheerleader and as part of the AISA State Championship teams in 2022 and 2024 and was honored as a UCA Pin It Forward recipient. Additionally, she serves as the volleyball manager for the 2024-2025 season. Academically, Ava is a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society and serves as the yearbook editor. She has received multiple university scholarships and plans to attend the University of

her team’s first-place finish at the UCA Space Center Regional competition. Academically, Robbie is a member of the National Beta Club, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Pi Kappa Theta Honor Society and the National Society for High School Scholars. She also serves as the Student Council secretary. Outside of school, Robbie has been recognized as the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Grand Champion and supports the Childhood Arthritis & Rheu-

Victoria Christine Bullock is a student at Holtville High School, where she is an athlete in softball and volleyball. She is involved in her community through Shoal Creek Baptist Church, where she serves on the Student Leadership Team, works with the Special Needs Ministry, leads Vacation Bible School and is part of the Discipleship Praise & Media Team. Victoria also attends Passion Camp. In volleyball, she earned Defensive MVP honors, was named to the All-County team and received the Serving Award. Academically, Victoria is the president of Beta Club, the president of the Student Government Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of Junior Civitan, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She won first place at the County Science Fair and the Judges Choice Award at the Regional Science Fair. Victoria is also dedicated to volunteer work, contributing to Field of Dreams, Trunk or Treat, the Food Pantry, Life South Blood Drive and as a Rodeo Volun-

Kayden Elizabeth Edwards is a student at Elmore County High School, where she plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She is a member of Vessel Church, participating in Squad Wars and Vacation Bible School. Kayden has earned athletic honors, including serving as the Basketball Team Captain, being named Softball Offensive MVP and achieving the highest batting average. She is the vice president of the Beta Club and the National English Honor Society, as

Price Thomas Goggans is a student at Wetumpka High School, where he participates in cross country, track and field and tennis. He is a member of Frazer Methodist Church, involved in Vacation Bible School, the Student One Leadership Team and Discipleship Now. Price has been recognized as the Tennis Team Captain and for earning 2nd place in Team Sectionals. Academically, he has earned the AP Scholar Award and won first place in DECA Financial Ser-

Kinsley Kennebrew is a student at Tallassee High School, where she is involved in cheerleading and softball. She is a dedicated member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday School and participates in Teens and Tents. Kinsley has served as cheer captain three times and as co-captain, earning the Most Dependable Cheerleader Award and the Academic Excellence Cheerleader Award. She was part of the Magic City Regional Cheer UCA Competition

Montevallo to study political science and law. Ava is the daughter of Ben and Nacole Baxley.

matology Research Alliance. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at Auburn University. Robbie is the daughter of Robbie and Grace Bolton.

teer. She has earned a softball scholarship to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Victoria is the daughter of Craig and Leia Bullock.

well as president of Mu Alpha Theta. Kayden is also involved in FCA, Key Club and serves as an SGA representative. She has been recognized as part of the Academic Top 10 and ECHS Elite. Kayden has been involved in community service through the Food Pantry and Operation Christmas Child. She plans to attend either Mississippi State University Honor College or the University of Alabama at Birmingham Honor College, where she will pursue

a biochemistry/pre-dental track. Kayden was also honored with the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. She is the daughter of Toby and Heather Edwards.

Colby Gant Beyer is a student at Stanhope Elmore High School, where he is involved in football, soccer and golf. He is also a dedicated member of Coosada Baptist Church, participating in DNOW, Refuge and Deep Water. Colby serves as the captain of both the football and soccer teams and has been named an All-County Kicker and All-Region Punter. He won the Florida State Camp Punting competition and was selected for the Kohl’s National Kicking Showcase.

Bailea Catherine Boone is a student at Holtville High School, where she plays volleyball and softball. She is involved in Shoal Creek Baptist Church, participating in Winter Weekend, Passion Camp and Camp Amigos. Bailea has been named Volleyball Offensive Player of the Year, the Team Leader Award and a spot on the 2024 All-County team. In softball, she was named Offensive Player of the Year, served as team captain and was selected for both All-County and All-State

Lily Monroe Davenport is a student at Wetumpka High School, where she plays softball. She is an active member of Taylor Road Baptist Church and has achieved significant success in softball, including being named captain of the North-South All-Star Team, earning All-State honors twice and helping lead her team to the 6A State Championship. Lily was also selected for the State All-Tournament Team and recognized as First Team

Elizabeth Walker Ellis is a student at Edgewood Academy, where she is involved in volleyball, cheerleading and basketball. She is a member of Frazer Church, participating in Doodlebugs, Junior Athletic Camps, Operation Christmas Child and serving as the Lead Organizer for See You at the Pole. Elizabeth has achieved two Volleyball State Championships, two Cheerleading UCA All-American honors and the UCA Pin It Forward Award. She

vices. He serves as the treasurer of the National Honor Society and is also a member of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa National Honor Society and Student Government Association, where he holds the role of secretary. Price is involved in the yearbook and contributes to community service through Operation Christmas Child, YMCA, Christmas on the Coosa and the Food Bank. He has been awarded a Merit Scholarship to Auburn University, where he plans to major in accounting/finance. Price was also honored with the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. He is the son of Jamie and Amber Goggans.

Division Winner team and a UCA Semifinalist at Nationals. Academically, Kinsley is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and holds leadership roles as SGA secretary, SGA vice president, Key Club president, Leo Club president and FCA president. She also contributes to community service through projects like Community Clean-Up, Hall of Pride and Food for Kids and is a member of the Chamber Choir. Kinsley has been award-

ed a Leadership Scholarship to Tuskegee University, where she plans to study animal science. She is the daughter of Cedric and Bonita Brown.

Colby is also a Bryant Jordan Region Winner and received the Stanhope Quarterback Club Scholarship. Colby is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He volunteers at the Wetumpka and Millbrook Food Banks, helps run a Youth Football Camp, supports the Millbrook Senior Center and serves as a YMCA camp counselor. Colby has earned a full academic scholarship to Clemson University, where he will pursue a degree in engineering. He was also honored with the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. Colby is the son of Richie and Kelli Beyer.

honors. She holds AHSAA season records for batting average, hits and stolen bases and set a single-game AHSAA record for hits. Bailea is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Junior Civitan, DECA and Beta Club, where she serves as vice president. She is also the vice president of the Student Government Association and is involved in Youth Leadership. Bailea volunteers with organizations such as Field of Dreams and the Food Pantry. She plans to attend Faulkner

and

of

All-County. She has been named Wetumpka Herald Player of the week four times and Montgomery Advertiser Player of the week twice. Academically, Lily is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the historian for the Health Occupation Students of America. She volunteers at Baptist South and has earned certifications in Teen Mental Health, Basic Life Support, First Aid and Patient Care Technician. Lily has been awarded the Anderson University presidential Scholarship and the Denmark Scholarship for nursing. She is the daughter of Ryan and April Davenport.

is also an AISA All-Star and a two-time Cheer State Champion and Basketball State Champion, where she received the Coaches Award. Academically, Elizabeth is the vice president of the Student Government Association, a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society and serves as the assistant editor for the yearbook. She has been awarded the Prestige Scholarship to the University of Alabama, where she plans to pursue a degree in biology/ pre-dental. Elizabeth was also honored with the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. She is the daughter of Jeff and Laura Ellis.

ZOIE JALESÉ O’NEAL HOLMES, STANHOPE ELMORE

Zoie Jalesé O’Neal Holmes is a student at Stanhope Elmore High School, where she plays volleyball. She is a member of Abundant Life Church Ministries, where she participates in the choir, community food distribution and the media team. Zoie has earned several volleyball honors, including being named MVP, receiving the Coaches Award and being selected for 2x First Team All-County and the All-Tour-

Camden Mask is a student at Tallassee High School and an accomplished swimmer. He is an active member of Union Church at Lake Martin, participating in events like the Fall Festival, Operation Christmas Child, Strength to Stand and Disciple Now. Camden has served as swim team captain and earned multiple state accolades, including 4th place in the 100-yard breaststroke, 4th place in the 200-yard IM, 2nd place in the 100-yard breaststroke, 2nd place in the

nament Team for Area 6A Region 2. Academically, she is a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society and National Honor Societies for English, Science and Math. Zoie is also involved in First Priority, Youth Leadership Elmore County, Junior Civitan, Senior Senate, Future Business Leaders of America and serves as the yearbook manager. She participates in the Purple Star Program and has plans to attend Alabama

200-yard IM and 1st place in the 100-yard breaststroke. He was also named an All-American USA Swimmer. Academically, Camden is a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Key Club and FCA, where he serves as music director. He participated in Boys State and is an SGA representative. Camden has earned a swimming scholarship to Henderson State University, where he plans to major in chemistry/pre-dental.

A&M University to major in business. Zoie is the daughter of James and Lisa Holmes.

He was also honored with the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. Camden is the son of John Ernest Mask II and Courtney Conner Mask.

Chaynie Ruth Moulton is a student at Stanhope Elmore High School, where she is a dedicated cheerleader. She is a member of Coosada Baptist Church, participating in Fuge Camp, volunteering in the nursery, being involved in the Refuge Youth Group and assisting with Vacation Bible School and DNOW Weekend. Chaynie has served as cheerleading co-captain and is a four-year varsity

letterman. Academically, she is a member of Beta Club, Junior Civitan, Junior Ambassadors, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society. Chaynie is also involved in Diamond Dolls, Student Government and Senate. Outside of school, she works as a server at Smoke House Pit BBQ. Chaynie has earned an academic scholarship to Mississippi State Uni-

Clenangelo Sharvis Peake, Jr. is a student at Wetumpka High School, where he plays football. He is a member of Vessel Church, contributing to the Food Drive and church’s Trick or Treat events. On the field, Clenangelo has earned several honors, including First Team All-County, Player of the Week, Max Preps Player of the Week and the Cornerstone Award. Academically, he serves as the chaplain of the National Honor Society and holds

leadership roles as the vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). He is also involved in Beta Club, DECA, Journalism, Mu Alpha Theta and Rho Kappa. Clenangelo has received the John Wesley Scholarship to Huntingdon College, as well as opportunities from the University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University and Jacksonville

versity, where she plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of Harold and Tricia Moulton.

WETUMPKA

State University. He is the son of Kormeshia Peake and the late Clenangelo Sharvis Peake, Sr.

LUKE C. REINERT, ELMORE COUNTY

Luke C. Reinert is a student at Elmore County High School, where he participates in football, wrestling, baseball and basketball. He is a member of Santuck Baptist Church, contributing to events such as Eclectic Christmas, VBS, Discipleship Now and the Strength to Stand Youth Conference. Luke has had an outstanding athletic career, earning All-County honors in football in 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as All-Metro honors in 2022 and 2024 and

Allyson Marie Orr is a student at Elmore County High School, where she is involved in softball, volleyball, track and field, cross country and cheerleading. She is a member of Refuge Baptist Church, where she serves as a VBS Pre-K teacher and participates in Operation Christmas Child. Allyson has received the Softball Golden Glove Award, All-County Honorable Mention in volleyball (2021) and All-County 2nd Team (2023). She is also a 2024 State Javelin Qualifier and State Javelin Runner-up and was part of

Ethan Edward Pruitt is a student at Holtville High School, where he is involved in basketball and soccer. He is a member of New Home Missionary Baptist Church, participating in the Missions Conference Flag Bearer, devotion leader, See You at the Pole, Passion Youth Camp, Fort Bluff Youth Camp, Fall Festival, Winter Weekend and serving as an AWANA Youth Leader. Ethan is the basketball team captain and has shown academic and leadership excellence. He is a member

All-Region honors in 2024. He was named All-State in 2024 and served as team captain and defensive MVP in his senior year. In wrestling, Luke is a state qualifier for both 2024 and 2025. He is also involved in the Youth Football Camp. Academically, Luke is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. He is recognized as Mr. ECHS Elite 2025 and serves as an ECHS Ambassador. Luke plans to attend Southern Union or Auburn University to study civil engineering. He is the son of Shaun and Kimberly Reinert.

PARKER LANE SHAW, EDGEWOOD

Parker Lane Shaw is a student at Edgewood Academy, where he participates in football and baseball. He is an active member of Santuck Baptist Church and has contributed to his community through events like Field of Dreams and Tornado Relief. In football, Parker earned 2024 All-State honors, was named first team 2024 AISA All-Star Football and was recognized as the Wetumpka Herald Player of the Week. He also received 2023 All-State

2nd Team honors, All-County recognition and 2022 All-County Honorable Mention. In baseball, Parker was named 2024 All-State, 2024 AISA All-Star and received 2024 All-County Baseball Honorable Mention. He was also a 2023 ALABCA All-Star. Parker is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and has earned the Honor Roll Award. He is involved in the fishing team and has participated in a youth football camp. Parker plans to attend Southern Union State Community College. He is the son of Wade and Ashley Shaw.

ALLI SMITH, TALLASSEE

Alli Smith is a student at Tallassee High School, where she is involved in softball, wrestling and flag football. She is a member of Christ Gospel Baptist Church and contributes to Vacation Bible School.

Alli has received the Leadership Award for 2023-2024 and six MVP awards in softball. She was also recognized as the Most Athletic Female and placed fourth in the Girls Wrestling State competition. Academically, Alli is a mem-

ber of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and serves as the treasurer for the Health Occupation Students of America. She is also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Lions Club, Key Club and Future Teachers of America. Alli is a member of the Women’s Wrestling Team and has earned an academic scholarship to Huntingdon College, where she plans to study athletic training. She was awarded the 9th Grade Joe

Harold Jackson Stallworth is a student at Stanhope Elmore High School, where he plays baseball and basketball. He is a member of Coosada Baptist Church, participating in Disciple NOW Weekend, Refuge Student Ministries and the WELCOME Center. Harold has been named to the 2023 All-County Baseball Team Honorable Mention, earned spots in the Minority Prospect All-American Game twice and been selected as an Atlanta Braves Nike 44 Classic Showcase Player. He also leads a team Bible study. Academically, Harold is a member of the Science National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and Beta Club. He has contributed to his community by volunteering at the Prattville Food Pantry. Harold has been awarded the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association 2025 Scholarship and a full athletic scholarship for

Sewell Certificate. Alli is the daughter of Matt and Ambrea Fannin and Eric Smith.

baseball to Pensacola State College. He is the son of Harold and Shonda Stallworth.

the 2022 Regional Championship Cheer Team. Academically, Allyson is involved in a number of leadership roles and organizations, such as serving as SGA treasurer, Beta Club reporter and being a member of the National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and FCA. She is also a Miss ECHS Elite 2025, participates in Capital City Juniors and is part of First Priority. Allyson volunteers with Lake Martin Harbor Helper and has been honored with the Character in Action Award. She has plans to attend Southern Union or Auburn University to pursue a pre-dental program. Allyson was also awarded the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. She is the daughter of Jeffery and Amanda Orr.

of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society. He was selected as a 2024 Boys State Representative and earned first place in both the 2023 and 2024 DECA Sports Marketing competitions, where he also serves as DECA president. Additionally, Ethan participated in the Regional Science Fair, is active in FFA and serves in Jr. Civitan. He has contributed to his community by volunteering at HES Field Day, Field of Dreams and as a math tutor. Ethan plans to attend Auburn

BRYSON MAGEE RIGSBY, TALLASSEE

Bryson Magee Rigsby is a student at Tallassee High School, where he plays in baseball, football and basketball. He is a member of First Baptist Church Tallassee, where he contributes to Vacation Bible School, the Strength to Stand Conference and serves as a student ministry leader, small group leader and kids camp chaperone. Bryson has received the Baseball Tiger Award for hard work and dedication as a freshman,

sophomore and junior and the Basketball Tiger Award as a freshman. He also serves as a Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. Academically, Bryson is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Leo Club. He is involved with Tigers Unlimited at Auburn University and plans to pursue a degree in business at either Southern Union State Community College or Auburn University. Bryson was also awarded the

JOHNNA BETH SIMS, WETUMPKA

Johnna Beth Sims is a student at Wetumpka High School, where she is the tennis team captain and has participated in four years of team sectionals. She has been recognized with the Most Improved Award in tennis. Johnna is a member of Wetumpka Church of Christ, where she participates in the Youth Group. Academically, she is involved in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Youth Leadership Elmore County.

She also serves as the president of the WHS Art Club. Johnna has showcased artwork at the Kelly High School Art Show, the Alabama Superintendent’s Art Show and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts “Master” Works Show. She actively contributes to her community through the National Alliance for Mental Illness Walk, Elementary School Fundraisers, the Food Pantry and tutoring. Johnna plans to attend Auburn Uni-

versity to pursue a degree in industrial design. She is the daughter of Craig and Kimberly Sims.

William Michael Smith is a student at Edgewood Academy, where he participates in basketball, football and golf. He is involved in Coosada Baptist Church, contributing to Mission Fuge, Discipleship NOW, the Praise Band and leadership activities, as well as serving as a flag football coach for Harvest Fields Community Church and participating in mission trips. William serves as the basketball team captain and is a member of both the Beta Club and National Honor Society. He is also engaged in dual enrollment and has volunteered as a YMCA soccer coach and basketball coach. William plans to attend Auburn University Montgomery to pursue a degree in education. He is the son of Stuart and Heather Smith.

HAROLD JACKSON STALLWORTH, STANHOPE ELMORE Tyler Colt Wesson is a student at Holtville High School, where he is a standout soccer player. He is a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, participating in the Youth Leadership Team, Light the Night and Operation Christmas Child. As the soccer team captain, Tyler has led the team in goals and assists, earning second Team All-County honors and setting a school record for goals in a game. He has also been a part of a Club Soccer team that reached the State Cup Final four times. Academically, Tyler is involved in the Beta Club, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta, Jr. Civitan, Leaders of the Pack, Skills USA and the National Honor Society. He holds an OSHA-30 Workplace Safety Certification and earned second place in the District Science Fair. Tyler plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville to study civil engineering. He was awarded the 9th Grade Joe Sewell Certificate. Tyler is the son of Travis and April Wesson.

Do others know you’re saved?

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

know that you have been saved?” And the answer was, “I was there when it happened.” If we have had an experience with Jesus, it is in our hearts. How will others know we are Christians? The most common answer will be, “I hope so, I think so, I guess so.” Those answers are worth nothing. We must examine our individual selves to see where it is genuine or fake. A “hope so” religion will not get us into Heaven nor will we have eternal life. Does the person sitting beside you in worship know if we are saved? After all, we have on shirts that say, “following Jesus”, we have cross earrings dangling from our ears, a beautiful cross is hung around our neck, and don’t forget the Bible we carry under our arm!

Others may know that we are Christians by our attitude toward sin. 1 John 3:9 tells us that one who is born of God does not continue to practice sin. Granted, we may slip up sometimes but he will not stay in our sin. Sin is not the natural element for a Christian. In fact, Satan may tell us to go to worship on Sunday morning but it will be ok to go to the “honkey tonk” on Sunday night. He tells us that going to Wednesday night prayer service is good , but to follow sin the other nights. To be a Christian means that I will conduct

Tallassee Churches

myself during the week as I would during appointed times of worship. Just as the devil-possessed man was bound by the chains of the devil, Jesus broke the bonds and cast the devil out. The man ran wild and told everyone he saw what Jesus had done and people saw the difference in the man and marveled at the change. People ought to see the difference in us, too. There ought to be a change in us after we have been converted. One day a drunkard came up to Sam Jones, the great Georgia evangelist and said,

“Mr. Jones, I am one of your converts.” Mr. Jones said, “You must be one of mine. You are certainly not one of the Lord’s.” Oh, if our conversion is genuine, our attitude toward sin changes and the world knows it. Our clothes do not often change when we are converted, but our ways ought to change. Our attitude toward sin ought to show the world that we are Christians.

Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Disaster Relief Team.

Trio of Tigers sign NLIs

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

An historic wrestling season can only be so successful if a team doesn’t send any wrestlers to the next level.

But that’s not the case for Tallassee.

After a record-setting season and a state championship to bat, Tallassee’s wrestling squad once again showed why it’s one of the best in the entire state by sending a trio of wrestlers to the collegiate level.

Last week, Land Bell notched his commitment to UNC Pembroke, a Division II school in North Carolina, while Mason Nelson and Zach Crosthwait etched their next-level careers with Lindsey Wilson, an NAIA school in Columbia, Kentucky.

“This right here is one of our most exciting things when we have student-athletes that sign and take their levels and skills to the next level,” Tallassee coach John Mask said.

“As an educator, whether they’re going to college to get their academics, to go get a degree, or to go get a degree while also having a wrestling career, this is

an amazing honor.”

Mask said due to the small number of scholarships and spots available for college wrestling, only 2% of student-athletes advance to the next level and to have three in one year is a true feat.

“These guys today that you’re going to see have worked really hard for a long time to make this dream come true,” Mask said. “I’ve stated this many times before, and that’s for all you athletes out there: No matter what sport you play, no matter where you’re at, hard work wins every time. You’re not going to reach your goals without that hard work, and that is very, very evident today.”

All three wrestlers are coming off stellar seasons. Bell capped off his senior season with his second straight state championship; he finished with 135 consecutive wins to end his career and ended the 2024-25 season with a 57-0 record.

Both Crosthwait and Nelson were 53-1 this year with Nelson winning a state championship at 113 pounds and Crosthwait’s only loss coming in the final bout of the year.

Tallassee’s Alli Smith to continue wrestling at Huntington

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The foundation of the Tallassee High School girls wrestling program lies with Alli Smith.

Now the Tiger senior will continue to wrestle at Huntingdon College.

While girls wrestling is new to Alabama High School Athletic Association, Smith is a veteran.

Her parents introduced her to the sport in elementary school.

“I was always a very tomboy kind of girl,”

Smith said. “I liked doing stuff that was different. I was open to anything. One day, my parents said there was a wrestling club I could try out.”

Wrestling pinned the interest of Smith from the start.

“My first practice, they taught me some of the basics,” Smith said. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I was like, I love this.”

The first year Smith went to the club at the age of 9, she placed second in the state. She was unde-

See ALLI, Page B3

Defense to be the name of the game under new coaches

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

TALLASSEE

SHOWCASES DEPTH AGAINST HORSESHOE BEND

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Although it may have not counted towards their record, the Tallassee girls soccer team got some valuable in-game experience against Horseshoe Bend last Friday.

The Tigers snatched a 2-1 victory over the Generals, thanks to two early goals from Amelia Pettah in the first half. However, the Tigers were allowed to get some girls, who otherwise would see limited time, a chance to get valuable minutes.

“Our area schedule is so competitive,” Tallassee soccer coach Matt Trapley said. “It’s nice to have a game like this and get some of our reserves, the girls who come and work every day at practice, and they train very hard all week,

Even with the game being an exhibition, Tallassee provided an opportunity to help Horseshoe Bend grow the sport in the New Site area.

get them a chance to come out and get lots of minutes in a game like this. So it was a great opportunity.”

Even with the game being an exhibition, Tallassee provided an opportunity to help Horseshoe Bend grow the sport in the New Site area. This is the second year the Generals have even fielded a team where they have a split schedule, which consists of JV and Varsity games.

Tarpley knows Horseshoe Bend’s soccer coach Austin Teel from his time at Benjamin Russell and when he reached to construct the schedule — Trap-

ley knew he had to help out.

“We had fun,” Trapley said. “You know, the opportunity to come and support Horseshoe Bend and their fundraising efforts, that’s something we’re always going to jump on. The girls game was nice, very competitive, 2-1 final, with a lot of back and forth. The girls battled hard, and it was a good game to watch.”

The Tigers will take the lessons they learned against Horseshoe Bend back into area play when they face off against St. James before the end of the season.

Girls wrestling finds its footing in Elmore County

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

One sport is on the rise in Elmore County, and it just finished its first year as an AHSAA-sanctioned sport: girls’ wrestling.

Previously if you were a female athlete who sought to take to the mat, your resources were limited. Of course, there were teams across the state who had female wrestlers while other opportunities came outside of high school organized sport. Even so, there was still a probability where girl wrestlers had no choice but to compete against boy wrestlers.

Now, that is not the case. Last year, Alabama became the 42nd state to sanction girls wrestling as a championship sport alongside flag football.

Tallassee wrestling coach John Mask saw a significant turnout for his school especially. However, there are still hurdles to overcome with the sport.

“We had girls like, I want to say we had 20 sign up, which was great,” Mask said. “There’s still a lot of parents that may be reluctant or don’t know about it, but I think this year, a lot of people come in, watching it, seeing how

Wetumpka’s Juliana Eldridge, left, is a two-time state champion and her success could open the door to more girls participating in the sport.

they’re not wrestling boys anymore, with just girls versus girls, and seeing the sport. I think we’re going to really see the numbers rise.”

It’s the exposure to the sport that will pay dividends, especially seeing someone being successful at it. Look no further than Wetumpka’s Julianna Eldridge for example — not only has she been crowned a two-time state champion but she is currently ranked amongst the best in the nation. Eldridge

is ranked 30th in the country in her weight class as just a sophomore in high school.

“She’s great for what this sport is trying to do and continues to grow,”

Wetumpka wrestling coach Josh Highland said. “It shows that girls can be successful in this sport and that it’s just awesome that she’s a part of this program, and I get to be a part of it and watch her continuously help this sport grow.”

Wrestling in its entirety

is different from most. There is a team aspect like most of the other AHSAA-sanctioned sports, but it mostly focuses on the individual. That aspect alone gives any wrestler valuable life lessons according to Mask.

“I think it’s the greatest sport ever, because you have a family and a team, but also you’re out there individually, one on one when you wrestle, so there’s nobody to help you,” Mask said. “In other sports, you get a flag

in football, and you’re holding the whole team back up. (Wrestling) to me teaches character, discipline, work ethic more than any other sport.”

Both Mask and Highland see the sport growing more throughout the years with the eventual format emulating similar to how the boys wrestling championships are set up, but the challenge now is getting more girls to try out.

Each has taken to the hallways of their respective schools to recruit more girls to join, with Highland focusing on the youth programs to promote the sports at a young age.

“It starts with the youth, now I’m going into the elementary school kids,” Highland said. “I’m trying to get more girls from elementary because it starts there. I have a daughter that’s nine, she’s always been interested because her brothers wrestle, and so now I’m trying to get her to wrestle, and but now seeing her daddy coach a girl wrestle to a state championship, I’m hoping that helps and see that it can be done and that a girl can do it.”

Highland encourages anyone interested,

whether it be parents or student-athletes themselves, to ask questions about joining. He knows the more answers he can provide will only result in more people coming out to compete.

Mask hinted the growth of the sport can even make waves in the realm of collegiate athletics. Where it stands now, Huntingdon College is the only university in Alabama that offers women’s wrestling, and just last week Tallassee’s very own Alli Smith signed her commitment and became the first girl in school history to wrestle at the collegiate level. As the trend of girl wrestlers increases at the high school level, the effect will carry over to college.

“I think you’re going to see the growth at the collegiate level with boys and girls,” Mask said.

“I think you’ll see more girls getting a chance to go to college and wrestle as a result of the sports. I think you’re going to see a massive growth in the number of girls, because it’s in its infancy right now, but as more girls see it and see the success they can have, they’ll want to do it.”

Reeltown captures fifth straight area title

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

It was not even a challenge for the Reeltown baseball team en route to its fifth consecutive area title.

The team faced Loachapoke in back-to-back games, with the result being the same in both. In the first game, Reeltown roared to a 19-0 win with everyone on the lineup logging a hit in the contest. Five different batters finished the day with two hits; Hagan Lewis, Brody Smith, Branton Spraggins, Xander Johnston and Preston Lynn. However, it was JaMarkius Smith going a perfect three-for-three to paired alongside three runs and four RBIs that shined through.

The Rebels logged three home runs coming from Reed Wood, Smith and Spraggins. Spraggins also saw sole duty on the mound. Through just three innings of play, he racked up eight strikeouts and one walk, allowing just one hit the entire night.

In total, Reeltown accumulated 16 hits in just two innings, with the lead being 13-0 by the bottom of the first. Surprisingly enough, in the following game, the Rebels

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL 4 Booker T. Washington at Tallassee, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4 Beauregard at Elmore County, 6 p.m.

4 Benjamin Russell at Tallassee, 5 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Alabama Christian Academy, 4 p.m.

4 Holtville at Marbury, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4 Elmore County at Chilton County, 4:30 p.m. (DH)

4 Trinity Presbyterian at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 5 p.m. (DH)

4 Marbury at Holtville, 5 p.m. (DH) 4 Chambers at Edgewood,

outdid the previous games score in just the first inning of play, snatching a 22-0 victory and sealing the area title. Spraggins carried his success over into the second game, upping his home run total from one to three — both coming in the first inning. Yet again, every batter in the lineup recorded a hit to bring the Rebels total to 16 in the second game. This time it was Lynn who saw the duties on the mound, where he recorded five strikeouts and three walks while not allowing a hit.

Reeltown looks to carry that success over into a matchup against Elmore County on Wednesday.

Rebels softball splits in weekend tournament The Reeltown softball team was able to get a taste of revenge against Horseshoe Bend, snatching a 3-0 victory. The Rebels scored all three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Lainey Pattilo, Paisley Burdette, Blair Johnston and Kira Chappell accounted for four of the six total hits in just the second inning alone. Lilli Johnston and Caroline Sutherlin

Branton Spraggins hit three home runs in two games against Loachapoka to help Reeltown snatch its fifth straight area title.

accounted for the other two hits on the day.

Crisdan Dunn manned the circle for Reeltown, giving Horseshoe Bend fits. She allowed just one hit while striking out six batters and walking two. Next up, Reeltown faced

off against Dadeville where the team fell 5-2. The Rebels ended the game with more hits, finishing with nine compared to the Tigers’ four. However, three of those hits came in the final inning which resulted in five runs scored to snatch the victory.

Back-to-back doubles from Dunn and Sutherlin allowed the Rebels to get on the board in the third.

Next up for Reeltown is against area opponent Loachapoka, a win there would cement the team snatching the top spot in Class 2A Area 6.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

at

at

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

Tallassee at Trinity Presbyterian, 1 p.m. (DH) 4 Edgewood at Northgate, TBD (DH) HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER 4 Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL 4 Elmore County at Briarwood Christian, 4:30 p.m. HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

Charles Henderson at Tallassee, 11:30 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 14 HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL 4 Saint James at Elmore County, 6 p.m. 4 Holtville at Wetumpka, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

4 Tallassee at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Briarwood Christian, 5 p.m.

4 Holtville at Saint James, 4:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4 Carver at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

4 Lee-Scott at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m. (girls)

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

4 Elmore County at Alabama Christian Academy, 4 p.m.

4 Tallassee at Prattville Christian Academy, 5 p.m.

4 Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka, 6 p.m.

4 Holtville at Brewbaker Tech, 5 p.m.

4 Edgewood at Hooper, 4 p.m. (DH)

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER Booker T. Washington at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m. 4 Elmore County at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL 4 Percy Julian at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m. Maplesville at Holtville, 5:30 p.m.

St. James at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.

Brewbaker

ranks as the defensive coordinator for Faulkner University.

Last season, he served as the JV boys coach so this is his first year as a head coach for basketball, but he played at Horseshoe Bend under another Hall of Famer, Mike Boyd.

“My coaching philosophy has to be that hard work is going to beat talent every day,” Hardnett said. “We really want to get out and play the game the right way, through mechanics and through coaching. I would say my philosophy would be that we’re gonna really stick to the basics and be very, very good at the simple things.”

Hardnett has big shoes to fill after the departure of Keiven Mixson, who was a staple at Tallassee for many years.

But both new coaches say they’re going to hang their hat on defense.

“I expect us to be a young team, but we also return a lot of guys that played a lot of minutes last year,” Hardnett said.

“We want to be big and be able to control the game through rebounding and defense. We have a lot of good team speed coming back, so we’re going to predicate Year 1 on playing great defense and being able to run and get easy buckets.”

It’s similar for the girls team, which is also coming off a less-than-stellar season.

Like the boys, Tallasee’s

feated for the next two years.

girls squad will return a lot of young players who earned valuable minutes last year and defense will be the name of the game, especially as the season starts.

“Going into the season, we’re going to focus more on playing defense,” Taylor said.

Smith aged out of the club wrestling program as she entered high school. The only way she wrestled was if she went up against boys. Smith and her parents chose not to do that. But Smith didn’t let her dream die.

“She was determined,” Tallassee boys wrestling coach John Mask said. Smith stayed in the ear of school administrators and Mask who frequently spoke with the AHSAA about girls wrestling. Finally the AHSAA was going to sanction girls wrestling.

“We do have some girls that can play defense, and I think if we can play a little better on defense then we can score more points. We’re going to look for transition points so we can get out and score a little better.”

Both coaches have famil-

“They told me if I could get enough girls together for a team, we could start,” Smith said. “I busted my butt and found girls who wanted to do it.”

Tallassee hired Jason Taylor to coach the girls program for its inaugural year.

The determination Smith showed even before the high school wrestling program was already evident to her club coach Brent Tennyson. He returned to coaching to help start the program with head coach Jason Taylor.

“Her determination was one of the reasons why I was excited to do it,” Tennyson said. “It was to finish what we started, especially considering she’s been trying to get this program since she started high school. It has been awesome.”

iarity with their teams, which they expect to work to their advantage in terms of transitioning to a new face at the helm.

“I think it should be a pretty normal transition because I am familiar with the girls,” Taylor said. “It won’t be one

But the season didn’t go quite as planned for Smith. An injury kept her off the mat but not from the team.

“Her leadership off the mat was amazing,” Taylor said. “She was always there encouraging the girls the best way she could. Her leadership was tremendous even though she wasn’t on the mat for the entire season.”

As a team Tallassee placed fifth this past season. Smith thought it would be her last. Taylor said Huntingdon currently has the only lady’s wrestling program in the state.

“We looked at their roster and saw the girl in her weight class was a senior,” Taylor said. “We knew they would be looking for somebody.”

Taylor made a phone call and

of those things where I’m a new coach trying to totally learn the girls. I think it’ll be a pretty smooth transition, and we’re just looking to really build off what coach (Alfonzo) Johnson started and really try to take it as far as we can.”

Smith visited the campus. An offer to wrestle at the college level came. It is an opportunity Smith wants to take advantage of and excel.

I want to make it to nationals,” Smith said. “That’s my biggest goal, just like how I came here and I said ‘I wanted to make it to state’ because not every girl makes it. It’s the same for college.”

Smith helped grow the program at Tallassee and wants to do the same for the young Huntingdon program finishing its third year.

“I love growing programs,” Smith said. “You don’t really have anyone to look up to. It’s kind of like you have to work yourself up and you don’t have to worry about what others think.”

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Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

FLOORING REPLACEMENT AT TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL

MCKEE PROJECT NO. 25-159 AND FLOORING REPLACEMENT AT TALLASSEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

MCKEE PROJECT NO. 25-151 FOR TALLASSEE CITY SCHOOLS TALLASSEE, ALABAMA

Separate sealed proposals for these projects shall be received by Dr. Brock Nolin at Tallassee City Board of Education, 308 King Street, Tallassee, AL 36078; Phone: 334-283-6864, until 2:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, April 24, 2025, then opened and read aloud.

All General Contractors bidding on these projects shall be required to visit the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All Bidders shall have general liability and workman’s compensation insurance. These projects shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

Bid Bonds payable to Tallassee City Schools in an amount of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s sealed proposals. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for

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County sees most successful cleanup in history

and Millbrook schools.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Elmore County Com-

missioner Henry Hines has been on the commission for five years. And for five years he has been organizing a county cleanup.

It has grown over the years to expand to a three-day weekend in April.

“It allows people to form teams more easily,” Hines said. “It allows for more competition between teams, especially from schools.”

This year’s success was noted well before the cleanup ever started.

“Four weeks before the event we had more people than ever participated signed up,” Hines said. “I’m especially proud of the teams from the Eclectic schools.”

All the schools had various clubs and organizations participate as well.

Area churches created teams.

Athletic teams especially joined in the effort Friday. In Tallassee athletic teams cleanup around schools. The same for the Coosada

“I’ve always said Sunday school groups can get out and participate,” Hines said. “They have taken advantage of the lessons that can be learned along the road.”

The county supplied bags, safety vests and aids to picking up the litter.

This weekend, the teams bagged the litter and left it on the sides of Elmore County roadways. The Elmore County Public Works Department spent part of Monday picking the bagged litter to dispose of it properly.

“The cleanup works best when we work as a team,” Hines said. “A little friendly competition adds to it. It’s amazing how partnerships can make a difference and make everything better.”

Elmore County baseball sits atop of the area

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

The Elmore County baseball team rounded out the Class 5A Area 6 slate with back-to-back wins over Beauregard.

In the first game, the Panthers came out on top with a 5-0 victory — showcasing their prowess at the plate. They racked up eight hits in total with Shae Darnell, Evan Spence and Carson Saucier all chipping in with two apiece while Austin Davis and Hayden Jones logged one.

Jadon Eason spent all seven innings on the mound for Elmore County, where he logged nine strikeouts and zero walks. He kept Beauregard off the scoreboard allowing three hits but none of them resulted in runs.

The following game was much of the same result with Elmore County walking away with a 6-3 victory, firmly placing them atop of the area at 4-0.

Shelton Darnell had one of the better days in the batter’s box where he logged three hits, two runs and three RBIs — one of those hits was a home run to center field in the third inning to put the lead at 6-0. Davis also had a solid day at the plate, racking up two hits with one run and one RBI.

Jones and Gage Davis took pitching duties, where they combined for three strikeouts and one walk while surrendering seven hits and three runs.

Elmore County picked up one more dominating 9-3 victory over Marbury to close out the week. The Panthers racked up 11 total hits with Eason accounting for three himself to pair along with two runs and three RBIs.

Elmore County kicks off this week’s action with a game against Reeltown.

Elmore County’s Hayden Jones logged a hit against Beaurguard to hlep improve the Panthers to 4-0 in area play.

PANTHERS SOFTBALL SPLITS IN WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER

The Elmore County softball team kept busy over the weekend with a doubleheader against Helena and Mortimer Jordan. First up was Helena with the Huskies coming away with a 7-3 victory over the Panthers. Despite some late-game heroics from Elmore County where it scored three runs in the final frame, Helena’s lead was just too much to overcome. Kayden Edwards, Addie Patterson, Bailey Ames and Raevyn Barris accounted for all of Elmore County’s hits on the day. Lalah Cullpepper and Bailey Kennedy split duties in the circle, combining for five strikeouts and three walks. Allowing

five hits and seven runs scored through four innings of play.

Elmore County turned right around to snatch a 6-2 victory over Mortimer Jordan. The hitting saw an uptick from four the previous game to six with Culpepper accounting for two of them herself — adding two runs and four RBIs to her stat line. Addison Hicks, Addi Stephen-

son, Edward and Ames round off the performance at the plate. Stephenson also saw sole duties in the circle. Through three innings she logged two strikeouts and five walks, allowing two hits and two runs. The Panthers return to action with games against St. James, Dadeville and Beauregard to close out the week.